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 9
88° 70°
Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Latest News Stories
‘Long overdue’: Praise for HHS’ action to bar taxpayer-funded sex-change procedures
By Tate MillerThe Center Square The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ action to bar “sex-rejecting” transgender procedures for minors has met with approval from groups that aim to...
Gas prices drop, but taxes make Illinois pricier than Midwest neighbors
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Although Illinois drivers are now paying less at the pump, a state lawmaker says prices would be...
Recruit Firefighters Jace Cook and Braeden Waterman Graduate
Jace and Braeden graduated from the Romeoville Fire Academy on December 12th, successfully completing nine weeks of rigorous physical and mental training, setting a sound foundation of skills in our...
Liquor License Amendments Approved for Frankfort, Joliet, and Lockport Businesses
Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | December 11, 2025 Article Summary: The Executive Committee approved amendments to the County’s Liquor Control Ordinance to increase the number of available licenses,...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Planning and Zoning Commission for December 16, 2025
Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | December 16, 2025 Overall Meeting SummaryThe Will County Planning and Zoning Commission navigated attendance issues during its December 16, 2025, meeting, beginning...
Joliet Property Owner Cleared to Convert Non-Conforming Building into Two-Unit Residence
Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | December 16, 2025 Article Summary: The Planning and Zoning Commission legalized the status of a Joliet residence that had previously contained four illegal...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Washington Township Board of Trustees for Nov. 2025
Washington Township Board of Trustees Meeting | Nov. 2025 Overall Meeting SummaryThe Washington Township Board of Trustees met on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, tackling issues ranging from solar farm opposition...
Colorado adopts first-of-its-kind water protections in U.S.
By Liam HibbertThe Center Square Colorado environmental leaders approved landmark water protections in reaction to a U.S. Supreme Court decision that they believed weakened regulations in Western states. The bipartisan...
Epstein files redactions frustrate lawmakers
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Justice Department released thousands of documents on Friday related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. However, many documents were heavily redacted,...
Nine pharmaceutical companies agree to most-favored-nation pricing
By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square An additional nine of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies have agreed to offer many of their most popular drugs at most-favored-nation pricing in the U.S....
Congress leaves for holidays after zero progress on federal funding
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square U.S. lawmakers have left town for the holidays without making any actionable progress on the long-delayed fiscal year 2026 government funding bills. That means when...
EXCLUSIVE: New House committee report highlights increasing terrorism threat in U.S.
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square The U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security has released an updated report highlighting terrorism threats to Americans. It did so after holding a hearing on...
Chicago aldermen pass revenue package, business groups express concern
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago aldermen have approved a revenue package that does not include Mayor Brandon Johnson’s corporate head tax,...
