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

Illinois quick hits: Fatal police-involved shooting investigated

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Fatal police-involved shooting investigated Illinois State Police say they are investigating an officer-involved fatal shooting that took place Sunday night in...

Report: More people continue leaving Illinois than arriving

By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois state Rep. Martin McLaughlin argues lawmakers in Springfield only look in the mirror to come...

Trump on alleged fraud: ‘Not gonna pay Illinois’

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – President Donald Trump says the federal government won’t pay for child care fraud in Illinois. The president...

Trump admin signals possible shift as Myanmar election takes place

By Tom JoyceThe Center Square Myanmar started a multi-phase national election late last month as the Trump administration showed openness to renewed engagement with the Southeast Asian country. The first...

Illinois paid nursing break now law, divides lawmakers

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Senate Bill 212 requires Illinois employers to pay nursing mothers for break time starting Jan. 1,...

Maduro, wife plead not guilty in first court appearance

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Deposed Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro pleaded not guilty as he was arraigned in a New York court on Monday, facing federal drug and weapons charges....

Trump’s capture of Maduro unlikely to slow U.S. overdose deaths

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump's capture of former Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro is unlikely to reduce U.S. drug deaths. Global cocaine production reached an all-time high in...

Illinois quick hits: Leaders take credit for lower Chicago crime

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Leaders take credit for lower Chicago crime Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson says 2025 was one of the safest years the city...

Trustees Approve $13,300 in Social Service Agreements

Monee Township Board Meeting | Nov. 20, 2025 Article Summary:The Monee Township Board approved three separate social service agreements to support local organizations and community initiatives. The funding will support...

IL U.S. Senate candidates differ on Affordable Care Act tax credits

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As Illinois Democrats call for an extension of federal tax credits to address higher Affordable Care Act...

Pritzker: Trump’s military action in Venezuela is ‘unconstitutional’

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – President Donald Trump is praising the United States military for capturing Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro, but Illinois...

Homer Glen Man Charged with Reckless Discharge, Battery to Deputy Following Standoff

Article Summary: Michael Farrell, 52, was arrested after firing over a dozen shots from his home, triggering a SWAT response and a shelter-in-place order for neighbors on December 28. Deputies...

Township Board Approves $445,358 for Food Pantry Construction

Monee Township Board Meeting | Nov. 20, 2025 Article Summary:The Monee Township Board approved a significant capital expenditure to fund the construction of a new food pantry. The decision follows...

CTA must pay $3M to woman convicted of killing, dismembering landlord

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square The Chicago Transit Authority must pay nearly $3 million to a woman who was struck by a bus, even though jurors were...

Trump: ‘Illinois is worse’ as HHS enforces verification for child care funding

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says states will not receive matching child-care funds until...

« Previous
1
…
83
84
85
86
87
…
133
Next »