CHICAGO – Like a candidate still running for office, a smiling and jovial Rod Blagojevich waded into the crowd – making upbeat statements, hugging and shaking hands with supporters holding signs.
He’s not on a ballot anymore, though, and the only voters that matter are the 12 people who will be chosen from the potential jurors who the judge began questioning Thursday. They will decide if the former Illinois governor tried to sell President Obama’s former Senate seat and leverage his power into a moneymaking enterprise.
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Since being ousted from office, Blagojevich has pleaded his innocence to the public on radio, in comedy shows and in a book, often playing the lovable goof. For one reality show, his wife went in his stead – making an impression on one potential juror, who told the judge she had seen Patti Blagojevich on TV eating a bug.
Blagojevich himself was “on some kind of reality show, too,” she said. But the judge clearly tried to steer clear of political opinions.
Some 18 months after FBI agents arrested him at his home at dawn, Blagojevich arrived at federal court, holding hands with Patti.
Actor’s a dad again: Grace Avery Costner
LOS ANGELES – Kevin Costner and his wife have welcomed their third child, a girl, into the world.
Costner’s 36-year-old wife Christine gave birth to Grace Avery Costner Wednesday afternoon in Los Angeles.
The actor’s publicist Arnold Robinson says mother and daughter are doing well.
The couple have two other children, 1-year-old Hayes and 3-year-old Cayden. The 55-year-old actor has three grown children from a previous marriage.
Martin fronts his style and philanthropic side
NEW YORK – Ricky Martin has stepped out in style at an AIDS research organization’s New York City gala celebrating men’s fashion. It’s one of his first public appearances since announcing he’s gay.
Celebrities including Kylie Minogue and Cyndi Lauper attended Thursday night’s amfAR event, which honored the “Livin’ La Vida Loca” singer for his philanthropic contributions through his foundation.
Minogue hosted the black tie/black leather event. She says she is happy for Martin and feels he’s “embracing and living life” since announcing in late March he’s gay.
Designer Jean-Paul Gaultier was honored for his contributions to menswear and his humanitarian work.
The gala benefits amfAR’s AIDS research programs.
Swedish royalty is ailing
STOCKHOLM – A royal court official says 94-year old Princess Lilian, the oldest member of Sweden’s royal family, has Alzheimer’s disease and will miss Crown Princess Victoria’s wedding in two weeks.
The Welsh-born Lilian has cut down on her royal duties in recent years for health reasons and Court Marshal Elisabeth Palmstierna says she won’t attend Victoria’s wedding to Daniel Westling on June 19.
Palmstierna told The Associated Press on Thursday that Lilian suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, which wasn’t previously known to the public.
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