Illinois Quick Hits: Reward offered in Chicago shooting

Illinois Quick Hits: Reward offered in Chicago shooting

February 5, 2026/Newspaper Staff/

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Cook County Crime Stoppers are offering a reward up to $10,000 for information that leads to the indictment or arrest of the gunmen responsible for the fatal shooting of a woman in Chicago on Wednesday afternoon.

Gabryel Ayers, 26, died from injuries she suffered after several individuals approached the vehicle she was in and opened fire. A second person was injured, but a baby inside the vehicle was not struck.

Anonymous tips can be submitted online or by calling 1-800-535-STOP.

LETTERS ISSUED TO ALLEGED ILLEGAL GAMING PLATFORMS

The Illinois Gaming Board says it has issued more than 60 cease-and-desist letters to entities allegedly operating illegal online casino and sweepstakes gaming platforms in Illinois.

The letters demand that entities allegedly operating the platforms immediately block Illinois residents from accessing their internet sites or discontinue offering prizes to Illinois users.

The IGB said operators who fail to comply may be subject to civil or criminal penalties.

ILLINOIS AUTO INSURANCE RATES DROP

A new report says Illinois saw a 7.2% decrease in average full-coverage car insurance costs in 2025, saving Illinois drivers an average of $138.

Insurify said the average annual full-coverage is now $1,786, which is $358 below the national average of $2,144.

In 2026, Insurify projects Illinois auto rates to increase 0.4%, costing drivers in the state an extra $7 for the entire year.

###

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Everyday Economics: Existing home sales report may be noisy. Inflation will shape outlook

Everyday Economics: Existing home sales report may be noisy. Inflation will shape outlook

By Orphe DivounguyThe Center Square This week’s economic calendar includes several important housing reports, including existing home sales, housing starts, and building permits. But the most consequential releases are likely...
Illinois lawmakers weigh options to change rising property tax structure

Illinois lawmakers weigh options to change rising property tax structure

By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Republican state Rep. Joe Sosnowski has filed legislation he hopes will make life easier on Illinois...
Texodus: At least 12 Texas members of Congress won’t be returning next year

Texodus: At least 12 Texas members of Congress won’t be returning next year

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Twelve members of Texas’ congressional delegation elected in 2024 won’t be returning to office next year. Eleven are incumbents; one is deceased. The number is...
War in Iran shocks markets, costs U.S. taxpayers $1 billion a day

War in Iran shocks markets, costs U.S. taxpayers $1 billion a day

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The escalating war in Iran has already rattled global markets and driven oil prices to their highest levels since April 2024. If the conflict persists,...
Mississippi primaries to watch on Tuesday

Mississippi primaries to watch on Tuesday

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Mississippi will hold its state primary elections on Tuesday, making it the fourth state in the nation to elect party representatives in preparation for the...
Advocates, lawmakers propose increased cigarette tax

Advocates, lawmakers propose increased cigarette tax

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Anti-tobacco advocates and state officials across the country are proposing an increased tax on cigarette packs. The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids published an annual report...
Pittsburgh Pipe

Litchfield Sells Industrial Park Lot to Pittsburgh Pipe for Multi-Million Dollar Expansion, Approves Skyview Drive Access Road

Litchfield City Council Meeting | March 5, 2026 Article Summary: The City of Litchfield finalized a real estate sales contract with Pittsburgh Pipe & Supply Corp., selling a nearly 4-acre...
Legal experts anticipate SCOTUS will overturn drug user gun ban

Legal experts anticipate SCOTUS will overturn drug user gun ban

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Legal experts anticipate the U.S. Supreme Court will strike down a law barring unlawful drug users from possessing firearms. On Monday, justices of the U.S....
Parents' rights advocates hail SCOTUS ruling against secret gender transitions

Parents’ rights advocates hail SCOTUS ruling against secret gender transitions

By Tate MillerThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Mirabelli v. Olson deciding against California’s law that allowed for gender transitions of school children without parental knowledge has...
Critics warn Illinois bill could lead to government overreach in newborn care

Critics warn Illinois bill could lead to government overreach in newborn care

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois Family Institute is raising concerns over a proposed bill that would offer voluntary home...
Veteran suicide rate remains high despite spending millions

Veteran suicide rate remains high despite spending millions

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Veterans die by suicide at roughly twice the civilian rate, despite the Department of Veterans Affairs spending more than $500 million a year to address...
BlackRock summit to focus on workforce needed for U.S. infrastructure boom

BlackRock summit to focus on workforce needed for U.S. infrastructure boom

By Tom JoyceThe Center Square A coalition of government officials, corporate executives, and labor leaders is gathering in Washington next week to address what many see as the biggest obstacle...
Debate grows as states consider teacher strike bans

Debate grows as states consider teacher strike bans

By Esther WickhamThe Center Square Many states are considering new policies affecting teachers’ ability to strike or participate in protests, and education officials and labor advocates continue to debate the...
American gasoline prices increase most in one week since 2020

American gasoline prices increase most in one week since 2020

By Alton WallaceThe Center Square American gasoline prices continued to rise on Friday and are up the most of any week since 2022. Iran widened attacks on energy-producing countries near...
Presidents, governor honor late civil rights leader Jackson; mayor says tax the rich

Presidents, governor honor late civil rights leader Jackson; mayor says tax the rich

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Former President Barack Obama said his path to the White House was laid by late civil rights...