Mike Nolan, Chicago Tribune Journalist Profile

Articles

Dolton OKs budget for just ended fiscal year

3 days ago | chicagotribune.com | Mike Nolan

The Dolton Village Board approved a budget Monday, although it’s for the fiscal year that just ended, and trustees are working on a new spending plan for the budget year that began May 1. “This is a catch-up budget as we go into the next year,” Mayor Jason House said. He said officials have begun preparations for the fiscal 2026 budget, which will outline spending through the end of April 2026.
2nd person charged in Oak Forest homicide, due in court Tuesday

4 days ago | chicagotribune.com | Mike Nolan

Oak Forest police said Monday a second man has been charged in the May 23 death of a 54-year-old man. Police said Rashee Wyrick, of Chicago, is scheduled to make an initial court appearance Tuesday at the Bridgeview courthouse. Prosecutors are asking that Wyrick be held pending trial, according to a court document. Charged with first-degree murder, Wyrick joins co-defendant Michael Protho charged with the death of Edward Lewis. Protho is also being held pending trial.
Markham motorcyclist dies after crash in Homewood

4 days ago | chicagotribune.com | Mike Nolan

Homewood police are investigating an accident that resulted in the death of a Markham man who was riding a motorcycle. Police said they responded at about 9:30 a.m. Saturday to 183rd Street and Hood Avenue for a report of a crash. Police said the motorcycle was headed west on 183rd when it struck a vehicle traveling north on Hood, crossing 183rd. The driver of the motorcycle, a 42-year-old Markham man, died later at a hospital, police said.
Chicago man held in Oak Forest homicide, police say 2nd person involved

1 week ago | chicagotribune.com | Mike Nolan

A Chicago man has been charged with one count of first-degree murder involving the death of a 54-year-old Elburn man in Oak Forest. Police said 30-year-old Michael Protho was charged after the Cook County state’s attorney’s office approved the charge Monday following the May 23 death of Edward Lewis in the 15500 block of Long Avenue. Protho was ordered held pending trial following an initial court appearance Tuesday at the Bridgeview courthouse, according to court records.
Mobile help for opioid overdoses rolls into south suburbs with aid of Cook County $1M grant

1 week ago | chicagotribune.com | Mike Nolan

Family Guidance Centers offers medications to people meant to counteract the effects of opioid overdoses from a clinic. But whether it’s access to transportation, child care needs or physical limitations, the nonprofit knows there are many people who need the lifesaving drugs but can’t get to the clinic, said Ron Vlasaty, Family Guidance Centers’ chief operating officer.
Justice man sentenced in wide-ranging theft investigation

1 week ago | chicagotribune.com | Mike Nolan

A Justice man has been sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty to the theft of more than $500,000 in retail goods, according to Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s office. Mahdi Alhaw, 34, was sentenced by Cook County Judge Stanley Sacks after pleading guilty to a Class 1 felony count of theft in excess of $500,000, the office said.
Field grows for successors to Robin Kelly, 5 either running or exploring options

1 week ago | chicagotribune.com | Mike Nolan

The field of potential successors to Robin Kelly as 2nd Congressional District representative is growing, with five people either announcing their candidacy or exploring a possible run. This week, Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller said she’s formed an exploratory committee comprised of south suburban mayors to study her options.
Tinley Park, Park District pair up after spat on Fourth of July fireworks

1 week ago | chicagotribune.com | Mike Nolan

After a two-year separation that saw Tinley Park hold its own July 4 fireworks shows, the village and Park District are collaborating this year on an Independence Day event. It will be held at the Park District’s McCarthy Park, which had long been the site of the Park District’s Fourth of July event and fireworks show until 2023. The last two years, Tinley Park had its own show at the 80th Avenue Metra commuter train station.
Dolton police investigate shooting death near park, homicide reported in Matteson

2 weeks ago | chicagotribune.com | Mike Nolan

Dolton police said Friday they are continuing to investigate the recent shooting death of a Chicago man near a village park, while authorities also reported a homicide in Matteson. A Dolton spokeswoman said officers were dispatched to the area of 147th Street and Evers Avenue following reports of a gunshot victim. Upon arrival, two gunshot victims were located, and one was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the spokeswoman. Police said the shooting appears to have been isolated.
Feds say Palos Hills man swindled investors in precious metals scheme

2 weeks ago | chicagotribune.com | Mike Nolan

A federal indictment alleges a Palos Hills man swindled investors of what authorities termed a purported precious metals refinining business in Bridgeview out of at least $3.6 million. Awad Odeh, 41, is charged in the indictment, returned Tuesday, with four counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. An arraignment in federal court in Chicago is yet to be scheduled, authorities said. Odeh operated North American Refinery in Bridgeview, according to the indictment.