Covering Chicago's nine political influencers
Who's Running In 2014
A new website, trialballoons.net, is an essential scorecard for Illinois politics. Read »
Illinois Lawmakers Weighing Pension Options
After years of trying, lawmakers return to Springfield on Monday with something they haven't had before: two potential options for finally addressing Illinois' multibillion-dollar pension problem. Read »
Opinion: The Party of Oberweis
As the appeal of the Republican Party narrows, the remaining Republicans demand leaders with narrower minds. Read »
Illinois House Passes Pension Reform Bill
House voted 62-51 Thursday to advance the measure sponsored by House Speaker Michael Madigan. Bill now heads to Senate, where President John Cullerton has his own ideas about reform. Read »
Opinion: Rhode Island Beats Illinois To Gay Marriage
The Rhode Island Senate passes a gay marriage bill, meaning it will soon become the 10th state to allow the practice. Read »
Concealed Carry Bill Fails in State House
Gun rights advocates fell silent in the Illinois House on Thursday night after falling seven votes short of approving the public possession of firearms statewide despite a federal court order that gives... Read »
Madigan Outraises Quinn
Gov. Pat Quinn learns it's hard to raise more money than an entire family. Read »
Opinion: State House Has Political Cover For Gay Marriage Bill
When even the state's Republican senator is in favor of gay marriage, the Democratic-controlled legislature needs to realize it's 2013. Read »
Opinion: Why Elites Don't Think CPS Is Important To City's Future
The people who run Chicago weren't educated in the public schools, and don't expect them to produce the global citizens who keep the city competitive. So why spend money there? Read »
Illinois House Panel OKs Bipartisan Pension Plan
A House committee on Thursday approved a bi-partisan pension overhaul that requires more employee contributions and floats the issue of shifting pension costs to local school district 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.
Follow Us
advertisement
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
-
Mayor on Political Consequences
-
Rahm Pledges With Tornado Recovery If Needed
-
Mayor Not Worried About Political Fallout from School Closures
-
Quinn 'Open Minded' About Medical Marijuana Bill
-
Parents of Sandy Hook Victims Join Quinn in Quest for Gun Control
-
Quinn: Pension Reform Before Gaming Bill
-
Perception Not Reality On Mag Mile Safety: McCarthy
-
Demonstrators Arrested in Final School Closure Fight
-
CTU's Lewis on Re-Election
-
Preckwinkle Takes Issue With School Closures
-
McCormick Place Wouldn't Automatically Get Chicago Casino: Rahm
-
Mayor Seeks to Protect Chicago Interests in State Gun Law
-
Rahm Unconcerned About Low Poll Numbers
-
Downtown Robberies Come as Summer Tourism Season Starts
-
Supporters Laud Plans For Navy Pier, McComick Place Upgrades
-
Rahm: People Feel Safe On Michigan Ave.
-
Rahm To New Cops: "You Do Not Bear Burden Alone Of Reducing Crime"
-
Aldermen: Mayor's Parking Deal Doesn't Add Up
-
CTU Files Lawsuits to Stop School Closings
-
Rahm Touts "Night Out in the Parks" Initiative
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
- Bill Clinton Urges Illinois House To Approve Gay Marriage
- Book Excerpt: The Birth of the HDO
- School Closure Opponents Arrested at City Hall
- Opinion: How to Marry Your Gay Cousin
- State Senate Committee OKs Ammunition Limit
advertisement
