Covering Chicago's nine political influencers
Chicago Teachers Authorize Strike
Chicago teachers have "well surpassed" the state-mandated threshold required to authorize a strike, the Chicago Teachers Union said Monday. The vote not only exceeded the 75 percent required by state law, but... Read »
CTU Has Enough Votes for Strike: Sources
Chicago teachers have shown their solidarity in massive numbers. More than 90 percent of teachers have given the OK for a work stoppage, multiple sources told NBC Chicago. Read »
Religious Leaders Watching CTU Strike Vote
Chicago teachers began casting ballots early Wednesday to decide whether a strike could be in their futures. Teachers say the strike authorization vote is all about leverage as contract negotiations continue and... Read »
Group Wants Elected Chicago School Board
The Coalition to Organize Democracy in Education (C.O.D.E.) thinks an appointed board has resulted in “years of failed, top down education policy. Read »
CPS to Expand International Diploma Program
Chicago Public Schools will create more International Baccalaureate diploma programs in high schools across Chicago. Read »
Rahm Headed to Washington for Schools Talk
Mayor Rahm Emanuel will out of town Friday to talk about schools. Emanuel is on the list of mayors participating in a Washington D.C. education forum Friday with Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. Read »
CPS to Vote on School Closures, Turnarounds
The protest over proposed Chicago Public School policy comes to a head Wednesday when the school board votes on the closure or turnaround of several underperforming schools. The CPS plan backed by Mayor Rahm... Read »
School Closure Plan Unanimously Approved
Despite hours of testimony from opposition, numerous sit-ins and marches, the Chicago Board of Education on Wednesday evening unanimously approved a plan to shutter seven schools and "turnaround" 10 others. Read »
Protest Moves From Mayor's Block to City Hall
A day earlier, hundreds of community activists, teachers and parents marched toward Mayor Rahm Emanuel's Ravenswood home to protest the elimination or turnaround of the schools. They carried signs during the... Read »
School Protest Heads to Mayor's Block
Days after waging a sit-in Piccolo Elementary School on the city's west side, a group of community activists, teachers and parents opposed to the closure and shake up of more than a dozen Chicago schools marched... 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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City Defends Proposed Parking Meter Plan
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Illinois House Approves Concealed Carry Bill
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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
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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- Quinn Skeptical of Illinois House Concealed-Carry Plan
- Quinn Calls Concealed Carry Bill 'Massive Overreach'
- Chicago Sues Over Parking Garage Dispute
- CPS CEO: "Our Children in Cleveland are Underperforming"
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