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
ThursdayDecember 11, 2025
FridayDecember 12, 2025
SaturdayDecember 13, 2025
MondayDecember 15, 2025
TuesdayDecember 16, 2025
WednesdayDecember 17, 2025
ThursdayDecember 18, 2025
FridayDecember 19, 2025
SaturdayDecember 20, 2025
Latest News Stories
Trump’s legal fees could fall on the backs of Fulton County taxpayers
By Kim JarrettThe Center Square A law signed by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp in May could put legal fees in the Donald Trump election interference case on the backs of...
Revenues from energy production at $14.6B for 2025
By Alton WallaceThe Center Square Energy production on federal lands and waters and in U.S. tribal areas generated $14.61 billion in government revenues in the 2025 fiscal year, according to...
IL congressman’s retirement announcement sparks calls for election fixes
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Common Cause Illinois is urging lawmakers to close what it calls an “anti-democratic” loophole after Rep....
WATCH: Trump calls Pritzker ‘fat slob;’ Talk of reviving progressive tax criticized
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 shares highlights from...
Illinois quick hits: Man arrested for threating legislator; vigilance urged during shopping season
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Man arrested for threating legislator Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation special agents have arrested a Chicago man on charges...
County Takes Over “Central Will” Dial-A-Ride in Major Consolidation
Will County Board Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board approved an intergovernmental agreement to absorb the "Central Will" Dial-A-Ride system into the county-wide "Access Will County"...
Manhattan Officials Praise IDOT’s ‘Swift Action’ on Route 52, Discuss Further Safety Measures
Manhattan Village Board Meeting | November 18, 2025 Article Summary:Manhattan Mayor Mike Adrieansen thanked the Illinois Department of Transportation for its quick response in adding safety measures at the Route...
Manhattan Park Board Rejects Site Plan Proposal, Halts Planning Over Cost Dispute
Manhattan Park Board Meeting | October 9, 2025 Article Summary: The Manhattan Park Board unanimously rejected a proposal for an architectural concept site plan from Arete Design Studio, effectively pausing...
Board Denies Appeal for “Tiny Home” RV Living in Crete
Will County Board Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board voted 19-2 to uphold a denial of a temporary use permit for a recreational vehicle (RV) being...
Jackson Township Board Notified of Proposal for 800-Acre Data Center
Jackson Township Board Meeting | October 2025 Article Summary: During the monthly report, township officials announced the receipt of a public notice regarding a massive proposal to construct a data center...
JJC Board Censures Trustee Broderick Twice, Denies Request to Restore Good Standing
Joliet Junior College Meeting | November 12, 2025 Article Summary:In a series of contentious votes, the Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees censured Trustee Maureen Broderick for two separate alleged...
Will County Board Compromises on Mental Health Levy, Approves $10 Million After Debate
Will County Board Regular Meeting | October 16, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board on Thursday, October 16, 2025, approved a $10 million tax levy for the Community Mental Health...
Green Garden’s Wildflower Farm Granted Second Extension for Rural Events Permit
Will County Board Regular Meeting | October 16, 2025 Article Summary: Bengston Land Management, LLC, operators of The Wildflower Farm in Green Garden Township, received a second 180-day extension from the...
