Jared Lee Loughner pleaded not guilty today to the 49-count indictment that federal prosecutors unveiled last week, reports the AP. Loughner stands accused of killing six people including a federal judge and wounding 13 others, among them Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. While the Wednesday hearing continues, the Arizona Republic's Michael Kiefer gives a preview of what the court will look at today:

The court also is expected to discuss a host of issues beyond Loughner's plea at today's hearing, among them when to schedule the start of his trial. District Judge Larry A. Burns has mentioned the possibility of setting a trial date for this fall, though Loughner's defense team has indicated it would need nearly two years to fully prepare.

Other matters on today's agenda include requests by the U.S. Attorney's Office to have Loughner undergo psychiatric examination and submit handwriting samples; a request by defense attorneys to bar release of Bureau of Prisons records on Loughner; and motions by The Arizona Republic and 12 News to unseal search warrant materials and documents that have been filed under seal to date.

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John Hudson