John Edwards' Alternate Jurors Told to Stay Home

Jurors in the John Edwards' trial wrapped up their eighth day of deliberations today without a verdict. About the newsiest development is that the judge told the four alternate jurors, the ones who like to wear shirts of matching colors, that they no longer have to report to the courtroom, reports ABC News. Judge Catherine Eagles didn't explain why—maybe to cut down on flirting with the defendant?—but she didn't sound angry. "We will miss your cheerful faces," she said. "And we will regret not knowing the color for tomorrow."

Maybe it's a sign the trial is near an end? Doesn't seem that way, as Politico notes that the judge already has warned that next week could be tough given high school graduations and other scheduling conflicts. Eagles drew laughs yesterday by declaring, “The jury sent me a note saying they have reached…" Then she paused and added, "a good stopping point for the day." She even rolled her eyes a little. The jury wasn't in the room at the time, and she quickly apologized: "It was kind of mean. I'm sorry." (More John Edwards stories.)