Covering Chicago's nine political influencers
State Senate Committee OKs Ammunition Limit
Legislation to ban magazines that hold more than 10 rounds advances with 12-3 vote. Read »
Opinion: Don't Blame Me, I Voted For Senator Kirk
Sen. Mark Kirk's vote on the background check bill validates my vote for Senator Kirk. Read »
What Obama Really Thinks About Guns
In a 2000 interview, Obama said, "It's undeniable that the pervasiveness of guns in this country contributes to violence...and if we can eliminate those guns...it eliminates the most egregious results." Read »
Opinion: Rural Gun Laws Make No Sense In Big City
Let's just say no thanks to folks from Metamora, Marion and Mount Vernon who think flooding Chicago with guns will make the city safer. Read »
Illinois Lawmakers, Lobbyists Debate Assault Rifles
Both sides of gun issue arguing whether civilians need military-style assault rifles. Read »
Council Passes "Straw Purchaser" Ordinance
Wednesday's vote on an ordinance proposed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel is part of an effort by city and county officials to crack down on so-called straw purchasers. Those are people who legally buy weapons and then... Read »
Lost or Stolen Gun? Report It or Pay
Cook County commissioners are making it more expensive for suburban gun owners who don't report when their guns are stolen, destroyed, lost or sold. Read »
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Chicago Cops Seize 680 Guns Citywide
With a national focus on Chicago and what many view as an alarming murder rate, officials have repeatedly insisted that for the most part, the city is actually very safe, with isolated but very violent pockets.... Read »
"After The Happiest Day of Her Life, She’s Gone"
President Barack Obama has mentioned The Windy City several times when talking about gun control, one of the big priorities of his second term. On Wednesday, the name of a 15-year-old girl shot and killed a day... Read »
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Back from D.C., McCarthy Talks Guns
He said the meeting with the leaders and other law enforcement officers from around the country was a "wonderful experience" that dealt with "significant issues." 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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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
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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
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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- State Senate Committee OKs Ammunition Limit
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