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.

A band performs during the Taste of Orland in 2025. (Village of Orland Park)

Taste of Orland Park to include 22 food vendors, increased seating

July 20, 2026 at 3:37 p.m.

Mayor Jim Dodge said the Taste of Orland Park's estimated 30,000 attendees can expect more seating behind the main stage.

Calumet City Mayor Thaddeus Jones defends his spending during a special city council meeting on June 9, 2026, where he and Finance Director John Kasperek, right, presented a plan to take out an $8 million loan to pay bills. (Olivia Stevens/Daily Southtown)

Calumet City moves $4 million from bond fund, prepares for budget discussions

July 17, 2026 at 3:23 p.m.

The Calumet City City Council on Wednesday approved a $4 million transfer from a 2023 bond to help overcome its backlog of bills.

Queen of Martyrs School in Evergreen Park June 16, 2026. The school will not reopen for for the 2026-2027 school year. (Evy Lewis/Daily Southtown)

Substitute teacher fired by Chicago Archdiocese pleads guilty to aggravated battery of Orland Park child

July 17, 2026 at 11:58 a.m.

A former Chicago Archdiocese substitute teacher pleaded guilty Thursday to aggravated battery of a child, a felony, after he was accused of engaging in inappropriate behavior with a 9-year-old boy...

Robbins Mayor Darren Bryant speaks at an event in October 2024. (Mike Nolan/Daily Southtown)

Traffic citations dismissed against Robbins Mayor Darren Bryant following Calumet Park stop

July 15, 2026 at 3:31 p.m.

Robbins Mayor Darren Bryant was cited with disobeying a traffic control device and not having proof of insurance in Calumet Park.

10-year-old dies after Monday night fire in Lansing apartment building

July 15, 2026 at 11:43 a.m.

The medical examiner said 10-year-old Braelyn Stewart of Dolton died after being rescued from a fire in a Lansing apartment.

The Thornton Composite Reservoir was 73% full as of July 14, 2026, according to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. (Olivia Stevens/Daily Southtown)

Thornton Reservoir down to 73% capacity as drainage continues

July 14, 2026 at 3:41 p.m.

The Thornton Composite Reservoir will likely not be empty for several more weeks, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District says.

Dolton District 149 Superintendent Maureen White, left, and School Board President Lolita Crisler-Liggons during a school board meeting in June 2024. (Olivia Stevens/Daily Southtown)

Dolton District 149 pays Superintendent Maureen White $181,000 for early departure from contract

July 13, 2026 at 3:28 p.m.

Dolton Elementary District 149 agreed to pay Superintendent Maureen White nearly $181,000 to end her contract one year early.

Supervisor Napoleon Harris III attends a Thornton Township Board meeting July 22, 2025, in South Holland. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Complaint argues Thornton Township Supervisor Napoleon Harris doesn’t live in township

July 10, 2026 at 2:56 p.m.

Former McHenry Township Trustee Bob Anderson says Thornton Township Supervisor Napoleon Harris lives in Bloom Township.

Lockport Zoning and Planning Commission member Aaron Peters, right, asks city attorney Michael Carroll a question before proposing a compromise for a 90-foot cell tower near Rotary Park. Peters’ proposal was approved by a 4-3 vote after two alternatives failed. (Olivia Stevens/Daily Southtown)

Lockport panel narrowly approves shorter cell tower at high school fields

July 9, 2026 at 3:53 p.m.

A Lockport panel narrowly approved plans for a 90-foot cell tower at Lockport Township District 205 baseball and softball fields.

Dolton attorney Michael McGrath, left, presents information Monday about an ordinance which marks a step forward in attempts to pay $33.5 million owed from a 2016 police chase lawsuit. (Olivia Stevens/Daily Southtown)

Dolton passes ordinance allowing payment of $33.5 million judgment over 10 years

July 7, 2026 at 3:36 p.m.

Dolton attorney Michael McGrath said Monday the village is working on a plan to pay the judgment that avoids raising property taxes.

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