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.
Community Events
WednesdayDecember 10, 2025
ThursdayDecember 11, 2025
FridayDecember 12, 2025
SaturdayDecember 13, 2025
MondayDecember 15, 2025
TuesdayDecember 16, 2025
WednesdayDecember 17, 2025
ThursdayDecember 18, 2025
Latest News Stories
Crete “Group Care” Home Approved for Senior Living
Will County Board Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board unanimously approved a special use permit for a senior group care home in Crete Township. The facility...
WATCH: IL legislator wants more transparency for taxpayer funded credit cards
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A Democratic state legislator is looking to require more transparency for how local governments in Illinois use...
Colorado lost record $24 million to data scams in 2024
By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Colorado residents lost a record high $24 million to personal data scams in 2024, according to a data forensics firm. That was four times the...
Trump vows to pause migration after D.C. shooting
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square President Donald Trump said Thursday he will pause migration from some countries following the shooting of two National Guard members near the White House. The...
Assaults against ICE up 1,153% in 11 months
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Assaults against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers are up 1,153% in 11 months, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. As ICE officers...
Illinois quick hits: Deer harvest totals; IHSA voting begins
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Deer harvest totals Illinois hunters harvested a preliminary total of 51,409 deer during the first weekend of the state’s firearm deer...
Texas officials seek to establish Turning Point chapters
By Esther WickhamThe Center Square Texas officials are seeking a partnership with the conservative organization Turning Point USA to place chapters on every college and high school campus in the...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Manhattan Village Board for November 18, 2025
Manhattan Village Board Meeting | November 18, 2025 The Manhattan Village Board on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, appointed Rosemaria DiBenedetto as the new Village Administrator and moved forward on several...
Board Approves $6,000 Stipend for Food Pantry Leadership, Discusses Transition
Jackson Township Board Meeting | October 2025 Article Summary: The Jackson Township Board voted unanimously to authorize a financial stipend for the leadership of the Elwood Food Pantry. The decision came...
National Guard member shot near White House dies
By Kim JarrettThe Center Square One of the National Guard members shot near the White House on Wednesday died from her injuries, President Donald Trump said. U.S. Specialist Sarah Beckstrom,...
New Bar Approved in Frankfort Despite Board Opposition
Will County Board Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board narrowly approved a special use permit for a new bar in Frankfort Township, paving the way for...
Chicago tenant groups call for eviction moratorium amid ICE raids
By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago Ald. Byron Sigcho Lopez is pushing for an eviction moratorium while Immigration and Customs Enforcement...
Illinois tax proposals dampen decline in small business uncertainty index
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Although the National Federation of Independent Business Uncertainty Index reached its lowest point of the year in...
