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.
⚠️ Air Quality Alert issued July 19 at 12:50PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Today Jul 19
83° 70°
Isolated Rain Showers
Latest News Stories
Beecher Public Bodies Renew Joint Fuel Purchasing Agreement to Save Taxpayer Money
Article Summary: The Beecher Fire Protection District has renewed an intergovernmental agreement with four other local public bodies to continue purchasing fuel in bulk, a strategy designed to reduce costs...
Beecher Fire District Invests Over $91,000 in New Protective Gear and Helmets
Article Summary: The Beecher Fire Protection District will purchase new turnout gear and helmets for its firefighters after the Board of Trustees unanimously approved two proposals totaling more than $91,000....
Beecher Library Board Installs New Trustees, Elects Officers for Two-Year Term
Article Summary: Following the certification of the April 1 election, the Beecher Community Library Board seated three trustees for six-year terms and unanimously re-elected Shirley R. Biery as president. The...
Beecher Library Board Streamlines Bill Payments Between Meetings
Article Summary: The Beecher Community Library Board approved a new policy to allow for the payment of routine bills that arrive after its monthly meetings, a move designed to improve...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Beecher Community Library Board for May 20, 2025
The Beecher Community Library Board seated three newly elected trustees and appointed its officers for the next two years at its May 20 meeting. Shirley R. Biery was re-elected as...
Will County Board Rejects Two Solar Farm Projects After Heated Public Opposition
New Lenox area residents cite safety concerns, property values in opposing commercial solar facilities The Will County Board voted decisively against two proposed commercial solar energy facilities during its May...
County Approves $15 Million Water System Takeover for Southeast Joliet Area
700 homes to receive upgraded service as Joliet takes control of failing sanitary district The Will County Board voted 20-1 to support dissolving the Southeast Joliet Sanitary District and transferring...
Board Postpones County Purchasing Code Overhaul Amid Union Contractor Debate
Members seek clarification on requirements that could favor unionized businesses The Will County Board postponed action on proposed changes to county purchasing ordinances after members raised concerns about language that...
Animal Permit Hearing Reveals Neighborhood Disputes Over Horses, Roosters in Crete Township
Board postpones decision on Torres family request pending barn variance appeal A contentious hearing over Fernando Torres' request to keep horses on his Crete Township property exposed deep neighborhood divisions...
Transportation Projects Advance as Board Approves Vision Zero, Road Improvements
County adopts traffic safety initiative while funding major infrastructure upgrades The Will County Board approved a comprehensive transportation agenda including adoption of Vision Zero principles and multiple road improvement projects...
Health Department Receives Budget Boost, Sunny Hill Admission Policy Updated
Board approves funding increases and policy changes for county health services The Will County Board approved budget appropriations for the health department and updated admission policies for Sunny Hill Nursing...
Will County Board Meeting Briefs Package
COUNTY APPOINTMENTS Fire Protection District: Board approved county executive appointments to Manhattan Fire Protection District board. Agricultural Committee: Approved appointment to Agricultural Area Committee with Member Judy Ogala abstaining due...
Beecher High School Slated for Over $88,000 in Major Plumbing Repairs
Article Summary: The Beecher Board of Education unanimously approved two separate, significant plumbing projects for the high school totaling over $88,000 during its May 14 meeting. The board awarded both...
