Covering Chicago's nine political influencers
S&P Lowers Illinois Credit Rating, Blames Pensions
Standard & Poor's rating services has lowered Illinois' credit rating, blaming the state's pension problems. Read »
Rahm Tells Pension Funds to Drop Gun Makers
Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Monday ordered city pension funds to divest from any companies that manufacture assault weapons. “We cannot support or invest in companies that profit from the proliferation of assault... Read »
Budget Expert, Unions Warn of Certain Pension Reforms
A coalition of unions threatens to sue if the General Assembly passes "unconstitutional" pension reform that diminishes members' benefits. 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 »
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 »
Quinn Anxious to Get Pension Deal Done
Gov. Pat Quinn promised to work "all day" to pass a plan before the new legislature is sworn in. Read »
Illinois Pension Proposal Faces Uncertain Future
The future of a potential solution to Illinois' mounting pension problem was hazy Tuesday, as House lawmakers entered the final full day of a lame-duck session not knowing whether the plan that seeks more worker... Read »
House Lawmakers to Test Pension Bill in Committee
A scaled-back overhaul addressing Illinois' worst-in-the-nation pension problem is ready for its first test, key House lawmakers said Sunday as they entered the final stretch of the lame-duck session. Read »
Talks on Illinois Pension Crisis End Without Deal
Discussions between Gov. Pat Quinn and legislative leaders on Illinois' massive pension crisis have ended without agreement even though at least one major sticking point has been set aside for now. 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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Jesse Jr. Wants to Serve Prison Time Before Sandi
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Bill Daley Speaks out on Pension Crisis
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Gov. Quinn Watches Game 2 With War Hero
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Raw: Hillary Clinton Speech in Chicago
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Mayor Emanuel Talks Hawks
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McCarthy: We're Making Progress on Crime
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Bill Daley Explores Run for Governor
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Bill Daley To Explore Run For Governor
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Lisa Madigan on Possible Run for Governor
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Emanuel on Governor's Race
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Emanuel on Crime Stats
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Rahm Welcomes Bulls Training Facility To West Side
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Key Democrats Meet To Discuss Pension Plan
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Prosecutors Seek 4-Year Prison Term for JJJ
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Quinn to Madigan, Cullerton: Do Your Jobs
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Student Chefs Serve Up Lunch for Mayor
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Roseland Hospital Gets Temporary, Emergency Reprieve
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City Council Approves More Night Games At Wrigley Field
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New Parking Meter Plan Passes
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Mayor Remarks on Passage of New Parking Deal
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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- Jesse Jr. Wants to Serve Prison Time Before Sandi
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