Covering Chicago's nine political influencers
Opinion: Abolishing Lt. Governor May Mean Governor of Party Voters Rejected
If the attorney general replaces the governor, as provided by a constitutional amendment that passed the state house, there's no guarantee they'll be members of the same party. 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 »
Quinn Touts State's Film Industry
Quinn is using the filming of the movie divergent to tout Illinois's film and TV industry. Read »
Black Pastors Go on Radio Against Gay Marriage
Opposition from black clergy has bottled up the same-sex marriage bill in the state House. Read »
Opinion: Gay Rights and Gun Rights In the Land of the Free
Why is the General Assembly considering both at the same time? Because Americans are demanding the expansion of personal freedoms. Read »
NRA: Anti-Gun Poll Results Don't Matter
Most Illinoisans favor more gun control, but the NRA's chief lobbyist says "you can't put constitutional rights up for referendum." 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 »
Quinn To Lead Trade Visit to Mexico
Gov. Pat Quinn will lead a trade mission to Mexico this week in an effort to increase ties between that nation and Illinois. Quinn said with its focus on agriculture, water technology, manufacturing and tourism,... Read »
Quinn Skeptical About Gambling Expansion
Lawmakers pushing to expand gambling in Illinois hope the third time is a charm with a more finely tuned proposal that could make Illinois the fourth state to allow Internet gaming. 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 »
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
- Illinois House Approves Concealed Carry Plan
- House Extends Deadline to Consider Gay Marriage Bill
- Obama to Attend Chicago Fundraisers Next Week
- Quinn Calls Concealed Carry Bill 'Massive Overreach'
- Gubernatorial Odds
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