Testimony of former Blago confidant and chief-of-staff Lon Monk continued yesterday as the prosecution wrapped direct and handed Monk over for cross-examination by defense attorneys for the Brothers Blago. As prosecutors wrapped up questioning in the morning, starting with Blago's "Screw those guys," comment about Children's Memorial Hospital, the focus was on then-governor Rod Blagojevich's attempt to wring $100,000 out of racetrack owner John Johnston, holding up signing a bill that would benefit the industry until Johnston had handed over the donation to Blago's campaign. Monk testified, "I was trying to get the contribution as quickly as I could so there would be more time between the contribution and the signing of the bill." More of the Blago Tapes were played to corroborate Monk's story, including one in which Johnston told Monk, "Tell the big guy I'm good for it." In one of those telling moments, the Sun-Times' Chris Fusco writes, "In court, Blagojevich smiles and turns to look at his wife Patti when Johnston calls him 'the big guy.'" Part of Monk's testimony also indicated he was attempting to leave Robert Blagojevich in the dark regarding the $100,000 from Johnston. Oh, and there was, of course, talk of hair. An one of the stranger schemes to come to light was that of the now-deceased Christopher Kelly who intended to use former NFL quarterback Bernie Kosar to pitch then-governor of Florida Jeb Bush on pitching then-president George W. Bush for a pardon. more ›

After a few days off, the trials of former police commander Jon Burge and former governor Rod Blagojevich pick back up this morning. In the Burge case, former detective Michael McDermott may testify today for the prosecution when it's expected he'll detail seeing Burge torture a suspect into a confession by using a typewriter cover to suffocate him. While the jury has heard from three alleged victims and the transcript of a now-deceased fourth victim, McDermott is the first detective to testify that he witnessed Burge and his "Midnight Crew" physically torture suspects, in this case the October 1985 torture of robbery suspect Shadeed Mu'min; Mu'min is also expected to testify for the prosecution who expect to wrap up their case soon. more ›

It took a week but yesterday finally saw the playing of the first FBI wiretap tapes in the case against the Brothers Blagojevich as prosecutors continued to pepper former Blago pal Lon Monk with questions. In fact, it was all Monk, all day long, the former gov's old chief-of-staff being the only witness on the stand today. There were details of Blago's proposed wheeling and dealing for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by then-president-elect Barack Obama, including discussions to put Jesse Jackson, Jr. in the seat. There was talk of the code names the inner circle used. The conversation also turned to Blago's family. First, Patti Blagojevich and her connections to Tony Rezko, including a job that was given to Patti so that she could earn more money for the family, was brought up (and Patti had to leave the courtroom since she's a defense witness). And co-defendant/brother Rob Blagojevich was brought up in terms of his role as campaign fundraiser for the ex-gov. Monk also discussed the alleged shakedowns of road builders as Blagojevich wanted to use the announcement of highway funds to "incentivize" donations. Now we wait as jurors were dismissed until Monday when Monk's testimony, including cross-examination, will resume. more ›

Day Five of the Blagojevich trial saw the beginning of witness testimony against the former governor. First up, FBI Agent Daniel Cain explained the process behind bugging Blagojevich and others. The investigation began, according to Cain, after someone filed a report about extortion for a state board appointment, which led to Rezko, and then more information came in from lobbyist John Wyma. The Tribune's Bob Secter called Cain, "cool and deliberate and unassuming," as he methodically described the ins-and-outs of the process of monitoring 8 different phones and two bugs between October 22, 2008 and December 9, 2008. Of the 5,000 calls the FBI monitored, Cain said around 1,100 were relevant to the case. Aaron Goldstein cross-examined Cain, focusing on how the FBI must stop monitoring conversations that have no relevance to the case, emphasizing that investigators might have missed some piece of conversation that could have helped exonerate Blagojevich. more ›

• The Reader's (and former Chicagoist writer) Hunter Clauss discovers that Ald. Beale's claim that Wal-Mart is the only retail choice for Pullman isn't quite true.
• Metra has placed chief executive Phil Pagano on leave as they continue to investigate his alleged bonuses.
• Authorities have recovered a car involved in an early morning hit-and-run accident on I-94.

Lon Monk, former chief of staff for ex-governor Rod Blagojevich, reached a plea agreement with federal prosecutors which saw him plead guilty today and promise to testify against Blago at the ex-gov's trial next year. Monk pleaded guilty to just one charge involving a shake down of race track owner Johnny Johnston for a $100,000 campaign contribution in exchange for favorable horse racing legislation. As part of the agreement, Monk would face up to two years in prison. more ›

Yesterday evening, the other shoe dropped and Rod Blagojevich and five others were indicted on a wide range of fraud and corruption charges. The indictment contains 19 charges in all against Blagojevich, his brother Robert, former Chief-of-Staff John Harris, former adviser Lon Monk, former fundraiser Christopher Kelly, and power broker William Cellini. Here are some of the highlights from the news surrounding the indictments. more ›