August 22, 2025/
WATCH: IL child welfare interns debate heats up; state financial audit released
(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 11 at 11:21PM CDT until June 12 at 2:00AM CDT by NWS Lincoln IL
Thu Jun 11
80° 61°
Sunny
Latest News Stories
Illinois library staff to be trained with overdose antidotes under new law
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Starting next year, Illinois public libraries must stock opioid overdose antidotes and train staff, a move...
Illinois quick hits: Driver’s blood alcohol over legal limit; Fed survey shows growth below trend
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Driver's blood alcohol over legal limit The Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office says toxicology results show that a Guatemalan national’s blood-alcohol level...
Trump relays words from Charlie Kirk: ‘Please sir, save Chicago’
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – President Donald Trump says Charlie Kirk asked him to save Chicago. The president addressed tens of thousands...
Illinois quick hits: Edgar remembered at funeral service; Iranian charged for re-entry of removed alien
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Edgar remembered at funeral service Gov. J.B. Pritzker says former Gov. Jim Edgar had a unique ability to bring people together...
Casey-Westfield Dominates, Remains Undefeated with 38-14 Win Over Robinson
By Terri Cox The Casey-Westfield Warriors showcased their dominance in the second quarter, overcoming an early deficit to secure a commanding 38-14 Little Illini Conference victory over the Robinson Maroons...
WATCH: Appeals court hears gun ban today; Edgar, Kirk memorialized
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 previews some of...
Lake Land College Adopts Stricter Hazing Policy in Line with New Federal Law
Article Summary: Lake Land College has updated its Student Code of Conduct to include more stringent anti-hazing rules, a move mandated by the recently enacted federal Stop Campus Hazing Act....
School Board Approves New Hires, Accepts Resignations and Retirement
Article Summary: The Casey-Westfield Board of Education approved several staffing changes Monday, including hiring a new elementary interventionist and filling two other roles. The board also accepted four resignations and...
Lake Land College Board Approves $117.7 Million Operating Budget for FY 2026
Article Summary: The Lake Land College Board of Trustees unanimously approved a $117.7 million operating budget for the 2026 fiscal year during its meeting on Monday. The budget was adopted...
District Lands $98,950 Grant for New Student Chromebooks
Article Summary: The Casey-Westfield school district has been awarded a $98,950 state grant to purchase new Chromebooks for Monroe Elementary students. The funding, part of the SRTL program, will bolster...
Wilford “Rex” Hickox, 98
Wilford "Rex" Hickox, 98, of Yale, Illinois, passed away at 6:40 a.m. on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at Simple Blessings, Casey, Illinois. Born on November 6, 1926, in Stevens County,...
Richard Alan Darr, 50
Richard Alan Darr, fondly known as Rick, 50, passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 14, 2025. Born on August 2, 1975, in Champaign, Illinois, Rick lived a life...
Illinois’ gun ban set for oral arguments in appeals court Monday
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The state of Illinois will be defending its gun and magazine ban Monday in front of the...
