Missouri senator’s husband reaped $131 million in federal subsidies over 10 years

"Shepard's personal income from the investments grew considerably since McCaskill took office in 2007. He reportedly made between $1,608 and $16,731 in 2006. But in 2017, Shepard reportedly earned between $365,374 and $1.1 million 'from investments in housing projects that received federal subsidies.'"

Continue ReadingMissouri senator’s husband reaped $131 million in federal subsidies over 10 years

More and More of What We Do Depends on Government Permission

"That permission, unsurprisingly, is contingent on keeping government officials happy. Rub those officials the wrong way and they'll strip you of permission to travel the roads, leave the country, or even make a living. That's not a recipe for a free country."

Continue ReadingMore and More of What We Do Depends on Government Permission

Egypt grants diplomatic immunity to military officers who led bloody 2013 crackdown

"The officers will be given the benefits and rights of a sitting government minister, and will enjoy diplomatic immunity when travelling abroad. They also will be protected from prosecution for any offences committed in the course of duty between 3 July 2013 - the day Mr Sisi led the military's overthrow of Morsi following mass protests against his rule - and 10 January 2016 - when the Egyptian parliament was reconvened. That period featured one of the bloodiest episodes in Egypt's modern history."

Continue ReadingEgypt grants diplomatic immunity to military officers who led bloody 2013 crackdown

Alabama ends policy giving inmate food funds directly to sheriffs

"Following backlash over officials pocketing thousands of dollars in excess funds for their own personal use, Ivey withdrew the policy of 'paying prisoner food service allowances directly to sheriffs in their personal capacities' in a memo to the state comptroller, The Associated Press reported."

Continue ReadingAlabama ends policy giving inmate food funds directly to sheriffs

After extracting $1 billion bribe from ZTE, Commerce Dept. partially lifts ban

"The Commerce Department’s order should allow ZTE to at least partially resume operations, though it appears to be narrowly targeted to really only allow for maintenance and the benefit of customers, and not deployment of new products. By and large, the trade ban is still in place."

Continue ReadingAfter extracting $1 billion bribe from ZTE, Commerce Dept. partially lifts ban