September 25, 2025/

Illinois quick hits: O’Fallon man allegedly work with cartel; most dangerous for nursing home safety

Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

O’Fallon man allegedly work with cartel

High-ranking members of the Sinaloa Cartel are among 26 defendants facing federal charges for their alleged involvement in trafficking hundreds of kilograms of methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine into southern Illinois and laundering the proceeds to Mexico.

Earl Frank, 56, of O’Fallon, Illinois is among the 26 defendants who allegedly participated in the cartel-sourced drug distribution pipeline.

U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi said the indictment is a significant blow to the Sinaloa Cartel’s infrastructure.

Most dangerous for nursing home safety

According to a new study, Illinois is the most dangerous state in the nation for nursing home safety violations.

Anidjar & Levine found that Illinois had 2,300 penalties among its 682 certified nursing facilities.

Total fines reached $78.4 million for an average of $115,000 per facility.

Blue Ribbon Schools announced

A record-breaking number of Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Chicago have met the criteria for the National Blue Ribbon School Award, given by the U.S. Department of Education.

Ten schools were informed in August that they would receive the honor. Several schools scheduled celebrations Thursday.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Speaker Mike Johnson says Shreveport 'Democratic DA' is to blame for high crime

Speaker Mike Johnson says Shreveport ‘Democratic DA’ is to blame for high crime

By Emilee CalamettiThe Center Square When asked about crime in Caddo Parish, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson said the "Democratic DA" is not prosecuting as he should. Johnson appeared on...
Trump says he will sign executive order ending mail-in voting

Trump says he will sign executive order ending mail-in voting

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square President Donald Trump said he will be signing an executive order ending mail-in voting and requiring voter ID. “Voter I.D. Must Be Part of Every...
Everyday Economics: Jobs report takes center stage in week ahead

Everyday Economics: Jobs report takes center stage in week ahead

By Orphe DivounguyThe Center Square The economy finds itself in an uncomfortable position where growth is cooling while inflation pressures intensify. The Fed's preferred inflation measure (PCE) shows core inflation...
Legislator warns bad Illinois policy continues to hurt business investment

Legislator warns bad Illinois policy continues to hurt business investment

By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – With businesses in Illinois now suffering on multiple levels, state Rep. Brad Halbrook argues it’s clear...
As summer ends, budget battles and investigations await

As summer ends, budget battles and investigations await

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square While Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer for many, it’s also the final day of Congress’ August recess, with lawmakers returning to Washington...
Trump's tariff revenue in doubt after appeals court ruling

Trump’s tariff revenue in doubt after appeals court ruling

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump's tariff revenue – a key source of funding for his political agenda and the GOP's priorities – is in jeopardy after an...
Congress to face mounting pressure to act on future of D.C.

Congress to face mounting pressure to act on future of D.C.

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square When Congress reconvenes following the Labor Day holiday, it will likely be pressured to extend Washington, D.C.’s state of emergency and take up legislation on...
Trump says appeals court ruling rejecting tariffs 'highly partisan'

Trump says appeals court ruling rejecting tariffs ‘highly partisan’

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump lashed out Friday night after a federal appeals court said he didn't have the power to issue the sweeping tariffs central to...
DOJ urges federal judge to strike down climate change law

DOJ urges federal judge to strike down climate change law

By Chris WadeThe Center Square The Trump administration is asking a federal judge to invalidate a New York law that seeks to punish fossil fuel companies for their alleged role...
WATCH: Newsom deploys state police to help local law enforcement

WATCH: Newsom deploys state police to help local law enforcement

By Dave MasonThe Center Square New California Highway Patrol teams will work with local law enforcement to fight crime in Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, the San Francisco Bay Area,...
Appeals court rejects Trump's tariffs, but leaves them in place

Appeals court rejects Trump’s tariffs, but leaves them in place

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square A federal appeals court said Friday that President Donald Trump doesn't have the authority to issue blanket tariffs, in a blow to the president's domestic...
Denver Public Schools accused of violating Title IX

Denver Public Schools accused of violating Title IX

By Esther WickhamThe Center Square The U.S. Department of Education for Civil Rights announced this week that Denver Public Schools' policies on “all-gender” facilities violate Title IX. The department's Office...
Poll: 41% of parents worried about school safety before Minneapolis shooting

Poll: 41% of parents worried about school safety before Minneapolis shooting

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square Four in 10 parents of K-12 students are worried for their children’s safety at school, according to a new Gallup poll. The poll was collected...
Report: Offshore wind critics played role in Revolution Wind work stoppage

Report: Offshore wind critics played role in Revolution Wind work stoppage

By Tom JoyceThe Center Square Offshore wind opponents in the fishing industry helped shape the Trump administration’s decision to halt work on the Revolution Wind project, a $4 billion development...
Nevada governor addresses statewide cyberattack

Nevada governor addresses statewide cyberattack

By Liam HibbertThe Center Square Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo spoke publicly for the first time on a cyberattack that shut down government websites and kept state employees at home, four...