Illinois quick hits: Human trafficking enforcement; health care fraud division announced

August 25, 2025/

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Human trafficking enforcement

Illinois State Police arrested five individuals during a human trafficking demand suppression operation in the Forsyth area of Macon County last Thursday and Friday.

Four Illinois residents and one from Iowa were charged with crimes which included traveling to meet a child, solicitation and grooming.

If you suspect human trafficking, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text *233733. For more information visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. You can also email [email protected].

Health care fraud section announced

U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois Andrew Boutros has announced the creation of a new section within the office’s criminal division dedicated to the prosecution of health care fraud.

The new section will target false and fraudulent claims by transnational criminal organizations, upcoding and unbundling schemes, scams against Medicare and Medicaid, and more.

Boutros said health care fraud is among the Department of Justice’s top fraud enforcement priorities.

Hardest working states

Illinois ranks 42nd in a report ranking the Hardest Working States in America.

WalletHub compared the 50 states across 10 key metrics, including average workweek hours, share of workers with multiple jobs and annual volunteer hours.

North Dakota ranked first. Michigan finished last.

Latest News Stories

Director: Nation’s largest outdoor ag show brings economic impact to central IL

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The nation’s largest outdoor agricultural show is set for next week in Central Illinois. The Farm Progress...

NY appeals court overturns Trump’s civil fraud penalty

By Chris WadeThe Center Square A New York appeals court has tossed out a $454 million civil fraud verdict against Donald Trump and his family business over charges he broke...

Will County P&Z: Washington Township Lot Variance Granted

A variance to reduce the minimum lot area from 10 acres to 5 acres was unanimously approved for a property at 1444 E. Corning Road in Washington Township. The owner,...

solar panels photovoltaics in solar farm

Will County P&Z Approves Crete Solar Farm, Overruling Township’s General Opposition

Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval for a new commercial solar farm in Crete Township, moving the project forward despite being informed by staff of...

Will County Board Approves Controversial Recovery Retreat in Crete Township Amid Strong Resident Opposition

Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission approved a special use permit for a long-term residential recovery program on a 68-acre horse farm, despite vocal opposition from Crete...

Will County P&Z: Green Garden Township Variances Granted in Monee

Roy F. Erikson received unanimous approval for two variances for his property at 26409 S. 80th Avenue in Monee. The Will County Planning and Zonning Commission approved reducing the minimum...

Will County P&Z: Manhattan Township Rezoning Approved

The Will County Planning and Zonning Commission unanimously approved a map amendment for a vacant property on South Kankakee Street in Manhattan Township. The request, brought by James and Julie...

Will County P&Z: Green Garden Township Rezoning Approved Amid Concerns Over Lack of a Final Plan

Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved rezoning a large agricultural parcel in Green Garden Township for potential residential development, despite a township official expressing concern...

Zoning Commission Overrules Staff, Approves Greeen Garden Twp Variance for 3-Acre Agricultural Lot

Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission approved a variance for a 3-acre lot in an agricultural zone, going against a staff recommendation to deny the request in...

Pritzker: Fair maps in Illinois would be ‘disarming’ to Democrats

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker says Democrats would be “disarming” if they agreed to fair maps state by...

State Overhauls Standardized Testing; Manhattan to Launch New Middle School Career Program

Article Summary: Manhattan students and families will see significant changes in academic reporting and planning this year, as the state revamps its standardized test scoring system while the district introduces...

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Manhattan Village Board for August 19, 2025

The Manhattan Village Board held a brief meeting on August 19, 2025, with the primary action being the approval to donate a surplus village truck to a local non-profit. The...

Lincoln-Way Board Approves Special Education Co-op Budget Amid Concerns Over Rising Costs

Article Summary: The Lincoln-Way District 210 Board of Education approved the Fiscal Year 2026 budget for the Lincoln-Way Special Education District 843 cooperative, while officials expressed concern over significant cost...

States sue over Victims of Crime Act grant funding

By Elyse Apel | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) — Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser has joined a 20-state coalition and Washington, D.C., suing the Trump administration...

Illinois quick hits: COVID fraud indictments issued; man sentenced for mailing fentanyl

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square COVID fraud indictments issued A federal grand jury has indicted four Chicago-area individuals accused of fraudulently obtaining millions of dollars in...

« Previous
1
…
4
5
6
7
8
…
37
Next »

MANHATTAN LOCAL