Under the Influence has a summary of the day’s events at Kevin Ring’s trial in Washington, DC.

Former DOJ Chief of Staff David Ayres invoked his Fifth Amendment rights, according to this report.

David Ayers, who was Ashcroft’s chief of staff at the Justice Department during the Bush administration, refused to answer questions under oath about tickets he received from Abramoff’s firm and any favors he may have granted for the firm’s clients.

Ayers was called as a defense witness in the corruption trial of Abramoff deputy Kevin Ring. Ring faces charges that he illegally influenced federal officials by providing them with expensive meals, drinks and tickets to concerts and sporting events.