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.
Latest News Stories
New park fee for foreign tourists could generate hundreds of millions
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square The Trump administration announced it is raising prices for nonresidents visiting national parks, a move that worries some tourism advocates but could generate hundreds of...
CDL proposals focus on safety as American truckers lose jobs, wages
By Alan WootenThe Center Square Rising scrutiny of 194,000 state-issued nondomiciled CDLs to foreign workers with poor English language proficiency reveal two routes to safety. Rule change is one, done...
Trump’s proposed $2,000 tariff rebates face costly challenges
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump's plan to send some Americans $2,000 checks from the federal government's tariff collections is expected to cost more than the import duties...
Trump’s legal fees could fall on the backs of Fulton County taxpayers
By Kim JarrettThe Center Square A law signed by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp in May could put legal fees in the Donald Trump election interference case on the backs of...
Revenues from energy production at $14.6B for 2025
By Alton WallaceThe Center Square Energy production on federal lands and waters and in U.S. tribal areas generated $14.61 billion in government revenues in the 2025 fiscal year, according to...
IL congressman’s retirement announcement sparks calls for election fixes
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Common Cause Illinois is urging lawmakers to close what it calls an “anti-democratic” loophole after Rep....
WATCH: Trump calls Pritzker ‘fat slob;’ Talk of reviving progressive tax criticized
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares highlights from...
Illinois quick hits: Man arrested for threating legislator; vigilance urged during shopping season
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Man arrested for threating legislator Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation special agents have arrested a Chicago man on charges...
County Takes Over “Central Will” Dial-A-Ride in Major Consolidation
Will County Board Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board approved an intergovernmental agreement to absorb the "Central Will" Dial-A-Ride system into the county-wide "Access Will County"...
Robert Janeliunas Sworn In as New Peotone School Board Member; Ashley Stachniak Elected Vice President
Peotone School Board Meeting | November 17, 2025 Article Summary:The Peotone School District 207-U Board of Education seated a new member and elected a new vice president during its meeting...
Board Denies Appeal for “Tiny Home” RV Living in Crete
Will County Board Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board voted 19-2 to uphold a denial of a temporary use permit for a recreational vehicle (RV) being...
JJC Board Censures Trustee Broderick Twice, Denies Request to Restore Good Standing
Joliet Junior College Meeting | November 12, 2025 Article Summary:In a series of contentious votes, the Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees censured Trustee Maureen Broderick for two separate alleged...
Will County Board Rejects Proposed Tax Hike, Approves 0% Levy Increase in Contentious Vote
Will County Board Regular Meeting | October 16, 2025 Article Summary: In a significant move providing relief to taxpayers, the Will County Board on Thursday, October 16, 2025, voted to approve...
