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Thousands lose Medicaid coverage in Illinois after pandemic provision ends

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:00:22 GMT

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) -- More than 47,000 people in Illinois have lost their Medicaid coverage after a pandemic-era extension on their eligibility ended last week.The federal government paused the yearly renewal process because of the public health emergency, keeping people on Medicaid throughout the pandemic. But now, the renewal process is restarting, and people have to show they are still eligible."Everybody kind of has to get back in the groove again, of knowing that they need to watch for letters from the state, have their eligibility checked again," said Stephanie Altman of the Shriver Center on Poverty Law. "And a lot of people have either never done it before, so they don't know how, or have forgotten." Millions at risk of losing Medicaid coverage as pandemic provision ends The Illinois Department of Family and Health Services started to send out renewal notices as the pause came to an end. Of the 47,000 who lost coverage, 13,000 were no longer eligible, but 34,000 eith...

Oak Grove wildfire estimated at 400 acres, 90% contained; 1 home destroyed

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:00:22 GMT

HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — At least one home and numerous outbuildings were destroyed along with multiple homes evacuated after a wildfire in Hays County started Saturday. Officials said no more evacuations were in place Sunday. Officials started responding to the fire, named the Oak Grove Fire, shortly after 3 p.m. Saturday, according to the Hays County Office of Emergency Services website. PHOTOS: Oak Grove Fire burns in Hays County The fire was first reported to be near Oak Grove Road near San Marcos. It is estimated at 400 acres and 90% contained according to an update to the Texas A&M Forest Service wildfire map just after 7 p.m. Monday.Photos show aftermath of Oak Grove Fire in Hays County, Aug. 7, 2023. (KXAN Photo/Jala Washington)Photos show aftermath of Oak Grove Fire in Hays County, Aug. 7, 2023. (KXAN Photo/Jala Washington)Photos show aftermath of Oak Grove Fire in Hays County, Aug. 7, 2023. (KXAN Photo/Jala Washington)Photos show aftermath of Oak Grove Fire in Hay...

‘It’s been a helluva ride’: Matt Dumba reflects on past decade with Wild

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:00:22 GMT

Not long after his 1-year, $3.9 million deal with the Arizona Coyotes became official on Monday morning, Matt Dumba got a phone call from Jonas Brodin.The pair grew up together with the Wild — literally and figuratively — and the news signaled the end of an era in Minnesota.Now, after more than a decade together, on the ice as defensive partners and off the ice as best friends, Dumba and Brodin have to navigate life apart.“He was kind of putting it in perspective,” Dumba said. “You know, from 17 or 18 years old, we did everything together.”That’s going to be the most difficult part for Dumba moving forward. As excited as he is about what lies ahead, a big piece of his heart will always be in Minnesota. That won’t change even now that he’s in Arizona.“It’s been a helluva ride,” Dumba said. “I’m so thankful for it.”After being selected by the Wild in the first round of the 2012 NHL Draft, Dumba quickly established himself as a fan favorite. He...

Once non-tendered by Tigers, Willi Castro showing his value for Twins

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:00:22 GMT

DETROIT — Willi Castro was surprised, he admitted this spring, when the Detroit Tigers non-tendered him. He allowed himself to feel bad for a couple of days. And then he assessed the other opportunities in front of him, knowing he would have to come into spring training fighting for a roster spot.He chose Minnesota, and if not for a couple of injuries — Jorge Polanco and Alex Kirilloff began the season on the injured list — Castro would not have been in line to make the Twins’ Opening Day roster.And if he hadn’t, it’s very possible that he never would have turned into such an important member of the team.“They told me I was obviously going to go and fight for a spot,” Castro said. “I knew I had to go prepare. I just think I worked a lot in the offseason to get to that spot and just focus on … wherever they’re going to put me, I’m going to get the job done.”The switch hitter has become a jack of all trades for the Twins. One day he might be in left field. The next day he ...

Loons’ Micky Tapias was cool, collected before he won Leagues Cup shootout

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:00:22 GMT

Minnesota United manager Adrian Heath doesn’t pencil in which players might participate in possible penalty kick shootouts.“Not a big believer in ‘you five (players) are talking the penalties’ because so much can happen in 90 minutes,” Heath shared Monday. He mentioned how a player’s mental and physical state over the course of a match can change any well-laid plans.Heath, however, suggests his best shooters to go in the first, fourth and fifth slots. That’s why Emanuel Reynoso led off and Bongi Hlongwane went fourth in the penalty-kick shootout against the Columbus Crew on Friday.It was three other PK takers who led the way. Fill-in fullback Joseph Rosales and center backs Michael Boxall and Micky Tapias took the best shots in the Leagues Cup round of 32 match, and each scored in the 4-3 victory.With a spot in the round of 16 on the line, Tapias went sixth and he cooly slotted his left-footed shot in the bottom left corner. He said via club translator Marleine Cal...

