Illinois Quick Hits: Gas now more than $1 over last year
(The Center Square) – The average regular unleaded gas price in Illinois has surpassed $4.50 per gallon and is now more than a dollar higher than it was one year ago. AAA listed the average price on Tuesday at $4.53, up from $4.49 on Monday. The Illinois average one month ago was $4.32. The average one year ago was $3.45.
Illinois’ average is 20 cents higher than the national average of $4.33. AAA listed Indiana’s average price for regular unleaded on Tuesday at $3.59.
The average price for a gallon of diesel in Illinois is $6.22 a gallon. The national average for diesel is $6.27.
ACTING LEGISLATIVE INSPECTOR APPOINTED
The Legislative Ethics Commission has appointed David E. Risley as acting legislative inspector general, following the resignation of Michael McCuskey last week.
Commission members said in a statement that Risley brings more than 30 years of experience in investigations and prosecutorial work as a former Assistant U.S. Attorney. McCuskey’s resignation is set to take effect Sept. 30, and Risley is scheduled to start his new duties Oct. 1.
McCuskey faced backlash over his handling of multiple ethics complaints.
PPP FRAUD INDICTMENT, GUILTY PLEA ANNOUNCED
U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois Andrew Boutros has announced a criminal indictment and a guilty plea as part of a nationwide enforcement action targeting fraud in the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program.
Cosette Deal, 37, of Oak Park was indicted on federal wire fraud charges for allegedly submitting fraudulent PPP loan applications and causing a loss of at least $440,000.
In another case, William Frederick Reed of Hazel Crest pleaded guilty to charges that he submitted fraudulent PPP loans on behalf of his sole proprietorship, Off Duty Security.
Boutros said, from June 12, 2026, to Sept. 1, 2026, federal prosecutors across the country facilitated fraud enforcement actions spanning more than 160 criminal defendants, reaching approximately $245 million in intended loss to American taxpayers.
ISP PATROLS SCHEDULED TO ADDRESS IMPAIRED DRIVING
Illinois State Police say officers will be conducting Alcohol Countermeasure Enforcement patrols in October.
ISP Troop 7 Commander, Captain Heather Apperson, announced on Monday that ISP would conduct ACE operations in Macon and Vermillion counties.
Troop 3 Commander, Acting Captain Matthew Wierzbinski, announced on Monday that officers will conduct patrols in Cook, DuPage, Kane and Will counties.
ISP said alcohol and drug impairment is estimated to be a factor in more than 47% of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in Illinois.
REPORT: ILLINOIS RANKS HIGH FOR TEACHERS
Illinois ranks fourth in a new report on the best and worst states for teachers in 2026.
WalletHub analyzed 50 states and the District of Columbia across 24 metrics, including teachers’ income growth potential, pupil-teacher ratio and public school spending per student.
Illinois finished first for income growth potential and existence of digital learning plan. Washington finished first on the list. New Hampshire finished last.
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