The wiretaps and testimony the jury is hearing in the criminal corruption trial of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich--Thursday is Day 18--is showing how jealous Blagojevich was of the quick rise of Barack Obama. Not a crime, but very interesting. Sun-Times federal courts reporter Natasha Korecki Day 18 overview looks ahead and sums up Day 17.

One-time Blagojevich adviser Doug Scofield, testifying for the prosecution, tells that Blagojevich's Senate seat shakedowns were "ridiculous" even by their standards.

Must-read real time reports from the trial rolling through the Chicago Sun-Times Blago Blog.