Chicago City Wire

Janus fallout threatens money, members of teachers' unions

By Robert Hadley | Sep 30, 2018

A potential result of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision this year in the Janus case could leave teachers' unions looking for additional money and members.

Illinois GOP urges Mendoza to disclose potential mayoral ambitions

By Robert Hadley | Sep 14, 2018

Fueling speculation that she may run for Chicago mayor next year, Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza has refused to deny rumors that she was mulling a bid to succeed incumbent Rahm Emanuel.

Kessem slams Martwick's pledge to re-elect Madigan

By Robert Hadley | Sep 13, 2018

Ammie Kessem, District 19 candidate for the Illinois House, recently signed “The People’s Pledge,” a growing effort of candidates and lawmakers to end Rep. Michael Madigan’s (D-Chicago) 30-year reign as House Speaker.

Martwick consulted on Jefferson Park development, refuses to help resolve dispute, article finds

By Robert Hadley | Sep 7, 2018

Chicago’s 45th Ward residents opposed to the Jefferson Park development have been unable to get support from State Rep. Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) in their efforts to halt the planned development.

Support grows for prohibiting lawmakers' side work as property tax attorneys

By Robert Hadley | Sep 7, 2018

If the process of assessing Chicago property taxes is “opaque,” as the Illinois Policy Institute states, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: allowing aldermen to serve as property tax attorneys may be a conflict of interest.

With taxes continuing to rise, GOP sees increased interest in Northwest Chicago

By Robert Hadley | Sep 7, 2018

A groundswell of support among police, firefighters and trade-union members has led to a GOP resurgence on Chicago’s northwest side, according to Matt Podgorski, chair of the Northwest Side Republican Club.

Madigan funding ensures key votes, Illinois Policy Institute reports

By Robert Hadley | Sep 6, 2018

House Speaker Mike Madigan has provided a combined $15 million in funding to dozens of state representatives currently holding office, the Illinois Policy Institute (IPI) reports.

Kessem's NFIB endorsement highlights reform campaign

By Robert Hadley | Aug 30, 2018

Ammie Kessem, the Republican candidate for the Illinois House of Representatives’ 19th District, has been endorsed by the Illinois political action committee of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).

Tickets available to Kyle Schwarber's charity block party Aug. 26

By Robert Hadley | Aug 24, 2018

Grilled meats, signature cocktails and a charity auction are highlights of Kyle Schwarber’s Second Annual Block Party to honor the city’s first responders.

Kessem questions Martwick’s victory lap over property tax refunds

By Robert Hadley | Aug 14, 2018

House District 19 Republican candidate Ammie Kessem recently denounced her opponent, Rep. Robert Martwick (D-Chicago), for a social media post claiming credit for a $19.5 million property tax refund announced this month.

From Prairie State Wire

Moving survey shows outmigration up in Illinois

By Robert Hadley | 7 years ago

Illinois ranks fourth nationwide in terms of outmigration, according to recent data from Stevens Worldwide Van Lines.

From Prairie State Wire

Liberty Justice Center attorney says practical, ideological reasons led to SCOTUS decision on union fees

By Robert Hadley | 7 years ago

The U.S. Supreme Court's ruling this weak overturning a decades-old decision allowing unions to charge non-members for lobbying seems to belong a world away, ideologically, from the one in 1977 that said such fees were constitutional.

Chicago businessman lauds state Roskam for listening to constituents but says business climate is worse

By Robert Hadley | Jun 4, 2018

Although he gives U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam (R-IL) high marks for his responsiveness to business leaders, Chicago Lexus dealer Mike McGrath Sr. says the overall business climate in Illinois seems to be getting worse.

Arena should apologize over police station parking demand, Northwest Side GOP chairman says

By Robert Hadley | May 28, 2018

One of the best ways for politicians to learn how to cope with a crisis is to seek advice from others within the political realm. It may be something 45th Ward Alderman John Arena will want to consider after a recent scandal over parking at a police station – ostensibly to give his 75-year-old mother an easier walk to Wrigley Field – has landed him in hot water.

Arena parking controversy continues after a Facebook photo surfaces

By Robert Hadley | May 25, 2018

Although he initially denied demanding special parking privileges for a May 11 Cubs-White Sox game at Wrigley Field, now it seems that 45th Ward Alderman John Arena is confused about who accompanied him to that game.

Arena denies asking for special parking during Cubs-White Sox game

By Robert Hadley | May 24, 2018

Even alderman aren't allowed to park at the Chicago Police Department’s Town Hall District lot, which happens to be two blocks from Wrigley Field.

Keefe, Campbell, Biery attorney warns of looming state fiscal disaster

By Robert Hadley | May 22, 2018

Thanks to a guaranteed annual cost of living pay increase for state pensioners, as well as years of inadequate pension funding, Illinois now sits on the edge of fiscal calamity, warns the law firm of Keefe, Campbell, Biery & Associates.

Report on Jackson fathering child with ex-mistress adds fuel to debate over left's hypocrisy

By Robert Hadley | May 10, 2018

Recent exam questions in an African Studies class indicate the left may be doing all it can to paint the current president as a bigot while ignoring the ethical and moral lapses of leaders on its own side.

Union ties to newspaper may have played a role in Martinez endorsement in 20th Senate District

By Robert Hadley | May 10, 2018

Attorney Bart Goldberg appeared to be a strong contender in the March Democratic primary in the 20th Senate District.

For larger communities like Alsip, cross-training first responders not a viable option

By Robert Hadley | May 9, 2018

News that the Village of Glencoe has cross-trained all its emergency response staff, and can now use a single fund for police and firefighter retirement benefits raises the question about whether other communities have attempted similar consolidation.