Illinois Quick Hits: CTA leader addresses transit security

Illinois Quick Hits: CTA leader addresses transit security

Spread the love

(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.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Democrats demand answers from Trump on consumer costs of Iran conflict

Democrats demand answers from Trump on consumer costs of Iran conflict

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square With the U.S. conflict in Iran stretching past the 67-day mark, a group of senior House Democrats are questioning whether the Trump administration has any...
Illinois Dems eye $7B from new tax proposals, push ‘Billionaire Wealth Tax’

Illinois Dems eye $7B from new tax proposals, push ‘Billionaire Wealth Tax’

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – New tax proposals being considered in Springfield could bring nearly $7 billion in revenue to the state,...
Plan would have state taxpayers provide $50M for ICE-impacted businesses

Plan would have state taxpayers provide $50M for ICE-impacted businesses

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois Senate is considering legislation that would provide $50 million in state taxpayer funds to businesses...
Homan threatens crackdown if New York limits ICE cooperation

Homan threatens crackdown if New York limits ICE cooperation

By Chris WadeThe Center Square President Donald Trump's immigration czar Tom Holman is renewing threats to "flood the zone" in New York if state lawmakers approve Gov. Kathy Hochul's plan...
Feds sue Colorado over ban on certain firearm magazines

Feds sue Colorado over ban on certain firearm magazines

By Derek DraplinThe Center Square The U.S. Department of Justice on Wednesday filed a lawsuit against Colorado for its ban on firearm magazines that hold more than 15 rounds. The...
Group calls for clear lines of authority after UVA member’s communications released

Group calls for clear lines of authority after UVA member’s communications released

By Tate MillerThe Center Square An education defense group is calling for clear lines of authority to be codified after text messages between a University of Virginia faculty member and...
States pushing back on data center sales tax breaks as Wisconsin forgoes $1.5B

States pushing back on data center sales tax breaks as Wisconsin forgoes $1.5B

By Jon StyfThe Center Square While those supporting sales tax breaks for data center projects say they believe the breaks are necessary to compete for projects amongst the 38 states...
Midwest takes brunt of rising gas prices

Midwest takes brunt of rising gas prices

By David Beasley | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Midwestern states, Indiana, Ohio and Michigan in particular, were hit harder in the past week by...
Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago police sergeant charged with COVID relief fraud

Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago police sergeant charged with COVID relief fraud

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A Chicago police sergeant has been charged with fraudulently obtaining more than $41,000 in small business loans...
Democrats hold Michigan Senate majority with special election win in District 35

Democrats hold Michigan Senate majority with special election win in District 35

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Democrat Chedrick Greene won the special election in Michigan’s 35th Senate District by a wide margin Tuesday night, preserving Democrats’ narrow majority in the chamber....
Appeals court splits over ICE detention of illegal immigrants without bond

Appeals court splits over ICE detention of illegal immigrants without bond

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square A panel of federal appeals court judges continues to agree that a Chicago federal judge overstepped his authority in ordering the en...
Incumbents survive Indiana U.S. House challenges

Incumbents survive Indiana U.S. House challenges

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Incumbent U.S. House candidates from Indiana held on to party nominations Tuesday, despite intense pressure from challengers. District 4 Rep. Jim Baird survived a primary...
Ohio voters pick candidates for November election

Ohio voters pick candidates for November election

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Ohio voters elected party representatives for governor, U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate on Tuesday. The election was the first since the Ohio legislature...
'Project Freedom' paused while U.S., Iran try to negotiate a deal

‘Project Freedom’ paused while U.S., Iran try to negotiate a deal

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square More than a day after its implementation, “Project Freedom,” a U.S. operation to safely escort commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz, has been put...
Colorado House votes for credit card fee reduction

Colorado House votes for credit card fee reduction

By Liam HibbertThe Center Square Legislation to reduce credit card fees on purchases is a step closer to final passage in Colorado with proponents saying it will help small businesses...