Chicago City Wire

Lightfoot's proposed dining-out tax hike draws ire of local activist

By Robert Hadley | Nov 9, 2019

If you’re dining out in Chicago, you can expect to pay an additional 11.75-percent tax on your meal under a new proposal from first-term Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot.

Lightfoot's restaurant tax will not sit well with Chicago diners, blogger says

By Robert Hadley | Nov 8, 2019

Faced with a staggering $838 million budget deficit, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot intends to raise revenue by making it more costly for city residents to eat out.

Rep. McCombie shares 'interesting read' on history of Chicago aldermen brought down by corruption charges

By Robert Hadley | Jul 5, 2019

If you are looking for a new summer read, you might consider state Rep. Tony McCombie’s suggestion: a Chicago Tribune piece documenting the nearly three dozen aldermen who have faced corruption charges since the 1970s.

As Ald. Burke feels the heat, Chicago GOP leader Cleveland recommends ethics rules to curb abuses

By Robert Hadley | Apr 22, 2019

Though unnamed in real estate developer Charles Cui’s recent indictment in an alleged bribery scheme, longtime 14th Ward Alderman Ed Burke seems to be facing mounting pressure about the case.

Bill on infant mortality task force working its way through House committees

By Robert Hadley | Mar 8, 2019

Illinois lawmakers are set to give a second reading to a bill that would create the Task Force on Infant and Maternal Mortality Among African Americans Act.

15th Ward Alderman race set for runoff

By Robert Hadley | Mar 5, 2019

The battle for the 15th Ward aldermanic seat is set for a runoff between two Democrats, incumbent Raymond Lopez and challenger Rafael Yañez, according to BlockClubChicago.com.

Substitute teacher who opted out of Chicago Teachers Union saw no benefit in membership

By Robert Hadley | Feb 25, 2019

According to a substitute teacher for the Chicago Public Schools, opting out of the teachers' union was no big deal.

Investigation uncovers possible patronage hire at CTA's Diversity Office

By Robert Hadley | Feb 22, 2019

The husband of a state legislator allegedly received special consideration when the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) hired him in what appears to be an illegal patronage hire.

After campaign loss, Kessem returns to the beat as Chicago police sergeant

By Robert Hadley | Nov 7, 2018

Ammie Kessem is back on the beat as a Chicago police sergeant, after losing her bid for a House seat in the 19th District to incumbent state Rep. Robert Martwick (D-Chicago).

From Prairie State Wire

Rauner concedes governor's race to Pritzker

By Robert Hadley | 6 years ago

Incumbent Gov. Bruce Rauner conceded defeat Tuesday night as Democrat J.B. Pritzker claimed the governorship of Illinois, capturing 59 percent of the vote to Rauner’s 35 percent.

Kessem: Tax reform, strong leadership lacking in Springfield

By Robert Hadley | Nov 2, 2018

Ammie Kessem, a Republican state House candidate, says Tuesday's election is about leadership, or lack thereof, in Springfield. She’s running against incumbent state Rep. Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) in District 19.

Kessem says Martwick votes to keep Madigan as speaker in exchange for campaign funds

By Robert Hadley | Oct 25, 2018

Ammie Kessem, the Republican candidate for the 19th House District, recently posted a Facebook video criticizing the political quid pro quo that allegedly keeps longtime House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) in power.

Kessem, Martwick spar on social media over pensions and property tax reform

By Robert Hadley | Oct 18, 2018

Ammie Kessem, a 19th District state House candidate, responded directly on social media after her opponent, Rep. Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) accused her of being a “dishonest, pandering” politician.

State GOP questions Mendoza's motives regarding mayoral run

By Robert Hadley | Oct 15, 2018

Despite publicly denying her mayoral intentions, Susana Mendoza was nevertheless listed on petitions for the office, according to a Tweet from an NBC reporter.

Kessem pushes for tax, budget reforms to strengthen Illinois' economy

By Robert Hadley | Oct 11, 2018

Ammie Kessem, the Republican candidate for the 19th House District, believes the state needs a balanced budget and spending and tax reforms to avoid a fiscal crisis.

Railway upgrade predicted to trim delays, boost economy by $4B

By Robert Hadley | Oct 8, 2018

Gov. Bruce Rauner and a handful of public officials and private-sector partners touted a spending plan for railway infrastructure slated to boost Illinois’ economy by approximately $3.8 billion.

Op-ed writer slams Chicago Federation of Labor's attempt to discredit Kessem's union support

By Robert Hadley | Oct 5, 2018

Attempts by the Chicago Federation of Labor (CFL) to discredit state House candidate Ammie Kessem’s pro-union credentials are inaccurate and misleading, according to a recent editorial published on Medium.com.

Kessem dismisses opponent as "Tax-Man Rob Martwick"

By Robert Hadley | Oct 3, 2018

Ammie Kessem, a Republican candidate in the 19th District race for the Illinois House, also criticized her opponent’s endorsement of Toni Preckwinkle, describing the mayoral candidate as the "Soda Tax Queen."

GOP to voters: 'You're being manipulated' by state Democratic leaders

By Robert Hadley | Oct 3, 2018

It’s a paradox that the same state Democratic politicians who have led the state to the brink of fiscal crisis manage to be re-elected, according to Republican leaders gathered recently to expose the "Chicago Machine."

Kessem calls Martwick part of Democrats' political deception

By Robert Hadley | Sep 30, 2018

Citing a system of “smoke and mirrors” by career politicians, 19th District Illinois House candidate Ammie Kessem accuses her opponent of deception.