This is an update by Joel Ebert, who is covering the Don Blankenship trial with Ken Ward Jr.

Today the Gazette-Mail sent a letter to U.S. District Judge Irene Berger. The purpose of the letter was to express frustration with the continued use of bench conferences with attorneys for the defense and prosecution during the criminal trial of former Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship.

In the letter, we essentially asked for access to transcripts of what is discussed in the private meetings that have been a regular occurrence throughout the trial, even when the jury isn’t present in the courtroom.

We also asked for access to the voir dire transcripts from jury selection and copies of the responses to the jury questionnaires that were sent out.

As of this afternoon, we have not heard back from Judge Berger.

To read the full letter to Berger, click here.