Illinois Quick Hits: IDOL releases Labor Day report

(The Center Square) – According to the Illinois Department’s 2026 Labor Day Report, the agency collected nearly $3.9 million in back wages for workers and more than $1.4 million in penalties from employers during the past year.

IDOL had a total budget appropriation of $23.9 million for fiscal year 2025.

5,800+ POUNDS OF CANNABIS SEIZED DURING TRAFFIC STOP

The LaSalle County State’s Attorney’s Office has charged two men with cannabis trafficking after state police seized more than 5,800 pounds of suspected cannabis and cannabis products during a traffic stop on Interstate 80.

Mahmoud B. Bazrouk, 41, of Norridge, Illinois and Haed O. Samham, 45, of Harwood Heights, Illinois were arrested on Friday after an Illinois state trooper stopped the semi trailer they were driving on eastbound I-80 near LaSalle.

MAN CHARGED WITH AI-GENERATED CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE MATERIAL

A Des Plaines man has been charged with possession of AI-generated child sexual abuse material and possession of child sexual abuse material.

The Cook County Sheriff’s Office said investigators found that Adam Bakker, 44, downloaded child pornography and used AI to alter some of those images.

A forensic search of Bakker’s desktop computer allegedly found more than 70 files of child sexual abuse material.

POLL: STUDENT’S MAJOR SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BEFORE LOAN APPROVAL

A majority of American voters agree that a student’s chosen major or field of study should be considered before approving federal student loans, according to a new poll.

The Center Square Voters’ Voice Poll found that 54% of respondents totally agree that a student’s chosen major or field of study should be among the factors, while 31% totally disagree. Student loan debt remains significant nationwide, with the federal student loan portfolio reaching approximately $1.8 trillion.

Esther Wickham contributed to this story

This story originally appeared on thecentersquare.com.