There was an unusual hearing in the hush-money case against former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert.
However, it wasn't listed on the court docket nor did it take place in open court.
The Chicago Tribune reports prosecutors and defense attorneys gathered yesterday in the court of U.S. District Judge Thomas M. Durkin.
But when reporters showed up, the lawyers retreated to the judge's chambers. They never returned to court.
U.S. attorney spokesman Joseph Fitzpatrick later said prosecutors had "appeared this afternoon for a private discussion in the judge's chambers," but he declined comment on what was discussed.
The 74-year-old Hastert pleaded guilty in October to violating bank laws in seeking to pay someone $3.5 million in hush money.
His sentencing has been delayed because of concerns for Hastert's health.
