Reporting with Natasha Korecki
The jury debating Rod Blagojevich's fate has come to a unanimous decision on 18 of the 20 counts against the former governor. It appears we will have a verdict this afternoon.
They remain deadlocked on 2.
In a note to Judge James Zagel Monday morning, the jury wrote that they were "confident we will not come to an agreement" on the other 2 counts, "even with further deliberations."
The prosecution said Zagel should accept a verdict on the 18 counts and the defense had no objection.
Zagel, who is overseeing another trial in his courtroom, said the verdict will be announced no earlier than 1 p.m.
The jury's communication came on day 10 of their talks and after taking a three-day weekend. They had gone all of last week without saying a word.
The note quickly squashed speculation that yet another jury was hung on the ex-governor's case. Last summer, a panel of six women and six men were deadlocked on 23 of 24 counts, convicting the former governor of just one count.
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