Copyright 2012 http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room en-us Wed, 16 May 2012 15:44:48 -0500 Wed, 16 May 2012 15:44:48 -0500 NBC Owned Television Stations http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Emanuel-Office-Tower-in-West-Loop-151731905.html Wed, 16 May 2012 11:43:39 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/Rahm-Emanuel-CU.jpg
On the anniversary of his first year in office, Mayor Rahm Emanuel showed he's visibly leaving his mark on Chicago.

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Inside-the-Swag-Bag-for-NATO-Summit-Attendees-151724635.html Wed, 16 May 2012 11:10:55 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/NATO+swag+bag.JPG
Summit attendees will each receive a bag of Chicago-centric swag contained in a messenger bag made of recycled plastic bottles to promote the city's “bike-friendly profile," according to the host committee.

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Chicago-Less-Livable-Than-It-Was-A-Year-Ago-151708085.html Wed, 16 May 2012 11:13:10 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/Rahm-Emanuel-CU.jpg
How do I judge Mayor Rahm Emanuel's first year in office? By the fact that I would no longer rule out moving to the suburbs.

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/nbc-chicago-fire-fall-preview-clip--151622605.html Wed, 16 May 2012 08:33:41 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/emanuel-chicago-fire-cameo+pixlr.jpg
Upcoming NBC show focuses on firefighters of fictional Firehouse 55 in Chicago.

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/NATO-Protest-Guide-151569265.html Tue, 15 May 2012 14:06:00 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/PHOTO167307291169958454477main.jpg
The biggest NATO protests, along with some police scuttlebutt about actions the demonstrators aren't talking about.

]]> http://ads.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=5acb2629c5d9d73a0b4e2ab1f5bc2080&p=4 5acb2629c5d9d73a0b4e2ab1f5bc2080 ]]> Tue, 15 May 2012 14:06:00 -0500 http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Chicago-Cops-12-Hour-Shifts-NATO-Summit-151568665.html Tue, 15 May 2012 13:44:04 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/chicago+police+car+generic+2.jpg
The Chicago Police Department assigned officers to 12-hour shifts during NATO weekend and canceled all days off, Supt. Garry McCarthy said Tuesday. "It's a good program," McCarthy said.

Photo Credit: NBCChicago.com

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Poll-52-Percent-Approve-of-Rahm-151551425.html Tue, 15 May 2012 14:17:05 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/rahmBULLS.jpg
In the least surprising poll result ever, the Tribune finds the mayor is most popular among voters earning over $100,000 a year.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Rahm-Emanuel-Promises-More-Crime-Fighting-151559145.html Tue, 15 May 2012 14:52:32 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/Rahm-Emanuel-CU.jpg
Emanuel and his top cop Garry McCarthy discussed the program in the basement of a church in the Roseland neighborhood. Surrounded by pastors on stage the trumpeted recent arrests at open air drug markets in the...

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Sheila-Simon-QA-151545475.html Tue, 15 May 2012 14:07:17 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/160*120/quinn-simon-032910-1.jpg
The lieutenant governor talks about her bill to add an admission surcharge to strip clubs that allow alcohol, as well as her support for gay marriage.

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Blago-Prison-Visit-Patti-Daughters-151516185.html Tue, 15 May 2012 09:50:10 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/rod-patti-blagojevich.jpg
Rod Blagojevich is more than 1,000 miles away from Chicago, but that didn't stop his family from visiting him in prison. Patti Blagojevich wrote on Facebook Monday that she and her two daughters spent...

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/illinois-quinn-gay-marriage-obama-151472105.html Mon, 14 May 2012 21:20:19 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/pat+quinn1.jpg
Quinn says civil unions have worked well in Illinois over the past year, and he thinks the state is ready for same-sex marriage.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

]]> http://ads.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=8bcf793769bc42a0fb79c0827bf7fc57&p=4 8bcf793769bc42a0fb79c0827bf7fc57 ]]> Mon, 14 May 2012 21:20:19 -0500 http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/11000-Jobs-Coming-to-OHare-Emanuel-151361485.html Mon, 14 May 2012 21:28:45 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/ohare+bustle.JPG
Thousands of new jobs are flying to O'Hare International Airport. Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Monday announced the 10-year construction of a cargo center at the airport. The project is expected to create more...

