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.
Partly Sunny
Latest News Stories
Unpermitted Log Cabin and Stage Prompt Rezoning in Beecher
Frankfort Park District to Renegotiate Crystal Brook Park Agreement
Federal court blocks Trump from dismantling four agencies
State reps: Pritzker turns ‘blind eye’ to Chicago’s public safety crisis
Illinois quick hits: Medicaid coverage for parental home visits; ‘Trouble in Toyland’ report
Potential data center in Illinois village raises local concerns
New Lenox to Host Large Pollinator-Friendly Solar Farm
Hunter Prairie Park Redevelopment Nears Completion with New Amenities
JJC Receives Clean Audit, Reports $21.6 Million Increase in Net Position
Will County Board Passes 0% Tax Levy, Creating “Unbalanced” Budget Crisis
Poll: Majority of Americans still support legal immigration
New Illinois youth center begins housing youth in Lincoln
