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Ward Room
Covering Chicago's nine political influencers
Friday, Jul 21, 2017 at 2:55 PM

Rauner Claims He Didn't Interview Fired ‘Body Man’

A week after an aide to Gov. Bruce Rauner was fired over “unacceptable tweets” found on his Twitter page, Rauner said he never interviewed him. Read »

Friday, Jul 21, 2017 at 2:00 PM

Rauner Threatens to Call Special Session, Report Says

Rauner Threatens to Call Special Session, Report Says

State lawmakers have yet to pass Senate Bill 1, which would fund public schools, and Governor Bruce Rauner is apparently ratcheting up the pressure on the legislature to do so. Read »

3 hours ago

Judge Again Extends Temporary Order Blocking Soda Tax

A judge on Friday again extended a temporary restraining order blocking Cook County's proposed tax on sugary beverages. Read »

Thursday, Jul 20, 2017 at 7:26 PM

Chicago Public Schools Receive 2017-18 Budget

Chicago Public Schools principals received their 2017-18 budgets today, and the financial details included $300 million in funding from the state of Illinois. Read »

Thursday, Jul 20, 2017 at 7:28 PM

Karen Lewis Offers Advice to Sen. McCain as Fellow Patients

Karen Lewis Offers Advice to Sen. McCain as Fellow Patients

Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis has a message for Sen. John McCain in the wake of his brain tumor diagnosis. Read »

Thursday, Jul 20, 2017 at 7:27 PM

Chicago Red-Light Camera Settlement Worth $38.75 Million

Chicago City Council members are to consider a $38.75 million settlement of a class-action lawsuit involving the city's red-light camera program. Read »

Thursday, Jul 20, 2017 at 4:38 PM

Confusion Over Whether Rauner Will Sign Automatic Voter Registration: Sources

Confusion Over Whether Rauner Will Sign Automatic Voter Registration: Sources

Several sources tell NBC 5 that Gov. Bruce Rauner had planned to sign the new Automatic Voter Registration bill last week during the Rainbow PUSH Coalition Convention, but at the last minute the event was... Read »

Tuesday, Jul 18, 2017 at 11:42 PM

Berrios Faces Board's Questions on Property Tax System

He's been Cook County Assessor for years, but on Tuesday, Joe Berrios made an unprecedented move, defending his record at a county board meeting. Read »

Tuesday, Jul 18, 2017 at 6:04 PM

Republican State Senator May Challenge Rauner in Primary

Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner may end up with a challenger in the March 2018 Republican primary. Read »

Tuesday, Jul 18, 2017 at 5:55 PM

Bill to Expand Coverage for PANDAS/PANS Signed Into Law

A normal childhood condition changed her son’s behavior, and on Tuesday, a suburban mom’s campaign paid off when Gov. Bruce Rauner signed a bill into law that will help families like hers all across Illinois. Read »

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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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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 .