Chicago's Political News and Analysis Blog
Covering Chicago's nine political influencers
5 hours ago
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By Kerry Lester
      

Quinn, Lawmakers Plan Pension Talks Into July

Gov. Pat Quinn and lawmakers are working on a new plan to solve the state's $97 billion pension crisis that involves forming a bipartisan committee and reconvening the Legislature again in July. Read »

5 hours ago
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By Edward McClelland

Opinion: Legislators Should Donate Per Diem Money

Opinion: Legislators Should Donate Per Diem Money

State Sen. Gary Forby is doing it. Is your senator? Read »

Tuesday, Jun 18, 2013 at 10:23 AM
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By Edward McClelland

Activists To 'TP' Chicago Public Schools' CEO

Activists To 'TP' Chicago Public Schools' CEO

To protest school cuts, demonstrators outside a Barbara Byrd-Bennett speech will collect toilet paper to stock barren bathrooms. Read »

Tuesday, Jun 18, 2013 at 7:35 AM
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By Michael Tarm
      

Chicago's Next US Attorney Faces Urgent Dilemma

Chicago's next U.S. attorney faces a dilemma sprung from the twin evils bedeviling America's third-largest city. Should he zero in on Illinois' deep pool of political corruption with the resolve of his... Read »

Tuesday, Jun 18, 2013 at 8:17 AM
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By Phil Rogers
      

Jesse Jr. Wants to Serve Prison Time Before Sandi

Convicted former congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. would like to serve prison time ahead of his also-convicted spouse, Sandi Jackson, court filings show. Read »

Monday, Jun 17, 2013 at 4:08 PM
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By Andrew Greiner

Quinn Signs Fracking Bill

Quinn Signs Fracking Bill

In a news release, Quinn's office says the governor signed the bill Monday. Quinn says the law will "unlock the potential" for thousands of jobs in southern Illinois while protecting the environment. Read »

Monday, Jun 17, 2013 at 1:53 PM
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By Edward McClelland

Rauner: Teachers' Right to Strike is a 'Nuclear Weapon'

Rauner: Teachers' Right to Strike is a 'Nuclear Weapon'

In an interview, GOP gubernatorial candidate suggests teachers should not be allowed to strike. Read »

Monday, Jun 17, 2013 at 7:19 PM
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By Ward Room Staff
      

Bill Daley Calls Out Quinn, Lisa Madigan On Pensions

In a so-called three-step plan to end Illinois' pension impasse, Bill Daley called out Gov. Pat Quinn on Monday for "failed leadership" and Attorney General Lisa Madigan for making the argument worse. Read »

Sunday, Jun 16, 2013 at 3:18 PM
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By Kerry Lester

Pension Fight Shows Democratic Leader Differences

Pension Fight Shows Democratic Leader Differences

As lawmakers strain again this week to find a fix for the state's $97 billion pension crisis, the stalemate between House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton highlights the evolving... Read »

Sunday, Jun 16, 2013 at 12:56 PM
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By Associated Press

Chicago to Hire 600 for School Safe-Passage Routes

Chicago to Hire 600 for School Safe-Passage Routes

The city of Chicago, which plans to close dozens of schools this summer to save money, has received 11,000 requests for help getting children to their new schools along safe-passage routes. Read »

About Ward Room
NBC Chicago's award winning politics blog takes a critical look at Illinois' top influence-peddlers, using a mix of news and commentary designed to keep this state's notoriously corruptible politicians honest and accountable.
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Who We're Covering
Barack Obama

Barack Obama

He's in the fight for his political life. Should he lose the 2012 election for the presidency, he'll likely move back to Chicago's Kenwood Neighborhood and instantly become Chicago's biggest celebrity.

Rahm Emanuel

Rahm Emanuel

Foul mouthed, iron-fisted and arrogant. Say hello to Mayor Emanuel.

Jesse Jackson Jr.

Jesse Jackson Jr.

After spending much of the past year and a half out of the public eye Triple J is making a comeback!

Rod Blagojevich

Rod Blagojevich

Rascally alchemist transmutes disgrace into fame. Celeb Apprentice buffoon, jail time looms.

Joe Walsh

Joe Walsh

Tea Party conservative who likes to say no, will have to talk more about his personal life if he wants a second term.

Pat Quinn

Pat Quinn

Accidental gov no longer.

See more Who We're Covering
Authors
Phil Rogers Emmy Award-winning reporter with trenchant insight into Chicago's political machinations.
Mary Ann Ahern WMAQ's Political Reporter since 2006, not afraid of a challenge. Read full bio .
Edward McClelland Author whose work has appeared in the New York Times, Salon and Slate. Reach him on Twitter using @tedmcclelland.
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