WATCH: IL child welfare interns debate heats up; state financial audit released
August 22, 2025/
(The Center Square) – In today’s edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop talks live with state Rep. Jed Davis about his continued concerns about the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services’ use of interns. He says he’s seeking legislative solutions but worries the issue could get buried heading into an election year.
Bishop also shares reaction to the state of Illinois’ fiscal year 2023 audit being released more than two years after the fiscal year concluded. Comptroller Susana Mendoza says future audits will be released quicker. Truth in Accounting’s Sheila Weinberg reacts.
Watch the full program below. 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.
Today Jun 4
82° 69°
Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Illinois Quick Hits: Gas prices rise again
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Illinois has risen to $4.45, more...
Illinois Senate to consider megaprojects after Pritzker calls out amusement tax
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A proposed stadium for the Chicago Bears and other megaprojects are expected to be up for discussion...
EXCLUSIVE: SPLC called on to remove parental rights groups from its ‘hate map’
By Tate Miller | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois-based parental rights group sent an open letter to the Southern Poverty Law Center requesting...
Illinois Quick Hits: Driver killed in reported shootout with police on I-88
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A man is dead after a reported exchange of gunfire with police on Interstate 88 in DeKalb...
Manhattan Inks New Four-Year Contracts with Police Patrol Officers and Sergeants
Village of Manhattan Meeting | April 21, 2026 Article Summary: The Village of Manhattan has secured new collective bargaining agreements with its police union through 2030, alongside a specialized compensation agreement...
Historic Joseph Perry House in Crete Granted Landmark Status
Will County Board Meeting | April 16, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board officially designated the Joseph Ferris Perry House in Crete Township as a historical landmark, protecting the...
Constitutional tests await IL Dems’ race-based district plan
By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Later this fall, Illinois voters appear likely to get the chance to vote on a plan to rewrite the state constitution to...
State House OKs access to abortion medication at colleges
By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square The Colorado House on Monday approved a bill allowing for the access of abortion medication on college campuses. House Bill 1335 is sponsored by Reps....
Nonprofit hospitals called out for prioritizing politics over patients
By Tate MillerThe Center Square Consumer protection organization Consumers’ Research launched a campaign to warn Congress about nonprofit hospitals that prioritize "woke" politics such as diversity, equity and inclusion, transgender...
Americans back birthright citizenship 2-to-1, poll finds
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square A majority of U.S. adults say children born in the country should automatically get citizenship, according to a new poll published as the U.S. Supreme...
Roy leads congressional delegation calling to halt federal funding for CAIR
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Outgoing U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, is again calling on the federal government to take action against the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), this time...
Marilyn Monroe’s home becomes a monument; owners sue
By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square Marilyn Monroe's home is the subject of a federal lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles. Brinah Milstein and Roy Bank purchased the property in...
Abbott lauds Supreme Court’s second ruling upholding Texas’ new congressional maps
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday ruled for a second and final time in favor of Texas’ redistricting law, effectively ending all challenges to the...
