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.

Latest News Stories

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee for January 7, 2026

Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting | January 7, 2026 Overall Meeting SummaryThe Will County Board Public Health and Safety Committee met on Wednesday, January 7, 2026,...

Supreme Court ruling allows Bost to challenge Illinois election law

By Catrina Baker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A U.S. Supreme Court ruling clears the way for U.S. Rep. Mike Bost to challenge Illinois’...

Illinois quick hits: Illinois auto insurance rates dropping

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Illinois auto insurance rates dropping A new report says Illinois auto insurers are lowering premiums by 4.26% in 2026 while providers...

SCOTUS rules on warrantless searches, double convictions and election suits

By Andrew Rice | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) - The U.S. Supreme Court decided three cases Wednesday about political candidates' standing to sue, warrantless searches, and...

WATCH: Legislator raises red flag over Illinois tax funds for group encouraging ICE protests

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois legislator is raising concerns about state taxpayer funds going to an organization he says is...

Bill filed to address loss of homes, equity over property tax debt

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A Democratic state lawmaker has filed a bill to address the Illinois practice of county governments seizing...

Illinois congresswoman files impeachment articles against Noem

By Catrina Baker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Politicians around the country are backing calls to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, as Congresswoman...

U.S. Supreme Court allows IL rep to sue over late ballots

By Andrew Rice | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) - The U.S. Supreme Court, in a 7-2 decision, said an Illinois congressman has the right to sue...

IL advocates warn permanent mail-in ballots could be exploited

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois election integrity advocates are raising concerns about the state’s permanent mail-in ballot program in the...

Illinois Quick Hits: State spends $87M on ISU fine arts project

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker joined officials at Illinois State University on Tuesday to break ground on the...

Executive Committee: Relaxes Rules for Retiring Employee Proclamations

Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | January 8, 2026 Article Summary: The Executive Committee voted to amend county board rules to allow proclamations honoring retiring county employees to pass...

Lobbyist Updates: State Session Resumes; Transit Safety Concerns Raised

Will County Board Legislative Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Article Summary: State lobbyists briefed the Will County Legislative Committee on the upcoming General Assembly session, noting a likely focus...

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Finance Committee for January 6, 2026

Will County Board Finance Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Meeting SummaryThe Will County Board Finance Committee met on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, to handle a light agenda of routine...

Watershed Committee Vows Litigation if County Approves Massive Earthrise Solar Project

Green Garden Township Board Meeting | January 12, 2026 Article Summary: The Green Garden Township Board received a stark warning regarding the proposed Earthrise solar facility, with the Watershed Committee...

Capital Imp Committee: Facilities Director Reports on VAC Progress and Critical Health Department Elevator Repairs

Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Article Summary:Facilities Director Bill Fern provided updates on major renovation projects, including the completion of the Court Annex and the...

« Previous
1
…
76
77
78
79
80
…
166
Next »