Accountability
The DOGE days have just begun
The DOGE days have just begun The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, broke into the US Institute for Peace on March 17th, according to court documents. The break-in was allegedly orchestrated by a fired security firm that was threatened with contract cancellation unless they let DOGE into the building. USIP staff […]
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In the $250B influencer industry, being a hater can be the only way to rein in bad behavior
In the $250B influencer industry, being a hater can be the only way to rein in bad behavior In the $250B influencer industry, snark subreddits have emerged as a way to call out bad behavior and hold influencers accountable for their actions. Snarkers are anti-fans who use online forums to critique influencers for misleading or […]
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No whistleblower is an island – why networks of allies are key to exposing corruption
No whistleblower is an island – why networks of allies are key to exposing corruption Whistleblowers face significant risks when exposing corruption, including retaliation, job loss, and legal threats, making it crucial to have a network of allies who can amplify their message and provide support. The “regulators of last resort” – whistleblowers’ allies – […]
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Bureaucrats get a bad rap, but they deserve more credit − a sociologist of work explains why
Bureaucrats get a bad rap, but they deserve more credit − a sociologist of work explains why Bureaucrats are often misunderstood and receive a bad rap, but they deserve more credit for upholding critical ideals such as expert knowledge, equal treatment, and serving others. Bureaucrats represent a set of ideals that prioritize rational action, impersonal […]
🏛️ Politics
From Doing Business to B-READY: World Bank’s new rankings represent a rebrand, not a revamp
From Doing Business to B-READY: World Bank’s new rankings represent a rebrand, not a revamp The World Bank has launched its new flagship report, B-READY, which aims to evaluate business environments through more transparent data and measures social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and public service delivery. B-READY differs from its predecessor, Doing Business, in that it […]
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Justice Department lawyers work for justice and the Constitution – not the White House
Justice Department lawyers work for justice and the Constitution – not the White House The US Department of Justice (DOJ) is facing severe tests to its impartiality under the Trump administration, with seven DOJ attorneys resigning over orders from Attorney General Pam Bondi to dismiss corruption charges against New York Mayor Eric Adams. DOJ lawyers […]
🏛️ Politics
Judge pauses mass firing of consumer protection workers
Judge pauses mass firing of consumer protection workers A US judge has paused the mass firing of nearly 1,500 Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) employees, citing concerns that the Trump administration violated a court order to avoid mass layoffs. The CFPB had announced plans to eliminate 1,483 employees, drastically reducing headcount in several departments, including […]
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The sudden dismissal of public records staff at health agencies threatens government accountability
The sudden dismissal of public records staff at health agencies threatens government accountability The sudden dismissal of public records staff at health agencies threatens government accountability and transparency. The closure of FOIA teams at CDC, FDA, NIH, and other federal public health agencies will limit their ability to respond to new and ongoing requests, worsening […]
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Railways were essential to carrying out the Holocaust – decades later, corporate reckoning continues
Railways were essential to carrying out the Holocaust – decades later, corporate reckoning continues The author reflects on her research into the French railway company SNCF’s role in deporting Jews to Auschwitz during WWII, highlighting the complexities of holding companies accountable for past atrocities. While financial payouts and judicial rulings are important, survivors’ stories emphasize […]
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Judge saves the CFPB, for now
Judge saves the CFPB, for now A court took action on Friday to keep the Trump administration and its Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from shutting down a consumer watchdog agency while its court case plays out. Judge Amy Berman Jackson granted a preliminary injunction to save the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) from being […]
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