A criminal case could be the best chance for an appellate ruling on the constitutionality of the NSA spying program. Imam Yassin M. Arefwas was arrested and charged with supporting terrorism after the FBI conducted a sting operation, but his case is far from over. The defense says it has proof that Aref was illegally spied upon by the NSA. While other legal challenges to the NSA program have been civil cases that have largely failed, Aref’s criminal case could use constitutional protections given to criminal defendants to show the unconstitutionality of the NSA surveillance program. (NY Times)

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Peter Pace denied assertions in an LA Times article that he will recommend a troop withdrawal from Iraq to President Bush. Pace’s term ends at the end of September, the same month that Gen. David Petraeus will deliver his progress report on Iraq. (Reuters)

Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) has tried to make a name for himself by bashing the pork habits of his fellow lawmakers. While Flake does not actually block earmarks, he does make quips that appear just as damaging to a sponsor's reputation. The LA Times offers a taste of Flake's acerbic wit. (LA Times)

Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT) had his office burglarized this weekend and the thieves took some undisclosed items. (Associated Press)

The insurance industry is getting ready for terrorism; they are lobbying the federal government to help pick up the tab on attacks involving the big three of weapons of mass destruction: nuclear, biological and chemical. Where are they getting the idea that WMD attacks need to be covered? From Iraq, of course, which insurance analysts consider a "test laboratory" for terrorism. (USA TODAY)