The defense for Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK) has called for his conviction to be thrown out after receiving new evidence of an FBI complaint. The complaint regards the Justice Department’s refusal to turn over evidence during the trial and a potentially inappropriate relationship between the prosecution and a representative of the government. (Associated Press)
New facilities set up by the Department of Homeland Security on the recommendations of the September 11 Commission may infringe upon the rights of Americans. The facilities, set up to enhance intelligence sharing among local and government agencies, threaten privacy in “no fewer than seven ways,” according to Homeland Security officials in a Privacy Impact Assessment released today. (McClatchy)
A Boston man with ties to the Mafia has recently been involved with Bernard Madoff’s investment firm. Robert Jaffe, currently a vice president at a company partly owned by Madoff, was once a stockbroker for the Angiulo crime family until members were convicted of racketeering charges in the 1980s. Jaffe has been subpoenaed by Boston-area authorities. (Boston Globe)
The committee considering the impeachment of Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich has heard testimony that the governor’s fundraising activities were extravagant, even by Illinois standards. Blagojevich was able to raise more than $58 million over the past eight years, a record for the state. (New York Times)
The investigation into Bernard Madoff’s investment firm is focusing on Frank DiPascali, an accountant with Madoff. From his position, DiPascali oversaw any money going into or coming out of client accounts. Mr. DiPascali was an employee of the firm for over 30 years. (Wall Street Journal)
A report on communications between President-elect Obama’s transition team and the office of Governor Rod Blagojevich is expected to exonerate members of Obama’s staff. Due to be released today, the report had been delayed by the office of the President-elect in order to allow federal investigations to progress. (Associated Press)