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

Ceasefire deadline looms as talks with Iran remain uncertain

Ceasefire deadline looms as talks with Iran remain uncertain

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square With just hours left before the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran is set to expire, President Donald Trump still says a deal can be...
America's motor fuel prices up, still below rest of the world

America’s motor fuel prices up, still below rest of the world

By Alton WallaceThe Center Square American prices for transportation fuels gasoline and diesel remained at four-year highs on Tuesday as the war with Iran moved into the 53rd day and...
Fraud, licensing, enforcement in American freight proposal

Fraud, licensing, enforcement in American freight proposal

By Alan WootenThe Center Square American freight and transportation system fraud, licensing and improved enforcement is in a proposal from a North Carolina congressman. The SAFER Transport Act, says U.S....
House Ethics Committee releases list of 26 members investigated for sexual misconduct

House Ethics Committee releases list of 26 members investigated for sexual misconduct

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square The U.S. House Ethics Committee released a list of names of 26 current and former members of Congress who it’s investigated for sexual misconduct. It...
Warsh calls for Fed independence, reform

Warsh calls for Fed independence, reform

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Kevin Warsh, President Donald Trump's pick to lead the Federal Reserve, said he would maintain the central bank's independence from the president and enact reforms...
Illinois Quick Hits: Pritzker awards $31.8M in forgivable cannabis loans

Illinois Quick Hits: Pritzker awards $31.8M in forgivable cannabis loans

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker awarded $31.8 million in forgivable loans through the state’s Cannabis Social Equity Loan...
Illinois quick hits: Two additional tornadoes confirmed

Illinois quick hits: Two additional tornadoes confirmed

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Two additional tornadoes confirmed The National Weather Service says it has confirmed that two more tornadoes affected northern Illinois last Friday,...
Chicago officials investigate ex-mayoral employee, drinking by city workers

Chicago officials investigate ex-mayoral employee, drinking by city workers

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Chicago Board of Ethics is looking into allegations that a former high-level employee in the mayor’s...
IL businesses eligible for $8B in tariff refunds; Pritzker wants more for families

IL businesses eligible for $8B in tariff refunds; Pritzker wants more for families

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Two months after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down some of President Donald Trump’s tariffs, roughly $8...
Court dismisses Illinois lawsuit over National Guard deployment

Court dismisses Illinois lawsuit over National Guard deployment

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – U.S. District Court Judge April Perry has dismissed Illinois’ lawsuit against President Donald Trump over his deployment...
Illinois law at center of normal township BDS referendum

Illinois law at center of normal township BDS referendum

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A central Illinois township is advancing a ballot question tied to Illinois’ anti-BDS law, underscoring how...
Illinois Quick Hits: At least 7 tornadoes hit Illinois last week

Illinois Quick Hits: At least 7 tornadoes hit Illinois last week

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The National Weather Service says at least seven tornadoes impacted Illinois last Friday afternoon and evening. The...
Reentry housing bill draws support from advocates; debate centers on cost, public safety

Reentry housing bill draws support from advocates; debate centers on cost, public safety

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Supporters of Illinois’ proposed “Homes for Good Act” say the measure could reduce recidivism and improve...
Will County Board Graphic.04

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Executive Committee for April 9, 2026

Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | April 9, 2026 The Will County Board Executive Committee met on Thursday, April 9, 2026, to process a diverse agenda featuring major strategic,...
Rock Run Preserve —Photo by Chad Merda

On the road to 100 years: How the Forest Preserve District expanded

As the Forest Preserve District approaches its centennial year in 2027 with a total of nearly 24,000 protected acres, it’s a good time to reflect on how the District grew...