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 8
87° 69°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Washington Township Board Backs Special Use Permit for Barn on Corning Road
Article Summary: The Washington Township Board of Trustees will support a resident's request for a Special Use Permit to construct a barn on a 5-acre property on E. Corning Road....
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Beecher Public Library District Board for August 19, 2025
The Beecher Public Library District Board of Trustees addressed major financial milestones and a significant leadership change at its August 19 meeting. The board unanimously approved the final budget for...
Will County to Pay Enbridge $82,000 to Relocate Pipeline Equipment for Exchange Street Improvements
Article Summary: Will County will reimburse Enbridge Energy for costs associated with relocating its pipeline facilities to make way for roadway improvements on Exchange Street in the Monee and Crete...
Laraway Road Widening Project in New Lenox and Frankfort Gets Additional $468,000 for Redesign
Article Summary: The Will County Board approved a supplemental agreement worth $468,374 for additional design and engineering work on the major Laraway Road expansion project. The funds are needed for...
“Federal Policy Uncertainty” Blamed for Delay of Peotone Solar Farm; County Grants Second Extension
Article Summary: The Will County Board has granted a second permit extension for a solar farm in Peotone Township after the developer, Trajectory Energy Partners, cited "ongoing uncertainty regarding federal...
Will County Grants Extensions to Five Solar Projects Sold to New Developers
Article Summary: The Will County Board approved first-time permit extensions for five commercial solar projects across Monee, Crete, and Joliet townships, all of which were recently sold to larger energy...
Will County Board Approves Controversial Drug Recovery Retreat in Crete Township
Article Summary: The Will County Board has approved a special use permit for The Second Story Foundation to operate a long-term residential recovery program for men on a 68-acre horse...
Failed Repair Forces Replacement of 25-Year-Old Furnace at Washington Township Center
Article Summary: A failed repair attempt on the 25-year-old furnace at the Washington Township Center, which caused a fire alarm to activate, has prompted the board to authorize a full...
Beecher Library Board Approves Budgets for Current and Upcoming Fiscal Years
Article Summary: The Beecher Public Library District Board of Trustees formally approved its final budget for the current 2024-2025 fiscal year and, following a public hearing, passed the new budget...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Beecher School District 200-U for September 10, 2025
The Beecher School District 200-U Board of Education approved its annual budget, appointed a new member, and greenlit a cosmetic upgrade for the high school during its meeting on September...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Village of Beecher Board of Trustees for September 22, 2025
The Beecher Village Board addressed persistent structural issues at the new Public Safety Facility during its meeting on September 22. After a report confirmed that new roof leaks have appeared...
Washington Township Overhauls Wage Structure, Boosts Bus Driver Pay
Article Summary: The Washington Township Board of Trustees has initiated a comprehensive review of its wage and job structures to align with state law, improve competitiveness for key positions like...
Beecher Library Board President Shirley Biery Announces Resignation
Article Summary: Shirley Biery has announced she will resign from her position as President and Trustee of the Beecher Public Library District Board, effective August 31, 2025. Following the announcement...
