217 Today: Illinois DCFS director cites progress, says more changes are needed

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Heidi Mueller became director of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services 10 months ago; she previously served as director of the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice.
  • Photo: Illinois Department of Children and Family Services

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Today’s headlines:

  • Champaign officials are putting up signs for an honorary street name to remember a young woman who was shot and killed in the city.
  • Illinois Democratic Senator Dick Durbin says under his tenure, Congress is appointing a record number of judges to serve on federal courts.
  • Federal prosecutors appear to be nearing the end of their racketeering conspiracy case against former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and co-defendant Michael McClain.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll listen to a conversation with the head of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services about the department’s progress and future changes. 

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Anulika Ochuba, Kulsoom Khan, Dave McKinney and Charlie Schlenker.

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Stephanie Mosqueda

Stephanie Mosqueda is a senior majoring in journalism at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with minors in Spanish and public relations. She is the 217 Today producer and a reporter for the Illinois Student Newsroom.