Zach Allen’s non-stop motor shows up early at Broncos training camp: “It’s the way the game is meant to be played”

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:00:22 GMT

After choosing Zach Allen over Dre’Mont Jones in free agency this offseason, the Broncos are banking on Allen’s signature motor to propel their defensive line in his first season in Denver.Allen signed a three-year, $45.75 million free-agent deal with the Broncos last spring, and head coach Sean Payton says Allen is playing up to his paycheck in the first couple weeks of training camp.“He’s smart, he’s in the right gap, he’s consistent,” Payton said. “We had a player in New Orleans, (now Bengals defensive end) Trey Hendrickson, who just was a handful on each snap, full energy and effort, and Zach’s that way.“Down-in, down-out, he’s really consistent and it takes a lot of energy, especially when you’re playing inside (on the line) to play that way. He’s got really good stamina.”Allen, officially signed a day before Jones inked his three-year, $51.53 million deal with Seattle, played his first four seasons with the Cardinals ...

Why fast-food dining rooms are so quiet these days

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:00:22 GMT

If it seems as if fast-food dining rooms are emptier than they used to be, it's because they are.Dine-in customers now represent less than 10% of all sales at McDonald’s restaurants compared to roughly 25% before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday.The shift was already underway before the pandemic with more fast-food customers opting for drive-thru, take-out or delivery.Across all U.S. fast-food chains, dining-in represented 14% of orders through the first five months of 2023, the WSJ reported, citing data from market research firm Circana. That percentage was around 21% just before the pandemic, and 22% in 2015.For the most part, restaurant chains welcome the trend since to-go orders are more profitable and efficient to handle, and reduce the work needed to keep dining areas clean.“You don’t necessarily need the big dining rooms that you needed in our traditional restaurants,” McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski said during an investor cal...

What is bed rotting...and is it actually good for you?

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:00:22 GMT

It may sound like a painful medical condition, but the TikTok trend of "bed rotting" is actually a form of self-care, some claim.The practice involves spending the day in bed, scrolling through social media, binge-streaming one's favorite shows, sleeping or doing other relaxing activities."Younger generations are really embracing this concept of soft living, being able to live a more stress-free life," according to one TikTok video, which shows a young woman in a gray sweater lying in bed, a calico cat kneading her back. "It's time with yourself and your loved ones in bed and it's intentional. So we're definitely for it."At least one sleep scientist is fully on board."There's a new trend called bed rotting, and it's actually perfect," PhD candidate Vanessa Hill said in a TikTok video. "Bed rotting is when they do literally nothing but lay in bed. It's the end of optimization, and anti-productivity because you are wasting away under a blanket and the nothingness is your best life. I'...

The Highland Serenade: An Intrepid Adventure Hopping Isles in Scotland’s Inner and Outer Hebrides

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:00:22 GMT

As the wind whips against the rugged cliffs and the ocean whispers stories of old, the islands of the Inner and Outer Hebrides off the west coast of Scotland exude an almost mythical charm. This vast expanse of islands, each with their own unique allure, offers an unforgettable experience for those willing to veer off the beaten track.Beginning the Journey: The Isle of SkyeSkye, the largest of the Inner Hebrides, is a feast for the senses with its dramatic landscapes that change as quickly as the Scottish weather. Traverse through the magical Fairy Pools in Glen Brittle or dare to challenge the towering Old Man of Storr, and you’ll quickly realise that Skye has a peculiar way of seeping into your soul.A Castle Suspended in Time: Dunvegan CastleWhile in Skye, a visit to Dunvegan Castle is a must. Dating back to the 13th century, it is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. Each stone and tapestry is drenched in history, offering a captivating window into the clan-domin...

Flight Connections for Adventure Travel: Reaching Remote Regions of Iceland

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:00:22 GMT

Iceland, with its diverse landscapes of volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, and geysers, offers a unique playground for adventure seekers. From the iconic Golden Circle to the remote Westfjords, this Nordic island nation boasts an array of awe-inspiring destinations waiting to be explored. As travellers plan their Icelandic adventures, they often wonder about the best flight connections to reach remote regions and flight tickets to Iceland. In this article, we will delve into the various flight options available, connecting travellers to the most breathtaking and off-the-beaten-path locations in Iceland.Keflavik International Airport: The Gateway to IcelandFor most international travellers, their journey to Iceland begins at Keflavik International Airport (KEF). Located about 50 kilometres (31 miles) southwest of Reykjavik, KEF is Iceland’s primary international airport and serves as the main entry point for visitors from around the world.The airport offers numerous flight connec...