All articles tagged with #government accountability
An NPR journalist is returning their Pentagon press pass in protest against new policies that threaten press freedom and transparency, arguing that these rules hinder investigative journalism and accountability regarding military actions and government decisions.
Russell Vought, the OMB director under Trump, publicly stated that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) shouldn't exist, criticizing its independence and reports on legal violations by the Trump administration, amid ongoing tensions between the White House and government watchdogs.
The article criticizes the Bureau of Labor Statistics for a history of inaccuracies, revisions, and technical errors, especially during Erika McEntarfer's tenure, which have undermined public trust and impacted economic policy and markets.
After severe flooding in Texas, residents display a mix of pride in their self-reliance and resilience, while also questioning government preparedness and response, highlighting the state's history of facing numerous natural and man-made calamities.
The article examines the tragic flooding in Texas's Kerr County, highlighting concerns over whether local officials effectively responded to early warnings from the National Weather Service, amidst broader issues of disaster preparedness and response failures in recent US disasters like wildfires in Maui and fires in Los Angeles, raising questions about government accountability and communication during emergencies.
The House Appropriations Committee proposes nearly a 50% cut to the Government Accountability Office's budget for 2026, aiming to limit its investigations, especially into the Trump administration, which critics say undermines independent oversight and could significantly weaken government accountability.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and FBI Director Christopher Wray did not attend a Senate Homeland Security Committee hearing, marking a significant break from tradition. This absence was criticized by committee chairman Sen. Gary Peters as depriving the public of important information on national security efforts. The FBI and DHS cited the need for classified discussions as a reason for their absence. This development comes as both officials are likely nearing the end of their tenures with the incoming Trump administration.
Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has been hired as a special investigator by the Dolton Board of Trustees to look into various issues surrounding Mayor Tiffany Henyard, including her trip to Las Vegas, spending reports, and alleged misconduct. Lightfoot will be paid $400 an hour for her fact-finding mission, and the board expects full cooperation from all relevant parties. Despite skepticism and potential resistance, the board is determined to ensure government accountability and transparency in Dolton.
A woman confronted Rishi Sunak about NHS waiting times during a public event, expressing her frustration with the government's handling of healthcare. The incident highlighted growing concerns about the state of the NHS and the accountability of government officials in addressing these issues.
The Pentagon failed to adequately track more than $1 billion worth of arms and equipment given to Ukraine, according to a watchdog report. The report found that the Pentagon did not have accurate records for nearly $1.3 billion in arms and equipment, raising concerns about accountability and potential misuse of the aid.
On the 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, families of the victims continue to fight for justice and accountability. They are demanding the release of federal documents regarding Saudi Arabia's alleged involvement and are outraged by potential plea deals for the attack's masterminds. The families feel betrayed by their own government, believing it is protecting the murderers. Additionally, they are advocating for awareness and compensation for the health issues faced by first responders and others exposed to toxic particles. Despite their ongoing struggles, some families are focusing on unity and national solidarity through the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance.
An independent watchdog in Kenya has reported that police shot dead at least six people during protests against tax increases and the rising cost of living. It is alleged that police have been ordered not to report deaths during the crackdown on protests. There are growing concerns about the tactics used by the police under President William Ruto's government, with accusations of excessive force and interference with police operations. The government is now having to defend itself to donors, including the United States, who have spent millions promoting police accountability. Human rights organizations have warned about a culture of impunity in Kenya, and there are fears that the situation could escalate further.
The unreported luxury gifts from a conservative billionaire to Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas over two decades have highlighted the double standard for ethics in government. Ethics watchdogs argue that there is one standard for high-profile and politically connected individuals and another for the almost two million lower-level federal workers. The Department of Justice has shown a real unwillingness to hold top officials in government to the same standard it holds lower-level officials to. The Thomas controversy is coming at a time when the Supreme Court is facing a historic lack of confidence from the American public.