Covering Chicago's nine political influencers
Illinois Senate Approves Drone Legislation
The bill, sponsored by Sen. Daniel Biss, would require authorities to obtain a search warrant before using a drone to collect information. Lawmakers voted 52-1 to send the measure to the House. Biss, an Evanston... Read »
Gaming Board, Lawmakers Aim to Overcome Insults
A verbal fracas between state regulators and pro-gambling lawmakers — including an exchange of insults and accusations as if they were kids in a schoolyard — has resulted in cautious pledges to work together to... Read »
Rahm Offers Valentine to Gay Community
On the heels of the Illinois Senate advancing a bill that would legalize same-sex marriage, Mayor Rahm Emanuel's office took to social media with a quick post embracing the move. Read »
Illinois Pols React to Gay Marriage Advancement
The Illinois Senate on Thursday passed a bill that would legalize same-sex marriage in the state. The bill now moves onto the House. Read »
Illinois Gay Marriage Bill Advances in Senate
The Executive Committee voted 9-5 to move legislation giving marital rights to same sex couples to the Senate floor. Democrats with a 40-member majority say they have the needed votes Read »
Cullerton Wants Gay-Marriage Vote On Feb. 14
Illinois Senate President John Cullerton says he wants to pass same-sex marriage legislation on Valentine's Day. Cullerton said he'd like the state Senate to pass the measure out of committee next week and vote... Read »
Pension Crisis Looms Over New General Assembly
Michael Madigan, John Cullerton retain leadership posts in bodies with veto-proof Democratic majorities. Still, Gov. Pat Quinn has a lot riding on digging the state out of the lowest bond rating in the nation. Read »
New Legislature Has 3 Charged Lawmakers
As members of Illinois' newest General Assembly took the oath of office Wednesday, the state that's still struggling to rebuild its image after two consecutive governors went to prison set yet another precedent... Read »
Pension Reformers Vow to Reintroduce Bill
The sponsors of a comprehensive pension reform bill that failed to get approval this session have pledged to reintroduce the measure as early as Wednesday afternoon. Read »
Quinn Loses Call for Pension Commission
The Illinois House adjourned Tuesday afternoon without taking a vote on Gov. Pat Quinn's last-ditch effort to get a pension deal done before the end of the lame duck session. 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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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
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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"
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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