(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Organized Retail Crime Association is sounding the alarm about gift card fraud. The group says organized criminal groups tamper with cards, hack online accounts, and scam victims into providing redemption codes. The Association points to a list of warning signs offered by Homeland Security Investigations on it’s website at www.ice.gov.
(SPRINGFIELD) Illinois residents are reminded that they can now store their state-issued driver’s license or state identification card in Apple Wallet for use on their iPhones or Apple Watches. The new feature allows residents to use their mobile ID in-person, online, and at select businesses, including TSA checkpoints at airports such as Lambert, O’Hare, and Midway, as well as 250 other airports worldwide. However, this is not a full replacement for a REAL ID card. For more details, go to the Secretary of State’s website online at www.ilsos.gov.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Commerce Commission is reminding customers that the state’s winter weather rule in currently in effect, continuing from now until the end of March 2026. The rule restricts utilities from disconnecting eligible customers who use electric or gas as their primary source of home heating when temperatures are forecasted to be at or below 32 degrees.
(CHICAGO) Former Illinois House Speaker and Democratic Party of Illinois Chairman Michael Madigan is asking President Donald Trump for clemency on his public corruption conviction. The Chicago Tribune reports that Madigan asked for the pardon after being sentenced last month. Madigan began serving his 7.5 year prison sentence back in October, earlier this year.