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HDO

Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at 4:51 PM

By Edward McClelland

Book Excerpt: The Birth of the HDO Book Excerpt: The Birth of the HDO

Ald. Edward "Fast Eddie" Vrdolyak used the desperation of laid-off steelworkers to build his own political machine -- which morphed into the HDO. An excerpt from Ward Room blogger Edward McClelland's new book. Read »

Mayor Daley

Monday, Aug 13, 2012 at 10:11 AM

By Edward McClelland

Mayor Daley Wishes He'd Been In London Last Night

I wonder whether our former mayor, Richard M. Daley, was watching the Olympic Closing Ceremony Sunday night. I thought about him when London Mayor Boris Johnson handed the Olympic flag to International... Read »

Mayor Daley

Wednesday, Dec 21, 2011 at 7:43 AM

By Lisa Balde

City Removing 2 Workers from After School Matters

Two city employees working for After School Matters will be removed from the Maggie Daley-founded charity in early 2012, according to a city statement. Read »

Mayor Daley

Thursday, Oct 13, 2011 at 10:44 AM

By Edward McClelland

Chicago Politics in TV and Movies Chicago Politics in TV and Movies

With Kelsey Grammer's new series, "Boss," about to premiere, Ward Room looks at other movies and TV shows that portrayed our city's politics. Read »

Mayor Daley

Wednesday, Oct 5, 2011 at 5:23 PM

By Edward McClelland

After School Matters Loses Its Clout After School Matters Loses Its Clout

Now that Richard M. Daley is out of office, his wife's favorite charity is investigated by the Inspector General for receiving sweetheart donations from businesses receiving TIF money. Read »

Mayor Daley

Tuesday, Jan 3, 2012 at 7:39 PM

By Edward McClelland

"Boss" Has Great Drama, Bad Politics "Boss" Has Great Drama, Bad Politics

"Boss," in which Kelsey Grammer plays a sinister mayor of Chicago, is successful in rebranding the "Frasier" star as a dramatic actor. But the writers don't understand politics. Read »

Mayor Daley

Tuesday, Sep 6, 2011 at 8:58 AM

By Edward McClelland

How Chicago Can Get The Olympics How Chicago Can Get The Olympics

We need to prove we can host an international athletic competition. So let's bid for the World Track and Field Championships. Read »

Pat Quinn

Tuesday, Jan 3, 2012 at 7:39 PM

By Edward McClelland

How Illinois Soaks the Poor How Illinois Soaks the Poor

As good jobs disappear, and government becomes more desperate for money, it's turning to regressive fees and taxes. Read »

Mayor Daley

Tuesday, Jan 3, 2012 at 7:39 PM

By Edward McClelland

Pension Reform: Keep Daley's Nephew Away From Funds

Sun-Times

Instead of cutting government benefits, Mayor Rahm Emanuel should concentrate on keeping sleazy political insiders away from pension funds. Read »

Mayor Daley

Tuesday, Jan 3, 2012 at 7:39 PM

By Edward McClelland

Chicago 2024? Chicago 2024?

The U.S. Olympic Committee won't be submitting a bid for the 2020 Games. Wait 'til next Olympiad? 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.