April 2013 Archive
Senator Pushes for Investigation of ‘False Statements’ by Dark Money Groups
If the IRS is not well-suited to investigate these “plain vanilla criminal cases,” the U.S. Department of Justice should, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse said.
A Simple Fix: Should New York Compel Judges to Report Problem Prosecutors?
When judges find that prosecutors have abused their authority, other states require them to refer such cases for investigation by disciplinary committees. Should New York follow suit?
Voter Information Wars: Will the GOP Team Up With Wal-Mart’s Data Specialist?
The 2012 Obama campaign set the bar for the use of voter data. The Republicans aren't interested in being beaten again.
Another Layer to Rendell’s Fracking Connections
Ed Rendell, the former Pennsylvania governor who oversaw a boom in the state's natural gas business, is special counsel to a Philadelphia firm deeply involved in the controversial fracking trade.
Capitol Offenses: Bribes, Wires, and Little Surprise
Stephen Spielberg’s “Lincoln,” even has a crack about Albany corruption. Can it really go that far back? Herewith, a spin through some recent lowlights, which suggests not much has changed in a century or two.
Hearts, Minds and Dollars: Condolence Payments in the Drone Strike Age
One measure of accountability for the U.S. covert drone wars is acknowledging civilian casualties and compensating families for their losses. Recent history in Iraq and Afghanistan shows that isn’t always simple.
Lasting Damage: A Rogue Prosecutor’s Final Case
Claude Stuart, after a career full of trouble as a prosecutor in Queens, finally went too far when he lied to a judge in an effort to convict a man of murder.
Terror Group Recruits From Pakistan’s 'Best and Brightest'
A new study of 917 fallen Lashkar-e-Taiba fighters documents the group's extensive integration in Pakistani society and helps explain its impunity for the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
Can a Judge Really Block the SEC’s Settlement With Steven Cohen?
A ruling in a similar case last year suggests that judges do not have the authority to reject settlements in which firms neither admit nor deny wrongdoing.
Why Risk Managers Should Be Spymasters
John Breit was a physicist who went to Wall Street and learned to throw out his math models. He managed risk for Merrill Lynch by developing sources of human intelligence on the trading desks and among the executives.
Who Polices Prosecutors Who Abuse Their Authority? Usually Nobody
The innocent can wind up in prison. The guilty can be set free. But New York City prosecutors who withhold evidence, tolerate false testimony or commit other abuses almost never see their careers damaged.
A MuckReads Guide to North Korea
As tensions simmer over North Korea’s latest nuclear threats, we take a look at some of the best reading on Kim Jong Un, the prospects for a nuclear conflict and life in the DPRK.
America’s Most Outrageous Teacher Cheating Scandals
Many states still fail to follow up on evidence of teacher cheating. Here’s our rundown of the long history of such cheating.
