November 24, 2025/

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

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

Suncode Energy Pitches Six-Part Community Solar Project Near Martinsville

Suncode Energy outlined plans for its Summit Project at a public hearing on June 10, presenting a "community solar" model that differs from traditional utility-scale developments. The project, located on...

Meeting Briefs: Clark County Public Hearing for June 10, 2025

County Cites New Ordinance for Solar Hearing: Chairman Rex Goble clarified that the public hearing was required under the county’s new solar siting ordinance. This ordinance was not in place for...

Clark County Residents Challenge Solar Developers on Farmland, Finances, and Future

A public hearing on two proposed solar energy projects became a forum for resident anxieties on Tuesday, June 10, as citizens pressed developers about the long-term impact on prime farmland,...

Schelsky Wins 75th Casey Open in Playoff Thriller

Rich Schelsky of Rockville, IN, smiles after sinking the winning putt in a playoff to capture his first Casey Open title on Sunday. Schelsky shot a...

Casey-Westfield Meeting Summary: Board Saves on Insurance, Approves Major Purchases

The Casey-Westfield CUSD C-4 Board of Education made several significant financial decisions at its June 23, 2025, meeting, including approving a new insurance package that will save over $52,000 and...

Casey-Westfield School Board Adopts Amended Budget, Locks in Fuel Prices

The Casey-Westfield CUSD C-4 Board of Education formally adopted its amended budget for the 2025 fiscal year following a brief public hearing where no comments were offered. The hearing was...

Matt Poss Band Delights Crowd in Casey’s Central Park

The heart of Casey was alive with the sound of southern rock and country music last night, as residents gathered in Central Park for a live performance by the Matt...

Mary Elizabeth “Betty” (Mills) Boyd Hippler

Mary Elizabeth “Betty” (Mills) Boyd Hippler, age 72, of Casey, IL, passed away on Wednesday, July 23, 2025—dancing with friends in Arthur, IL. Betty was born on February 13, 1953,...

Board Approves Over $74,000 in Facility Upgrades, Equipment

The Casey-Westfield CUSD C-4 Board of Education approved a series of proposals Monday totaling over $74,000 for concrete repairs, new kitchen equipment, and HVAC upgrades across multiple district buildings. The...

School District Buys Tractor to Curb Outsourcing Costs, Projects Future Savings

The Casey-Westfield school district is investing in its own maintenance capabilities with the purchase of a compact tractor, a move officials say will reduce costly rentals and contractor fees for...

Casey-Westfield School District to Save Over $52,000 on Insurance Premiums

The Casey-Westfield CUSD C-4 Board of Education approved a new insurance package for the 2025-2026 fiscal year that will save the district more than $52,000 compared to the current year's...

Casey Proposes Electric Rate Hike to Stave Off Deficits; Gas Rates Next Under Review

Casey residents may soon see an increase in their electricity bills as the City Council considers raising rates for the first time in years to combat significant financial losses in...

Casey’s Proposed Budget Jumps 53% to $31 Million, Driven by Grant Opportunities

The Casey City Council has moved forward with a proposed fiscal year 2026 appropriations ordinance totaling over $31.1 million, a staggering 53.5% increase from the previous year. City officials, however,...

Meeting Briefs: Casey City Council for July 21, 2025

Police Department to Upgrade Radios: The City Council unanimously approved the purchase of 10 new portable radios for the police department at a cost of $13,355 from Commercial Radio. Police Chief...

Patrick Randel Simpson

Patrick Randel Simpson Jr, 67, of Casey, Illinois, passed peacefully on July 14, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Born on July 25, 1957, in Terre Haute, Indiana, Pat was the...

« Previous
1
…
101
102
103
104
105
…
110
Next »

Casey Local