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.
⚠️ Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued June 10 at 3:04PM CDT until June 10 at 4:15PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
⚠️ Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued June 10 at 2:40PM CDT until June 10 at 10:00PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Today Jun 9
90° 68°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Trump says inflation data shows Fed can cut interest rates
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Consumer prices climbed 2.7% annually in December, marking the end of a year of continued concerns about affordability for Americans. The Consumer Price Index for...
Allstate homeowners rate hike sparks debate over Illinois insurance oversight
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois homeowners could see their insurance bills rise again after Allstate filed a $58 million rate...
Trump tells Iranian protesters help is on the way, encourages uprising
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square “Help is on its way,” President Donald Trump said in a short but powerful message to Iranian protesters facing an oppressive regime that reportedly is...
Sen. Kelly sues Hegseth over effort to reduce retirement pay
By Dave MasonThe Center Square Editor's note: This story has been updated since its initial publication to include a comment from the White House. U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Arizona, is...
Illinois interstate shootings decline
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – State police say the number of shootings on Illinois interstates dropped 31% to a total of 61...
WATCH: State sues Trump admin over enforcement tactics; No tax on tips proposal filed
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 discusses the latest...
Will the Clintons testify on Epstein relationship this week?
By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are supposed to sit for closed-door depositions this week as part of the ongoing...
Dems move to almost entirely block fed immigration enforcement in IL
By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square After enacting state laws forbidding local police from cooperating with federal immigration efforts, and after winning a court case blocking President Donald...
Capital Imp Committee: Facilities Director Reports on VAC Progress and Critical Health Department Elevator Repairs
Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Article Summary:Facilities Director Bill Fern provided updates on major renovation projects, including the completion of the Court Annex and the...
‘Good Food For All’ Initiative Proposes Local Agricultural Asset Mapping for Will County
Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting | January 7, 2026 Article Summary: Bob Heuer of HNA Networks presented a "Good Food For All" initiative to the Public...
Public Works Committee Advances $3.2 Million Engineering Contract for Mills Road Reconstruction
Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Article Summary: The committee forwarded a resolution to award a $3.2 million contract to HDR Engineering, Inc. for...
Theis abruptly retires from IL Supreme Court; Tailor to replace
By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Illinois will have a new state Supreme Court justice at the end of January, after Justice Mary Jane Theis announced her sudden...
Colorado expands lawsuit over alleged Trump retaliation
By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser is pushing back on what his office labeled an “unmistakable campaign of punishment” by the Trump administration against the state....
