Illinois

Illinois' largest government childcare subsidy excludes thousands, investigation found

Published

1 year ago

June 14, 2025

Illinois' largest government childcare subsidy excludes thousands, investigation found

CHICAGO (WLS) — Childcare has become one of the biggest line items in a family’s budget, with its costs growing faster than any other household expense in recent decades. But for many Illinois parents, that cost comes with little to no help from state programs, meant to ease the burden.

The Child Care Assistance Program, also known as CCAP, is the largest government childcare subsidy. It significantly reduces monthly costs for families, and it can be an essential source of income for childcare businesses, particularly in Cook County. However, it doesn’t provide enough relief for many families and providers, an Illinois Answers Project investigation found.

While Illinois infuses hundreds of millions of dollars a year into childcare programs, strict eligibility requirements and limitations exclude tens of thousands of families. The issue – forcing many families to make difficult life, financial and career decisions.

To read the full investigation by the Illinois Answers Project, visit illinoisanswers.org.

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Illinois

Illinois woman dies in ATV crash near Big Rapids, deputies say

Published

10 hours ago

July 19, 2026

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Illinois woman dies in ATV crash near Big Rapids, deputies say

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Illinois

4 shot in Rockford, suspect in custody; police ask public to avoid area

Published

22 hours ago

July 18, 2026

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4 shot in Rockford, suspect in custody; police ask public to avoid area

ByABC7 Chicago Digital Team

Saturday, July 18, 2026 11:43AM

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WLS) — Rockford police are investigating a quadruple shooting on Saturday.

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The shooting happened near Island and Clifton Avenues, police said.

Police said four people were shot. All injuries appeared to be non-life-threatening, police said.

The shooting suspect was in police custody.

No other information was immediately available.

The public is asked to avoid the area as they continue to investigate.

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Illinois

Produce Recall Issued In Parasite Outbreak Hitting IL

Published

1 day ago

July 18, 2026

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Produce Recall Issued In Parasite Outbreak Hitting IL

A number of Taco Bell locations have posted signs announcing they are “currently unable to sell Lettuce, Cilantro Onion, Pico de Gallo, and Guacamole due to a nationwide recall,” according to Detroit-area news radio outlet WWJ.

Taco Bell told the Post it would keep monitoring the situation and follow authorities’ guidance.

Taco Bell Lettuce Linked To Growing MI Parasite Outbreak: FDA

“Public health officials have not confirmed a link to Taco Bell or any specific ingredient, supplier, restaurant or retailer,” the company told the Post. “While authorities continue their broader review, Taco Bell has voluntarily and temporarily removed limited ingredients at select restaurants as a precautionary measure.”

In Michigan, where cases have been concentrated, media reports said notices were posted at some Detroit-area Taco Bell restaurants last week telling customers the chain was “currently unable to sell Lettuce, Cilantro-Onion, Pico de Gallo, and Guacamole due to a nationwide recall.”

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