Illinois quick hits: Human trafficking law signed; Mercyhealth to pay for COVID vaccine discrimination

Illinois quick hits: Human trafficking law signed; Mercyhealth to pay for COVID vaccine discrimination

Spread the love

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.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

will county board graphic

Public Health Committee Chair Demands Animal Control Agreements for Crete, Monee

Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting | January 7, 2026 Article Summary: During the January 7, 2026, Public Health and Safety Committee meeting, Chair Daniel Butler demanded...
Will County Board Graphic.03

Public Works Committee Considers Taking Over Kankakee County Line Road to Expedite Bridge Repairs

Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Division of Transportation (WCDOT) is exploring a jurisdictional transfer of a section of...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Village of Manhattan Board of Trustees for January 6, 2026

Village of Manhattan Board of Trustees Meeting | January 6, 2026 The Manhattan Village Board of Trustees met on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, to handle routine business and address immediate...
Wetzel

Peotone Man Charged With Disorderly Conduct, Criminal Damage at New Lenox Target

A 45-year-old Peotone man has been charged with disorderly conduct and criminal damage to property following an incident at a New Lenox Target store, according to police. New Lenox police...
Will County Board Graphic.04

Executive Committee: Update to Land Resource Management Plan; Solar Farms and Rural Zoning Dominate Discussion

Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | January 8, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Executive Committee initiated the first major update to the county’s Land Resource Management Plan since...
Will County Logo Graphic

Will County Committee Adds Path to Citizenship Support to Federal Agenda

Will County Board Legislative Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board Legislative Committee voted on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, to amend its federal legislative agenda...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Manhattan Township Board for November 11, 2025

Manhattan Township Board Meeting | November 11, 2025 The Manhattan Township Board met on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at the Manhattan Township Hall. Supervisor Jim Walsh called the meeting to...
Will County Board Graphic.03

Health Department Outlines Major Reduction in Consensus Vaccine Schedule

Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting | January 7, 2026 Article Summary: Will County Health Department Executive Director Elizabeth Bilotta clarified changes to the childhood immunization schedule,...
Will County Board Graphic.04

Public Works Committee Forwards Condemnation Proceedings for Francis and Marley Road Improvements

Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Article Summary: The committee authorized the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office to proceed with condemnation cases to acquire...
Will County Finance Logo

Finance Committee: Scholarship Tax Credit Discussion Halts

Will County Board Finance Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Article Summary: A heated procedural debate erupted at the Will County Board Finance Committee meeting when a member attempted to...
norovirus

Will County Health Department Reports Rise in Respiratory Illnesses, Updates on Facility Issues

Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting | January 7, 2026 Article Summary: At the January 7, 2026, meeting, Executive Director Elizabeth Bilotta reported a spike in respiratory...
Will County Board Graphic.01

Public Works Committee Delays Vote on State Police License Plate Cameras Amid Privacy Concerns

Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board Public Works & Transportation Committee voted to postpone a decision on an...
Village of Manhattan Logo Graphic

Village Staff Updates Board on Housing Development, Infrastructure Projects, and Police Activity

Village of Manhattan Board of Trustees Meeting | January 6, 2026 Article Summary: Village staff and officials provided updates on several key local projects during Tuesday's meeting, including a new...
Manhattan Township

Township Reviews Tax Levies; Bridge Construction Costs Rise

Manhattan Township Board Meeting | November 11, 2025 Article Summary: The Manhattan Township Board reviewed tentative tax levies for the upcoming year, with the Road District facing increased costs due...
Gilbert Bernal Sr

Flint Man Charged with 1988 Murder of Wife Joan Bernal Following Cold Case Breakthrough

Article Summary: Gilbert Bernal Sr., 82, appeared in Will County court facing first-degree murder charges connected to the 1988 disappearance of his wife, Joan Bernal, following a sealed indictment returned...