The Daily Muck

The questions surrounding Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, already the subject of an FBI probe, now extend to his wife, Patti Blagojevich, whose real estate dealings some say could represent the kind of quid pro quo politics that has brought her husband scrutiny in the past. Patti Blagojevich’s firm, River Realty, received $100,000 in commissions from a developer, whose family’s company witnessed a spike in state payments after Blagojevich was elected governor. The reports surfaced in the course of the FBI’s investigation of Tony Rezko, an Illinois fundraiser connected to the governor and convicted in June of fraud. (Chicago Sun Times)

The House Ethics Committee is considering an investigation of Rep. Tim Mahoney (D-FL), whose affairs with two women–both connected to his congressional work–became public last week. Mahoney inherited his Florida district from Republican Mark Foley, whose political career was also felled by a sex scandal. (Press Release)

The corruption trial of Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK) is set to close today, after lawyers wrap up examination of the man known as “Uncle Ted” to his constituents and as a “mean, miserable S.O.B.” to his colleagues. Meanwhile, defense attorneys made a last ditch effort to have the case dismissed, filing another motion that claims the prosecution has mishandled evidence. (Roll Call)

The swell in financial investigations related to the economic crisis has put pressure on FBI resources and staff, which had diverted nearly a third of its agents to national intelligence. By some counts, the number of white collar prosecutions between 2000 and 2007 dropped by nearly 50 percent. The FBI is currently conducting more than 1,500 investigations of financial and mortgage companies. (New York Times)

The ACLU filed two briefs last week, one rejecting the retroactive immunity provisions in the FISA Amendments Act as unconstitutional, and the other a Freedom of Information Act request for details about the government’s domestic surveillance policies. (Dissident Voice)

The waning days of the Bush Administration could see the implementation of a new rule that relaxes restrictions on the disposal of waste generated by mines. The proposal, which could go into effect in 30 days, would make it easier for mining companies to dump waste near rivers. The current rules have been in place since the Reagan administration. (AP)

Experts predict the release of a series of judicial reports, designed to lock policies favored by the Bush administration into place before the presidency turns over in January. One such opinion, which allows the government to award funds to group that hire based on religion, was publicized last week. During the Bush administration, the Justice Department has earned a reputation for politicization, particularly in its hiring practices and handling of Guantanamo Bay detainees. (Washington Post)

Five Colorado murders, allegedly committed by soldiers who have returned from Iraq, have prompted an Army investigation to look into whether post traumatic stress syndrome could be a factor. (AP)