W.J. Kennedy Stories | Chicago City Wire

Lobbying is all in the Zalewski family

By W.J. Kennedy | Oct 2, 2017

In an era in which states are barring politicians from lobbying their former colleagues until after a cooling off period – a year in most cases—an investigation by Chicago City Wire found three current elected officials in Illinois working as lobbyists.

Chicago builders call new minority requirement an unfair, costly burden

By W.J. Kennedy | Sep 15, 2017

A new Chicago directive that increases participation of minority- and women-owned businesses (MBEs and WBEs) and adds city residency requirements to private construction projects is at best confusing and at worst needlessly costly, industry officials say.

Millionaire father-in-law appears to help keep Socialist Sharkey afloat

By W.J. Kennedy | Sep 11, 2017

The Socialist credentials of Jesse Sharkey, the vice president of the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU), are well-established. An article published last year on the World Socialist Web Site regarding teacher contracts referred to him as “a leading member of the International Socialist Organization (ISO).”

'An absolute disaster': Chicago developers cringe at 'affordable housing' plan

By W.J. Kennedy | Sep 8, 2017

An initiative to expand affordable housing that is being rushed through Chicago's City Council will “shut down a good chunk of development” in large areas of the city, one prominent developer told the Chicago City Wire recently.

“Oh, my God. What Was He Thinking?”; Republicans voice shock, anger over sanctuary bill signing

By W.J. Kennedy | Sep 6, 2017

Stephen Moore was aghast when Gov. Bruce Rauner signed legislation that effectively makes Illinois a sanctuary state.

Martwick to talk with Jefferson Park group opposed to housing complex

By W.J. Kennedy | Aug 30, 2017

Jefferson Park residents could learn on Wednesday where Rep. Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) stands on a controversial low-income housing development planned for 5150 N. Northwest Highway.

Election board lists more general election votes than voters in Chicago

By W.J. Kennedy | Aug 25, 2017

More than 14,000 votes were cast in Chicago during the 2016 general election than there were voters to cast them, based on separate figures released by the Chicago Board of Elections, the chairman of the Chicago Republican Party has reported.

Wife's Cook County position draws line in sand for Tribune reporter

By W.J. Kennedy | Aug 15, 2017

The managing editor of the Chicago Tribune assured Chicago City Wire that reporter Kim Janssen is taking every precaution to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest given that his wife, Becky Schlikerman, is a spokesperson for Cook County.