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Covering Chicago's nine political influencers
Attorney: Ryan Will Get Early Work Release
The attorney for George Ryan says the former Illinois governor has qualified for work release five months before his July 2013 parole. Read »
Governor George Ryan's Appeal Denied
An Illinois appeals court has again denied a motion by former Governor George Ryan to overturn a set of convictions that became questionable after a Supreme Court ruling altered the foundation of one of the laws... Read »
Madigan Loved Ryan, Hated Blago
No one should be surprised that House Speaker Michael Madigan, the most powerful Democrat in Springfield for the past 30 years, prefers Republican governors. They’re not a threat to his position as party... Read »
The 12 Most Corrupt Public Officials In Illinois History: George Ryan
Number 5 on Ward Room's list is the secretary of state whose licenses-for-bribes operation resulted in the deaths of six children. Read »
Blago Defense Asks for Leniency in Sentencing
Prosecutors and Rod Blagojevich's defense team separately made motions Wednesday to the federal judge who will decide the former governor's fate next week. Read »
What Blago and Ryan Have In Common
Both were machine politicians and relentless fundraisers. Both loved money for the political power it could purchase. And both ended ruining the lives of their families. Read »
Murderer Registry? How About Life In Prison Instead?
The Illinois House passed a bill requiring first-degree murderers to register with the state for 10 years after their release? How about just never releasing them? Read »
Why George Ryan Won't Be Home for Christmas
The "honest services" statute may be vague, but it definitely covers graft. Read »
Daley Provides Arguments For, Against Death Penalty
Mayor Daley demands the death penalty for a cop killer on the same day a legislative committee votes to ban it. But as state's attorney, he helped put four innocent men on Death Row. 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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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
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Rahm Unconcerned About Low Poll Numbers
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Downtown Robberies Come as Summer Tourism Season Starts
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Supporters Laud Plans For Navy Pier, McComick Place Upgrades
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Rahm: People Feel Safe On Michigan Ave.
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Rahm To New Cops: "You Do Not Bear Burden Alone Of Reducing Crime"
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Aldermen: Mayor's Parking Deal Doesn't Add Up
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CTU Files Lawsuits to Stop School Closings
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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.
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