Illinois Quick Hits: Reward offered in Chicago shooting

Illinois Quick Hits: Reward offered in Chicago shooting

February 5, 2026/

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.

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