WATCH: IL child welfare interns debate heats up; state financial audit released

WATCH: IL child welfare interns debate heats up; state financial audit released

August 22, 2025/
Spread the love

By Greg Bishop | The Center Square
The Center Square

(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.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Everyday Economics: History doesn't repeat, but the Fed Is hearing an echo

Everyday Economics: History doesn’t repeat, but the Fed Is hearing an echo

By Orphe DivounguyThe Center Square Read this week's Fed minutes carefully and you'll hear 1970s.The Fed has stopped debating when to cut. Now it's debating whether to hold higher for...
Illinois DHS appointment sparks backlash over alleged voter registration mailer practices

Illinois DHS appointment sparks backlash over alleged voter registration mailer practices

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The appointment of Illinois Department of Human Services Secretary Dulce Quintero is drawing renewed criticism from...
Arctic defense begins in Galveston after Memorial Day

Arctic defense begins in Galveston after Memorial Day

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square As Texans celebrate Memorial Day weekend, 190 years of Texas independence and 250 years of American independence this year, they are also celebrating a new...
Illinois Quick Hits: Pritzker urges megaprojects support for Bears

Illinois Quick Hits: Pritzker urges megaprojects support for Bears

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says megaprojects legislation is shaping up in the Illinois Senate. A reporter asked the...
Screenshot 2026-05-23 at 7.23.02 PM

Lincoln-Way 210 Backs Mokena Downtown TIF Extension to 2044

Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Meeting | May 21, 2026 Article Summary: The Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Board of Education on Thursday, May 21, 2026, voted unanimously...
Shooting outside White House leaves one dead, one injured

Shooting outside White House leaves one dead, one injured

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Two people were shot, including the suspected gunman, in a shooting outside the White House Saturday night. The suspected gunman was shot and killed by...
Bill to let felons vote from prison draws criticism from Republicans

Bill to let felons vote from prison draws criticism from Republicans

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Some Democrats and electoral rights groups want progress on legislation in Springfield that would give people in...
Supreme Court yet to decide high profile cases

Supreme Court yet to decide high profile cases

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Birthright citizenship, transgender athletes in female sports and federal firing powers are among more than two dozen cases yet to be decided by the U.S....
Government spending on seniors' benefits soon to make up majority of federal budget

Government spending on seniors’ benefits soon to make up majority of federal budget

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square More than half of the federal budget will go toward benefits for Americans 65 years and older by 2036, and that percentage is set to...
Screenshot 2026-05-21 at 5.12.39 PM

New Lenox Board Approves $1.02 Million Turf Infill Fix for Sports Complex

Meeting Summary and Briefs: New Lenox Village Board for May 18, 2026 Article Summary: The New Lenox Village Board on Monday, May 18, 2026, approved a not-to-exceed $1,026,930 proposal with...
Illinois Dems seek to expand post-release convict support, housing

Illinois Dems seek to expand post-release convict support, housing

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Lawmakers in Springfield are pushing to pass legislation to provide people recently released from prison with housing,...
$580B federal highway bill clears committee; includes rail safety, EV fees

$580B federal highway bill clears committee; includes rail safety, EV fees

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square A long-awaited bill spending $580 billion on American highways and transportation infrastructure is on track to hit the U.S. House floor for a vote as...
Tennessee smuggling charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia dismissed

Tennessee smuggling charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia dismissed

By Kim JarrettThe Center Square A federal judge dismissed Tennessee charges against a man who, at one time, was at the center of the immigration debate. Kilmar Abrego Garcia was...
NASA reorganizes to accelerate Moon Base, lunar programs

NASA reorganizes to accelerate Moon Base, lunar programs

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square NASA announced a reorganization of the agency Friday, restructuring key mission directorates to accelerate its lunar exploration program even as Congress and the White House...
Gabbard announces resignation, cites personal reasons

Gabbard announces resignation, cites personal reasons

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard announced her resignation Friday afternoon, citing personal reasons. The former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii will remain at her post...