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 ›