Jacob Zuma, Once Leader of the A.N.C., Becomes Its Political Rival
Demand for change through protest in South Africa's Pietermaritzburg showcases support for Jacob Zuma's new political party, uMkhonto weSizwe, amid dissatisfaction with former allies. [ more ]
Former Correction Officers and Rikers Employees Charged With Corruption
Five people, including employees and a detainee from Rikers Island, have been charged with corruption for smuggling contraband like drugs and cellphones into the jail.
The defendants accepted bribes to smuggle in a variety of illegal substances, which contributed to making Rikers Island less safe for inmates and officers during a spike in overdoses. [ more ]
Croatia's upcoming elections are marked by a bitter campaign between the current heads of state and government, impacting the country's stance towards Moscow or the West. [ more ]
Senator Menendez, Charged in Bribery Scheme, May Blame His Wife
Senator Menendez may blame his wife for involvement in a criminal conspiracy, potentially revealing communications that could exonerate him but incriminate her. [ more ]
Trump's blunt approach in revealing the relationship between special interests and politicians may have improved transparency in American politics. [ more ]
Opinion | What Donald Trump Would Do for $1 Billion
Former President Trump reportedly sought $1 billion from oil executives for White House return, promising to reverse environmental policies and promote fossil fuel extraction. [ more ]
Could the EU-Lebanon aid deal backfire on Syrian refugees? DW 05/07/2024
The EU-Lebanon deal worth 1 billion Euros sparked outrage in Lebanon for not addressing governance, corruption, and for being seen as selling out the Lebanese people. [ more ]
Feds Probe NYC Mayor Over Free Turkish Airlines Upgrades
FBI and U.S. Attorney's Office investigating Mayor Eric Adams for potential acceptance of free upgrades from Turkish Airlines.
Investigation linked to broader probe on alleged foreign money funneling, influence in city approvals, and associates' involvement in corruption. [ more ]
UK journalist sentenced to two years for defaming Malaysia's former queen
British journalist Clare Rewcastle Brown has been sentenced in absentia to two years in prison by a Malaysian court for criminally defaming the former Queen Nur Zahirah in her book The Sarawak Report.
Rewcastle Brown believes the sentence is politically motivated and revenge for her reporting on corruption in Malaysia, particularly the 1MDB scandal. [ more ]
Supreme Court Poised to Cut Back Scope of Anti-Corruption Law
The Supreme Court is considering limiting the scope of a federal statute on gifts and payments for influencing actions by state and local officials. [ more ]
Hunter Biden's ex-business partner calls out Democrats' lies and corruption in new Tucker Carlson documentary
Tony Bobulinski, former business partner of Hunter Biden, is a patriotic figure with a strong background in wrestling, military service, and business.
Bobulinski testified publicly in the House impeachment inquiry, accusing President Joe Biden of being a serial liar and committing high crimes and misdemeanors. [ more ]
The Still Unidentified "Big Guy[s]" in the Alexander Smirnov Saga - emptywheel
Smirnov participated in duplicitous business schemes while working as a government informant, including a pump and dump scheme.
Smirnov pitched business ideas to individuals with close ties to Donald Trump, like Sam Kislin, involving potential market manipulation and corruption. [ more ]
The US imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa and 10 other individuals for corruption and human rights abuses.
The Biden administration will implement targeted sanctions on specific individuals like Mnangagwa, moving away from the 2003 Zimbabwe sanctions program. [ more ]
Richmond leaders may end practice of letting family members join city boards
The Richmond City Council is considering a nepotism ordinance to prevent councilmembers and staff from appointing family and business associates to city positions.
The ordinance would allow current family members on boards to finish their terms but prevent new appointments. [ more ]
Opinion: Before Los Angeles gets a new police chief, here's what we need to know
The next chief of the LAPD is unlikely to be given a comprehensive assessment of the department's problems, making it difficult for the mayor to choose the right candidate.
The LAPD has been plagued by misconduct, leadership scandals, allegations of sexism and misogyny, and claims of corruption among gang-unit officers. [ more ]
Russian Opposition Leader Alexei Navalny Has Died In An Arctic Prison
The death of Alexei Navalny, a prominent Russian opposition leader, has left a void in the opposition movement just as Putin prepares for an election that will extend his time in power.
Navalny rose to prominence by exposing corruption and opulence among the political elite in Russia. [ more ]
Ex-N.R.A. Chief Wayne LaPierre Found Liable for Financial Misconduct
The Manhattan jury found N.R.A. leaders guilty of financial misconduct and corruption, including misspending millions of dollars by using N.R.A. funds for personal expenses like luxury flights and helicopters.
The trial stemmed from a lawsuit brought by New York's attorney general, Letitia James, who presented evidence of Wayne LaPierre's inappropriate expenses, leading to the N.R.A.'s financial troubles and internal conflicts. [ more ]
FBI informant who accused the Bidens of corruption in Ukraine is charged with lying to authorities
Special counsel David Weiss, who is investigating Hunter Biden, has filed charges against the FBI informant who accused the Bidens of corruption in Ukraine.
The false statement made by Alexander Smirnov, the FBI informant, is what Republicans have used to accuse Joe Biden of corruption and led to an impeachment inquiry against him.
The indictment filed by the special counsel does not mention the Biden family by name, but it is clear it concerns them. [ more ]
Lawyers in N.R.A. Trial Deliver Closing Arguments, Sending Case to Jury
Lawyers for New York State concluded their case against the NRA, accusing leaders of financial misconduct and corruption.
Central to the case is the state's depiction of former NRA leader Wayne LaPierre as a lavish spender who used NRA funds for personal expenses. [ more ]
EU told Slovakia that its reforms risked irreparable damage' to rule of law
The European Commission warned Slovakia about potential damage to the rule of law before the approval of controversial legal reforms.
The reforms, which critics say protect the prime minister's political and business allies, include scrapping a special prosecutor's office and lowering penalties for financial crimes. [ more ]
Newly surfaced e-mail allegedly helps prove Bidens in biz with Beijing-linked firm while Joe was still VP
Hunter Biden allegedly worked with Chinese state-linked CEFC China Energy while his father was vice president, as revealed by a document.
The document, a letter from Hunter Biden to CEFC Executive Director Jianjun Zang, suggested collaboration on projects and coordination with Hunter's confidant James Gilliar. [ more ]
NYPD-heralded city investigator resigns after he's seen on video sifting through dead man's items, allegedly pocketing nearly $500, jewelry: 'Disgraceful'
A city investigator in the Bronx was caught on video stealing cash and jewelry from a deceased man's apartment.
The theft highlights a systemic weakness that corrupt city officials have exploited for years to steal from the property of the deceased. [ more ]