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

New Lenox Fire District to Launch Comfort Dog Program for First Responders, Community

NEW LENOX – The New Lenox Fire Protection District is adding a four-legged member to its team after the Board of Trustees unanimously approved the creation of a new comfort...

Library’s ‘Studio’ Draws Record Crowds with New Tech and Creative Programs

NEW LENOX – The New Lenox Public Library’s creative hub, The Studio, is experiencing a surge in popularity, shattering attendance records and successfully launching new technology-driven programs, according to a...

D122 to Spend $24,950 on Professional Enrollment Forecast

New Lenox School District 122 will hire an outside firm to conduct a comprehensive, 10-year enrollment forecast at an estimated cost of $24,950. The Board of Education approved an agreement...

Police blue and red flashing light on the car in the street

Manhattan Police Report

Disclaimer: Charges against each defendant are merely an accusation, with all defendants presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. On June 25th, officers stopped Jr. Vrabel, Daniel (44) of Joliet, Illinois...

JJC Trustees Approve Contentious FY26 Budget After Heated Debate, Failed Postponement

The Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees on Wednesday approved a $322.3 million budget for fiscal year 2026, but not before a tense debate that saw a motion to postpone...

Lincoln Way District 210 Approves $2.1 Million Budget Amendment, Maintains Strong Financial Position

Lincoln Way Community High School District 210 board members unanimously approved an amended fiscal year 2025 budget Thursday night that increases the district's operating surplus to $2.1 million while maintaining...

JJC’s ‘12x12x12’ Initiative Boosts College Credits, Increases Matriculation Rate

Joliet Junior College’s ambitious "12x12x12" initiative is yielding significant results, leading to more high school students earning college credits and a greater percentage of them choosing to attend JJC after...

District 210 Approves Administrative Restructuring, Staff Salary Increases

Lincoln Way Community High School District 210 board members approved administrative restructuring and salary increases for non-union clerical support staff during closed session actions Thursday night. The board unanimously approved...

JJC Board Meeting Highlights Tensions Over Legal Bills, Trustee Conduct

An otherwise routine vote to approve monthly bill payments ignited a tense exchange at the Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees meeting Wednesday, revealing ongoing friction over redacted legal invoices,...

Students, Trustees Emphasize Importance of Inclusivity and Flag Raisings at JJC

From a recent graduate’s public plea to trustee remarks on federal policies, the theme of student belonging and inclusivity was a prominent thread at the Joliet Junior College Board of...

L-W School Board June 26 Meeting Briefs

Special Education District Update: The fence installation around the playground at Lincoln Way Area Special Education District 843 has been completed except for one gate section that will allow equipment...

JJC Embarks on New 10-15 Year Facilities Master Plan Process

Joliet Junior College is laying the groundwork for its physical future, officially launching a comprehensive process to create a new facilities master plan that will guide campus development for the...

Meeting Summary: Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees for June 25, 2025

The Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees met on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. Key actions included the approval of the fiscal year 2026 budget after a contentious debate and hearing...

Will County Board Halts Transportation Plan After Contentious 143rd Street Debate

The Will County Board voted Wednesday to send its five-year, multi-million dollar transportation improvement plan back to committee, effectively pausing all projects after a lengthy and heated debate over the...

Will County Board Upholds Zoning Denials, Rejecting Developer Appeals

The Will County Board on Wednesday backed its Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC), denying two separate appeals from property owners who sought to overturn the commission’s recommendations against their projects....

« Previous
1
…
172
173
174
175
176
…
184
Next »