Illinois Quick Hits: Gas prices fall, remain higher than a year ago

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – AAA says the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Illinois has fallen about 60 cents in the last month, but it’s still more than 60 cents higher than it was one year ago.

AAA said the national average on Monday was $3.86 and the average Illinois price was $4.13. Illinois consumers pay a state gas tax of 48.3 cents per gallon on regular unleaded.

MAN SENTENCED FOR UTILITIES FRAUD

A Chicago man has been sentenced to nearly eight years in federal prison for fraudulently arranging utility services in exchange for fees.

Prosecutors said David W. Brown, 56, caused Commonwealth Edison, Nicor Gas, and People’s Gas to fraudulently provide at least $8.5 million in services to more than two thousand residential and commercial properties in the Chicago area.

In addition to 92 months in prison, Brown was ordered to pay about $8.5 million in restitution to the utility companies.

ALERT ISSUED FOR CHICKEN BREAST PRODUCTS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service has issued a public health alert for raw boneless chicken breast products containing eggs, a known allergen that is not declared on the label.

Private Selection Honey Dijon Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts with Rib Meat vacuum-packed packages were shipped to Kroger and Fred Meyer stores in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and six other states.