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 5
86° 65°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Salvation Army rehab ‘enrollees’ who work at thrift stores aren’t ‘employees’
By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square A few days after agreeing to let them proceed with their class action against one of America's most prominent charities under labor...
Illinois housing affordability efforts pit tax cuts against new spending
By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As homeownership may be growing out of reach for many young residents, Illinois lawmakers are split between...
Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago city workers owe more than $19M
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago city workers reportedly owe more than $19 million in traffic tickets, water bills and fines, yet...
JJC Board Prepares for 2028 Bond Expiration, Advances Grundy Campus Despite Objections
Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees Meeting | March 11, 2026 Article Summary: Joliet Junior College is laying the groundwork for a potential future referendum and advancing its Grundy County expansion...
Attorney expects conversion therapy ruling to impact Illinois ban
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois’ ban on conversion therapy may be challenged in the near future. Last week, the U.S. Supreme...
Millionaire’s tax proposal draws mixed reviews as deadline approaches
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Supporters of a 3% surcharge on income more than $1 million have less than a month to...
Universities warn state funding delays are wasting millions in taxpayer investment
By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Long‑delayed university repair funding is leaving campuses across the state with holes in their roofs, and in...
Illinois Quick Hits: Loyola student’s alleged killer faces federal firearm charge
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An 18-year-old Loyola University student’s accused killer has also been charged with illegal possession of a firearm....
Lincoln-Way West Claims WJOL Tournament Championship with 11-1 Win Over Lockport
The Lincoln-Way West varsity softball team delivered a dominant offensive performance to capture the WJOL Tournament Championship, routing host Lockport 11-1 in the title game on Thursday afternoon at Inwood....
Will County Kicks Off Comprehensive Land Resource Management Plan Update with Focus on Proactive Zoning and Environmental Justice
Will County Board Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | March 26, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Land Use and Development Committee held a special workshop to kick off...
Infighting and Calls for Resignation Disrupt Will County Board Meeting
Will County Board Meeting | March 19, 2026 Article Summary: Calls for the resignation of a Will County Board member over a recent misdemeanor conviction derailed the end of the...
Lincoln-Way West Outlasts Marysville 6-5 in Eight-Inning Thriller
The Lincoln-Way West varsity baseball team secured a dramatic 6-5 walk-off victory over Marysville (OH) in an eight-inning, neutral-site battle on Thursday afternoon. After watching a mid-game lead slip away,...
Lincoln-Way 210 Awards $1.98 Million Contract for Network Cabling Upgrades
Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Meeting | March 19, 2026 Article Summary: The Board of Education approved a $1.98 million contract with CDW/Greatline Solutions to upgrade aging wired infrastructure...
Will County Land Use Committee Splits Votes on Massive Earthrise Solar Projects Amid Intense Public Opposition
Will County Board Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | April 2, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Land Use and Development Committee on Tuesday faced a marathon session dominated...
