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.
⚠️ Hydrologic Outlook issued June 16 at 2:44AM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Today Jun 15
72° 54°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Illinois House speaker, unions push millionaire’s tax as lawmakers return
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois state representatives are scheduled to be back in Springfield this week, and there is bipartisan concern...
Reports: Walz, Frey, Ellison among those issued subpoenas by U.S. Justice
By J.D. DavidsonThe Center Square High-ranking Minnesota elected officials on Tuesday were served subpoenas by the U.S. Department of Justice, according to multiple reports. Gov. Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith...
Supreme Court hears arguments in ‘vampire rule’ gun case
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments on Tuesday in a case over a Hawaii law that prohibits concealed carry permit holders from bringing guns on...
Trump slams ‘stupid’ UK decision to give back key military base
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump sharply criticized the United Kingdom's decision to hand over the Chagos Islands, the location of a strategic U.S. military base, to Mauritius....
Bill would block Arizona Guard from unauthorized U.S. wars
By Zachery SchmidtThe Center Square A new bill seeks to make Arizona the first state in the country to prevent its National Guard from fighting in wars not authorized by...
Audit: Illinois State professors skipped required outside work disclosures
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois lawmaker is raising serious concerns about cybersecurity and legal compliance at Illinois State University...
Trump urges arrests after church protest in St. Paul
By Elyse ApelThe Center Square President Donald Trump called for protestors to be “thrown in jail” following a protest which disrupted a Sunday morning service in St. Paul. Trump’s words...
Trump says ‘no going back’ on plans to annex Greenland
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump positioned the annexation of Greenland as essential for U.S. and global security, even as European leaders voiced strong resistance during the World...
WATCH: GOP governor candidates forum highlights; Pritzker talks taxes increase, Bears
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square's Greg Bishop provides highlights from Monday...
Illinois ‘RIFL’ act sparks fierce debate as lawmakers return to Springfield
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As Illinois lawmakers convene for the 2026 legislative session, House Bill 3320, Responsibility in Firearm Legislation...
SCOTUS declines to hear felony firearms cases
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to take up two cases over whether individuals with felony records can be permanently disarmed under the Second...
Illinois Quick Hits: No injuries reported in Tuesday earthquake
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – No injuries have been reported after the U.S. Geological Survey reported a magnitude 3.8 earthquake near the...
One year in: Reviewing Trump’s inaugural promises
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square One year ago Tuesday, President Donald Trump told the nation its “golden age” had arrived, promising to spend his second term restoring stability at home...
