Illinois quick hits: Man arrested for threating legislator; vigilance urged during shopping season

November 26, 2025/

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By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Man arrested for threating legislator

Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation special agents have arrested a Chicago man on charges of threatening state Senator Andrew Chesney, R-Freeport.

On Monday, the Stephenson County State’s Attorney’s Office approved two felony counts of threatening a public official against Joseph Haggerty, 59.

Haggerty turned himself in to ISP agents in Cook County on Tuesday and was transported to Stephenson County.

Vigilance urged during shopping season

The Illinois Department of Revenue is urging residents to protect themselves from fraud and identity theft while shopping during the holiday season.

The department’s tips include shopping with trusted retailers, paying with a credit card, using strong passwords and secure websites, avoiding public Wi-Fi for financial transactions and monitoring your accounts.

Illinoisans are also urged to be alert for delivery and package tracking scams.

Drive sober campaign for holiday weekend

The Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and law enforcement agencies throughout the state are ramping up patrols and reminding the public to buckle up and drive sober.

Hundreds of patrols will be looking for seat belt-law violators and impaired drivers through Dec. 2.

Driving under the influence – whether from alcohol or cannabis – is illegal and dangerous, IDOT officials said.

The Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists, Lyft, the Governors Highway Safety Association and IDOT are offering $20 ride credits through Lyft during the Thanksgiving Safe Ride program, from 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30.

Illinois residents can claim a Lyft Safe Ride code by visiting www.aaim1.org.

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