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NewsThe Center Square — IllinoisJune 30, 2026United States

Illinois News Update: Tolls, Child Care Costs, and Housing Projects

This report covers proposed toll increases in Illinois, state rankings for child care costs, and the start of a new taxpayer-funded housing project in Chicago. It also includes a reminder from the Illinois Department of Transportation regarding roadside mowing season.

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Read the full story at The Center Square — Illinois

Why It Matters

Residents may face higher travel costs due to proposed toll hikes, while families continue to navigate high child care expenses and the city of Chicago expands its housing development initiatives.

Key Facts

  • Illinois currently ranks 5th in the U.S. for toll burden at $15.19 per 1,000 miles.
  • The Illinois Tollway has proposed a 45-cent increase per toll for standard IPASS users.
  • The Illinois Tollway has proposed a 30% rate hike for commercial IPASS users.
  • Illinois ranks 14th nationally for highest child care costs.
  • Illinois ranks 7th nationally for highest child care costs for single-parent families.
  • Illinois families spend 8.3% of median married-couple income on family-based care and 13.2% on center-based care.
  • Chicago broke ground on a $6.5 million apartment project in North Lawndale.
  • The North Lawndale project uses $4 million in taxpayer funds from a $1.25 billion housing and economic development bond.
  • The North Lawndale project will replace 8 vacant lots with 27 mid-density homes.
  • The Johnson administration has secured approval for over 100 'Missing Middle' buildings containing over 300 homes.
  • Total project costs for the 'Missing Middle' initiative exceed $11 million.
  • IDOT roadside mowing will continue through August 15 to protect pollinator habitats.

Who's Mentioned

organizationWalletHub“Published a report on state child care costs.”organizationIllinois Tollway“Proposed toll increases for IPASS users.”personBrandon Johnson“Mayor of Chicago; his administration is overseeing housing projects.”locationNorth Lawndale“Chicago neighborhood where new housing is being built.”organizationIllinois Department of Transportation“Managing roadside mowing operations.”organizationDeHoyos Accident Attorneys“Conducted a study on U.S. toll burdens.”