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.
Latest News Stories
Crete Township Wins Approval for New Digital Sign at Community Center
Crete Township received approval from the Will County Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday for a new digital sign at its community center, a project that required a special use...
Manhattan to Begin Paying Emergency Management Volunteers in ‘Long Overdue’ Move
Members of Manhattan’s Emergency Management Agency (EMA), who have served for years as unpaid volunteers, will now receive financial compensation for their service. The Village Board on Tuesday unanimously approved...
Will County Planners OK Oversized Garage Near Naperville, Overriding Staff Recommendation
The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday approved variances for a new oversized accessory garage in Wheatland Township, siding with a homeowner and builder over a staff recommendation...
Manhattan Approves 14 New Homes, Bike Path Completion in Whitefeather Subdivision
The Whitefeather subdivision is set for further expansion after the Manhattan Village Board approved the final plat for a new 14-home unit on Tuesday. The approval allows developer McDonnell Development...
Green Garden Landscaping Business Gains Permit Amid Strong Neighbor Support
A small landscaping and lawn maintenance business operating on a residential property in Green Garden Township received official approval Tuesday after neighbors voiced overwhelming support for the operation. The Will...
Meeting Briefs: Will County Planning and Zoning Commission for July 15, 2025
Frankfort Shed Relocation Approved: A homeowner on West Harvest Drive in Frankfort Township received a variance to reduce an east side-yard setback from 10 to 4 feet. The variance, sought by...
Meeting Briefs: Manhattan Village Board for July 15, 2025
New Planning Commissioner Appointed: Mayor Mike Adrieansen appointed Gwen Petrella to the Manhattan Planning and Zoning Commission. The Village Board unanimously authorized the appointment for a term ending May 1, 2026....
Manhattan Fire District Re-evaluating New Station Plans After Bids Come in Over Budget
Article Summary: Construction bids for a new Manhattan Fire Protection District station have come in over the district's maximum price, forcing officials to re-evaluate the project's scope. Chief Steve Malone...
Frankfort Approves ‘Whisk & Flame’ Culinary Studio, Slashes Parking Requirement for Downtown Property
An experiential culinary studio named Whisk & Flame is set to open in downtown Frankfort after the Village Board approved a series of special use permits and a significant parking...
Frankfort Village Board Adopts $59.4 Million Appropriation for Fiscal Year 2026
The Frankfort Village Board has formally set its maximum legal spending limit for the upcoming fiscal year, adopting a $59,366,900 appropriation ordinance for fiscal year 2026. The measure was passed...
Frankfort Establishes New Zoning Rules to Attract Data Centers
The Village of Frankfort has amended its zoning ordinance to create a specific use category for data centers, a move designed to regulate and attract high-tech development. The Village Board...
Currie Motors Expansion Gets Approval with Site Modifications
Currie Motors on Lincoln Highway received approval from the Frankfort Village Board on Monday for a major change to its site plan, allowing for the construction of seven new parking...
Frankfort Approves $134,531 Maintenance Contract for Wastewater Plant Filters
The Frankfort Village Board has approved a $134,531.17 agreement with Veolia Water Technologies, Inc. for critical preventative maintenance at the Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant. The contract is for the complete...
