By Bill McMorris   Illinois Statehouse News

CHICAGO — Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is looking at a new trial in January, but the courtroom will be less crowded, as prosecutors on Thursday dismissed charges against his brother and the judge cut his legal team to two.

Prosecutors and defense attorneys met in open court with federal Judge James Zagel for the first time since the jury convicted Blagojevich of lying to federal authorities two weeks ago. What was supposed to be a standard procedural matter took a quick twist, as lead prosecutor Reid Schar asked to speak.

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ISN Report

CHICAGO — The jury in the federal corruption trial of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Thursday reported to the judge that members are deadlocked on 11 of the 24 corruption counts. Jurors have not considered 11 of the counts, and have reached a unanimous decision on two of the counts. Federal Judge James Zagel has sent a note to the jury, instructing them to deliberate on the counts yet to be considered. Stay tuned to ISN for updates as they break from Chicago.

By Bill McMorris Illinois Statehouse News
 

CHICAGO — The jury in the corruption trial of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is now cryptically deadlocked, according to the latest missive sent to federal Judge James Zagel.

Jurors on Wednesday asked the judge what can be done to avoid a hung jury in its first communication to the outside world since July 30.
 

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By Bill McMorris   Illinois Statehouse News

CHICAGO — The federal judge in the corruption trial of Rod Blagojevich on Wednesday ordered the former Illinois governor to the courthouse for the first time since jurors went into deliberations two weeks ago.
 

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By Bill McMorris  Illinois Statehouse News

CHICAGO– The judge in the corruption trial of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich has generally stayed mum about the direction of the trial, but he had one prediction on Wednesday morning.

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