(Continuing our recaps of the most significant stories of the year, we look back at the 14-year prison sentence handed to Rod Blagojevich by Judge James Zagel.)
Chicagoist's Top 11 for 2011: Rod Blagojevich is Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison
Blagojevich Given an Extra Month to Report to Prison
Rod Blagojevich and his family received something of an early Christmas present today as Judge James Zagel moved the date for Blagojevich to report to prison to March 15.
Rod Blagojevich Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison [UPDATE]
Judge James Zagel sentenced former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich to 168 months in prison, for his conviction on corruption charges stemming from his attempts to appoint someone to the Senate seat vacated by Barack Obama's election to the presidency.
House Ethics Probe into Jesse Jackson, Jr. Moves Forward
Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. is still on the collective mind of the House Ethics Committee, which announced their investigation into Jackson's attempts to win appointment to the Senate seat vacated by Barack Obama's election as President will continue.
Feds Seek Lengthy Prison Sentence for Blago
Prosecutors said Blagojevich warrants a harsher sentence because he "repeatedly committed serious criminal acts that have done enormous damage to public confidence in Illinois government.
Blago Really Wants to Play the F*cking Tapes
Rod Blagojevich takes one more stab at getting his wiretap recordings played in open court.
Tony Rezko Sentenced to 10-1/2 Years
Former adviser to Rod Blagojevich Antonin "Tony" Rezko, who has already been in prison for 44 months, will have to stew in jail a little while longer.
Blagojevich Sentencing Set for Dec. 6
Judge Zagel originally set the date for Oct. 6, but delayed it as he was also the presiding judge in the Cellini trial. Blagojevich attorney Sheldon Sorosky predicted Zagel would postpone the hearing out of fear it would taint the jury pool in the Cellini trial.
Rezko Says He Has Served His Time
Rezko has served 44 months at a Wisconsin prison, since he was convicted on 16 of 24 counts in June 2008.
Robert Blagojevich Offers to Testify in House Ethics Probe of Jesse Jackson, Jr.
Blagojevich recently sent letters to all 10 members of the House Ethics Committee, indicating what he may know of "Senate Candidate Number Five's" interactions with him and former Gov. Rod Blagojevich could be of interest to their investigation.
Blagojevich Loses Law License and Probably Won't Get Pension
The Illinois Supreme Court revoked former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich's law license today. Plus, the Illinois General Assembly is rushing to prevent him from collecting a pension when he turns 55 in December.
House Ethics Probe on Jackson, Jr. Resumes
Speculation has centered the House may investigate whether Jackson violated House rules for allegedly using campaign funds to fly a mistress from the Beltway to Chicago.
Rezko Sentencing Delayed Again
Ever since Rezko turned himself into authorities in June 2008, his time in prison has been met with a series of sentencing postponements. That's got to be a major mindfuck.
Blagojevich Home on Market
If living like Mayor Emanuel when he was a renter isn't for you, maybe owning a piece of Illinois gubernatorial history is more your speed.
Feds Looking to Send Blago Away a Long Time
Blagojevich attorney Sheldon Sorosky says reports of a prison term of up to 30 years is "harsh and cruel."
Extra Extra
Lady Gaga wrote that she adores Chicago's Tavi Gevinson and said the 15-year-old's fashion blog, The Style Rookie, is "the future of journalism."
Blagojevich Sentencing Hearing Set for Oct. 6
Judge James Zagel penciled Oct. 6 in for Rod Blagojevich's sentencing hearing and, if the former governor testifies on his behalf, it could go a while.
Now It's Blago Who Wants the Retrial
The Governor whose hair is perfect filed a motion yesterday to have be granted a new trial, citing judicial bias. Good luck with that.
Auditor General Finds Security Breaches with Revenue Department's Handling of Tax Returns
A report released by the Illinois Auditor General criticizes the allegedly cavalier way the Department of Revenue handles our tax returns.
Discount Airline Piles on Blagojevich
Not surprised that a business is already using the Rod Blagojevich verdict to market a sale; only at how fast it took.
Blago: The Peanut Gallery Weighs In
Our Town's columnists spill ink opining on the Blagojevich verdict.
Blagojevich Reaction: "I'm Very Surprised."
For the first time we can remember, Rod Blagojevich was at a loss for words.
Blago Verdict: Guilty
A jury has convicted Rod Blagojevich on 17 of 20 counts in his retrial.
Jury in Blagojevich Retrial Deliberating
For the second time in less than a year, the fate of Rod Blagojevich now rests in the hands of twelve anonymous jurors.
"Congressman Claypool?"
Now it can be confirmed. Mayor Emanuel lobbied Rod Blagojevich to appoint Forrest Claypool to fill the Congressional seat he was vacating to join the Obama White House.
Prosecutors Waste No Time Attacking Blago
After a 2-1/2 year wait, prosecutors wasted no time going for Rod Blagojevich's jugular in cross-examination yesterday.
Blagojevich on "F-ing Golden" Comment: "I Was Stupid."
Rod Blagojevich showed a little less polish on the witness stand yesterday in describing the now infamous "f-ing golden comment." Or maybe it was practiced to be that way.
Blago's Attorneys to Prosecutors: Stop Making Faces
Nice to see the Blagojevich defense team sticking to their "throw it against a wall and see what sticks" defense.

