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
IL Senate GOP: Pritzker, not Trump, raised power bills
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Senate Republicans say Gov. J.B. Pritzker is wrong to blame President Donald Trump for high electric...
SC weighs whether Amazon must pay workers for mandatory COVID screenings
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois Supreme Court is considering whether Amazon must compensate warehouse workers for time spent waiting...
WATCH: Tax increase talk at Statehouse; Bost’s election lawsuit against Illinois wins standing
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 discusses the status of...
Illinois Quick Hits: Indiana governor ‘working hard’ to attract Bears
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Indiana Gov. Mike Braun says the Chicago Bears noticed that the Hoosier state is open for business....
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Capital Improvements & IT Committee for January 6, 2026
Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Overall Meeting SummaryThe Will County Board Capital Improvements and IT Committee met on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, to discuss facility...
Township Prepares to Bid Out Town Hall Renovation; Grant Reimbursements Stalled
Green Garden Township Board Meeting | January 12, 2026 Article Summary: Green Garden Township officials are finalizing the scope of work for the Town Hall renovation project, with plans to...
Public Works Committee: $18.8 Million Contract Awarded for Lorenzo Road Bridge Over BNSF Railway
Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Article Summary: A contract for nearly $18.9 million was confirmed for the construction of a new bridge carrying...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee for January 7, 2026
Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting | January 7, 2026 Overall Meeting SummaryThe Will County Board Public Health and Safety Committee met on Wednesday, January 7, 2026,...
Supreme Court ruling allows Bost to challenge Illinois election law
By Catrina Baker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A U.S. Supreme Court ruling clears the way for U.S. Rep. Mike Bost to challenge Illinois’...
Illinois quick hits: Illinois auto insurance rates dropping
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Illinois auto insurance rates dropping A new report says Illinois auto insurers are lowering premiums by 4.26% in 2026 while providers...
SCOTUS rules on warrantless searches, double convictions and election suits
By Andrew Rice | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) - The U.S. Supreme Court decided three cases Wednesday about political candidates' standing to sue, warrantless searches, and...
WATCH: Legislator raises red flag over Illinois tax funds for group encouraging ICE protests
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois legislator is raising concerns about state taxpayer funds going to an organization he says is...
Bill filed to address loss of homes, equity over property tax debt
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A Democratic state lawmaker has filed a bill to address the Illinois practice of county governments seizing...
