The Daily Muck

The FBI yesterday released new evidence in their prosecution of Bruce E. Ivins, who is accused of sending the 2001 anthrax mailings, presenting an e-mail and more details about his conduct in the lab. The case, which began in 2001, has come under attack for failing to conclusively link Ivins to the anthrax attacks. Ivins committed suicide in July. (Washington Post)

Investigation of troubled insurance giant American International Group began in March, prompted by the company’s record losses in Feb. The probe, one of 25 currently in process, is meant to determine if company leaders misrepresented their holdings to the public. This month the federal government funneled $85 billion to AIG, which has faced federal investigation in the past, to prevent the firm from going bankrupt. (Washington Post)

The House ethics committee yesterday initiated a formal investigation of Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY), who has been accused of a range of abuses, including misusing the House’s garage to store an old car and questionable real estate dealings. The allegations have led to calls that Rangel resign from the powerful Ways and Means Committee, which he chairs. Last week Rangel maintained his innocence and invited the committee to look into his affairs. (The Hill)

The military will hand down punishments today to top commanders responsible for accidentally shipping nuclear materials to Taiwan in 2006, likely prompting resignations. The disciplinary action follows another incident last year,when nuclear warheads mistakenly traveled aross the country. The Defense Department has also commissioned two reports about nuclear weapons oversight. (LA Times)

Rep. William Jefferson (D-LA) challenged his indictment yesterday in a federal appeals court. Jefferson’s attorneys told a three-judge panel that the grand jury had violated Jefferson’s constitutional rights in the speech or debate clause. Jefferson faces up to 235 years in prison for taking bribes and other charges. (AP)

The House unveiled new ethics regulations yesterday, requiring congressmen to seek approval for privately sponsored travel two weeks in advance. Under the old rules, which committee members said were widely ignored, paperwork had to be submitted 30 days prior to travel. The switch reflects heightened scrutiny following the corruption scandals that have roiled Congress in the past few years. (The Hill)