Archive
Report Finds Lamborghini-Driving "Small Business" Owners Defrauding Government Program
The Small Business Administration's 8(a) program is intended for companies whose owners are socially and economically disadvantaged. But a GAO report says the program is helping some owners who don't need it.
Are Federal Agencies Open? Audit Gives Mixed Grades
Agencies that should be leading the charge on transparency are among the weakest, an audit of open government plans says. Among the weakest plans, according to the audit, were Justice, which coordinates Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) reporting and training, and the OMB, which issued the directive requiring transparency plans.
Contrary to Citizens United Opinion, Campaign Contribution Records Lack Transparency
Tracing who gave money to candidates to attend the Springsteen fundraisers is nearly impossible, even with open campaign finance records, calling into question part of the Supreme Court’s rationale in ending corporate election spending limits.
Chemicals Meant To Break Up BP Oil Spill Present New Environmental Concerns
Dispersing the oil in the Gulf of Mexico is considered one of the best ways to protect birds and keep the slick offshore. But the dispersants being used contain harmful toxins of their own and can concentrate leftover oil toxins in the water,
Geithner Talks Tough on Loan Mods, and Backs It Up With … More Data
Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner has finally acknowledged the depths of the problems with the administration's mortgage modification program. But in testimony before Congress this week, he offered no new solutions.
Did Former Bank Execs Lie to Congress?
Former Lehman CEO Richard Fuld may have understated his earnings while testifying before Congress, some reports say, and a former Goldman executive may have been disingenuous in his testimony.
BP Had Other Problems in Years Leading to Gulf Spill
BP has found itself at the center of several of the nation's worst oil and gas–related disasters in the last five years. It has been fined for a deadly refinery explosion in Texas, a pipeline leak in Alaska, and for manipulating propane prices.
Gulf Oil Spill Puts Spotlight on Regulator With Mixed Record
The Minerals Management Service, which oversees oil rigs, has had ethical and other problems. It is the agency that decided against requiring an oil-drilling safeguard that is used in some other countries.
Banks Pressured Credit Agencies, Then Blamed Them
Big financial firms are among those pointing fingers at the credit rating agencies for their role in the economic meltdown. But internal e-mail suggests that those same firms pressured the credit agencies to give good ratings.
New Tricks for Those Republican ‘Census’ Mailers
After the Republican National Committee used a fake census form to try to raise money, Congress passed a law aimed at eliminating such tactics. But the RNC has found a way around it, and the mailings continue.
Read the Pentagon's New Rules for Military Trials
The Department of Defense has released its Manual for Military Commissions, 281 pages that detail the latest rules and procedures for military trials at Guantanamo Bay. ProPublica provides access to the manual.
Republicans Getting More Campaign Cash From Wall Street
The Republicans' resistance to financial reform is risky in an election year. Whatever the reason, it comes as big financial firms are shifting more of their political contributions toward the GOP.
