W.J. Kennedy | West Cook News

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Durkin chief of staff cited a number of times in Tribune's lottery investigation

By W.J. Kennedy | Jan 9, 2018

Michael Mahoney, the chief of staff for House Republican Leader Jim Durkin, was cited multiple times in a recent Chicago Tribune story about an investigation into improper relationships between Illinois Lottery and legislative staff, and lobbyists for the British firm Camelot, the Lottery’s new management team.

Durkin denies intervening in Broadview strip club dispute despite ex-mayor's testimony

By W.J. Kennedy | Jan 2, 2018

Rep. Jim Durkin’s office told the Chicago Sun-Times that Durkin (R-Western Springs) did not “make any call to facilitate a meeting” over a proposed adult entertainment club in Broadview despite the sworn testimony of the village's former mayor saying he did.

Durkin had role in Broadview strip club fight

By W.J. Kennedy | Dec 15, 2017

Illinois House Republican Leader Jim Durkin played a role in the drawn out legal battle between the Village of Broadview and a proposed adult "gentleman's club," Chicago Joe’s Tea Room, according to a 2013 deposition of former Broadview Mayor Henry A. Vicenik.

Durkin opponent sees disillusion dragging down Illinois

By W.J. Kennedy | Nov 9, 2017

Burr Ridge Mayor Mickey Straub calls the recent rush appointment of a legislative inspector general (LIG) that followed a three-year vacancy a case of “damage control” to shield lIlinois lawmakers from the political fallout of recent sexual harassment allegations against a state senator.

Records show City of Berwyn paid State Rep. Durkin's law firm nearly $200K in fees

By W.J. Kennedy | Nov 7, 2017

For municipal bond advisory work, Jim Durkin, the lawyer, earned nearly $200,000 for his law firm, Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr, from just one client, the City of Berwyn, billing records obtained by West Cook News show.

Frustration follows failure of River Forest kids' league to offer audit

By W.J. Kennedy | Oct 27, 2017

The leader of a group of parents concerned about an apparent lack of transparency in the finances of River Forest Youth Baseball and Softball (RFYBS) is weighing his options after a promised audit never materialized at the annual meeting recently.

Parents of River Forest Little Leaguers Demand Answers

By W.J. Kennedy | Oct 24, 2017

A concerned group of parents and volunteers involved with River Forest Youth Baseball and Softball (RFYBS) say they will contact the Illinois Attorney General’s office and Little League International if the president and nine-member board of RFYBS fail to disclose details about the league’s finances at the annual meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 24.