CHICAGO— Opening arguments in the federal corruption trial of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich kicked off yesterday as the prosecution and defense team met for the first time in open court. The difference in styles was readily apparent.

Federal prosecutor Carrie Hamilton took the 18-member jury through the saga that was the Blagojevich investigation, utilizing a PowerPoint presentation to outline the lengthy list of charges the former Democratic governor faces, including extortion and racketeering.