Illinois Quick Hits: Opioid overdose deaths decline in Cook County

Illinois Quick Hits: Opioid overdose deaths decline in Cook County

Spread the love

(The Center Square0 – Opioid overdose deaths are down for the third straight year in Chicago and suburban Cook County.

According to a report released by the Cook County Department of Public Health, Chicago Department of Public Health and the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office, 1,138 people in Cook County died from an opioid-involved overdose in 2024, compared to 1,783 people in 2023 and 1,961 in 2022.

Chicago’s opioid overdose mortality rate of 28.7 per 100,000 in 2024 exceeded the state of Illinois’ rate of 14.6 and the nation’s rate of 17.9, according to the CDC.

REPORT: ILLINOIS 10TH FOR DEPORTATION-DRIVEN ECONOMIC DISRUPTION

A new report says Illinois ranks 10th in the nation for economic vulnerability to mass deportation, with unauthorized immigrants making up 6.2% of the labor force and 28% of all foreign-born residents.

The Mendoza Law Firm says Illinois’s reliance score of 64.8 out of 100 outpaces every Midwest neighbor.

Nevada ranked as the most economically-exposed state, with unauthorized immigrants making up 9.1% of the labor force.

BANNOCKBURN-BASED COMPANY SETTLES EEOC SUIT

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has announced that Bannockburn-based Option Care Enterprises, Inc. will pay $50,000 and furnish other relief to settle a pregnancy discrimination lawsuit.

The EEOC says one of the infusion therapy services provider’s Massachusetts locations failed to accommodate a pregnant nurse’s request in May 2023 to reduce her travel time to in-home infusion therapy appointments.

According to the suit, Option Care denied the accommodation even after the employee pointed out her rights under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.

DU QUOIN FAIRGROUNDS TO HOLD KIDS FISHING DAY

The Du Quoin State Fairgrounds will host a free kids’ fishing day July 7 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

The Illinois Department of Resources will provide fishing poles, bait and basic instruction.

Advance registration is required, and participation will be limited to the first 25 kids to sign up. For more information or to register, call (618) 542-1511.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

IL Sec of State criticizes TSA fee option, extends REAL ID facility lease

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is criticizing the federal government’s plan to offer travelers without proper...
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...