Illinois quick hits: Medicaid coverage for parental home visits; 'Trouble in Toyland' report

Illinois quick hits: Medicaid coverage for parental home visits; ‘Trouble in Toyland’ report

November 24, 2025/
Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Medicaid coverage for parental home visits

The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services has launched new Medicaid coverage of home visiting services for pregnant and parenting customers.

Covered prenatal home visits include health education, blood pressure monitoring, behavioral health screenings, domestic and intimate partner violence education, stress management and more.

IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said the expanded Medicaid coverage is a critical step in the agency’s mission to improve health outcomes.

‘Trouble in Toyland’ report

The Trouble in Toyland 2025 report is out ahead of the holiday shopping season and it raises concerns around hidden dangers in toys.

The Public Interest Research Group’s Education Fund released the 40th annual report Monday and highlights AI toys with privacy concerns and explicit content, toys with lead from other countries and water beads, something the group says is a longtime threat.

Construction lanes to open

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced Monday that lanes that have been closed for construction will reopen, where possible, for the long Thanksgiving weekend to minimize travel disruption.

Non-emergency closures will be suspended from 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, to 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Census Bureau plans 2030 count as 2020 lawsuit continues

Census Bureau plans 2030 count as 2020 lawsuit continues

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The Census Bureau is planning for 2030, making decisions that will shape the distribution of federal funding that topped $2.8 trillion in fiscal year 2021,...
Support broadens beyond Harris, Newsom in Democratic primary poll

Support broadens beyond Harris, Newsom in Democratic primary poll

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square While former Vice President and presidential hopeful Kamala Harris remains the Democratic frontrunner for 2028, according to new polling, her support, and that for California...
Exclusive: Group warns labor bill allows govt takeover of union contract negotiations

Exclusive: Group warns labor bill allows govt takeover of union contract negotiations

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Bipartisan legislation meant to speed up first-time union contracts would promote efficiency but also erode both employee and employer rights, a labor policy group argues....
Green Garden Township Meeting June 8 2026

Green Garden Township Tables Road District Loan Decision, Receives Solar Project Lawsuit Update

By Andrea Arens GREEN GARDEN TOWNSHIP — Road funding, a proposed debt forgiveness plan, a major solar project lawsuit, and the long-awaited town hall renovation project were among the topics...
America 250: National Archives bringing founding documents to cities nationwide

America 250: National Archives bringing founding documents to cities nationwide

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Multiple events are being held in the nation’s capital on July 4 celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States. Not everyone will be able...
House passes Mary Miller's bill to stop childcare fraud

House passes Mary Miller’s bill to stop childcare fraud

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed legislation sponsored by U.S. Rep. Mary Miller, R-Ill., aimed...
Gun rights, immigration to be decided at the U.S. Supreme Court

Gun rights, immigration to be decided at the U.S. Supreme Court

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Several high profile cases on gun rights and immigration policy have yet to be decided by the U.S. Supreme Court as the court's current term...
POLL: Two years, out, Vance remains clear frontrunner for 2028 GOP primary

POLL: Two years, out, Vance remains clear frontrunner for 2028 GOP primary

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square Two years out from the 2028 presidential primary season, Vice President JD Vance remains the clear frontrunner for the 2028 Republican presidential primary, the top...
Poll spells disaster for Republicans in 2026 midterms

Poll spells disaster for Republicans in 2026 midterms

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Five months out from the 2026 midterm elections, Republicans’ chances of maintaining control of Congress appear grim, new polling shows. The Center Square’s newest Voters’...
California sues over construction of alleged ICE facility

California sues over construction of alleged ICE facility

By Madeline ShannonThe Center Square California is suing U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement and other federal agencies to stop construction of what plaintiffs say is an ICE holding facility near...
Tax tribunal to remain funded

Tax tribunal to remain funded

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square T(The Center Square) – An independent tribunal created to resolve taxpayer disputes with the Illinois Department of Revenue is expected to...
Illinois Quick Hits: Surveys continue after tornadoes, severe weather

Illinois Quick Hits: Surveys continue after tornadoes, severe weather

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Survey teams have been assessing storm damage after severe weather impacted parts of Illinois and surrounding states...
Trump floats USMCA exit; Midwest motorists, refineries could see hardship

Trump floats USMCA exit; Midwest motorists, refineries could see hardship

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – President Donald Trump signaled he doesn’t intend to renew a trade agreement with Mexico and Canada, which...
Presidential poll numbers show Pritzker at 2%

Presidential poll numbers show Pritzker at 2%

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A new public opinion poll says Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker remains low on the list of voters’...
Political heavyweights look toward November in Silver State

Political heavyweights look toward November in Silver State

By Liam HibbertThe Center Square Some of Nevada's biggest candidates, fresh off primary election victories, have already turned their attention to the general election in November. The state's primary on...