Illinois quick hits: Human trafficking law signed; Mercyhealth to pay for COVID vaccine discrimination
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.
Latest News Stories
Will County Treasurer’s Investment Strategy Yields $6 Million in Income
Lobbyists Outline Strategy for Federal Funding and Grundy County Expansion
Route 52 Closures Approved for Irish Fest Parade
Capital Imp Committee Debates ‘Human Factor’ in Drafting New Artificial Intelligence Policy
Highway Commissioner Reports Surge in Winter Salt Usage
Manhattan Village Board Selects Vendor for Four-Year Landscaping Contract
HBO Max Orders Cop Drama Pilot ‘American Blue’ to Film in Joliet
JJC Administration Proposes Tuition Increase Amidst Future Budget Concerns
Will County Public Works Advances $1.9 Million Improvement for Wilmington-Peotone Road
Will County Public Works: Access Will County Dial-a-Ride Expands to All 24 Townships, Eliminating Borders
Suspect Captured in Execution-Style Murder of Momence Bar Owner
Jackson Township Board Approves Tax Levies Amid Rising Property Values