Covering Chicago's nine political influencers
George Ryan Writing Tell-All Memoir: Report
Former Gov. George Ryan may spill long-buried Springfield secrets in a tell-all book. Sun-Times columnist Michael Sneed reports the once-imprisoned governor is writing his memoir, and Ryan's son calls it a... Read »
Third Grader Schools Mayor on School Closings
Nine-year-old Asean Johnson delivered a stem-winding speech calling Mayor Rahm Emanuel's proposal to close 54 schools "racism." Read »
Final Vote Today on Chicago School Closings
Chicago parents, teachers and union members who spent weeks protesting the proposed closure of nearly 50 public schools have vowed to fight until the end, and the end is near. Read »
4 Chicago Schools Spared from Closure List
Manierre Elementary, at 1420 N. Hudson Ave., in the city's Old Town neighborhood, has been removed from the list of more than 50 schools district officials proposed closing, according to published reports. Read »
Mayor Not Worried About Political Fallout from CPS Closures
Mayor Rahm Emanuel says he's so sure his plan is the right one that he said not taking the action would have far greater consequences for the students he said would be robbed of a quality education. Read »
Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at 7:35 PM
Rahm Pledges With Tornado Recovery If Needed
Mayor expresses sympathy for Oklahoma following massive tornadoes. Watch »
Politician? Need Supporters? Hire 'em!
Crowds on Demand will produce supporters for your political event, starting at $5999. It's only available in California now, but we need it in Chicago. Read »
Book Excerpt: The Birth of the HDO
Ald. Edward "Fast Eddie" Vrdolyak used the desperation of laid-off steelworkers to build his own political machine -- which morphed into the HDO. An excerpt from Ward Room blogger Edward McClelland's new book. Read »
Illinois House Committee OKs Fracking Regulatory Bill
An Illinois House committee has OK'd a measure to regulate high-volume oil and gas drilling in the state. Read »
Opinion: How to Marry Your Gay Cousin
According to the Religious Freedom and Marital Fairness Act, gay cousins can marry -- as long as one is incapable of having children. 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
See more Who We're Covering
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.
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
Rascally alchemist transmutes disgrace into fame. Celeb Apprentice buffoon, jail time looms.
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.
Videos
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Mayor on Political Consequences
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Rahm Pledges With Tornado Recovery If Needed
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Mayor Not Worried About Political Fallout from School Closures
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Quinn 'Open Minded' About Medical Marijuana Bill
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Parents of Sandy Hook Victims Join Quinn in Quest for Gun Control
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Quinn: Pension Reform Before Gaming Bill
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Perception Not Reality On Mag Mile Safety: McCarthy
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Demonstrators Arrested in Final School Closure Fight
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CTU's Lewis on Re-Election
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Preckwinkle Takes Issue With School Closures
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McCormick Place Wouldn't Automatically Get Chicago Casino: Rahm
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Mayor Seeks to Protect Chicago Interests in State Gun Law
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Rahm Unconcerned About Low Poll Numbers
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Downtown Robberies Come as Summer Tourism Season Starts
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Supporters Laud Plans For Navy Pier, McComick Place Upgrades
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Rahm: People Feel Safe On Michigan Ave.
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Rahm To New Cops: "You Do Not Bear Burden Alone Of Reducing Crime"
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Aldermen: Mayor's Parking Deal Doesn't Add Up
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CTU Files Lawsuits to Stop School Closings
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Rahm Touts "Night Out in the Parks" Initiative
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.
Most Popular
- Bill Clinton Urges Illinois House To Approve Gay Marriage
- 4 Chicago Schools Spared from Closure List
- Book Excerpt: The Birth of the HDO
- Mayor Not Worried About Political Fallout from CPS Closures
- Final Vote Today on Chicago School Closings
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entertainment
"The Voice": Shelton Talks Oklahoma Tribute- Jesse James Severs Fingertip, Instagrams Graphic Pictures
- DeGeneres and Aniston Cohost, Dedicate Show to Oklahoma
- David Spade Donates $200K for Oklahoma Tornado Relief
- "Dancing with the Stars" Finale: Who Won?
- "The Voice" Kicks off Show with Oklahoma Tribute