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 2:40PM CDT until June 10 at 10:00PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Today Jun 9
90° 70°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Latest News Stories
ISU’s union says it cheaper to negotiate than paying
By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois State University support employees have entered their fourth week on strike this week as more state...
Iran conflict, refinery disruption play roles as Illinois gas price passes $4.50
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gas prices have surged in Illinois, and an American Automobile Association spokesperson says several factors are to...
Lockport Pitching Shines in Combined One-Hitter to Secure 5-3 Victory Over Lincoln-Way Central
Despite committing five defensive errors that led to three unearned runs, the Lockport varsity baseball team relied on a dominant combined one-hitter and a timely offensive surge to defeat Lincoln-Way...
Illinois Quick Hits: Ex-East St. Louis librarian sentenced for fraud, theft
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The former director of the East St. Louis public library has been sentenced to 15 months in...
Lincoln-Way Central Auxiliary Field to Get $463,875 Artificial Turf Upgrade
Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Meeting | April 16, 2026 Article Summary: The Board of Education approved the purchase of artificial turf from FieldTurf USA for $463,875.62, which will...
New Lenox 122 Authorizes $1 Million iPad Refresh for Middle Grades
New Lenox School District 122 Meeting | March 19, 2026 Article Summary: The Board of Education authorized a massive technology purchase, allocating over $1 million to refresh the district's aging fleet...
House committee advances FISA, farm, budget to floor vote
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. House Rules committee, in a 9-4 vote, advanced the farm bill, FISA extension and Senate-passed budget resolution to the House floor for a...
Comey indicted on charges of making threats against the president
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Former FBI Director James Comey could face up to 20 years in prison following an indictment on two felony counts, with the Department of Justice...
Southwest worker wins $1M judgment against union in religious discrimination case
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Nine years after suing, a flight attendant won her case against Southwest Airlines and the Transport Workers Union after she was fired for opposing union...
Prosecutors probe past comments of man charged in correspondents’ dinner attack
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Federal prosecutors plan to dig into past comments made by the man accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump at the White House Correspondents'...
Age checks, algorithm regulations proposed to shield Illinois kids online
By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Children’s safety online has been an issue of interest for lawmakers in Springfield this year, with dozens...
King Charles defends U.S., NATO alliance during address to Congress
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square In honor of the United States’ 250th birthday, King Charles III delivered a joint address in Congress Tuesday afternoon, highlighting the bond between the U.S....
Chinese national indicted in COVID-era hacking scheme extradited to Texas
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square A years-long effort has resulted in the extradition of a Chinese national facing multiple espionage charges in Houston. Chinese national Xu Zewei was extradited to...
