On the Madoff front:

“Madoff has already begun relinquishing his assets, something he might not do if he planned to fight the charges.

He already has surrendered rights to his business and any of the assets held by the business. A trustee overseeing his assets said he has identified nearly $1 billion in assets that are available to reimburse investors who have lost money over the last five decades.

Shortly after his arrest, Madoff offered to relinquish many of his and his wife’s assets, including properties in Palm Beach and France, as well as his boats and cars.

The lawyers, however, have indicated in court documents that Madoff’s $7 million Manhattan penthouse and an additional $62 million in assets should not be taken from the family because they are in his wife’s name and did not result from any alleged fraud.”

More at Associated Press.