Michael McDevitt, a native Bostonian, is returning to Chicago where he first attended Loyola University to join The Daily Line as a reporter covering City Hall and Cook County. Michael, 26, spent the last three years reporting on city hall and county government in Las Cruces, New Mexico, the state's second largest city, for the USA Today Network. He bills himself "a municipal government nerd" and expects to apply the skills he developed there to his new job.
While a Loyola student, Michael worked for the award-winning student newspaper, The Loyola Phoenix, as a reporter and graduating in the role of managing editor. Michael has interned with CBS Chicago’s investigative team and reported stories for the Sun-Times as an intern and freelancer. When Michael’s not sitting in a committee meeting, catch him rewatching “Better Call Saul,” playing with his cat, listening to a podcast while at the gym or trying a new coffee shop or craft brewery.
Bio
I Tweet, Therefore I Am. Covering Chicago & Cook County government for @thedailylinechi. | he/him | Bylines: @CrucesSunNews @USATODAY @Suntimes @PhoenixLUC.Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Democratic candidates speak at a Cook County Democratic Party news conference and voting event in Kenwood in June 2022 [Don Vincent/The Daily Line]
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle is set on Thursday to unveil her $8.75 billion proposed budget for the 2023 fiscal year — a plan she said spends millions on equity programs and pandemic relief without raising taxes or eliminating crucial services.
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle to unveil $8.75B proposed budget Thursday
Cook County is reminding residents that applications will open this week for its guaranteed income pilot program. The City of Chicago has won its sixth straight award from a major travel magazine.
News in Brief: Cook County guaranteed income pilot to start taking applications; Chicago nabs sixth straight ‘best big city’ title
Mayor Lori Lightfoot is pictured on the city council floor on Monday. [Don Vincent/The Daily Line]
Mayor Lori Lightfoot used her budget address Monday to announce plans to establish an executive office dedicated to overseeing the city’s climate and environmental policies. But the announcement seems to fall short of a promise the mayor made during her first campaign.
Mayor announces new climate and environmental equity office during annual budget address
Frank Chapman speaks during a news conference on Aug. 30, 2022 [Erin Hegarty/The Daily Line]
Longtime local advocates for police reform recognized Thursday as a “historic” moment as the city’s civilian police oversight commission met for the first time and elected a president and vice president, set its meeting schedule and announced an upcoming special meeting focused on the Chicago Police Department budget.
But some still urged the new commission to ensure it has an adequate budget and proper staffing level as it begins its work.
Civilian police oversight commission elects president, VP as local activists note ‘historic’ moment
Cook County Comm. Donna Miller (D-6) speaks about a proposal to reduce property taxes for supermarkets which open in underserved areas during a board meeting Sept. 22, 2022. [Cook County Board of Commissioners Livestream]
A proposed property tax incentive class would attract and retain grocery stores in areas of Cook County that lack sufficient access to healthy food.
The Business and Economic Development Committee could take up the proposed ordinance as soon as its Oct. 19 meeting. If approved by the committee, it would still need the approval of the full Cook County Board of Commissioners. The item was referred to the committee during the Sept. 22 board meeting.
Cook County proposal would create tax incentives for supermarkets in food deserts
Mayor Lori Lightfoot speaks during a news conference Aug. 29, 2022. [Erin Hegarty/The Daily Line]
The civilian commission tasked with oversight of the Chicago Police Department will hold its first meeting Thursday.
Inaugural meeting of civilian police oversight board slated for Thursday
Bio
I Tweet, Therefore I Am. Covering Chicago & Cook County government for @thedailylinechi. | he/him | Bylines: @CrucesSunNews @USATODAY @Suntimes @PhoenixLUC.
