Olivia Stevens

Olivia Stevens is a reporter for the Daily Southtown. She was previously an intern for the Tribune‘s politics desk, responsible for covering the Illinois state legislature. She is a 2023 University of Minnesota graduate and interned for Minnesota Public Radio and the Salem Statesman Journal in Oregon before moving to Chicago.

Illinois House Democrats early Wednesday approved a $53.1 billion election-year budget that boosts spending by $400 million from what Gov. J.B. Pritzker proposed earlier this year and slightly reduces the governor's tax hike plan.

Politics |
Illinois House breaks at dawn after last-minute drama over $750M tax package

May 29, 2024 at 6:45 p.m.

Illinois House Democrats early Wednesday approved a $53.1 billion election-year budget that boosts spending by $400 million from what Gov. J.B. Pritzker proposed earlier this year and slightly reduces the...

Senate OK's $53.1 billion state spending plan and sends it to the Illinois House, which is poised to vote on the deal later this week.

Politics |
Illinois Senate approves state budget with $750 million in tax hikes, measure now moves to the House

May 28, 2024 at 6:24 a.m.

Senate OK's $53.1 billion state spending plan and sends it to the Illinois House, which is poised to vote on the deal later this week.

Illinois Democrats struggled to reach consensus on a budget before the Senate dropped a bill late Friday. A day later, there still had not been a substantive vote on the plan.

Politics |
Democrats lurch toward finish line on budget as House breaks for remainder of holiday weekend

May 25, 2024 at 11:01 p.m.

Illinois Democrats struggled to reach consensus on a budget before the Senate dropped a bill late Friday. A day later, there still had not been a substantive vote on the...

Illinois Democrats again will be unable to meet a self-imposed deadline for approving a state spending plan as Gov. J.B. Pritzker faces pushback on proposed tax hikes

Politics |
Illinois Democrats still at odds over tax hike proposals as budget talks again head into overtime

May 23, 2024 at 7:36 p.m.

Illinois Democrats again will be unable to meet a self-imposed deadline for approving a state spending plan as Gov. J.B. Pritzker faces pushback on proposed tax hikes

Politics |
Contractor sues Illinois Tollway, alleging breach of $323 million contract

May 22, 2024 at 5:33 p.m.

A contractor that says its $323 million contract for work on the massive Interstate 294 project was improperly terminated has sued the Illinois Tollway.

Illinois lawmakers head into the final scheduled week of the spring session still negotiating major elements of Gov. J.B. Pritzker's proposed $52.7 billion budget.

Politics |
Lawmakers set to wrangle over tax hikes, insurance reforms in final days of session

May 20, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

Illinois lawmakers head into the final scheduled week of the spring session still negotiating major elements of Gov. J.B. Pritzker's proposed $52.7 billion budget.

A week after President Joe Biden’s latest visit to Chicago, Vice President Kamala Harris appeared at a Glencoe home fundraiser.

Politics |
Vice President Kamala Harris takes optimistic tone at fundraising event in Glencoe

May 17, 2024 at 3:56 p.m.

A week after President Joe Biden’s latest visit to Chicago, Vice President Kamala Harris appeared at a Glencoe home fundraiser.

Mayor Brandon Johnson touts seventh migrant shelter closure during his first year in office.

Politics |
City closes migrant shelter in former school on South Side

May 14, 2024 at 6:13 a.m.

Mayor Brandon Johnson touts seventh migrant shelter closure during his first year in office.

Mayor Brandon Johnson's plans call for June 30 event to be shorter, start an hour earlier and be limited to 150 groups, the smallest number in years.

Politics |
City touts Pride Parade compromise but some organizers still frustrated with downsizing, lack of communication

May 10, 2024 at 8:06 p.m.

Mayor Brandon Johnson's plans call for June 30 event to be shorter, start an hour earlier and be limited to 150 groups, the smallest number in years.

A 23-year-old Springfield resident was arrested and charged with making a false bomb threat that targeted two Illinois state buildings last month.

Politics |
Springfield woman charged with making false bomb threat targeting 2 state buildings last month

May 10, 2024 at 4:45 p.m.

A 23-year-old Springfield resident was arrested and charged with making a false bomb threat that targeted two Illinois state buildings last month.

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