Illinois Quick Hits: Opioid overdose deaths decline in Cook County

Illinois Quick Hits: Opioid overdose deaths decline in Cook County

Spread the love

(The Center Square0 – Opioid overdose deaths are down for the third straight year in Chicago and suburban Cook County.

According to a report released by the Cook County Department of Public Health, Chicago Department of Public Health and the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office, 1,138 people in Cook County died from an opioid-involved overdose in 2024, compared to 1,783 people in 2023 and 1,961 in 2022.

Chicago’s opioid overdose mortality rate of 28.7 per 100,000 in 2024 exceeded the state of Illinois’ rate of 14.6 and the nation’s rate of 17.9, according to the CDC.

REPORT: ILLINOIS 10TH FOR DEPORTATION-DRIVEN ECONOMIC DISRUPTION

A new report says Illinois ranks 10th in the nation for economic vulnerability to mass deportation, with unauthorized immigrants making up 6.2% of the labor force and 28% of all foreign-born residents.

The Mendoza Law Firm says Illinois’s reliance score of 64.8 out of 100 outpaces every Midwest neighbor.

Nevada ranked as the most economically-exposed state, with unauthorized immigrants making up 9.1% of the labor force.

BANNOCKBURN-BASED COMPANY SETTLES EEOC SUIT

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has announced that Bannockburn-based Option Care Enterprises, Inc. will pay $50,000 and furnish other relief to settle a pregnancy discrimination lawsuit.

The EEOC says one of the infusion therapy services provider’s Massachusetts locations failed to accommodate a pregnant nurse’s request in May 2023 to reduce her travel time to in-home infusion therapy appointments.

According to the suit, Option Care denied the accommodation even after the employee pointed out her rights under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.

DU QUOIN FAIRGROUNDS TO HOLD KIDS FISHING DAY

The Du Quoin State Fairgrounds will host a free kids’ fishing day July 7 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

The Illinois Department of Resources will provide fishing poles, bait and basic instruction.

Advance registration is required, and participation will be limited to the first 25 kids to sign up. For more information or to register, call (618) 542-1511.

⚠️ Heat Advisory issued June 29 at 3:13PM CDT until July 1 at 10:00PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Today Jun 28
Mostly Sunny
90° 77°

Mostly Sunny

💨 15 mph 💧 1%

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Poll: Majority prefer Trump's immigration policies over Biden's

Poll: Majority prefer Trump’s immigration policies over Biden’s

By Dan McCalebThe Center Square A majority of Americans say they prefer President Donald Trump's approach to border security and immigration than they do former President Joe Biden's, according to...
Illinois eyes smarter park funding: handicap accessibility gets priority

Illinois eyes smarter park funding: handicap accessibility gets priority

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois lawmakers are proposing a change to the way state parks receive funding, one that could...
Nation's first primary states to begin early voting

Nation’s first primary states to begin early voting

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Early voting has begun or is about to begin in states with the earliest 2026 midterm election primaries. Illinois, North Carolina, Texas, Arkansas, and Mississippi...
Vermont EV buses prove unreliable for transportation this winter

Vermont EV buses prove unreliable for transportation this winter

By Tate MillerThe Center Square Electric buses are proving unreliable this winter for Vermont's Green Mountain Transit, as it needs to be over 41 degrees for the buses to charge,...
Idaho has least childcare regulations, Vermont the most out of the 50 states

Idaho has least childcare regulations, Vermont the most out of the 50 states

By Tate MillerThe Center Square Idaho ranks as the freest of the 50 states when it comes to childcare regulations, while Vermont is the least free, according to a new...
Will County Finance Logo

Will County Treasurer’s Investment Strategy Yields $6 Million in Income

Finance Committee Meeting | February 3, 2026 Article Summary: County Treasurer Tim Brophy and investment managers from Stifel presented a detailed review of the county’s investment portfolio to the Finance...
frankfort village hall graphic logo.2

Village Updates Water System Emergency Plans to Meet Federal Standards

Frankfort Village Board Meeting | February 2, 2026 Article Summary: The Village Board authorized a contract with HR Green, Inc. to update Frankfort’s Risk and Resilience Assessment and Emergency Response...
Screenshot 2026-02-04 at 2.02.55 PM

Lobbyists Outline Strategy for Federal Funding and Grundy County Expansion

JJC Trustees Workshop Meeting | January 28, 2026 Article Summary: Representatives from Point of Difference Strategies updated the JJC Board on efforts to secure state and federal funding for key...
Lawsuit investor Burford can upend Sysco’s $50M chicken price settlement

Lawsuit investor Burford can upend Sysco’s $50M chicken price settlement

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square A Chicago federal appeals panel will allow Burford Capital, the world's largest third-party lawsuit investor, to force poultry producer Pilgrim's Pride back...
Gas prices projected to rise if Pritzker fails to act on E10 waiver

Gas prices projected to rise if Pritzker fails to act on E10 waiver

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gas prices have dropped across the country in recent months, but the Illinois Fuel and Retail Association...
U.S. LNG exports hit new high as Turkey buys big

U.S. LNG exports hit new high as Turkey buys big

By Alton WallaceThe Center Square U.S. LNG exports reached a fresh record of 525.1 million cubic feet in November, with shipments to trade partners including Turkey, Egypt and several European...
Illinois Quick Hits: CTA passenger set on fire in November leaves hospital

Illinois Quick Hits: CTA passenger set on fire in November leaves hospital

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A Chicago Transit Authority train passenger says she has been released from the hospital more than two...
House Oversight probes Rep. Ilhan Omar's husband's businesses

House Oversight probes Rep. Ilhan Omar’s husband’s businesses

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The House Oversight Committee is investigating the rapid rise in value of two companies owned by Rep. Ilhan Omar's husband, amid concerns over financial transparency...

WATCH: IL Senate GOP proposes SAFE-T Act changes for domestic violence violations

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Senate Republican Leader John Curran says his caucus has proposed changes to the SAFE-T Act that...
Illinois open-burn bill ignites capitol clash

Illinois open-burn bill ignites capitol clash

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A proposal aimed at giving local fire protection districts more oversight of open burning in unincorporated...