Illinois quick hits: Human trafficking law signed; Mercyhealth to pay for COVID vaccine discrimination
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.
Latest News Stories
Will County Saves Nearly $5.74 Million in Bond Refinancing, Explores Future Borrowing Options
Will County Board Advances New Speed Limits in Green Garden and Frankfort Townships
New Lenox Garage Variance Denied After Neighbor Cites ‘Massive’ Scale and Neighborhood Impact
JJC Celebrates “Future Wolves” Partnerships with Joliet and Troy School Districts
State Veto Session Passes Energy Bill Limiting County Zoning, Approves Toll Hike for Mass Transit
Voting rights group warns CA redistricting push could undermine trust in IL
Chicago downtown office space vacancy rate jumps to record high levels
Mokena Announces Proposed 2025 Property Tax Levy of $2.3 Million
Commission Approves Peotone-Area Farmhouse Split, Overruling Staff’s “Spot Zoning” Concerns
Will County Finance Committee Hits Impasse on 2025 Tax Levy, Postpones Budget Votes
Mokena Library to Get a Facelift with New Native Plant Landscaping
Federal court backs union on feds’ partisan emails