January 13, 2026/

Illinois interstate shootings decline

Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – State police say the number of shootings on Illinois interstates dropped 31% to a total of 61 in 2025, down from 89 interstate shootings in 2024.

According to Illinois State Police, 2025 was the first year in roughly a decade with zero interstate shooting fatalities. ISP said air operations and automated license plate readers have been instrumental in identifying and tracking those committing crimes, as well as reducing crashes.

MEDICAL FRAUD CASE

A former operations manager for a suburban Chicago medical center has been indicted in connection with an alleged $900,000 fraud scheme.

Brandon Getzloff, 42, of Carol Stream has pleaded not guilty to eight counts of wire fraud. Prosecutors say Getzloff used procurement credit cards from the medical center to buy gift cards for himself and pay his personal bills from 2021 to 2024.

SECOND STRAIGHT MONTH OF DECLINING ILLINOIS SPORTS BETS

The Illinois Gaming Board’s October 2025 Sports Wagering Report showed 6.4 million fewer bets were placed across the state compared to October 2024, marking the second straight month when Illinois marked a 15% decrease.

September 2025 data was the first full month of activity reported following implementation of Illinois’ new per-wager tax on sports bets. The Sports Betting Alliance warned that Illinois’ high sports betting taxes are undermining the legal sports betting marketplace.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

ACA premiums projected to rise 26% in 2026, far above U.S. inflation

ACA premiums projected to rise 26% in 2026, far above U.S. inflation

By Tom JoyceThe Center Square Affordable Care Act health insurance premiums are expected to rise about 26% in 2026, the biggest increase in eight years and much higher than overall...
VGBB-LucyMoore-1000thCareerPoints

Milestone Moment: Moore hits 1,000th point in season opener

Senior Lucy Moore is recognized for reaching the 1,000-point career milestone during the Lady Warriors' 50-12 win over Villa Grove. Moore entered the season opener needing 22 points to hit...
Michigan law firm sued over alleged racial bias in diversity scholarships

Michigan law firm sued over alleged racial bias in diversity scholarships

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Two groups have sued a Michigan law firm for operating scholarships they allege are “racially discriminatory.” Do No Harm, a national anti-DEI policy advocacy group,...

WATCH: Libertarian concerns persist as IL Sec of State announces IDs for Apple Wallet

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Digital IDs have gone live in Illinois, but libertarians say the move makes it easier for governments...
Illinois quick hits: Pritzkers meets the Pope; Broadview to close street outside ICE facility

Illinois quick hits: Pritzkers meets the Pope; Broadview to close street outside ICE facility

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Pritzkers meets the Pope Gov. J.B. Pritzker says it was an honor for he and the first lady to meet with...
DHS launches new initiative to crack down on student visa fraud

DHS launches new initiative to crack down on student visa fraud

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has launched a new initiative to crack down on student visa fraud. It’s launched a new online tool through...
'Ghost projects' haunt power grid planners and taxpayers

‘Ghost projects’ haunt power grid planners and taxpayers

By Lauren Jessop | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As the country braces for a surge in electricity demand driven by large energy users like...
WATCH: $10M campaign finance fine dropped; Digital ID unveiled, Chicagoans speak up

WATCH: $10M campaign finance fine dropped; Digital ID unveiled, Chicagoans speak up

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop reviews actions taken...
ICE, Border Patrol agents experience historic surge of vehicular attacks this year

ICE, Border Patrol agents experience historic surge of vehicular attacks this year

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square A surge in targeted vehicular attacks against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol officers have occurred this year “driven by hateful rhetoric from...
Poll: Americans support eliminating Department of Education

Poll: Americans support eliminating Department of Education

By Esther WickhamThe Center Square A new national poll reveals strong American voter support for eliminating the U.S. Department of Education. The survey by the nonprofit Yes. Every Kid Foundation,...
Exclusive: Nonprofit leader urges fight against 'woke capitalism'

Exclusive: Nonprofit leader urges fight against ‘woke capitalism’

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square A bill designed to protect the United States' court system from foreign influence is too broad, according to Trent England, director of the nonprofit Save...
As pennies disappear, businesses turn to hoarding, rounding

As pennies disappear, businesses turn to hoarding, rounding

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Americans can continue to spend pennies, but few businesses are giving them back as the coin's 232-year run comes to an end. Some businesses have...
Chicago tax proposals draw concern over legality, 'economic death spiral'

Chicago tax proposals draw concern over legality, ‘economic death spiral’

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s allies have launched a seven-figure campaign to support his 2026 budget proposal, but...
Illinois quick hits: Former governor proposes millionaire's surcharge; digital state ID launched

Illinois quick hits: Former governor proposes millionaire’s surcharge; digital state ID launched

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Former governor proposes millionaire's surcharge Former Gov. Pat Quinn is pushing for a state constitutional amendment requiring Illinois millionaires to pay...
Louisiana Rep. Clay Higgins defends Epstein 'no' vote

Louisiana Rep. Clay Higgins defends Epstein ‘no’ vote

By Natalie ChandlerThe Center Square LouisianaRepublican Rep. Clay Higgins of Lafayette, the only U.S. House of Representatives lawmaker who voted against releasing documents associated with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein...