Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY) used campaign funds to pay parking tickets in the Washington, D.C. area, according to campaign finance records. Although it is not illegal to use campaign funds to pay off tickets written during campaign activities, it is still not clear if all $1,540 in fines were accrued during campaigns. (Congressional Quarterly)
An FBI probe into Rep. Tim Mahoney (D-FL) has begun and will investigate whether the outgoing congressman is guilty of any wrongdoing for placing his then-mistress on the congressional payroll. Mahoney insists that he did nothing illegal. (ABC News)
California Attorney General Jerry Brown is suing the Bush administration in order to block midnight regulations that would curtail protections put in place by the Endangered Species Act. The new rules would, among other things, allow federal agencies to issue permits for mining and logging operations without the consultation of biologists. (Associated Press)
Nevada Lt. Governor Brian Krolicki has pleaded not guilty to felony charges of mismanaging a state college savings program in 2007. He was indicted for misappropriation and falsification of accounts, although no money has gone missing. Krolicki is considered a top GOP candidate to challenge Harry Reid for his senate seat in 2010. (Associated Press)
A Muslim inmate at a Connecticut prison is suing the state Department of Corrections for religious discrimination for failing to provide meat that meets “halal” standards. 27-year-old Ricardo Collins was convicted of murder in 2002, although he has been granted an appeal. (Associated Press)