Illinois quick hits: DOJ sues over voters lists; CTA security surge
DOJ sues over voters lists
The Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice has filed federal lawsuits against four jurisdictions, including Illinois, for failing to produce their full voter registration lists.
The suits against Illinois, Wisconsin, Georgia and the District of Columbia bring the nationwide number to 22.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon said states need to provide the information so the DOJ can protect American citizens from vote dilution.
Man indicted for setting fire
The suspect accused of lighting a Chicago Transit Authority passenger on fire Nov. 17 has also been indicted for allegedly setting fire to City Hall three days earlier.
A federal grand jury indicted Lawrence Reed, 50, of Chicago on terrorism and arson charges Wednesday.
Reed had more than 70 prior arrests at the time of the incidents. He is now detained in federal custody without bond.
CTA security surge
Ten days after the Federal Transit Administration advised Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson that federal funding would be withheld if the Chicago Transit Authority did not take action to increase its law enforcement presence on buses and trains, the CTA and the Chicago Police Department announced a security surge plan.
Starting Friday, the agencies say they will increase the average number of officers participating in a CTA patrol program from 77 per day to 120.
The FTA said assaults against customers on CTA vehicles and property have increased 150% in the past five years.
Latest News Stories
Op-Ed: If Illinois wants clean energy, it needs data centers
Illinois senator’s bill on transgender ‘mental illness’ sparks debate
Lawmaker says Illinois behind 44 states in legislative transparency
Illinois Quick Hits: Foreign national faces harboring, forced labor charges
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Legislative Committee for February 3, 2026
Village to Revise Noise Ordinance Following Trucking Complaints
Health & Safety Committee: Opioid Overdose Deaths Drop to Zero in January as Behavioral Health Department Expands Role
Illinois GOP state reps call on Dems to stop taxing s’mores, other goods
Illinois Quick Hits: Tangent to expand in Montgomery
Retail advocate: Swipe fees ruling is largest Main St. ‘relief package’ in Illinois
Smith & Wesson wins appeal chance in Highland Park lawsuits
Illinois Republicans say federal student data probe may reach Illinois State after Tufts review
Washington Township Trustees Move to Create Official Emails to Comply with FOIA