Illinois quick hits: Storms, tornadoes cause damage; City leaders under scrutiny for drinking while on duty;

Storms, tornadoes cause damage

Severe storms rolled through Illinois Monday night, with several tornadoes suspected of touching down in spots. Wind gusts as high as 100 mph were detected in some areas. The National Weather Service issued 13 tornado warnings in the Chicago area alone. A tornado has been confirmed in Oswego, where residents woke up to major storm damage. The storms produced heavy rain which caused flooding in many areas, including Fulton County, which saw more than 4 inches of rain. In Will County, Interstate 55 remains closed after several vehicles became entangled in downed power lines. Thousands of Illinoisans remained without power Tuesday morning.

City leaders under scrutiny for drinking while on duty

An investigation by the Chicago Office of the Inspector General found two top city leaders had multiple alcoholic drinks on numerous occasions while on duty last year. The report said an investigation had determined that a former deputy mayor had possessed and consumed alcohol on city time and encouraged subordinates to do the same. No one was named in the report.

State officials update prevailing wage rates

The Illinois Department of Labor posted updated prevailing wage rates, by construction trade, for each county on Monday this week. Officials said by requiring that local prevailing wages are paid on public works construction and infrastructure projects, the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act helps ensure that Illinois’ tax dollars are reinvested back into Illinois’ workforce and spent in Illinois’ economy. From now until August 14th, people who disagree with the published rates may object in writing to the department.