Photo Credit: Getty Images

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Tom-Tunney-vs-the-Cubs-151406965.html Mon, 14 May 2012 19:07:11 -0500 Tom Tunney | 44th Ward
Tunney is the city's first openly gay alderman. A former business owner, he chairs the Committee on Economic Development, Capital and Technology. | Read Full Bio ]]> http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/188*120/Tom+Tunney.jpg Tom Tunney | 44th Ward
Tunney is the city's first openly gay alderman. A former business owner, he chairs the Committee on Economic Development, Capital and Technology. | Read Full Bio ]]>
In a dispute over Wrigley Field billboards, the Sun-Times accuses the 44th Ward alderman of siding with rooftop club owners who contributed to his campaign.

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Walsh-Wins-Debate-But-Who-Was-Watching-151396635.html Mon, 14 May 2012 19:08:51 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/walsh-duckworth-debate.jpg
Rep. Joe Walsh sounded like a fiscally responsible politician, while Tammy Duckworth came off as a servant of Democratic special interests.

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/The-State-Too-Busy-To-Hate-151380375.html Mon, 14 May 2012 19:07:23 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/north+carolina+vote.jpg
Don't be outraged by North Carolina's rejection of gay marriage. See it as an opportunity to lure the Creative Class away from the South.

Photo Credit: AP

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Quinn-Spent-40-Nights-In-Governor-Mansion-In-Last-Year-151133715.html Sat, 12 May 2012 00:43:05 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/Pat-Quinn13.jpg
Despite promising to make the Governor's Mansion "the people's house," the governor rarely sleeps there.

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Israel-Not-Invited-To-NATO-Summit-151135655.html Fri, 11 May 2012 22:35:21 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/obama+and+bibi.jpg
Israel's participation may have been blocked by NATO member Turkey, over a raid on a Gaza-bound ship that killed eight Turks.

Photo Credit: AP

]]> http://ads.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=79977fabb2e4b2afc807dfe96ddfedd9&p=4 79977fabb2e4b2afc807dfe96ddfedd9 ]]> Fri, 11 May 2012 22:35:21 -0500 http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Gay-Marriage-Legal-In-Romneys-Home-State-But-Not-Obamas-151130355.html Fri, 11 May 2012 22:35:34 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/Mitt+Romney+US+Flag.jpg
The president was sending the General Assembly a message: pass that gay marriage bill.

Photo Credit: AP

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Emanuel-Letter-Urges-Workers-To-Accept-New-Pension-Plan-150955945.html Fri, 11 May 2012 06:10:47 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/chimayorE.jpg
The mayor tells city employees in a letter sent this week they "will face far greater difficulties if we fail to take action." Here’s Emanuel’s letter to Chicago’s 36,000 employees, urging them to sacrifice for...

Photo Credit: AP

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/chicago-mayor-emanuel-office-annifersary-151078005.html Fri, 11 May 2012 14:03:09 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/Rahm-Emanuel31.jpg
Mayor Rahm Emanuel, more relaxed than usual, is about to check off the one year anniversary mark.

]]> http://ads.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=9549cbab5c29703d4fd38054ca931760&p=4 9549cbab5c29703d4fd38054ca931760 ]]> Fri, 11 May 2012 14:03:09 -0500 http://www.nbcchicago.com/video/#!/blogs/ward-room/Mayor_-We-Can-Handle-NATO-Summit/151011985 Mon, 14 May 2012 07:49:51 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/webrahmnato_8649838_722x406_2233219463.jpg
In a one-on-one sit-down interview, Mayor Rahm Emanuel trumpets Chicago as an "incredible" city that's ready to welcome world leaders and reap the economic benefits from being placed on the...

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/video/#!/blogs/ward-room/Mayor-Not-Concerned-About-Solyndra,-Pivots-Answer/151025335 Fri, 11 May 2012 00:54:20 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/webrahmsolyndra_8650205_722x406_2233276216.jpg
When asked about the California-based green energy company that filed for bankruptcy after receiving a massive government loan, Mayor Rahm Emanuel said it's not a topic that concerns him and...

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Suburban-Mayors-Back-Rahms-Pension-Proposal-150998765.html Thu, 10 May 2012 14:52:01 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/rahm+pension+mayors.jpg
Mayors from Danville to Skokie showed up in Chicago Thursday to support Mayor Rahm Emanuel's pension reform proposal. Danville Mayor Scott Eisenhauer described a "frightening look at the future" if changes aren'...

Photo Credit: NBCChicago.com

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/CTA-Approves-Controversial-Blagojevich-Ads-150954815.html Thu, 10 May 2012 17:14:00 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/blago+billboard+chicago.jpg
Rod Blagojevich is serving 14 years in a Colorado prison for corruption, but his likeness soon will get to ride buses across Chicago. The Chicago Transit Authority did an about face this week on its decision to...

