Illinois quick hits: Human trafficking law signed; Mercyhealth to pay for COVID vaccine discrimination

Illinois quick hits: Human trafficking law signed; Mercyhealth to pay for COVID vaccine discrimination

Spread the love

Human trafficking law signed

Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed legislation requiring state agencies to develop a strategic unified plan to build a network of services for survivors of human trafficking survivors.

According to Illinois State Police, Senate Bill 2323 addresses human trafficking through prevention, intervention and establishing standards for survivor support.

If you suspect human trafficking, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text *233733. You can also email [email protected].

Mercyhealth to pay for COVID vaccine discrimination

Illinois and Wisconsin health care operator Mercyhealth has agreed to pay more than $1 million in monetary relief and offered to reinstate employees who were terminated for refusing to comply with the organization’s COVID-19 vaccine policy.

The settlement follows an investigation by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

The agency’s investigation found reasonable cause to believe that Mercyhealth discriminated against employees based on their religion by terminating their employment or subjecting them to a wage deduction.

Man sentenced for distributing meth

A district judge sentenced a Centralia man to 17 years in prison after he admitted to distributing pound quantities of meth and fentanyl.

Jackie T. Scanlan, 54, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth and fentanyl.

Prosecutors say Scanlan qualified as a career offender for his previous drug trafficking and other felony convictions.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Illinois quick hits: US Steel reopening Granite City furnace; unemployment down slightly

Illinois quick hits: US Steel reopening Granite City furnace; unemployment down slightly

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square US Steel reopening Granite City furnace U.S. Steel says customer demand has driven the company to begin the process of restarting...
WATCH: Gun ban with SCOTUS; ICE enforcement pushback; End of life options bill with gov

WATCH: Gun ban with SCOTUS; ICE enforcement pushback; End of life options bill with gov

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop reviews the status...
Mokena Park District.logo.graphic.5

Park Board Advances Tax Levy Plan and Sets Public Hearing for November

Mokena Community Park District Board Meeting | October 2025 Article Summary: The Mokena Community Park District Board of Commissioners approved a preliminary property tax levy that captures potential new growth...
U.S. Supreme Court takes up Michigan foreclosure case

U.S. Supreme Court takes up Michigan foreclosure case

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square A Michigan family’s decades-long fight over a property seizure will soon be before the U.S. Supreme Court, marking the latest high-stakes challenge to how counties...
Grand jury declines to re-indict Letitia James

Grand jury declines to re-indict Letitia James

By Chris WadeThe Center Square The Justice Department has reportedly failed to secure a new indictment against New York Attorney General Letitia James in a blow to the Trump administration's...
U.S. Supreme Court upholds Texas' new congressional maps

U.S. Supreme Court upholds Texas’ new congressional maps

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday handed Texas a win in a challenge to its new congressional redistricting maps, granting a stay of a lower...
In last four years, five northern states saw most illegal crossings

In last four years, five northern states saw most illegal crossings

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Under the Biden administration, the greatest number of illegal border crossers at the U.S.-Canada border were reported in U.S. history, breaking records nearly every month...
Report: Hegseth violated multiple protocols and federal law in 'Signalgate'

Report: Hegseth violated multiple protocols and federal law in ‘Signalgate’

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square Secretary of War Pete Hegseth violated multiple protocols and federal law in the “Signalgate” affair in March, according to Pentagon watchdog the Office of Inspector...
Illinois quick hits: Another attack on CTA passenger; plaintiffs move to dismiss their ICE use of force case

Illinois quick hits: Another attack on CTA passenger; plaintiffs move to dismiss their ICE use of force case

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Another attack on CTA passenger Illinois House Republicans say the SAFE-T Act continues to fail Illinois residents after a suspect with...
Some push for FDA approval of psychedelic treatments for veterans

Some push for FDA approval of psychedelic treatments for veterans

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square State leaders across the country are pushing for medical trials of the psychedelic drug ibogaine to treat neurological conditions. Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry spoke...

WATCH: Pritzker: ‘No’ to state taxpayer-funded guaranteed income

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he is not planning to follow Cook County by implementing a guaranteed income...

WATCH: IL congresswoman willing to withhold highway dollars over CDL issues

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A Republican congresswoman from Illinois is looking to enforce federal Commercial Drivers License requirements by withholding federal...
Disability group, coroners press governor ahead of assisted suicide decision

Disability group, coroners press governor ahead of assisted suicide decision

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A Chicago-based disability-rights organization is seeking a meeting with Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office as Illinois prepares...
mokena library logo graphic.4

Mokena Library Board Approves Tax Levy Determination with 1.76% Increase

Mokena Community Public Library District Board Meeting | October 28, 2025 Article Summary: The Mokena Community Public Library District Board of Trustees advanced its financial planning for the upcoming year...
Meeting-Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 for November 20, 2025

Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Meeting | November 20, 2025 The Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Board of Education held a busy meeting on Thursday, November 20, 2025,...