Covering Chicago's nine political influencers
State Senate OKs Refined Gambling Expansion Bill
Lawmakers have twice approved similar plans, but Gov. Pat Quinn rejected them. He said he wanted more ethical safeguards. Read »
Q&A: Why Illinois Racetracks Need Slots
Without slot machines, horse racing in Illinois will die "a slow, miserable death" says the president of Hawthorne Race Course. Read »
Emanuel Says Casino Profits Would Support Education
Blackjack, craps and poker may be the answer to improving Chicago’s school facilities according to a pledge made by Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Read »
Indiana Braces For Casino Revenue Loss
New competition creating a fight for available gambling dollars. Read »
Quinn + Rahm = New BFFs
It was only three weeks ago -- election night at McCormick Place -- when the two clearly avoided each other. So what happened to thaw the chill? Read »
Gambling Expansion Requires New Governor
Quinn objected to the bill because it does not include a ban on campaign contributions by casino owners. With two governors serving prison sentences, Quinn does not want to give the famously corrupt gambling... Read »
Gambling Bill Reemerges
Pat Quinn has said in the past that he wouldn't sign a gaming bill that included slot machines at racetracks. But that provision is included in a resurrected bill that's making the rounds in Springfield. Read »
Quinn: Gambling Supporters are Peddling Fairy Tales
Governor says new study proves that gambling supporters are over-stating their case as to benefits of expansion. Read »
Quinn Willing to Discuss Gambling Expansion
Gov. Pat Quinn said Saturday he's still willing to talk to state lawmakers and Mayor Rahm Emanuel about expanding gambling in Illinois. The Illinois House earlier this week handed the governor when they shot... Read »
Revised Gambling Bill Fails in House
With a 58-53 vote, the Illinois House on Wednesday shot down a revised bill that would expand gambling in Illinois. 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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