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.
⚠️ Flood Watch issued June 10 at 6:54PM CDT until June 11 at 4:00AM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Wed Jun 10
88° 60°
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Green Garden Township Residents Threaten Incorporation to Block 6,000-Acre Solar Farm
Will County Executive Committee Meeting | February 11, 2026 Article Summary: Residents of Green Garden Township warned county officials they are moving to incorporate as a village to gain zoning...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Beecher Board of Education for February 11, 2026
Beecher Board of Education Meeting | February 11, 2026 The Beecher Board of Education met on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, to review academic data and approve several operational contracts. The...
Elsies Place Grand Opening
Elsie's Place, located at 1140 Dixie Highway, Unit 1, marked its official launch today with a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony! Elsie's Place is a sandwhich shop with gaming.
Executive Committee: Tension Rises as Republican Whip Removed from Panel
Will County Executive Committee Meeting | February 11, 2026 Article Summary: A dispute over committee appointments erupted when Republican leadership challenged the removal of Member Vince Logan from the Executive...
Ad-Hoc Committee: County Stripped of Power to Regulate Motor Races, Must Drop Solicitor Fees Due to State Statutes
Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee Meeting | February 10, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee repealed county regulations regarding motor stunt events and removed...
Commission Overrides Staff Recommendation, Approves Manhattan Township Barn Expansion
Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | February 17, 2026 Article Summary: A Manhattan Township homeowner received unanimous approval for three variances to expand a pole barn, despite county...
Superintendent Warns of State Funding Gaps Despite Balanced Budget
Beecher Board of Education Meeting | February 11, 2026 Article Summary: While celebrating a positive staff culture that promotes internal advancement, Superintendent Dr. Jack Gaham warned the Board of Education...
Executive Committee Advances “Project Northwinds”: 2,475 Jobs and $346 Million Investment Proposed for Former Caterpillar, Lion Electric Sites
Will County Executive Committee Meeting | February 11, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board Executive Committee moved forward a resolution supporting a massive manufacturing project that promises nearly 2,500...
Land Use Committee Advances Mokena Scrap Yard and Homer Glen Landscape Business Over Local Objections
Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | February 5, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Land Use Committee approved special use permits for two businesses in Frankfort and...
Planning Commission Backs 5-MW Peotone Solar Farm; Developer Pledges Pollinator Habitat and Community Funds
Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | February 17, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval for a new 5-megawatt commercial solar farm...
Board Approves New Early Childhood Curriculum and Technology Upgrades
Beecher Board of Education Meeting | February 11, 2026 Article Summary: The Beecher Board of Education approved several significant purchases aimed at modernizing district operations and enhancing early childhood education....
Beecher Schools Review Test Data; ELA Scores Excel While Math Strategies Adjusted
Beecher Board of Education Meeting | February 11, 2026 Article Summary: Beecher School District 200-U administrators presented the 2025 Illinois State Report Card data, highlighting significant proficiency in English Language...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Washington Township Board for Jan. 5, 2026
Washington Township Board Meeting | Jan. 5, 2026 Meeting SummaryThe Washington Township Board of Trustees met on Monday, January 5, 2026, to approve bills and discuss administrative policies. Supervisor Mike...