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

Class action vs Apple over Face ID scans seeks to unlock big payout

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Apple has been hit with another class action lawsuit under Illinois' stringent biometrics privacy law, this time accusing the tech giant of...

Another fatal ICE shooting, this time in Houston

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Another fatal immigration enforcement shooting has occurred, this time in Houston. The victim was a Mexican national in the country illegally, U.S. Immigration and Customs...

Census shows Illinois under-20 population declining faster than national average

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Recently released data from the U.S. Census Bureau revealed Illinois has seen outsized shifts in its population...

U.S. launches ‘powerful strikes’ against Iran, halts oil sales

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The United States on Tuesday launched a "series of powerful strikes" against Iran in response to attacks on three tankers in the Strait of Hormuz....

Trump praises Erdoğan, pressures Europe on NATO and defense

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square President Donald Trump remained icy toward key European leaders at the NATO Summit Tuesday, though he had nothing but good things to say about Turkish...

Installation of Big Bend border wall set for August in Texas

By Robert MattesonThe Center Square U.S. Customs and Border Protection is preparing to begin border wall panel installation in Texas’ Big Bend region, part of which borders Big Bend Ranch...

Chicago mayor to Trump: “Consider this a call”

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is calling on President Donald Trump to fight violence the mayor’s way. During...

Chicago aldermen latest calling for US attorney’s ouster over ‘Broadview Six’ case

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A federal prosecutor in Illinois is facing additional calls for his resignation this week by public officials,...

Trump demands Republicans attach voter ID bill to $350 billion for Pentagon

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square As congressional Republicans recuperate from weeks of disrupted work, President Donald Trump is doubling down on two policy goals consider long-shots by observers: an extra...

Appeals court hears arguments in religious contraception case

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit weighed arguments on Tuesday over mandating religious organizations who object to provide access to contraceptives through...

Illinois Quick Hits: New round of EV charging funds announced

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois Department of Transportation says about $30 million of funding is available for new electric vehicle...

Arrests made during operation targeting India-based gangs

By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square An international crackdown on India-based organized crime gangs has resulted in 24 arrests in the U.S., Canada and Europe. Eleven of the defendants are in...

Seven more counties consider separation, creating new state

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square0 – Voters in seven Illinois counties have a chance to join 33 others that approved referendums to consider...

DHS: Minnesota pardon could ‘thwart’ deportation of criminal illegal

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is criticizing Minnesota’s Board of Pardons after it issued a pardon for a criminal illegal immigrant ahead of his...

Democratic attorneys general oppose latest round of tariffs

By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square California Attorney General Rob Bonta is co-leading a coalition to oppose the Trump administration’s proposed tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974....

« Previous
1
…
13
14
15
16
17
…
213
Next »