Covering Chicago's nine political influencers
Opinion: Ryan Should Mentor Future Governors
Now that he's out of prison, George Ryan needs to get a job. Helping other governors stay out of trouble would be a good fit. Read »
George Ryan Skips Halfway House, Returns Home
George Ryan could sleep in his own bed tonight. Efforts are underway to release Ryan from the Chicago halfway house he entered this morning and he could be allowed to go home to his longtime residence in... Read »
George Ryan 'Paid A Severe Price'
Six years after he was convicted of corruption and sent to prison in Indiana, former Gov. George Ryan was released from prison and installed in a halfway house in Chicago. Ryan left the prison at 1 a.m. and his... Read »
George Ryan Enters Halfway House
Former Gov. George Ryan will be released from prison Wednesday after six years in the federal penitentiary in Terre Haute, Ind. Ryan, a 78-year-old father and grandfather, must report to a halfway house in... Read »
What Ryan Can Expect in a Halfway House
Former Gov. George Ryan's life in a Chicago halfway house will no doubt be better than the federal prison he's called home for the last five years, but it won't be a walk in the park either. Read »
Convicted Powerbroker Reports to Prison
William Cellini is serving a one-year sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution in Terre Haute, Ind. Read »
Former Ryan Staffer Offers Glimpse of Halfway House Life
It will be the place where Ryan will most likely mingle with the hardest criminals he will see during his entire stay with the Bureau of Prisons. Read »
George Ryan Will Get Early Work Release, Report
Former Illinois Gov. George Ryan could be getting out of prison in two weeks, according to a report. Read »
Opinion: Ryan Should Serve His Work Release in an SoS Office
What's an appropriate punishment for George Ryan? How about working in a Secretary of State's office where his picture once hung on the wall. Read »
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 »
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.
Most Popular
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news
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