RENEE MONTAGNE, host: And just now Mara mentioned the scandal surrounding indicted lobbyist      Jack Abramoff.  He reportedly is close to making a deal with federal      prosecutors on a plea bargain.  Sources familiar with the negotiations      say an agreement could be announced as early as today.  Jack Abramoff is      known for his close connections to powerful Republican lawmakers.  He is      charged with conspiracy and fraud and scheduled to stand trial next week.      A plea deal would avert a trial and could mean that Abramoff would      testify against members of Congress who received favors from him or his      clients.</s>RENEE MONTAGNE, host: You're listening to MORNING EDITION from NPR News.
Reports say indicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff may be close to striking a plea bargain with federal prosecutors. Sources familiar with the negotiations say an agreement could be announced as early as Tuesday.