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 9
88° 70°
Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Latest News Stories
Rich States Poor States: Tax policy largely determines states’ economic competitiveness
By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square No matter what a state offers in terms of natural beauty, work and social opportunities, tax and economic policy — as unglamorous as they sound...
P&Z Commission Overrides Staff Denials, Rescuing Special Use Permits for Joliet Wedding Venue and Romeoville Barge Terminal
Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | April 7, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission voted to overturn administrative denials for two delayed commercial projects—a...
Will County P&Z Commission Grants Extensions for Joliet Township Solar Farm Ground Cover
Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | April 7, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously granted a final deadline extension for a commercial solar...
P&Z Approves Lockport Bounce House Business Expansion
Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | April 7, 2026 The commission unanimously approved Zoning Case #ZC-25-137 for Victor H. Lule Huerta, owner of 3262 S. State Street in...
78 pro-life orgs ask DOJ to stop undermining state laws by favoring aborting drug industry
By Tate MillerThe Center Square Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America led 77 of its pro-life organization colleagues in sending the acting U.S. attorney general a letter asking the Department of...
Illinois Quick Hits: Two of ComEd four released; new trial expected
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A U.S. appellate court has ordered two defendants in the ComEd Four case to be released pending...
Will County Treasurer Seeks Policy on Cash Payments as U.S. Mint Discontinues the Penny
Briefs: Will County Board Finance Committee Meeting | April 7, 2026 Article Summary: With the U.S. Mint ceasing production of the penny, the Will County Treasurer's Office is asking the...
Lend a hand this spring at Volunteer Morning programs
Volunteers are being sought for spring programs that help spruce up the preserves by removing invasive species, controlling brush and planting native plants. Here are the spring Volunteer Morning programs....
Proposed State Legislation Sparks Debate Over Will County Veterans Assistance Commission Budget Control
Will County Board Legislative Committee Meeting | April 7, 2026 Article Summary: State legislation aimed at granting county boards ultimate approval power over Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) budgets sparked debate...
Clifton Central Powers Past Beecher 11-8 in High-Scoring Conference Matchup
A combined eight-run outburst across the fourth and fifth innings propelled the Clifton Central varsity baseball team to an 11-8 home conference victory over Beecher on Tuesday afternoon. Both lineups...
Chicago suit vs oil cos. may yet survive SCOTUS ruling, judge hints
By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Even as the Supreme Court considers a Colorado case that oil companies believe will decide if city and state governments can sue...
Two of ComEd Four released. new trial pending
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A U.S. appellate court has ordered two defendants in the ComEd Four case to be released pending...
GOP candidate Bailey urges Trump to apologize to pope; bishop calls for dialogue
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – After President Donald Trump refused to apologize for his social media criticism of Pope Leo XIV, a...
