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 Lenox D122 Board Approves Nearly $300,000 for Summer Maintenance Projects
The New Lenox School District 122 Board of Education has approved a comprehensive list of 56 maintenance and capital improvement projects to be completed over the summer, allocating a total...
New Lenox Fire District to Launch Comfort Dog Program for First Responders, Community
NEW LENOX – The New Lenox Fire Protection District is adding a four-legged member to its team after the Board of Trustees unanimously approved the creation of a new comfort...
Library’s ‘Studio’ Draws Record Crowds with New Tech and Creative Programs
NEW LENOX – The New Lenox Public Library’s creative hub, The Studio, is experiencing a surge in popularity, shattering attendance records and successfully launching new technology-driven programs, according to a...
D122 to Spend $24,950 on Professional Enrollment Forecast
New Lenox School District 122 will hire an outside firm to conduct a comprehensive, 10-year enrollment forecast at an estimated cost of $24,950. The Board of Education approved an agreement...
JJC Trustees Approve Contentious FY26 Budget After Heated Debate, Failed Postponement
The Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees on Wednesday approved a $322.3 million budget for fiscal year 2026, but not before a tense debate that saw a motion to postpone...
Lincoln Way District 210 Approves $2.1 Million Budget Amendment, Maintains Strong Financial Position
Lincoln Way Community High School District 210 board members unanimously approved an amended fiscal year 2025 budget Thursday night that increases the district's operating surplus to $2.1 million while maintaining...
JJC’s ‘12x12x12’ Initiative Boosts College Credits, Increases Matriculation Rate
Joliet Junior College’s ambitious "12x12x12" initiative is yielding significant results, leading to more high school students earning college credits and a greater percentage of them choosing to attend JJC after...
District 210 Approves Administrative Restructuring, Staff Salary Increases
Lincoln Way Community High School District 210 board members approved administrative restructuring and salary increases for non-union clerical support staff during closed session actions Thursday night. The board unanimously approved...
JJC Board Meeting Highlights Tensions Over Legal Bills, Trustee Conduct
An otherwise routine vote to approve monthly bill payments ignited a tense exchange at the Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees meeting Wednesday, revealing ongoing friction over redacted legal invoices,...
Students, Trustees Emphasize Importance of Inclusivity and Flag Raisings at JJC
From a recent graduate’s public plea to trustee remarks on federal policies, the theme of student belonging and inclusivity was a prominent thread at the Joliet Junior College Board of...
L-W School Board June 26 Meeting Briefs
Special Education District Update: The fence installation around the playground at Lincoln Way Area Special Education District 843 has been completed except for one gate section that will allow equipment...
JJC Embarks on New 10-15 Year Facilities Master Plan Process
Joliet Junior College is laying the groundwork for its physical future, officially launching a comprehensive process to create a new facilities master plan that will guide campus development for the...
Meeting Summary: Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees for June 25, 2025
The Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees met on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. Key actions included the approval of the fiscal year 2026 budget after a contentious debate and hearing...
