The Stonecipher Report

A Year After the Arrest of Rod Blagojevich

Ah, Blago Memories Light the Corners of My Mind…

Posted By: Michael Sweeney

Dec. 11, 2009

Not being a parent, I guess I don’t have as much direct, running-around-under-my-nose-everyday evidence of how quickly (and seemingly unnoticed) an entire year can pass by (frankly, there’s not much difference between the then-6-year-old and now-7-year-old kitty siblings – Gracie and Pumpkin – at our house).

So…I suppose I was a bit startled to learn that we had (already?) hit the first anniversary of the early-morning, unexpected FBI arrest of then-IL Governor (and now universal punchline) Rod Blagojevich. Aw, look at how BIG our cute, extremely funny political scandal has gotten! Why, any day now it’ll be walking around by itself, talking non-stop, going to school, moving out on its own, and trying to get Judge Zagel to let it go make a few desperately-needed dimes on a crappy reality-television show off in the jungles of Costa Rica! (Just gotta pinch its rosy, cute lil’ cheeks and ruffle up its beautiful hair!) [Important Note: DO NOT touch The Hair…]

In case you need to get fully up to speed – AND share our sense of utter surprise (and more than a few semi-cheap laughs) – I heartily direct any interested readers to some of The Stonecipher Report’s deep coverage and analysis of the whole trying-to-sell-the-Obama-Senate-seat, trying-to-bribe-the-Chicago-Tribune-off-his-back, trying-to-cut-deals-and-make-some-dough, [effing] golden scandal that sucked our youngish, overly-ambitious (AND oft-delusional) Governor down the crapper and spit him out as a should-be-ashamed (yet apparently ain’t) pariah…

W.R. Grace Corporation Off the Hook for Asbestos Pollution

Posted by: Madame Fleur

May 14, 2009

It took little more than a day for the jury in the W.R. Grace trial to reach a verdict last week, signaling the end to the largest environmental crimes prosecution in U.S. history. For the residents of Libby, Montana, the closure was more bitter than sweet: Grace and three former executives - Robert Bettacchi, Jack Wolter and Henry Eschenbach - were acquitted of federal conspiracy charges involving Clean Air Act violations and obstruction of justice.

An eight-count indictment filed in 2005 alleged that W.R. Grace and its top employees knowingly endangered the Libby community by mining asbestos-laced vermiculite.

WR Grace Asbestos Trial Resumes with Fireworks

Posted by: Madame Fleur

Apr. 25, 2009

After a dramatic week of stern rebukes from Judge Donald Molloy, the prosecution in the W.R. Grace Company trial announced Wednesday that it intends to rest its case early next week.

The W.R. Grace Company and five of its executives are charged with conspiring to expose Libby, Montana residents to asbestos-contaminated vermiculite. The manufacturers of the asbestos materials are accused of conspiring to violate the Clean Air Act and to defraud the Government by preventing it from learning the dangers posed by vermiculite.

W.R. Grace Attorney Named “Best Lawyer” in White-Collar Criminal Defense

Posted by: Madame Fleur

Apr. 16, 2009

After weeks on hiatus, the W.R. Grace Asbestos Trial finally resumed on April 8 in Montana. The lawyer defending Grace’s former senior vice president was just named "Best Lawyer" for white-collar criminal defense in the 2009 edition of "The Best Lawyers in America." Thomas C. Frangillo is a partner with the Boston law office of Weil, Gotsal & Manges.

Montana Death Penalty: This Close to Abolition

Posted by: Madame Fleur

Mar. 31, 2009

A bill seeking to abolish Montana’s death penalty generated a passionate debate before the state House of Representatives last week. In a surprisingly narrow 10-8 decision, the judiciary committee of the Montana House rejected the proposed bill. The bill passed in the state Senate and enjoyed support from John Conner and Karl Gray, respectively the state’s former top prosecutor and former Montana Supreme Court Chief Justice.

Historic Asbestos Trial Underway in Montana

Posted by: Madame Fleur

Mar. 18, 2009

The long-anticipated W.R. Grace asbestos trial finally began in Missoula, Montana late last month. W.R. Grace and five of its top executives are accused of a federal conspiracy involving Clean Air Act violations and obstruction of justice. The company is charged with concealing the fact that their mining company unearthed toxic asbestos that has sickened and killed hundreds of residents in Libby, a town of about 3,000 people tucked away in the northwestern corner of Montana.

The Recession Seems to Have Missed Montana

Posted by: Madame Fleur

Mar. 4, 2009

While most states are bemoaning their stagnant economies and growing deficits, Montana is one of a handful currently enjoying a budget surplus.  Who and what does the Treasure State have to thank for this prosperity amidst such national scarcity?  Abundant natural resources, a growing population, and the ever-innovative Governor Brian Schweitzer at the helm, of course!

Brian Schweitzer: An American Political Hero

Posted by: Madame Fleur and Stonecipher

Feb. 21, 2009

Every week CNN's Fareed Zakaria asks his viewers a question.  Last week, with the economy tanking, in large part due to the bad behavior of many people in the finance and business world, Mr. Zakaria asked his viewers to vote for who they thought may be one of the last remaining business heroes out there.  The few who didn't mortgage their future in return for a quick buck. 

Montana’s Wind Energy: Bragging Rights

Posted by: Madame Fleur

Feb. 10, 2009

The last year was a great one for wind energy in Montana: enough wind energy to power up to 37,800 homes hit the grid in 2008.  With planned expansions and projects aiming to double production by the end of this year, Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer’s optimism for the state’s economy should soon be validated.  

Schweitzer, Montana to Lead on Energy Policy

Posted by: Madame Fleur

Feb. 4, 2009

Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer’s State of the State speech last week reaffirmed his desire to explore Montana’s energy potential and expand the state’s role in leading the country toward energy independence. His office confirmed yesterday that he would make further good on that pledge by enlisting Montana as one of more than a dozen states that will take on California’s more stringent emission standards.