The Daily MuckFormer and embattled congressman Curt Weldon, Republican from Pennsylvania, is helping to arrange deals between Russian and Ukrainian weapons suppliers and the governments of Iraq and Libya. This move, despite being profitable, is legally ambiguous. Weldon, now part of the defense consulting firm Defense Solutions, is being investigated by the FBI over corruption allegations. (Wired)
A group of lawyers representing victims of Hurricane Katrina think they may have found a loophole in the wide-ranging immunity for the Army Corps of Engineers. The lawyers plan to sue for billions of dollars in damages in a federal trial set for January. They hope that the case will force compensation of the hurricane’s victims. (Chicago Tribune)
A representative from Houston is calling for an investigation into Harris County’s legal system. The county, which sends more people to death row than any other county in the country, has been the victim of corruption in the Houston Police Department DNA. Its district attorney resigned earlier this year facing scandal over explicit emails. (AP)
A conservative campaign group is planning on a multi-million dollar TV advertising campaign to promote its pro-war views. The group is a 501(c)(4) as opposed to a traditional 527 group. (New York Times)
New Defense Department weapons systems that are being developed will cost $1.6 trillion to complete and $335 billion over the next five years.The Government Accountability Office has found that this money may not be available due to the continuing cost of military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. (Washington Post)
An audit of the U.S. Department of Education found that employees improperly spent $49,500 using government credit cards. The money went to meals, clothing, rental cars, and other personal items.(Washington Post)
