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

GOP senator wants budget transparency; Dems describe open process

GOP senator wants budget transparency; Dems describe open process

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As Illinois state senators return to Springfield, Democrats and Republicans disagree over the level of transparency in...

WATCH: Illinois sues over public safety tactics around immigration enforcement

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois is suing the Trump administration, alleging the tactics being used to enforce public safety around immigration...
Illinois voices collide as Trump’s Maduro arrest fuels war powers debate

Illinois voices collide as Trump’s Maduro arrest fuels war powers debate

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has triggered a constitutional debate over executive power, dividing...
Illinois Supreme Court justice to retire

Illinois Supreme Court justice to retire

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Cetner Square) – Illinois Supreme Court Justice Mary Jane Theis has announced her retirement from the Illinois Supreme Court, effective...
Bridge payment a ‘bandage,’ Illinois farmers say

Bridge payment a ‘bandage,’ Illinois farmers say

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois corn grower says the $12 billion taxpayer funded bridge payment the Trump administration announced will...
Even with new rule, Illinois lawmakers could restrict inmate mail scanning

Even with new rule, Illinois lawmakers could restrict inmate mail scanning

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) has a permanent rule in place for electronic mail processing, but...
WATCH: States sue over funds; DHS responds to critics; Fed responds to investigation

WATCH: States sue over funds; DHS responds to critics; Fed responds to investigation

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 shares recent comments...
Illinois quick hits: Child care funding unfrozen

Illinois quick hits: Child care funding unfrozen

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Child care funding unfozen Federal child care and welfare dollars for Illinois and four other states are unfrozen after a U.S....
Screenshot 2026-01-06 at 2.00.22 PM

Council Approves Police Union Agreement; Officer Moved to Full-Time

Meeting Summary and Briefs: City of Casey Council Meeting | Jan. 5, 2026 Article Summary: The City Council finalized a memorandum of agreement with the police union and officially elevated...
Chicago Flips Red calls for audit after public schools report

Chicago Flips Red calls for audit after public schools report

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A grassroots Chicago group is calling for a forensic audit of the city’s entire public school system...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Lake Land College Board of Trustees for November 2025

Lake Land College Board of Trustees Meeting | November 2025 The Lake Land College Board of Trustees met on Monday, November 10, 2025, to address infrastructure improvements, financial planning, and...
Screenshot 2026-01-06 at 2.00.15 PM

Casey Prepares for ‘America 250’ and Founders Day Parade

Meeting Summary and Briefs: City of Casey Council Meeting | Jan. 5, 2026 Article Summary: Local organizers presented ambitious plans for the upcoming Founders Day and America 250 celebrations, including...
Lake Land College.6

Foundation Announces Major Estate Gift; Board Accepts Workforce Grants

Lake Land College Board of Trustees Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: The Lake Land College Foundation received a significant estate gift to support Mattoon students, while the board accepted...
Screenshot 2026-01-06 at 1.59.59 PM

Council Updates Security Light Fees; Installation Cost Set at $350

Meeting Summary and Briefs: City of Casey Council Meeting | Jan. 5, 2026 Article Summary: The City Council approved a new fee structure for private security lights installed on city...
Rotary Patty Richards

Patty Richards Guest Speaker at Rotary

Patty Richards (right) was the guest of Rotarian Marcy Mumford (left) at Tuesday’s weekly Rotary Club meeting at Richards Farm, discussing the Quincentennial--250 years celebration. The local theme will incorporate...