Covering Chicago's nine political influencers
Convicted Powerbroker Reports to Prison
William Cellini is serving a one-year sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution in Terre Haute, Ind. Read »
Cellini Gives Up Bid to Remain Free
William Cellini's one-page filing cites "the stress" the case has put on his family and the 78-year-old's poor health. Read »
Cellini Gets 1 Year Prison Sentence, Fine
William Cellini, 77, was once known to political insiders as the King of Clout for his behind-the-scenes influence in state government. Read »
Cellini Lawyers Ask Judge for Probation
William Cellini's lawyers argued Monday that the once-powerful Illinois political player should get probation for his role in a scheme to try to get a campaign donation from a Hollywood producer. Read »
Judge Delays Cellini Sentencing
A judge has agreed to delay the sentencing of a onetime powerbroker with links to former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich until the fall. Read »
Cellini Deserves 8 Years in Prison: Prosecutors
Federal prosecutors in Chicago contend that longtime Illinois powerbroker William Cellini deserves to go to prison for up to eight years. A federal jury convicted Cellini in November of conspiring to shake down... Read »
William Cellini Has Another Health Scare
Weeks after a heart attack, doctors treat longtime powerbroker for a blood clot they feared would travel to Cellini's heart and lungs. Read »
Heart Attack Will Delay Cellini's Sentencing
William Cellini faces a sentence of up to 20 years in prison for an extortion charge and up to 10 years for solicitation of a bribe. Read »
William Cellini Suffers Heart Attack
William Cellini, the longtime Illinois powerbroker convicted of conspiring to shake down a Hollywood producer for a contribution to imprisoned former Gov. Rod Blagojevich's campaign, is recovering from a... Read »
Judge Again Denies Cellini a New Trial
Judge James Zagel rejects defense claims that prosecutors improperly tried to exclude African-Americans as jurors. 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
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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.
Michael Madigan
Master of the Illinois political universe, behind-the-scenes strong arm, and speaker of the house.
Ed Burke
Ed Burke has played the stoic counterpart to Mayor Daley's outspoken boss hog since the Mayor took office.
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.
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