Caitlin Nordahl Stories | Metro East Sun

Tax analyst: Illinoisans crushed under weight of sales, income, property taxes

By Caitlin Nordahl | May 25, 2017

Illinoisans pay more in total taxes than anyone else in the nation, so any thoughts about adding to that burden need to be forgotten, a tax analyst argued recently.

Macoupin County accused of illegal payment as loan forgiveness

By Caitlin Nordahl | May 22, 2017

A settlement agreement on a revolving loan from Macoupin County to former South County News owner Dave Ambrose suggests that the county worked with Ambrose to illegally promote a 2014 referendum to increase the sales tax, a government oversight group alleged recently.

Bourne wants a better test of lawmakers' ethical mettle

By Caitlin Nordahl | May 22, 2017

Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Raymond) doesn't want any more ethical failures among Illinois legislators.

Bourne demands end to 'ZIP code lottery' in school funding

By Caitlin Nordahl | May 21, 2017

With only two weeks left in the legislative session, Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Raymond) wants the General Assembly to make sure that when school students return in the fall, they will have a more even playing field.

Small businesses have big role to play in saving Illinois, Rauner says on tour

By Caitlin Nordahl | May 18, 2017

Illinois can't grow unless its small businesses grow, Gov. Bruce Rauner told owners and employees of several of the state's 1 million such businesses on a brief tour recently.

Bourne pushes for end of taxes on land transfers to give farmers a chance to grow

By Caitlin Nordahl | May 10, 2017

Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Raymond) wants Illinois to keep its farmers at home through the repeal of estate and inheritance taxes levied on land transfers.

House honors Tribune's group home abuse series

By Caitlin Nordahl | May 8, 2017

Rep. Charlie Meier (R-Okawville) and the Illinois House of Representatives formally congratulated the Chicago Tribune for its award-winning coverage of documented harm in state-funded group homes.

Shimkus backs appropriations bill as necessary evil

By Caitlin Nordahl | May 8, 2017

U.S. Rep. John Shimkus (R-IL) explained his support for the recently passed federal spending bill as the only way forward.

War hero, ex-CIA boss Petraeus to speak at Chicago fundraiser

By Caitlin Nordahl | May 5, 2017

Ret. Gen. David Petraeus, perhaps best known for leading the American military efforts in Iraq under Presdent George W. Bush, will provide the keynote address at the 6th Annual Navy Seal Foundation's "Chicago Evening of Tribute," a fundraising event that supports Naval Special Warfare (NSW) families.

Alorton mayor doesn't sit well with oversight group

By Caitlin Nordahl | Apr 28, 2017

A felony conviction and sentence that were later dismissed and alleged "drunken street hooker" behavior weren't enough to prevent the election of JoAnn Reed as the mayor of Alorton, a government oversight group argued recently.

Illinoisans told to take consolidation into their own hands

By Caitlin Nordahl | Apr 25, 2017

A public policy group is calling on Illinoisans to demand that the Senate follow the House's lead and approve a bill that would allow voters to decide to consolidate local governments.

Collinsville offering utility tax rebates for some

By Caitlin Nordahl | Apr 24, 2017

Collinsville residents have approximately five weeks left to apply for utility tax rebates of up to $55, according to the city.

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$1,000 community college scholarships offered

By Caitlin Nordahl | Apr 24, 2017

High school seniors in Madison and Bond counties who will be attending Lewis and Clark Community College, Southwestern Illinois College or Kaskaskia College may now apply for the Great River Workforce Development Corporation Inc. scholarships, Madison County announced recently.