November 17, 2025/
WATCH: DCFS updates missing children numbers; Budget cuts EO transparency criticized
(The Center Square) – In today’s edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares the latest numbers on youth in care missing provided by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and gets reaction from Statehouse candidate Bailey Templeton, who is also seeking more transparency on the management of the child welfare agency.
Bishop also shares recent criticism from Illinois House Republicans to what they say is the lack of transparency around Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s recent executive order calling for state agencies to find efficiencies in their annual spending plan.
Subscribe to Illinois in Focus Daily with The Center Square on YouTube. You can also subscribe to the Illinois in Focus podcast to get the entire show uninterrupted.
⚠️ Tornado Watch issued June 17 at 7:49AM CDT until June 17 at 3:00PM CDT by NWS Lincoln IL
⚠️ Wind Advisory issued June 17 at 1:55AM CDT until June 17 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Lincoln IL
Today Jun 16
85° 66°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Google says Biden admin ‘pressed’ it to censor some COVID-19 content
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Senior Biden administration officials pressured Google to remove COVID-19-related content that did not violate YouTube’s policies but the administration considered alarming, new information reveals. Following...
Judge’s questions during IL gun ban arguments gives rights advocates ‘hope’
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – With Illinois’ gun ban now in the hands of a three judge panel of the federal appeals...
Illinois agencies to post monthly investment reports, lawmaker calls symbolic
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois agencies must now post monthly reports on how taxpayer dollars are invested, a move supporters...
Illinois quick hits: Pritzker orders ‘efficiencies’ for state spending; Marshalls recover missing child
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Pritzker orders 'efficiencies' for state spending Gov. J.B. Pritzker is directing state agencies to identify up to 4% of Fiscal Year...
WATCH: AR15s protected by 2nd Amendment; advocate reacts to appeals court hearing
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop provides highlights from...
Fiscal Fallout: Illinois spending swells 43% under Pritzker
By Jared Strong | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Discretionary spending by Illinois state leaders has increased more than $16 billion since J.B. Pritzker became governor...
Lake Land College to Name Nursing Simulation Lab for HSHS St. Anthony’s After Major Gift
Article Summary: Following a significant financial gift from HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital, the Lake Land College Foundation has recommended naming the new Nursing Simulation Lab at the Effingham Technology...
New Incentives and Homecoming Plans Underway at Casey-Westfield Schools
Article Summary: School principals updated the Board of Education on a variety of new programs and upcoming student events, including a new "Boo Bucks" incentive program at Monroe Elementary and...
White House does not expect arrests of sanctuary mayors and governors
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt says she doesn’t expect mayors or governors of sanctuary jurisdictions like...
ICE puts California, Illinois, New York on notice for refusing to cooperate
By Bethany Blankley | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Acting Director Todd Lyons has contacted the attorneys general of California,...
Appeals judge questions ‘uphill battle’ for IL gun ban found unconstitutional
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A three judge panel in a federal appeals took the challenge to Illinois’ gun and magazine ban...
Illinois library staff to be trained with overdose antidotes under new law
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Starting next year, Illinois public libraries must stock opioid overdose antidotes and train staff, a move...
Illinois quick hits: Driver’s blood alcohol over legal limit; Fed survey shows growth below trend
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Driver's blood alcohol over legal limit The Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office says toxicology results show that a Guatemalan national’s blood-alcohol level...
