Leahy proposes truth squad to get at Bush-era problems

U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, is proposing a "truth commission" to investigate abuses of detainees and politically inspired firings at the Justice Department during the Bush administration.

Morning Newscast: July 30, 2008

Here are the top stories at 7:30 a.m.: A government watchdog will appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee today to answer questions about political hiring at the Justice Department; Experts say Vermont needs to develop rules for large-scale composting businesses that recognize both the benefits and the potential hazards of the operations…

Leahy calls hearing on Justice Department hiring practices

A government watchdog will appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee today to answer questions about political hiring at the Justice Department. Senator Patrick Leahy says he called the hearing so he can get to the bottom of what he says is improper influence by partisan appointees throughout government. VPR’s Ross Sneyd reports.

Contract fraud loophole eliminated

A multibillion-dollar loophole has been removed from a proposal to crack down on government contract abuse. The Bush administration removed the loophole the day before a hearing was scheduled to investigate how it was placed in a Department of Justice rule.