Photo Credit: NBCChicago.com

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/video/#!/blogs/ward-room/Kirk-Video-Captures-D.C.s-Attention/150861065 Thu, 10 May 2012 13:25:00 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/5PPKGAHERN2_8641765_722x406_2232774282.jpg
Sen. Mark Kirk's office continues to hum along with official business even as the senator continues therapy for an ischemic stroke. His colleagues in the Senate say they remain in close contact with hi...

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Ex-Rage-Guitarist-Threatens-To-Run-Against-Rahm-150796505.html Wed, 09 May 2012 14:08:21 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/boots+riley.jpg
Former Rage Against The Machine guitarist Tom Morello says the city canceled the permit for a National Nurses United rally after he was added to the bill. Now he's threatening to run for mayor.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

]]> http://ads.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=861f6087e553b07b35f31dd09a5000f4&p=4 861f6087e553b07b35f31dd09a5000f4 ]]> Wed, 09 May 2012 14:08:21 -0500 http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Council-Approves-Slashing-City-Business-Licenses-150792585.html Wed, 09 May 2012 19:07:55 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/180*120/Hub51_Sub51-2979-Edit.jpg
The City Council on Wednesday approved an ordinance to reduce the number of Chicago business licenses from 117 to 49 and make it easier for dogs to accompany their owners on restaurant patios.

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Illinois-Would-Not-Vote-To-Ban-Gay-Marriage-150790525.html Wed, 09 May 2012 19:36:31 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/gay_marriage_same_sex_03.jpg
We're not ready to allow gay marriage, as some states have, but neither would be pass a statewide referendum to prohibit it, as North Carolina did on Tuesday.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Kirk-Will-Join-List-Of-Disabled-Senators-150776245.html Wed, 09 May 2012 10:57:34 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/new+Mark+Kirk.JPG
Throughout American history, we've had blind senators, paraplegic senators, senators wounded in wars, and, like Mark Kirk, senators who've suffered strokes.

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/44th-Special-Olympics-Games-Kicks-Off-At-Soldier-Field-150655155.html Tue, 08 May 2012 15:00:15 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/sochicago.jpg
The 44th Special Olympic Spring Games kicked off Tuesday at Soldier Field with more than 3,000 athletes competing.

]]> http://ads.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=3521e4b18af0924e2bc9bb60930df4e8&p=4 3521e4b18af0924e2bc9bb60930df4e8 ]]> Tue, 08 May 2012 15:00:15 -0500 http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/illinois-senator-mark-kirk-stroke-walking-video-150650215.html Tue, 08 May 2012 15:25:14 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/MarkKirkSpeaksp1_722x406_2232209249.jpg
An online video released Tuesday gives a glimpse into the damage a January stroke did to Sen. Mark Kirk's body and the extent to which he's recovered in just three months.

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/How-Illinois-Republicans-Created-The-Tea-Party-150605085.html Tue, 08 May 2012 19:29:06 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/tp15.jpg
If a conservative hadn't won the 1998 U.S. Senate primary, there might not have been a President Obama -- or a Tea Party.

Photo Credit: Katy Wolpoff

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Moonlighting-Aldermen-150012035.html Tue, 08 May 2012 19:29:41 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/chicagocityhall.jpg
Many aldermen can't get by on their six-figure salaries. Here's what they do in their spare time.

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Rahm-Appreciates-Teachers-150597325.html Tue, 08 May 2012 19:30:00 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/219*120/time+clock+money+background.jpg
Enough to issue a press release, at least.

Photo Credit: Photo Composite/Getty Images

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Rahm-Testify-Pension-Committee-150588425.html Tue, 08 May 2012 22:00:23 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/emanuel+youth+summit.JPG
If state pension reforms aren't made, Chicago would have to raise property taxes by 150 percent, Mayor Rahm Emanuel testified before the Illinois House of Representatives Committee on Personnel and

Photo Credit: Getty Images

]]> http://ads.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=662aede599bf919a56e86f76f1ce9029&p=4 662aede599bf919a56e86f76f1ce9029 ]]> Tue, 08 May 2012 22:00:23 -0500 http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Alderman-Challenges-Wrigley-Field-Plan-150566785.html Tue, 08 May 2012 23:40:51 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/wrigley+field.jpg
Mayor Rahm Emanuel's plan to renovate the area around Wrigley Field is getting a lukewarm reception from one alderman. Ald. Tom Tunney wrote a letter to residents this week, telling them no agreement has...

Photo Credit: Getty Images

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/first-lady-michelle-obama-chicago-nato-summit-150531955.html Mon, 14 May 2012 18:58:17 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/michelle-obama-state-dinenr.jpg
First Lady Michelle Obama will host two events in Chicago during this month's NATO Summit, the White House confirmed Monday.

