Illinois quick hits: Low-income families to get full child support amount

Low-income families to get full child support amount

The Department of Healthcare and Family Services has announced that all child support collected on behalf of Illinois’ low-income families with children who are current or former Temporary Assistance for Needy Families recipients will be passed through to the family and will no longer be retained by the state.

As of July 1, any amount of child support that was collected and retained by the Division of Child Support Services between Jan. 1, 2023 and July 1, 2024, will be passed through to the family. With this change, Illinois will become the first state in the nation to unconditionally ensure all families receive 100% of the child support that is paid.

Rabid bat detected

The Tazewell County Health Department has announced that it found a rabid bat in the county. According to a news release, it is the second year in a row that a bat has tested positive for rabies after another bat tested positive in October of last year.

According to the CDC, rabies is a potentially deadly disease that spreads through bites and scratches from infected animals. The department said pet owners should update their pets’ vaccinations and avoid bats if possible.

West Chicago among 'best places'

Multiple Midwestern towns, including one in Illinois, just ranked among Fortune's "50 Best Places to Live for Families" report for 2024.

The report reviewed more than 2,000 cities nationwide and analyzed approximately 200 data categories across five main themes: education, resources for aging adults, general wellness, financial health and livability.

West Chicago made the report at No. 20, coming in behind Middleton, Wisconsin, at No. 18, and Westfield, Indiana at No. 19.