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
Illinois quick hits: Cannabis company sued for alleged sexual harassment; Reparations class action suit to proceed; Disaster declaration approved for August 2025 storms
Manhattan Firefighters Extinguish Chimney Fire on South Egyptian Trail
One Dead, Two Hospitalized Following Overnight Shooting at Crete Family Party
Phoenix renames Cesar Chavez Day, imposes limits on ICE
Gas prices approach $4 a gallon in U.S., $6 in California
Rep: $111 million for community violence intervention is out of touch
Congress requests documents after reports on California hospice fraud
California, Arizona work on removing Cesar Chavez’s name
Maryland climate ruling tees up U.S. Supreme Court case
IL committee advances speaker’s bill to restrict federal detention centers
Poll: 70% of Americans support in-person requirement for abortion pills
Trump admin says Iran peace talks ‘ongoing’ as ground forces head to region