August 13, 2025/

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

Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

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

Lower U.S. oil production projected in 2026

Lower U.S. oil production projected in 2026

By Alton WallaceThe Center Square Activity in the oil and gas sector declined slightly in the third quarter of 2025, according to executives at exploration and production firms headquartered in...
GOP leader disputes Newsom's comments on Colbert's show

GOP leader disputes Newsom’s comments on Colbert’s show

By Dave MasonThe Center Square The Republican leader in the California Assembly said Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom went too far when he told CBS host Stephen Colbert he feared there...
‘Ivy League’ doesn’t mean excellent medical schools, according to new index

‘Ivy League’ doesn’t mean excellent medical schools, according to new index

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square In a new public ranking of American medical schools, two public Florida universities outscored the medical colleges at Harvard and the Mayo Clinic. The Medical...
Report: 'weaknesses' and 'unusual increases' found in management of Ukrainian aid

Report: ‘weaknesses’ and ‘unusual increases’ found in management of Ukrainian aid

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Some of the $45 billion American taxpayer dollars sent to the Ukrainian government as foreign aid may have been mishandled, according to a new report...
WATCH: Illinois lawmakers clash over election consolidation and compulsory voting

WATCH: Illinois lawmakers clash over election consolidation and compulsory voting

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois lawmakers are weighing boosting voter turnout by consolidating elections and considering compulsory voting. During a...
Gubernatorial candidate calls for reason, peace outside Illinois ICE facility

Gubernatorial candidate calls for reason, peace outside Illinois ICE facility

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois gubernatorial candidate Ted Dabrowski says repealing the TRUST Act to end the state’s sanctuary status is...
Report: Soros foundation gave $80M to groups tied to 'extremist violence'

Report: Soros foundation gave $80M to groups tied to ‘extremist violence’

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Amid President Donald Trump officially designating Antifa a domestic terror organization, a new report details how a prominent billionaire may be funneling millions to extremist...
Colorado economists warn of potential recession, cite tariffs

Colorado economists warn of potential recession, cite tariffs

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Colorado is now expected to be nearly $100 million short of the statutory reserve requirement for fiscal year 2024-2025, according to state economists. This comes...
Colombian President calls for criminal charges against Trump over boat strikes

Colombian President calls for criminal charges against Trump over boat strikes

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Colombian President Gustavo Petro called for a criminal investigation into President Donald Trump and other U.S. officials after three deadly military strikes on suspected drug...
More than 2 million deportations, self-removals in less than 250 days

More than 2 million deportations, self-removals in less than 250 days

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square More than two million illegal foreign nationals have been removed or have self-deported since January 20, the Department of Homeland Security says. This includes an...
Illinois quick hits: Officer charged in straw gun case

Illinois quick hits: Officer charged in straw gun case

By The Center SquareThe Center Square Officer charged in straw gun case A Chicago police officer faces charges for making gun purchases on behalf of someone else transporting them to...
WATCH: Pritzker looks for 4% ‘efficiencies’ after increasing spending 43% since 2019

WATCH: Pritzker looks for 4% ‘efficiencies’ after increasing spending 43% since 2019

By Greg Bishop and Jared Strong | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker is looking for 4% "efficiencies" after increasing spending by 43% since...
Lawmakers introduce new visa program legislation

Lawmakers introduce new visa program legislation

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced legislation proposing a new visa program in the United States. U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker, R-Penn., introduced the Essential Workers...
Lawmakers to vote on bill forcing release of Epstein files

Lawmakers to vote on bill forcing release of Epstein files

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square As soon as late October, the U.S. Department of Justice may be compelled to release all its files on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein if...
Adelita Grijalva wins congressional seat in Arizona

Adelita Grijalva wins congressional seat in Arizona

By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square Early results show Adelita Grijalva as the winner of the special election in Arizona Congressional District 7, with nearly 70% of the vote.The daughter of...