Illinois Quick Hits: CTA passenger set on fire in November leaves hospital

Illinois Quick Hits: CTA passenger set on fire in November leaves hospital

February 6, 2026/
Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – A Chicago Transit Authority train passenger says she has been released from the hospital more than two months after a man with a long criminal history allegedly set her on fire. B

ethany MaGee was hospitalized on Nov. 17. MaGee issued a statement thanking the burn unit at Stroger Hospital for their care and support.

As of Friday afternoon, a GoFundMe effort to support MaGee’s recovery has raised more than $512,000.

ALLEGED HIT-AND-RUN DRIVER ARRESTED

Illinois State Police special agents have arrested a Beach Park man in connection with a hit-and-run collision involving a pedestrian.

After reports of multiple crashes on I-94 in Skokie on Feb. 1, ISP says a person who exited a vehicle was struck by a vehicle driven by Damian Lopez, 30. The victim suffered life-threatening injuries.

Lopez allegedly fled the scene and was arrested the next day.

NFIB JANUARY JOBS REPORT

The National Federation of Independent Business Employment Index dropped nearly 1 point in January to 101.6.

The index remained above the historical average of 100 and slightly above the 2025 average of 101.2. Thirty-one percent of small business owners reported job openings they could not fill in January.

NFIB Illinois State Director Noah Finley said workforce challenges remain a primary hurdle for small businesses.

More Stories
Weather Full forecast →
⚠️ Extreme Heat Warning issued July 27 at 9:33AM CDT until July 27 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Today Jul 26
Patchy Fog then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
90° 70°

Patchy Fog then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

💨 10 to 15 mph 💧 22%
Data: National Weather Service • Updated Jul 27, 10:10 AM Full Forecast →
Site Sections

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

AAA: Record July 4th travel expected as gas prices ease

AAA: Record July 4th travel expected as gas prices ease

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Drivers will get some relief at the pump this Independence Day weekend after months of high gas prices. With a record number of Americans expected...
A year after deadly floods: Foundation launches national parent pledge campaign

A year after deadly floods: Foundation launches national parent pledge campaign

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square The Safe Summers Foundation has launched a national parent pledge campaign approaching the one-year anniversary of the July 4 historic flood that swept through the...
Survey: Patriotism runs high as most Americans are achieving the American Dream

Survey: Patriotism runs high as most Americans are achieving the American Dream

By Tate RosentreterThe Center Square A majority of U.S. adults say they are living the American Dream and are proud to be Americans, while negative sentiments toward AI’s effect on...
Colorado's 50,187-acre fire tops U.S. firefighting priorities

Colorado’s 50,187-acre fire tops U.S. firefighting priorities

By Robert MattesonThe Center Square A 50,187-acre wildfire in Colorado has been declared the nation's No. 1 firefighting priority. Spanning Pueblo and Custer counties, the Aspen Acres Fire is expected...
Polling: Texas' U.S. Senate race statiscally tied

Polling: Texas’ U.S. Senate race statiscally tied

By B y Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square The Republican Party will hold its first-ever midterm national convention in Dallas in September as Texas’ U.S. Senate race is statistically tied. Political...
Major TdA busts in Texas, Illinois, charges include murder, kidnapping

Major TdA busts in Texas, Illinois, charges include murder, kidnapping

By Bethany Blankley | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Eight Venezuelan men, all illegally in the U.S., have been arrested in Texas and Illinois on...
Vought cites $30B war cost as his agency seeks $67B for conflict

Vought cites $30B war cost as his agency seeks $67B for conflict

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought told Congress the Iran conflict has cost "about $30 billion," six days after his own agency asked...
Pritzker defends state ban on semiautomatic weapons

Pritzker defends state ban on semiautomatic weapons

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – After the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to consider a case challenging Cook County’s ban on semiautomatic weapons,...
GOP hardliners vow to blockade must-pass bills unless voter ID demands met

GOP hardliners vow to blockade must-pass bills unless voter ID demands met

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Despite the looming 2026 midterm elections and the growing list of congressional responsibilities, a persistent group of Republicans are vowing to obstruct all U.S. House...
Illinois Quick Hits: AG, Chicago Law Department hail Massachusetts ruling

Illinois Quick Hits: AG, Chicago Law Department hail Massachusetts ruling

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul says he is pleased with a U.S. District Court of Massachusetts decision...
EXCLUSIVE: GOP lawmaker wants Omar records after fraud arrest

EXCLUSIVE: GOP lawmaker wants Omar records after fraud arrest

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square The recent arrest of an alleged top figure in Minnesota’s Feeding Our Future fraud scheme is leading to renewed calls for the release of communications...
Pritzker, Benton’s GOP challenger weigh in calls for resignation

Pritzker, Benton’s GOP challenger weigh in calls for resignation

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Less than a day after top Democrats in Springfield called on an embattled state lawmaker to resign,...
Fireworks buyers flock to neighboring states

Fireworks buyers flock to neighboring states

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois consumers are flocking to neighboring states to buy fireworks as the United States celebrates 250 years...
America 250: The role of prayer and 'in God we Trust' in America’s founding and beyond

America 250: The role of prayer and ‘in God we Trust’ in America’s founding and beyond

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square As Americans celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, many also are remembering the role of prayer and the founders’ and presidents’ belief in...
Pete Hegseth honors members of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force

Pete Hegseth honors members of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force

By Christine JohnsonThe Center Square Department of War Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke to members of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force on Thursday, at Meridian Hill State Park, commending...