Illinois Quick Hits: CTA leader addresses transit security
(The Center Square) – Chicago Transit Authority Acting President Nora Leerhsen says the agency has increased law enforcement hours by 75% across the system.
When reporters asked Leehrsen and Mayor Brandon Johnson on Tuesday about the CTA laying off more than 150 unarmed private security guards while implementing a new security plan, Leehrsen said Chicago police and Cook County Sheriff’s officers would be deployed in a targeted, data-informed way.
Leehrsen said the agency has also increased cleaning resources.
FORMER CHICAGO GANG LEADER GETS LIFE SENTENCE
A former Chicago gang leader has been sentenced to life in prison after he was convicted of racketeering conspiracy, two murders in aid of racketeering, and extortion.
A federal jury convicted Labar Spann, 47, in December after finding that he committed a total of four murders in a premeditated manner between July 2000 and June 2003.
Prosecutors say Spann was a leader of the Four Corner Hustlers who terrorized Chicago’s West Side for two decades.
DEM COUNTY CHAIRS PRAISE REELECTION OF HERNANDEZ AS STATE CHAIR
The Illinois Democratic County Chairs Association is congratulating state Rep. Lisa Hernandez, D-Cicero, on her reelection as chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois.
Hernandez has served as party chair since July 2022, when she succeeded U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly. IDCCA President Mark Goethe said Hernandez has been a strong, thoughtful leader for the party.
NAPERVILLE SCHOOLS WIN FINANCIAL LITERACY COMPETITION
A student team from Naperville Central High School is slated to compete in the National Personal Finance Challenge in Atlanta next month after winning a statewide literacy contest that included 579 participants.
The four winning students each received a $1,500 Bright Start college savings scholarship for winning the 2026 Illinois Personal Finance Challenge sponsored by Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs. E
ach student on the second-place team from Neuqua Valley High School, also in Naperville, received a $1,000 Bright Start scholarship.
Rain Showers
Latest News Stories
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Public Works & Transportation Committee for February 3, 2026
Chicago aldermen call out transportation dept. over Complete Streets, bike lanes
Health & Safety Committee: District 3 Board Member Pushes for Expanded Animal Control Services in Monee, Crete
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee for Jan. 6, 2026
Legislative Committee: Lobbyists Report on Federal Shutdown and Legislative Outlook
Illinois proposal makes businesses financially liable for climate change
Illinois unemployment rate tops national average; state ends 2025 with fewer jobs
Dozens arrested during ongoing unrest in Minneapolis
Illinois Quick Hits: Iowa wants Illinois’ counties
Despite vast elderly population, Florida lags other states in stopping Medicaid fraud
County Authorizes Financial Study of Homer Glen Law Enforcement Contract
Land Dedicated for Future Road and Bike Path Improvements on Pfeiffer Road
