Covering Chicago's nine political influencers
Preckwinkle Criticizes Rahm On CPS Closures
Cook County president tells Sun-Times that too many schools are marked for closure. Read »
Hundreds Rally for Charter Schools
The rally was organized by Charter Parents United. Supporters demanded equal funding and an expansion of the number of charter schools in Chicago. Read »
CPS CEO 'Walks the Walk' for Safe Passage
District program aims to provide a safe route for students by stationing monitors in yellow vests who keep an eye out for problems Read »
CEO 'Won't Accept' Claims School Closings Are Racist
The battle to save 54 Chicago public schools from closure is still very much underway, and union members and parents are bringing the fight to the school board's doorstep. Read »
Massive Protest of School Closures Snakes Through Loop
Still in shock over a proposal to shutter 54 public schools, hundreds of teachers and their supporters gathered in Chicago's Loop on Wednesday in a massive protest, hours-long protest that included more than 100... Read »
Rahm Says Closing Schools is Lesser of Two Evils
Mayor Rahm Emanuel is aware that his new plan will cause anguish and pain for many families and school employees, but he’s confident the plan will positively impact young students in the future, he said in a... Read »
Commission Chief Defends Recommendation to Close Schools
Frank Clark admits the changes will be difficult but is adamant they're absolutely necessary. Read »
CPS to Shutter 54 Schools in Closure Plan
District CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett on Thursday announced which schools would be targeted for closure. Read »
Schools CEO: Delaying Closures Would be 'Criminal'
As the parents of special needs students rallied at Chicago Public Schools headquarters to protest potential school closures, schools CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett was at a west side elementary school proclaiming... 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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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
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CTU No Fan of Firefighters on Safe Passage
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Valerie Jarrett Discusses Life In The White House
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IG Report Questions Locations of Chicago Red-Light Cameras
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Alderman Looking at Bonds to Buy Back Parking Meters
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Firefighters Ordered to Provide Safe Passage for Schoolkids
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Protesters Confront Mayor About School Closures
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What's Next for Illinois GOP?
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McCarthy Responds to Grant Application
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
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- Preckwinkle Finds An Issue In School Closings
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