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
State’s Attorney Donates Tint Meters to Beecher Police to Enhance Traffic Safety
Article Summary: The Beecher Police Department has received 14 new window tint meters through a donation from the Will County State's Attorney's Office. State's Attorney Jim Glasgow personally presented the...
Brad Shrader Appointed to Fill Vacant Beecher School Board Seat
Article Summary: The Beecher School District 200-U Board of Education has a full roster again after appointing resident Brad Shrader to fill a vacant seat at its September 10 meeting....
Beecher School Board Approves FY26 Budget With Projected Surplus, Earmarks Funds for Major Projects
Article Summary: The Beecher School District 200-U Board of Education formally adopted its Fiscal Year 2026 budget, projecting a modest surplus of approximately $96,000 and continuing a recent trend of...
Persistent Leaks at New Beecher Public Safety Facility Prompt Calls for Third-Party Inspection
Article Summary: Less than two months after multiple spot repairs were made, new leaks have appeared in the roof of Beecher's multimillion-dollar Public Safety Facility, reigniting concerns about the building's...
Illinois’ gun ban set for oral arguments in appeals court Monday
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The state of Illinois will be defending its gun and magazine ban Monday in front of the...
Law professor explains why Trump could win tariff case
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court could side with the Trump administration on a multi-billion dollar case over tariffs despite two lower courts saying the power of...
WATCH: Los Angeles schools superintendent renews contract
By Esther WickhamThe Center Square The Los Angeles Board of Education unanimously voted this week to renew its four-year contract with Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, amid...
Southern California Edison works on paying Eaton Fire victims
By Dave MasonThe Center Square Southern California Edison, which many blamed for starting the destructive Eaton Fire in the Pasadena/Altadena area, is developing a program to reimburse victims. The utility...
U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly presents ‘AI for America’ roadmap
By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square Nearly two dozen public figures have come out in support of U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly’s artificial intelligence plan. Known as "AI for America," the plan...
WATCH: Education department launches America 250 effort
By Esther WickhamThe Center Square The U.S. Department of Education, along with private organizations, launched this week the America 250 Civics Education Coalition, in an effort to revive civic education...
Trump: Chicago needs ‘big, strong soldiers’
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – President Donald Trump says Chicago needs big, strong soldiers to get the city into shape. The president...
WATCH: Gov. Gavin Newsom signs climate and energy bills
By Dave MasonThe Center Square California Gov. Gavin Newsom Friday morning promised up to $60 billion in tax rebates on electricity fees just before signing climate and energy bills. The...
Large Wisconsin data center tax breaks make benefits unclear
By Jon StyfThe Center Square When Microsoft announced plans for an additional $4 billion data center in Kenosha County on Thursday morning, it came with comments from Wisconsin Gov. Tony...
