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 14
74° 56°
Mostly Sunny
Latest News Stories
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Public Health & Safety Committee for February 5, 2026
Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting | February 5, 2026 Meeting SummaryThe Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee met on Tuesday, February 5, 2026, to review departmental reports...
State of the College: Dual Credit Program Enrollment Hits 6,000 Students
Joliet Junior College State of the College | February 4, 2026 Article Summary: The "12x12x12" dual credit initiative has driven a surge in high school participation, with nearly half of...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Finance Committee for February 3, 2026
Finance Committee Meeting | February 3, 2026 The Will County Finance Committee met on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, to address critical facility needs and review the county's financial standing. The...
Fairmont Neighborhood Plan Update Prioritizes Infrastructure and Beautification Following Demographic Shift
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | February 3, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved an update to the Fairmont Neighborhood Plan, addressing significant demographic...
Health & Safety Committee: Monee Church Kitchen Project Highlighted in County Health Impact Report
Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting | February 5, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County MAPP Collaborative presented its impact report, highlighting ARPA-funded community kitchen projects in Monee and Joliet...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Green Garden Township Board for Feb. 9, 2026
Green Garden Township Board Meeting | Feb. 9, 2026 The Green Garden Township Board met on Monday, February 9, 2026, to discuss a range of issues from industrial defense strategies...
State of the College: President Namuo Pushes for Bachelor’s Degrees, Cites Record Graduation Rates
Joliet Junior College State of the College | February 4, 2026 Article Summary: JJC President Dr. Clyne Namuo highlighted the college’s legislative push to offer bachelor's degrees in applied fields...
Emergency Freezer Replacement Approved for Adult Detention Facility
Finance Committee Meeting | February 3, 2026 Article Summary: The committee authorized an emergency expenditure of $155,000 to replace a failed walk-in freezer system at the Adult Detention Facility (ADF)....
Board Debates Forgiving Road District Loan in 2026 Budget Draft
Green Garden Township Board Meeting | Feb. 9, 2026 Article Summary: The Green Garden Township Board reviewed the draft 2026 budget, which includes a discussion on whether to forgive a...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Legislative Committee for February 3, 2026
Legislative Committee Meeting | February 3, 2026 The Will County Legislative Committee convened on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, to finalize its federal priorities and receive updates on state and national...
Health & Safety Committee: Opioid Overdose Deaths Drop to Zero in January as Behavioral Health Department Expands Role
Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting | February 5, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Health Department reported a significant decline in opioid overdose deaths, recording zero fatalities in January...
Township Weighs Takeover of Union Cemetery to Allow Stone Repairs
Green Garden Township Board Meeting | Feb. 9, 2026 Article Summary: The Green Garden Township Board discussed the potential takeover of the abandoned Union Cemetery to facilitate headstone repairs. While...
State of the College: JJC Announces Plans for New Campus in Grundy County
Joliet Junior College State of the College | February 4, 2026 Article Summary: During his State of the College address, Joliet Junior College (JJC) President Dr. Clyne Namuo announced the...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Public Works & Transportation Committee for February 3, 2026
Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | February 3, 2026 The Will County Public Works and Transportation Committee met on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, to approve various infrastructure investments and...
Health & Safety Committee: District 3 Board Member Pushes for Expanded Animal Control Services in Monee, Crete
Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting | February 5, 2026 Article Summary: Will County Board Member Daniel J. Butler (District 3) urged Animal Protection Services to establish intergovernmental agreements with...