Illinois quick hits: Chicago man faces charges in road-rage shooting; migrant accused of murdering church volunteer; Illinois Liquor Control Commission launches new system

February 24, 2026/

Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Chicago man faces charges in road-rage shooting

A Chicago man is facing aggravated firearm charges after an alleged road-rage shooting on the Kennedy Expressway. Police say Rene Garica, 52, fired a weapon at another vehicle and struck a 14-year-old passenger on I-90 near Ogden Avenue last Wednesday. The victim was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

Migrant accused of murdering church volunteer

A Venezuelan migrant is charged with first-degree murder in connection with the stabbing of a church volunteer who repeatedly tried to help him as he struggled with homelessness. CWB Chicago reports that Carlos Ochoa-Ynaga, 49, fled to California after he allegedly killed Juan Quiroz, 34, last September. Ochoa-Ynaga was brought back to Chicago this month to face charges.

Illinois Liquor Control Commission launches new system

The Illinois Liquor Control Commission says licensees may notice adjustments to workflows and processing timelines during the first 90 days of the agency’s new licensing and compliance portal. The ILCC recently launched its new system for license application, renewal and compliance. Training resources, guidance materials, and technical support information are available at ilcc.illinois.gov.

Latest News Stories

Congress returns to backlog of must-pass legislation

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square After leaving town for a week without sending a key immigration enforcement funding package to President Donald Trump’s desk, Congress returns Monday to a backlog...

Climate science without a notorious worst-case scenario

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square The United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change threw out one of its most extreme emissions scenarios last week, a major development in climate science...

Meeting Summary and Briefs: New Lenox Village Board for May 18, 2026

Meeting Summary and Briefs: New Lenox Village Board for May 18, 2026 The New Lenox Village Board moved through a busy agenda Monday, May 18, 2026, approving more than $1.9...

Illinois Quick Hits: Housing, megaprojects take backseat to budget talks

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Top Democrat leaders in the Illinois legislature met with Gov. J.B. Pritzker late Friday behind closed doors...

Taxpayer watchdog calls for accountability after helicopter prom controversy

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A taxpayer watchdog is calling for a potential criminal investigation after allegations surfaced that a suburban...

Proposed $250 bill could be a boon for drug cartels, experts warn

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square A proposal to create the largest U.S. currency denomination in more than 50 years could unintentionally benefit drug cartels, money launderers and tax cheats, according...

Iowa voters head to the polls for fierce races

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Voters in Iowa will head to the polls Tuesday to elect candidates in several high-profile primary races that will be watched across the country. Many...

District 210 Transportation Update Details Fuel Swings, New Bus Safety Technology

Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Meeting | May 21, 2026 Article Summary: Lincoln-Way District 210 Transportation Director Andy Rezer told the board on Thursday, May 21, 2026, that fuel...

Speakers object to transgender athletes in girls sports

By Madeline ShannonThe Center Square As state track and field championships commenced Friday at Buchanan High School in Clovis, Calif., protesters set up across the street to take aim at...

Taxpayers group, economist praise Pratt’s plan for homelessness in LA

By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square Critics may not care for Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt’s plan to deal with the drug-addicted homeless population, but a taxpayers organization and an...

Almost 25,000 immigration arrests made in Florida

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Since Florida launched its immigration enforcement effort, Operation Tidal Wave, in February, nearly 25,000 arrests have been made statewide. “Florida will continue to use every...

Illinois Quick Hits: Unemployment numbers rise; Champaign job growth continues

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security,...

Filing lawsuits doesn’t immunize Gori vs asbestos fraud claims: New filing

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Saying "human tragedy is no license for fraud," a plastic pipes maker is urging a federal judge to reject the bid to...

Exxon, global agencies warn of oil price spike within weeks

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square A top ExxonMobil executive warned that oil prices could surge to between $150 and $160 per barrel within weeks as conflict in the Middle East...

Bondi defends Epstein files release, denies Trump involvement

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Former Attorney General Pam Bondi defended the U.S. Department of Justice’s release of files associated with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and did not answer...

« Previous
1
…
3
4
5
6
7
…
173
Next »