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

House Dems pass redistricting amendment GOP says will lead to more gerrymandering

House Dems pass redistricting amendment GOP says will lead to more gerrymandering

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Democrat state legislators say they are one step closer to standing against attacks on voting rights after...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.1

City Council Approves 4% Pay Increase for Appointed Officials

Casey City Council Meeting | April 20, 2026 Article Summary: The Casey City Council passed Ordinance #619 following an executive session, confirming the annual slate of city appointments and implementing...
Illinois Quick Hits: Governor announces green tax credits for film and TV

Illinois Quick Hits: Governor announces green tax credits for film and TV

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker has announced a new 5% tax credit to incentivize green film and television production....
‘Plaintiffs’ lawyer paradise:’ IL lawsuit-friendly courts jack up costs, report says

‘Plaintiffs’ lawyer paradise:’ IL lawsuit-friendly courts jack up costs, report says

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Illinois is falling behind the rest of the country at reforming its court system, and in some ways is headed in the...
AG candidate seeks to reform SAFE-T Act

AG candidate seeks to reform SAFE-T Act

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois attorney general candidate launched a new initiative to reform the SAFE-T Act. The law enacted...
Op-Ed: Senate Bill 3070 provides sensible solution for students, manufacturers

Op-Ed: Senate Bill 3070 provides sensible solution for students, manufacturers

By Ben BarnettThe Center Square Illinois manufacturers face a serious problem. We have modern, high-tech facilities running at full capacity, but we struggle to find the young talent needed to...
Illinois millionaire’s tax moves closer to November ballot

Illinois millionaire’s tax moves closer to November ballot

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A measure giving Illinois voters the opportunity to consider a millionaire’s tax is one step closer to...
Casey Westfield Softball Graphic

Ava Goble’s Complete-Game Shutout Powers Casey-Westfield Past Richland County 8-0

Senior Ava Goble delivered a masterclass on the mound and at the plate, leading the Casey-Westfield varsity softball team to a commanding 8-0 home conference victory over Richland County on...
Casey Westfield Baseball Graphic

Casey-Westfield Blanks Richland County 2-0 Behind Masterful One-Hit Shutout

The Casey-Westfield varsity baseball team leaned on a flawless defensive effort and a dominant pitching performance to earn a 2-0 home conference victory over Richland County on Monday. Casey-Westfield pitchers...
U.S. Navy intercepts, seizes Iranian cargo ship

U.S. Navy intercepts, seizes Iranian cargo ship

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square A U.S. Navy destroyer intercepted and seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship on Sunday, President Donald Trump said. The ship named Touska was intercepted in the...

Everyday Economics: Retail sales and housing suggest a resilient consumer

By Orphe DivounguyThe Center Square This week, the focus shifts to the consumer, with March retail sales and the National Association of Realtors’ pending home sales report. Both reports are...
Authorities: 8 children killed in domestic shootings in NW Louisiana

Authorities: 8 children killed in domestic shootings in NW Louisiana

By Dan McCaleb and Darren SvanThe Center Square Eight children were killed early Sunday in domestic-related shootings at three Shreveport homes, authorities said. Shreveport Police Department spokesman and public affairs...
Reentry housing bill draws support from advocates; debate centers on cost, public safety

Reentry housing bill draws support from advocates; debate centers on cost, public safety

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Supporters of Illinois’ proposed “Homes for Good Act” say the measure could reduce recidivism and improve...
Supreme Court to hear migrant parole case Wednesday

Supreme Court to hear migrant parole case Wednesday

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court will begin its final oral arguments sitting of the current term on Monday. The justices will hear several high profile arguments...
U.S., Iran to resume talks; Trump issues dire threat

U.S., Iran to resume talks; Trump issues dire threat

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Talks to strike a deal with Iran will reconvene this week ahead of Wednesday’s ceasefire expiration as President Donald Trump issued fresh threats Sunday on...