Photo Credit: AP

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Goo-Goos-Snatch-Scholarships-From-Underpriveleged-Students-150424835.html Mon, 07 May 2012 21:35:01 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/219*120/scholarshipsgeneric.jpg
Sen. Donne Trotter, D-Chicago, says ending the Legislative Scholarship program will hurt students in his district. This is why "good government" is not always good for poor communities.

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Rahm-Reportedly-Unimpressed-With-Frances-New-President-150448595.html Mon, 07 May 2012 21:41:15 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/Hollande.jpg
Mayor Rahm Emanuel doesn't think Francois Hollande is presidential. Maybe he can explain why when they meet at the NATO summit in two weeks.

Photo Credit: Antoine Antoniol, Getty Images

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Chicago-Parking-Meters-LLC-Is-Shameless-150180535.html Mon, 07 May 2012 21:35:44 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/emanuel+youth+summit.JPG
Chicago Parking Meters LLC wants to be reimbursed for fees lost to street festivals and handicapped parking. The city's response? End handicapped parking.

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Odds-On-Your-Next-Governor-150443195.html Mon, 07 May 2012 21:35:56 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/NEWquinn.jpeg
It's never too early to start handicapping the 2014 field.

Photo Credit: Getty Images for National Urban

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Quinns-Tax-Hike-Hits-His-Pocketbook-150288245.html Mon, 07 May 2012 21:36:51 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/Pat-Quinn13.jpg
Governor Pat Quinn paid significantly more in income taxes this year, according to his returns released by his office on Friday.

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/video/#!/blogs/ward-room/Ward-Room----The-TV-Show/150267625 Mon, 07 May 2012 23:33:33 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/Ward-Room-722x406.jpg
Episode 12, Part 1: Republican strategist Christine Dudley talks Indiana's upcoming primary and Sen. Mark Kirk heads home from rehabilitation after having a stroke.

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/video/#!/blogs/ward-room/Ward-Room----The-TV-Show/150531605 Mon, 07 May 2012 23:32:57 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/Ward-Room-722x406.jpg
Episode 12, Part 2: An in-depth interview with Secretary of State Jesse White, Gov. George Ryan wins a legal battle and Deep Dish.

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/How-To-Buy-A-City-Sticker-Without-Leaving-Your-Hood-150030705.html Fri, 04 May 2012 08:24:34 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/2012-13-Chi-vehicle-sticker.jpg
The new Aldermanic Will Call and Ward Sales programs will allow you to avoid a convenience fee at that skeevy currency exchange.

]]> http://ads.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=538e9e8ace255c70ed511beac80afb1a&p=4 538e9e8ace255c70ed511beac80afb1a ]]> Fri, 04 May 2012 08:24:34 -0500 http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Rahm-Habla-Espanol-150036755.html Thu, 03 May 2012 21:49:56 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/emanuel+accenture.jpg
Mayor Emanuel cuts a Spanish-language ad with Rep. Luis Gutierrez

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Sources-CTU-Meets-with-State-Lawmakers-150048425.html Thu, 03 May 2012 21:50:14 -0500 CTU Sues Emanuel's School Board |
The Chicago Teacher's Union has filed a lawsuit against Mayor Rahm Emanuel's school board. The unfair labor practice suit says the Board of Education coerced CTU-represented teachers to waive their labor rights and vote in favor of lengthening the school day. ]]> http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/CTU+karen+lewis.jpg CTU Sues Emanuel's School Board |
The Chicago Teacher's Union has filed a lawsuit against Mayor Rahm Emanuel's school board. The unfair labor practice suit says the Board of Education coerced CTU-represented teachers to waive their labor rights and vote in favor of lengthening the school day. ]]>
Lawmakers want an update on how negotiations with the City of Chicago are going. They've expressed concerned a teacher's strike may happen.

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Mark-Kirk-Return-Home-After-Stroke-150028335.html Thu, 03 May 2012 19:41:05 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/new+Mark+Kirk.JPG
Three months after suffering a stroke, Sen. Mark Kirk is "home with family" to continue his rehabilitation, his staff said Thursday. "We are happy to say that after suffering a stroke in January, Mark...

]]> http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Chicago-the-Capital-of-Illinois-NATO-150016195.html Thu, 03 May 2012 13:31:55 -0500 http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/213*120/chicago-lake-wave.jpg
Mayor Rahm Emanuel, a notorious Type A personality, surely can't stand a NATO video spreading the wrong information about his city. Chicago, for example, is not the capital of Illinois, nor is it...

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