Covering Chicago's nine political influencers
Finance Committee Subpoenaed By Grand Jury
A federal grand jury is demanding that Chicago's finance committee open its books on disability programs. The city inspector general last month asked to see the records related to the "duty disability" program... Read »
Feds Subpoena City's Workman's Comp Records
The U.S. Attorney's Office wants to know if Chicago's employee disability program, operated by the City Council's Finance Committee and its longtime chairman, Ald. Ed Burke, is ripping off taxpayers. Read »
Emanuel Opposes Plan To Bail Out Underwater Mortgages
Emanuel rejects a plan proposed by Ald. Edward Burke to use eminent domain to buy underwater mortgages. Read »
Burke Not Sure About Tickets for Pot Plan
Ald. Ed Burke said Monday he needs more information before he gets behind a plan to offer cops the option of writing tickets for those found with small amounts of marijuana. Read »
City Council Approves $12M for Protesters' Settlement
More than 800 plaintiffs in the class-action suit claim police trapped and arrested them during a 2003 protest on Michigan Avenue without giving clear orders to leave. Read »
Chicago Aldermen Who Moonlight
Many aldermen can't get by on their six-figure salaries. Here's what they do in their spare time. Read »
Politicians Should Also Retire At 67
As Gov. Pat Quinn proposes raising the retirement age for state employees for 67, how about setting that as the retirement age for politicians, too? Read »
Ed Burke, Richard Daley Cameo in IG Report on Hiring
How two brothers named McMahon allegedly got around the city's women and minority set aside program -- and how Mayor Daley and Alderman Burke are involved. Read »
A Chip Off the Old Burke
The Sun-Times is claiming that Ald. Edward Burke hired a rogue cop to investigate workmens' comp claims. Do you want a nice guy for that job? Read »
Why The Irish Are Our Overlords
Patrick Daley Thompson is compensating for his English last name by using a shamrock as a campaign symbol. Why are the Irish so successful in politics, especially Chicago politics? 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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Are CPS Welcoming Schools Better Than The Closed Ones?
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Rahm, Byrd-Bennett Discuss CPS Closings
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Meet the Kid Who Took on Rahm
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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
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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