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.
Latest News Stories
Beecher School Board Raises Lunch Fees for 2025-26 School Year
Article Summary: The Beecher Board of Education approved the district's fee schedule for the 2025-2026 school year, which will include an increase in the price of school lunches. According to...
Policy Changes, Student Handbook Updates Get Initial Review by Beecher School Board
Article Summary: The Beecher Board of Education has given preliminary approval to a series of policy and handbook updates that will impact district operations and student guidelines. The board approved...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Beecher Board of Education for June 11, 2025
The Beecher Board of Education focused on staffing, finances, and policy at its meeting on June 11, 2025. The board took significant action to secure future staffing by approving retirement...
Will County to Draft New Harassment Policy Amid Debate Over Board Authority
The Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee will draft a new, county-wide general harassment policy after a lengthy debate on Tuesday revealed the complexities of the county’s legal obligations and...
Committee Uncovers Gaps in County Asset Tracking, Calls for Better System
A review of Will County’s fiscal policies on Tuesday highlighted significant gaps in how the county tracks its physical assets, from office furniture to squad cars, prompting calls from the...
In Brief: Ordinance Review Committee Actions
The Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee met June 10 to continue its comprehensive update of the county code. Here are some of the key actions and discussions: Court Fees...
Beecher Approves Over $35,000 for Emergency Repairs to Well #5
Article Summary: The Beecher Village Board unanimously approved more than $35,000 in emergency repairs for Well #5 after a recent video inspection revealed significant corrosion, mineral buildup, and a failing...
Beecher to Seek Legal Advice on Chronic Nuisance Property After Years of Complaints
Article Summary: The Beecher Village Board is exploring stronger legal options, including a possible circuit court injunction, to address a chronic nuisance property on Catalpa Street. A neighboring resident voiced...
New Beecher Public Safety Facility Nears Completion Amidst Minor Setbacks
Article Summary: Beecher's new Public Safety Facility is nearing the final stages of completion, with the parking lot recently paved and striped, but the village is now addressing a potential...
Beecher Pushes Forward with Downtown Enhancement Projects
Article Summary: The Village of Beecher is advancing several initiatives to support its downtown business district, including the installation of a new wayfinding sign, the creation of a formal application...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Village of Beecher Board of Trustees for June 9, 2025
The Beecher Village Board of Trustees took decisive action on critical infrastructure and grappled with a chronic public nuisance issue at its meeting on June 9. The board unanimously approved...
Will County Jail Faces Major Staffing Crisis as 70 Employees Eligible to Retire by 2030
County officials warn of potential budget impact as adult detention facility grapples with unprecedented turnover Will County's adult detention facility is heading toward a staffing crisis that could significantly impact...
Will County Health Department Reports Sharp Decline in Overdose Deaths
2025 fatalities running 40% lower than previous year, officials attribute success to expanded Narcan distribution Will County is experiencing a significant reduction in overdose deaths, with 2025 fatalities running 40%...
Solar Project Extensions Approved as Industry Faces Permitting Delays
Three solar energy projects received 180-day extensions from Will County's Land Use & Development Committee Thursday as developers continue working through lengthy permitting processes with utility companies and other agencies....