A woman has been sentenced for engaging in child care fraud.
The owner of multiple child care centers in northern Illinois has been sentenced to four years in federal prison after being involved in a scheme to fraudulently obtain over $3.3 million in state subsidies. These subsidies were originally intended to help low-income families with child care expenses.
Aleesha McDowell was the owner of child care centers in Chicago and Calumet City. According to prosecutors, McDowell was involved in a scheme where she collaborated with the directors of her centers to defraud the Illinois Department of Human Services Child Care Assistance Program. This was done by submitting applications that contained false information.
The tax deadline is quickly approaching.
The deadline for filing 2023 state individual income tax returns is quickly approaching, and the Illinois Department of Revenue wants to remind taxpayers about it. Since the 2024 tax season officially started on January 29, the agency has been diligently collecting and processing returns. Taxpayers have until Monday, April 15, to submit their returns.
If a taxpayer files their return electronically without any errors, they can expect to receive a direct deposit refund within about four weeks. In 2023, the Illinois Department of Revenue received a total of nearly 6.2 million IL-1040 returns. Out of those returns, over 90% (approximately 5.6 million) were filed electronically.
Botulism warning issued
A warning has been issued regarding botulism, a rare but serious illness caused by a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The warning highlights the potential dangers of consuming improperly processed or stored food. Botulism can lead to paralysis and even death if left untreated.
The bacteria that causes botulism can be found in soil, water, and on certain plants. It can also contaminate food if not handled or processed correctly. Bacteria can multiply and produce toxins in certain conditions, such as when food is stored in anaerobic (oxygen-free) environments.
Symptoms of botulism may include blurred or double vision, difficulty swallowing or speaking, muscle weakness, and respiratory problems. It is important to seek medical attention immediately if these symptoms occur after consuming potentially contaminated food.
To prevent botulism, it is crucial to follow proper food handling and storage practices. This includes thoroughly cooking food, properly canning or preserving food, and storing food at the correct temperatures. It is also important to be aware of the signs of spoilage, such as bulging or leaking cans, foul odors, or changes in color or texture.
In conclusion, botulism is a serious illness that can be prevented by following proper food safety guidelines. It is important to be aware of the risks and take necessary precautions to protect yourself and others from this potentially life-threatening condition.
The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued an alert to healthcare facilities and hospital emergency departments to be extra vigilant in identifying patients displaying symptoms resembling botulism. This caution comes in response to two reported cases in Illinois where individuals received injections of Botox or a potentially counterfeit product in LaSalle County.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is collaborating with the LaSalle County Health Department and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to investigate the cluster.