Covering Chicago's nine political influencers
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 »
Reductio ad Trotterum
State Sen. Donne Trotter compares Gov. Pat Quinn and Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services Director Julie Hamos to Adolf Hitler and Joseph Goebbels. 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 »
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 »
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 »
School Closure Opponents Arrested at City Hall
Rally was part of the Chicago Teachers Union's three days of marches and protests demanding a moratorium on school closures. Read »
Alleged Crack Smoking Toronto Mayor Should Be More Like Rahm, Expert Says
Rahm Emanuel is the only American politician to have been seen publicly with Rob Ford, the mayor of Toronto who was allegedly seen smoking crack on a cell phone video. A Toronto columnist wishes their mayor were... Read »
Rahm Appoints Desiree Rogers to Choose Chicago Board
Rogers, Rahm previously worked together in Obama White House. Read »
CTU's Lewis Wins Second Term
Jesse Sharkey, Michael Brunson and Kristine Mayle were also re-elected to vice-president, recording secretary and financial secretary, respectively. Read »
Read Alderman Scott Waguespack's Parking Meter Questions
You're not alone. Many alderman have questions about the multi-decade agreement that give up billions in revenue to a management company. 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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A Tale of Two Schools
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Outbursts, Protests as School Board Closes Schools
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CTU President Reacts to Closure Vote
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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"
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
- CPS to Shutter 54 Schools in Closure Plan
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- CTU Prez: School Closure Plan Racist, Classist
- Final Vote Today on Chicago School Closings
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