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
Health Department Faces Funding Cuts, Reviews Options for Programs
The Will County Health Department is assessing its options after being notified of the termination of a $1 million federal grant for respiratory disease surveillance and outbreak response, officials told...
County Health News Briefs
Sunny Hill Nursing Home Reports Full Capacity: The county-owned Sunny Hill Nursing Home is operating at 100% capacity with all 156 beds filled and a waiting list, Administrator Maggie McDall...
Substance Use Initiative Reports Early 2025 Overdose Data, Outreach Efforts
Will County has recorded eight fatal overdoses and seven overdose reversals so far in 2025, according to data presented to the county health committee on Wednesday. Connie Dewal, program manager...
County Food Access Program Reports Progress on ARPA-Funded Initiatives
Four community organizations are expanding food assistance services across Will County through nearly $80,000 in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds administered by the county's food access collaborative. Caitlyn...
Sunny Hill Nursing Home Reaches Full Capacity, Completes Bed Upgrades
Will County's Sunny Hill Nursing Home is operating at 100% capacity with a waiting list for admissions, prompting officials to consider reinstating a policy that would prioritize county residents, Administrator...
Will County Land Use and Development Briefs: Minor Subdivision, Extension Approved, Tiny Homes Advocate Returns
Committee Approves Minor Subdivision to Correct Illegal Land Division: The Land Use and Development Committee unanimously approved a minor subdivision plat for the Crown Holm Family Trust in Lockport Township,...
Will County Considers Relaxing Size Restrictions on Accessory Dwelling Units
JOLIET — Will County officials are considering revisions to zoning regulations that would allow larger accessory dwelling units (ADUs), potentially expanding housing options in the county while addressing concerns about...
Resident Urges County to Restrict Residential Motocross Tracks After Neighborhood Dispute
JOLIET — A Will County resident appeared before the Land Use and Development Committee Thursday urging officials to modify zoning codes to prohibit motocross tracks in residential neighborhoods, citing an...
Committee Approves Truck Terminal Special Use Permit After Safety Modifications
JOLIET — The Will County Land Use and Development Committee voted Thursday to approve a special use permit for a truck terminal in New Lenox Township, after the applicant made...
County Committee Approves Two Solar Energy Projects Despite Farmland Concerns
JOLIET — The Will County Land Use and Development Committee approved two commercial solar energy projects Thursday, advancing the proposals to the full county board for final consideration despite concerns...
Will County Approves Vision Zero Initiative to Reduce Traffic Fatalities
Will County has officially adopted Vision Zero, a data-driven safety initiative aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities throughout the county. The Public Works and Transportation Committee unanimously approved the resolution, which...
County’s First Roundabout Planned for Exchange Street and Beecher Road Intersection
Will County's first roundabout is advancing to the final public meeting phase, with construction tentatively scheduled for 2027. County Engineer Jeff Ronaldson announced that the Department of Transportation will hold...
County Accepts $377,000 Developer Donation for Romeo Road Improvements
The Will County Public Works and Transportation Committee has accepted a $377,000 donation from a developer to fund roadway improvements at the southeast corner of Romeo Road and Weber Road...