Stories | South Cook News

Markham interim mayor’s pay raise catches attention of watchdog group

By Caitlin Nordahl | Dec 18, 2017

Markham Interim Mayor Ernest Blevins unilaterally ordered a pay raise for himself, increasing his compensation by more than $70,000, in addition to ordering over $30,000 in back pay, according to a recent report from Project Six, a government watchdog group.

Tinley Park mayor seen in quick police station stop during controversial night

By Caitlin Nordahl | Oct 22, 2017

Tinley Park Mayor Jacob Vandenberg visited the Tinley Park Police station for less than a minute on the night of a recent Paul McCartney concert at which he was allegedly intoxicated, according to the Edgar County Watchdogs (ECW).

Time running out on Pritzker's soda tax stance, GOP says

By Caitlin Nordahl | Sep 8, 2017

Democratic gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker has only a few more days to change his mind on the Cook County sugary beverages tax before the county board meets to hear a repeal plan, according to the Illinois Republican Party.

Alleged illegal Orland Park library payment could go unpunished, group says

By Caitlin Nordahl | Sep 1, 2017

The Orland Park Public Library Board probably broke the law by approving expenditures without an itemized receipt, the Edgar County Watchdogs (ECW) argue on their Illinois Leaks website.

Tinley Park principal supports private school tax credit program

By Caitlin Nordahl | Aug 15, 2017

The principal of a private school in Tinley Park is backing Gov. Bruce Rauner's push to establish a tax credit program that would help students attend the school of their choice.

Being 'mad at the math' won't end Illinois' ongoing financial woes, attorney says

By Caitlin Nordahl | Jul 14, 2017

Illinois’ economy will take decades to recover from the state’s current pension and workers’ compensation obligations, to say nothing of the debts continually being added because of a significant lack of reform, according to a blistering analysis from Chicago attorney Eugene Keefe.

Illinois held down by economic, moral decay, analyst says

By Caitlin Nordahl | Jul 11, 2017

While every state around it continues to grow in population and prosperity, Illinois keeps shrinking under the strain of higher taxes and more regulations, Michael Lucci, vice president of policy for the Illinois Policy Institute, said in an article on the institute's website.

Court backs oversight group in FOIA-weakening case

By Caitlin Nordahl | Jul 8, 2017

An Illinois Appellate Court decision has confirmed that home rule units cannot pass ordinances to weaken their duties under state open-records laws, according to the Better Government Association (BGA), which brought the case.

Overtaxed Illinoisans also seeing nation's smallest growth in personal income

By Caitlin Nordahl | Jun 23, 2017

Illinois’ average personal income growth since the Great Recession is tied with Nevada for the worst in the country, according to data from Pew Charitable Trusts recently published on the Illinois Policy Institute website.

State lowers flags in honor of Dolton firefighter

By Caitlin Nordahl | Jun 18, 2017

Illinois lowered its flags for three days recently to honor firefighter Lawrence “Larry” Matthews of the Dolton Fire Department, according to a press release.

U.S. reps join Rauner at 'Cocktails' fundraiser in Rosemont

By Caitlin Nordahl | Jun 18, 2017

The Illinois Republican Party will host a "Cocktails with the Congressmen" fundraising event at the Gene & Georgetti Steakhouse in Rosemont on Monday, with Gov. Bruce Rauner attending as a special guest, according to a press release.

All play and no work — yet legislators still draw paychecks, policy pro argues

By Caitlin Nordahl | Jun 9, 2017

Lawmakers have spent very little time in their seats, but at least they got to have play time, Austin Berg wrote on the Illinois Policy Institute website recently.

General Assembly gives itself another month to reach budget accord

By Caitlin Nordahl | Jun 8, 2017

The General Assembly will meet in a continuous session through June to try to put a budget in place for the new fiscal year, which begins on July 1.

Torrence Avenue bridge work ends early, opens to drivers

By Caitlin Nordahl | Jun 7, 2017

Commuters between Burnham and Chicago’s Southeast Side can again travel over Torrence Avenue after the early completion of the reconstructed bridge over the Grand Calumet River, according to a press release from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).