The Daily MuckFormer VECO CEO Bill Allen would often show up uninvited for impromptu sleepovers at Sen. Ted Stevens’ Girdwood chalet, Stevens’ daughter testified yesterday, forcing her to sleep on the couch. Allen was a key witness for the prosecution because of his involvement in the renovations to Stevens’ home, which are at the center of the charges against the seven-term senator. (Anchorage Daily News)
Stevens trial appears to be nearing its end. Judge Emmet Smith announced yesterday, that closing arguments may come as soon as next Monday, with the defense resting either today or tomorrow with the likely testimony of both Catherine and Ted Stevens. (Anchorage Daily News)
It looks like it’s not just prostitution that’s recession proof. Under the bank-rescue plan run by the U.S. government, executive pay packages will be restricted, but could still stretch into the tens of millions of dollars with stock increases and grants. (Bloomberg)
There’s more than one report that’s critical of the of Alaskan government making the rounds this month. A preliminary report released by Veterans for America criticized the Alaskan National Guard for not having a good system in place to help soldiers returning from overseas, particularly with health care. The report, which was derided Monday by the guard’s commander, was particularly critical of Gov. Sarah Palin’s “inadequate leadership.” (Anchorage Daily News)
But Palin isn’t the only governor with problems. Nevada Gov. Jim Gibbons (R) was sued in federal court Tuesday by a woman who accuses the governor of battery, second-degree kidnapping, false imprisonment, and threats of rape. The suit was filed by an attorney for Chrissy Mazzeo, a former Las Vegas cocktail waitress. Mazzeo went public about the supposed October 2006 assault immediately after she claims it occurred. (AP)
President Bush signed a new act Tuesday that gives inspectors general more investigative and political freedom. Better eight years too late than never. (AP)
The Pentagon has issued new rules to further prevent detainee abuse. The rules in part mandate that a military official monitor all interrogations of detainees, even those being done by other government agencies. (LA Times)
Investors looking to sue companies such as Lehman Brothers and AIG for fraud after the banking collapse may be out of luck. The 1995 Private Securities Litigation Reform Act places the burden of proof on the investors, making it all but impossible for shareholders to get their money back. The law was one of only two to override President Clinton’s veto. (Pro Publica)
Federal jurors in Pittsburgh can no longer hide behind a shroud of anonymity. A federal judge ruled that the names of jurors no longer need to be kept secret, a ruling with particular significance for the eventual retrial of Allegheny County Coroner Cyril Wecht. Wecht’s trial in April ended in hung jury. The original judge in Wecht’s trial ordered the names of the jurors withheld. (AP)
If you’re planning on voting in Virginia, you now have to comply with the dress code. The Virginia State Board of Elections on Tuesday banned campaign clothing and paraphernalia at the polls. Even though the ACLU argues that this is a breach of first amendment rights, the Board of Elections has ruled that some t-shirts are just too persuasive for voters to bear. (AP)
