Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) offered to help the FDIC seek taxpayer funds just days before the agency decided to award a contract to sell foreclosed properties to a commercial real estate firm that her husband heads as board chairman, reports the Washington Times. Feinstein then introduced legislation to steer $25 billion to the agency after the contract had been awarded. Spokesmen for the FDIC, Feinstein and her husband’s firm told the Times that there was no connection between the legislation and the contract.
Also, the Los Angeles Times obtained records showing that 14 children in Los Angeles County died of neglect or abuse last year, even though their families were being monitored by child-welfare officials. Officials for the Department of Children and Family Services said the agency had opened investigations into 10 of those cases, which will likely lead to social workers being disciplined. They also said they lack adequate resources to handle large caseloads.
Check out more of our roundup of the best investigative stories around the Web. Was there a story we missed? Please keep sending us your picks or include them in the comments section below.
