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.
Events
Latest News Stories
Economic index shows reduced uncertainty, more stability in Midwest
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago’s Survey of Economic Conditions Activity Index suggests more stability and less...
Trump hits India with 50% tariff on imports as talks continue
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump put a 50% tariff on goods from India on Wednesday, keeping his word that he'd punish the nation for buying oil from...
RFK Jr. wants doctors to learn more about nutrition
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is calling on medical education organizations to teach doctors more about nutrition during training. The U.S....
WATCH: Congressional candidates debate ICE, other issues
By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square Candidates for Arizona’s congressional special election have a lot to say about issues affecting the country. That includes the issue of U.S. Immigration and Customs...
Walz: Praying for kids, teachers after horrific act of violence
By J.D. DavidsonThe Center Square Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz called a shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis that killed two young children Wednesday morning a horrific act of violence....
Cooperation sought from Big Tech, financial industries to protect children
By Alan WootenThe Center Square Protection of children from deepfake pornography and chatbots in artificial intelligence is being requested of major technology and financial companies by nearly every member of...
Two killed, 17 injured in Minneapolis Catholic school shooting
By Jon StyfThe Center Square Two children were killed and 17 others were injured when a gunman opened fire on a mass at Minneapolis’ Annunciation Catholic School just before 8:30...
Department of Transportation reclaiming control of D.C. Union Station
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square In the Trump administration’s latest bid to “beautify” Washington, D.C. and make it safer, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced Wednesday that it is reclaiming...
New law sparks debate over Illinois school mergers, communities fear loss
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A new law that could push school districts to study possible consolidation, aiming for efficiency and...
Casey Gears Up for 37th Annual Popcorn Festival: A Labor Day Weekend Extravaganza!
Fairview Park to Host Four Days of Music, Fun, and Free Popcorn CASEY, IL – Get ready, Casey! The beloved Casey Popcorn Festival is set to return for its 37th anniversary,...
Illinois in Focus: Rest area burglary arrests made; overdose awareness events planned
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Rest area burglary arrests made Two men have been detained in connection with a reported burglary at the northbound Interstate 57...
WATCH: Pritzker, Johnson defend public safety approach; campaign finance issue looms
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 discusses the latest...
Illinois quick hits: Record hotel tax revenues reported; grocer sentenced for SNAP, WIC fraud
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Record hotel tax revenues reported Illinois tourism numbers for 2024 saw an all-time high for hotel tax revenue. The Illinois Department...
