Covering Chicago's nine political influencers
Cellini Loses Motion for New Trial
Will a juror's past get convicted Illinois power broker William Cellini a new trial? Judge James Zagel, the same judge who resided over Gov. Rod Blagojevich's corruption trials, makes his decision Tuesday... Read »
Cellini's Motion for New Trial Denied
Days after Illinois power broker was found guilty of conspiracy to commit extortion and aiding and abetting bribery, it was revealed a juror had failed to disclose two felony convictions. Read »
Tribune Wants Judge to Open Cellini Hearing
The Chicago Tribune is asking Judge James Zagel to open a Friday hearing regarding a juror with a felony record in the trial of William Cellini. Read »
Cellini May Get New Trial
Judge James Zagel calls for evidentiary hearing to see if juror who failed to disclose felonies was biased. Read »
Bad Juror Opens Door to Cellini Mistrial
Attorney Dan Webb said Friday he will ask in a motion for mistrial, to be filed Monday, that the two “not guilty” verdicts stand and the two “guilty” verdicts be vacated on the basis that the jury had an... Read »
Cellini Praised, But Mostly Buried
Among political commentators, former Gov. Jim Edgar is alone in questioning William Cellini's conviction. Read »
Cellini Guilty of Extortion, Aiding Bribery
Jurors on Tuesday found clout-heavy millionaire William Cellini guilty of conspiracy to commit extortion and aiding and abetting bribery. U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald said the conviction "sends a very, very... Read »
Jurors to Get Cellini Case Wednesday
The prosecution and the defense on Tuesday addressed jurors for a total of nearly six hours in a federal courtroom in Chicago. Read »
Cellini Trial Witness: Drugs May Have Hurt Memory
Stuart Levine conceded he sometimes has difficulty remembering things and chalked that up to his possible decades of drug use. Read »
Jurors Hear Wiretaps With Levine on Stand
Jurors hearing the trial of a longtime Illinois powerbroker on Thursday listened to secretly-recorded FBI wiretaps allegedly describing backroom deals to squeeze a movie producer for a political contribution. 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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A Tale of Two Schools
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Outbursts, Protests as School Board Closes Schools
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CTU President Reacts to Closure Vote
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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"
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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