September 25, 2025/

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

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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.

Events

Rainy Day Miracle Book Signing
Rainy Day Miracle Book Signing
28 Oct 25
BROWNIE'S PLACE HALLOWEEN PARTY
BROWNIE'S PLACE HALLOWEEN PARTY
31 Oct 25
Harvest Gift Gathering
Harvest Gift Gathering
1 Nov 25
Harvest Gift Gathering
Harvest Gift Gathering
1 Nov 25
Casey
03 Nov
Casey City Council Board Meeting
3 Nov 25
Clark County 4-H Foundation Inaugural Christmas Tree Fair
Clark County 4-H Foundation Inaugural Christmas Tree Fair
5 Nov 25
Whte Oak Church Free Monday Meal
Whte Oak Church Free Monday Meal
10 Nov 25
Greenup VFW Fundraiser
Greenup VFW Fundraiser
16 Nov 25
Prime Rib Holiday Buffet
Prime Rib Holiday Buffet
18 Nov 25
Martinsville FFA - Thanksgiving Produce Box
Martinsville FFA - Thanksgiving Produce Box
24 Nov 25
Give Thanks with a Feast! Our Thanksgiving Buffet
Give Thanks with a Feast! Our Thanksgiving Buffet
27 Nov 25
01 Dec
Casey City Council Board Meeting
1 Dec 25

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