OFF THE WIRE
Another one bites the dust....
The Justice Department has authorized prosecutors to bring criminal charges against former presidential candidate and Sen. John Edwards, sources with knowledge of the investigation confirm to CNN. An indictment could be averted if prosecutors and lawyers for Edwards reach a plea deal.
A federal grand jury in North Carolina has been investigating payments the former senator's campaign and supporters made to Rielle Hunter, his mistress, who also worked as a videographer for his campaign.