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
In Brief: Ordinance Review Committee Actions
The Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee met June 10 to continue its comprehensive update of the county code. Here are some of the key actions and discussions: Court Fees...
Frankfort Park District Kicks Off Busy Summer Season with Races and New Events
The Frankfort Park District is in full summer swing, with a packed schedule of programs and events that includes an expanded day camp, new community parties, and the 25th anniversary...
Will County Jail Faces Major Staffing Crisis as 70 Employees Eligible to Retire by 2030
County officials warn of potential budget impact as adult detention facility grapples with unprecedented turnover Will County's adult detention facility is heading toward a staffing crisis that could significantly impact...
Will County Health Department Reports Sharp Decline in Overdose Deaths
2025 fatalities running 40% lower than previous year, officials attribute success to expanded Narcan distribution Will County is experiencing a significant reduction in overdose deaths, with 2025 fatalities running 40%...
Solar Project Extensions Approved as Industry Faces Permitting Delays
Three solar energy projects received 180-day extensions from Will County's Land Use & Development Committee Thursday as developers continue working through lengthy permitting processes with utility companies and other agencies....
Committee Approves Truck Terminal Despite Residential Concerns
A Monee Township truck terminal received approval from Will County's Land Use & Development Committee Thursday despite concerns about its proximity to residential areas. The committee voted 5-1 to approve...
Will County Health Department Faces Funding Uncertainty as Federal Grants Under Review
Multiple revenue sources threatened as department seeks legislative support for public health programs Will County Health Department officials are closely monitoring potential federal funding cuts that could impact multiple programs...
Will County Land Use Meeting Briefs
LAND USE ACTIONS Accessory Dwelling Unit Rules Modified: The committee recommended approval of text amendments allowing accessory dwelling units to exceed current building area limitations in certain circumstances. The changes...
Public Health and Safety Committee Meeting Briefs
Sunny Hill Nursing Home Tour Praised: Committee members who attended the May 9 tour of Sunny Hill Nursing Home praised the facility's condition and operations. Member Raquel Mitchell called it...
Federal Reconciliation Bill Targets Medicaid, SNAP Programs
Will County Legislators Briefed on Potential Local Impacts Federal legislation making sweeping cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs could significantly impact Will County residents and services, county legislators learned...
Will County Approves Modified $756 Million Transportation Plan Despite Terminology Debate
Will County's Public Works and Transportation Committee approved a five-year, $756 million transportation improvement plan on June 3, but not before a heated debate over whether to call it a...
Will County completes major projects while others move forward
Will County's facilities team has completed several major projects while advancing others throughout the county, officials reported during a Capital Improvements & IT Committee meeting Monday. The Old Courthouse Plaza...
Will County Accepts $140,000 Developer Donation for Road Improvements
Will County's Public Works and Transportation Committee accepted a $140,143.90 donation from a developer in lieu of constructing traffic improvements along Laraway Road. The donation comes from the Lakes Park...