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.
Partly Sunny
Latest News Stories
Gabbard: 2,000 Afghan refugees in U.S. have ties to terrorism
Op-Ed: No more CDL mills: Trump’s DOT puts safety back in the driver’s seat
Illinois Gov. Pritzker signs assisted suicide bill
Hochul weighs AI regulations as Trump sets federal rules
EXCLUSIVE: First Nation police chiefs want to participate in border security efforts
Justice Department sues Fulton County over election records
USPS electric fleet push sparks cost, security and job concerns
WATCH: Use of Guard debated; Trump singles out Pritzker on AI; Property tax ruling
Illinois quick hits: Chicago Fed president explains vote; Treasurer encourages Bright Start gifts
EXCLUSIVE: Canadian groups, First Nation police support stronger border security
More than 9,500 commercial truckers taken off U.S. roads nationwide
Watseka Tops Peotone 54-35 Despite Balanced Scoring Effort
