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.
⚠️ Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued June 10 at 8:31PM CDT until June 11 at 1:00AM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Wed Jun 10
88° 60°
Mostly Cloudy then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Reported bomb threat halts flights at Washington Reagan National Airport
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Flights in and out of Washington Reagan National Airport were momentarily halted due to a reported bomb threat on an incoming flight. The app Flight...
22 candidates vying for Illinois’ Democrat, Republican U.S. Senate primaries
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Some of the 22 candidates vying for their party’s nomination for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated...
Trump says SNAP benefits on hold until government reopens
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump said Tuesday that federal food benefits won't go out until the government reopens, a statement at odds with what his administration has...
Number of measles cases grows along Arizona-Utah border
By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square Measles cases have increased on the Arizona-Utah border. An online dashboard operated by the Arizona Department of Health Services shows 111 total cases. Three people...
WATCH: Illinois tax amnesty program closes Nov. 17, brings in $82.5 million
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois Department of Revenue is confident it will meet, if not exceed, its goal of bringing...
Median age for a first-time home buyer hits 40, a record high
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The median age for a first-time home buyer just hit 40, a record high, according to a new report from the National Association of Realtors....
Illinois biz leader: Diversity computer snafu so bad it ‘has to be intentional’
By Jared Strong | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois computer problem that has led to the diversity decertifications of numerous businesses owned by minorities...
WATCH: GOP U.S. Sen. candidate Tracy on shutdown, tariffs; state expands sanctuary
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 talks live with...
Former Vice President Dick Cheney dies
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Dick Cheney, vice president to former President George W. Bush, has died. He was 84. His family was with him Monday evening and said the...
Illinois quick hits: Ceremonies planned for new lawyers; energy efficiency grants announced
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Ceremonies planned for new lawyers Bar admission ceremonies are scheduled across the state Wednesday for the 1,637 people who passed the...
26 states participate in federal SAVE program to ensure only US citizens are voting
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square In less than a few months, 26 states have begun working with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to ensure only U.S. citizens are voting...
Key races across U.S., redistricting at stake as voters head to polls Tuesday
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Governor’s races, city mayoral campaigns and redistricting initiatives will bring voters to the polls on Tuesday for a consequential off-year Election Day. Elections in California,...
Nigeria leaders deny Christian genocide, UN attributes violence to ‘climate change’
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Nigerian leaders continue to deny that Christian genocide has been occurring for years as the United Nation has attributed the violence to “climate change.” Over...
LWSRA Wheelchair Softball Team Takes Second at Nationals; Agency Expands Services
Meeting Summary and Briefs: New Lenox Community Park District Meeting | September 2025 Article Summary: The Lincoln-Way Special Recreation Association (LWSRA) is celebrating a highly successful summer, highlighted by its...
