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

Will County Board Graphic.04

Board Approves Joliet Township Clean Fill Facility Despite Environmental Objections

Will County Board Meeting | February 19, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board approved a map amendment and special use permit for a Clean Construction and Demolition Debris (CCDD) facility...
solar panels photovoltaics in solar farm

Will County Board Unanimously Rejects Controversial Solar Farm in Troy Township

Will County Board Meeting | February 19, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board unanimously rejected a special use permit for a commercial solar energy facility near Shorewood following strong opposition...
Oil cos. ask to pause Chicago climate ‘deception’ suit til SCOTUS weighs in

Oil cos. ask to pause Chicago climate ‘deception’ suit til SCOTUS weighs in

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Saying the U.S. Supreme Court will decide soon if the lawsuit is even allowed, a group of oil and gas companies have...
Illinois quick hits: Ex-Carlyle Police Chief faces federal embezzlement charges;

Illinois quick hits: Ex-Carlyle Police Chief faces federal embezzlement charges;

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Ex-Carlyle Police Chief faces federal embezzlement charges Former Carlyle Police Chief Mark Pingsterhaus is facing federal charges for allegedly embezzling more...
Lawmaker proposes property tax credits as housing debate continues

Lawmaker proposes property tax credits as housing debate continues

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As state and local officials sound off on housing proposals at the Illinois Capitol, a state senator...
Illinois municipalities push for local fuel tax as gas prices rise

Illinois municipalities push for local fuel tax as gas prices rise

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Some Illinois municipal leaders are pushing for the ability to impose local fuel taxes at a time...
Illinois lawmaker supports EPA rollback; AG opposes

Illinois lawmaker supports EPA rollback; AG opposes

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois lawmaker is praising the Environmental Protection Agency under President Donald Trump for repealing the...
Illinois Quick Hits: Report shows Illinois with highest U.S. tax rates

Illinois Quick Hits: Report shows Illinois with highest U.S. tax rates

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A new survey says Illinois has the highest tax rates in the country. According to a WalletHub...
Will County Board Graphic.03

Committee Approves $740,000 Compressor to Boost RNG Plant Uptime

Will County Landfill Committee Meeting | February 10, 2026 Article Summary: The Landfill Committee approved the purchase of a fourth feed compressor for the Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) facility to...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Lincoln-Way District 210 Board of Education for February 19, 2026

Lincoln-Way District 210 Board of Education Meeting | February 19, 2026 NEW LENOX – The Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Board of Education met on Thursday, February 19, 2026, to...
Will County Board Graphic.04

County Approves $1.9 Million for Wilmington-Peotone Road Engineering

Will County Board Meeting | February 19, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board authorized nearly $2 million in Motor Fuel Tax funds to begin Phase I design engineering for improvements...
Police Crime

County Board Authorizes Audit of Homer Glen Policing Contract; Officials Seek ‘True Cost’ of Services

Will County Board Meeting | February 19, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board unanimously approved a $75,000 contract to audit the cost of law enforcement services provided to the Village...
solar panels photovoltaics in solar farm

Soltage Drops Battery Storage Plans, Secures Extensions for Two Crete Solar Projects

Will County Board Meeting | February 19, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board granted second extensions to special use permits for two solar energy projects in Crete Township. The developer,...
Will County Board Graphic.02

Scrap Metal Drop-Off Near Mokena Approved by Single Vote

Will County Board Meeting | February 19, 2026 Article Summary: A contested proposal for an outdoor recyclable material drop-off facility in Frankfort Township passed by a single vote following objections from...
Will County Board Graphic.01

Landscape Business Approved on Cedar Road Despite ‘Dangerous Curve’ Concerns

Will County Board Meeting | February 19, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board approved a special use permit for a landscape business on Cedar Road in Homer Glen, despite concerns...