U.S. District Court Judge James Zagel announced today he wouldn't be giving a public release to the FBI's tapes of former governor Rod Blagojevich's conversations amassed via wiretaps. Several media outlets had requested the release of documents such as the tapes and transcripts. Zagel is still weighing how much information he'll release in regards to the government's case against William F. Cellini, a request made by the Tribune. [Sun-Times] more ›

The Blago tapes are being played at the impeachment trial. Check 'em out. They will be replayed after the first playing, too. more ›

We've been keeping track of the Blagojevich impeachment trial and while it hasn't made for compelling viewing (how can they make such comedic transcripts boring?) we did get a kick out of the prosecution's cue cards for the transcripts. Such prudes, the government. Meanwhile, while the prosecution is currently reading off the transcripts and confirming with agents that it was, indeed, Blago on the tapes, it appears as if the Blago Tapes will actually be played for the Senate today and, we hope, for the rest of the world, too. It'll be the first chance for the public to hear the governor discuss certain pay-for-play schemes. more ›

U.S. District Judge James Holderman, who earlier today gave U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald a deadline extension for seeking an indictment against Gov. Blagojevich, has now set the stage for the release to lawyers of the sought-after tapes of some of Blago's tapped phone conversations.

Chief U.S. District Judge James Holderman gave defense lawyers until 5 p.m. Wednesday to say whether they approve of redactions in the conversations recommended by prosecutors. He set a Thursday hearing to discuss whether they can be released in the interest of time for the house impeachment panel. more ›

AP Photo/Paul Beaty more ›