Illinois quick hits: O'Fallon man allegedly work with cartel; most dangerous for nursing home safety

Illinois quick hits: O’Fallon man allegedly work with cartel; most dangerous for nursing home safety

September 25, 2025/
Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

O’Fallon man allegedly work with cartel

High-ranking members of the Sinaloa Cartel are among 26 defendants facing federal charges for their alleged involvement in trafficking hundreds of kilograms of methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine into southern Illinois and laundering the proceeds to Mexico.

Earl Frank, 56, of O’Fallon, Illinois is among the 26 defendants who allegedly participated in the cartel-sourced drug distribution pipeline.

U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi said the indictment is a significant blow to the Sinaloa Cartel’s infrastructure.

Most dangerous for nursing home safety

According to a new study, Illinois is the most dangerous state in the nation for nursing home safety violations.

Anidjar & Levine found that Illinois had 2,300 penalties among its 682 certified nursing facilities.

Total fines reached $78.4 million for an average of $115,000 per facility.

Blue Ribbon Schools announced

A record-breaking number of Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Chicago have met the criteria for the National Blue Ribbon School Award, given by the U.S. Department of Education.

Ten schools were informed in August that they would receive the honor. Several schools scheduled celebrations Thursday.

Events

19 Nov
Friends of the Frankfort Public Library District
19 Nov 25
21 Nov
Library Board of Trustees
21 Nov 25
26 Nov
Early Closing
26 Nov 25
27 Nov
Building Closed for Thanksgiving Day
27 Nov 25
12 Dec
Library Board of Trustees
12 Dec 25
24 Dec
Building Closed for Christmas Eve
24 Dec 25
25 Dec
Building Closed for Christmas Day
25 Dec 25
31 Dec
Building Closed for New Year's Eve
31 Dec 25
01 Jan
Building Closed for New Year's Day
1 Jan 26
21 Jan
Friends of the Frankfort Public Library District
21 Jan 26

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

WCO-Cap-Imp-8.5.3

County Rolls Out New “OneMeeting” Software to Improve Public Access

ARTICLE SUMMARY: Will County has officially launched a new agenda and meeting management software called "OneMeeting," aimed at improving transparency and making it easier for the public and officials to access...
Meeting-Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Finance Committee for August 5, 2025

The Will County Board’s Finance Committee confronted major budget challenges during its Tuesday meeting, led by a stark presentation from the Will County Health Department. Health officials are requesting an...
WCO-PZ-8.12.2

Will County PZC Approves Rezoning for Truck Repair Facility on Manhattan Road Amid Resident Concerns

Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4-2 to rezone nearly 14 acres in Joliet Township for a truck repair facility. The approval came after a neighboring...
WCO-PZ-Aug-5.3

Key Stretch of Bell Road on Track for Thanksgiving Reopening, Committee Approves Additional Funds

ARTICLE SUMMARY Construction on Bell Road between 159th and 151st Streets is scheduled to have all lanes open by Thanksgiving, officials announced as the Public Works & Transportation Committee approved a...
WCO-LEG-8.5.2

Will County Leglislative Committee Opposes Federal Push for Heavier, Longer Trucks

ARTICLE SUMMARY: The Will County Board's Legislative Committee unanimously passed a resolution opposing any federal legislation that would increase the size and weight limits for commercial trucks on national roadways. Will...
WCO-Public-Safety.2

Will County Reports Progress in Opioid Fight, Highlights New FDA Labeling Rules

Article Summary: Will County is seeing a reduction in opioid overdose deaths and is expanding access to the reversal drug Narcan, health officials reported. The department also drew attention to...
WCO-Cap-Imp-8.5.4

In-House Staff Completes Major Renovations at Will County Adult Detention Facility

ARTICLE SUMMARY: Maintenance staff at the Will County Adult Detention Facility recently completed extensive renovations in-house, including a new control center and the full restoration of a 48-cell housing unit, saving...
Land-use-8.5.25

Will County Advances Truck Repair Facility Plan on Manhattan Road Despite Resident Objections

Article Summary: A proposal to rezone nearly 14 acres on Manhattan Road for a truck repair facility advanced after receiving a recommendation for approval from the Will County Land Use...
WCO-PZ-8.12.1

PZC Grants Variance for Oversized Garage in Joliet Township, Reversing Staff Recommendation

Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a variance for a Joliet Township homeowner to build a garage addition that exceeds the county's size limits. The...
WCO-PZ-Aug-5.5

Will County Public Works Committee Approves Over $1.1 Million in New Agreements for 80th Avenue Project

ARTICLE SUMMARY: The Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee authorized two agreements totaling over $1.1 million for the ongoing reconstruction and widening of 80th Avenue between 191st and 183rd Streets....
Meeting-Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Legislative Committee for August 5, 2025

The Will County Board’s Legislative Committee focused on shaping its advocacy efforts at both the state and federal levels during its August 5 meeting. The primary discussion centered on crafting...
Meeting-Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Capital Improvements & IT Committee for August 5, 2025

The future of several key county facilities dominated the Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee meeting on Tuesday. A major topic of discussion was the ongoing buildout of the...
Meeting-Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee for August 7, 2025

The Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee on Thursday heard urgent requests for facility and funding support from two of the county’s key public-facing departments. The committee took...
Meeting-Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee for August 7, 2025

The Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee on Thursday heard urgent requests for facility and funding support from two of the county’s key public-facing departments. The committee took...
Meeting-Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Land Use & Development Committee for August 7, 2025

The Will County Land Use & Development Committee tackled two contentious zoning cases during its August 7 meeting, denying a special use permit for a landscaping business in a residential...