Government Accountability

Bennie Thompson said that she had been answering investigators’ questions on a video teleconference since the morning and was not “chatty” but had been helpful to the probe.

Prosecutors have called more than a dozen witnesses during eight days of testimony. The defense could begin its case as early as Monday.

An FBI special agent spent a fourth day on the witness stand, defending assertions that fees paid to the Council member’s wife were really bribes in disguise.

Defense attorneys challenge an FBI agent’s interpretation of invoices the Council member’s wife submitted for what the feds believe was cover for a bribe.

The bill would require legislators and staff in both the state House and Senate to post their expenses online on a quarterly basis.

The federal case against Johnson hinges on a claim that bribe money was funneled through his wife, who collected fees from the co-defendants.

Carl Dranoff was a consultant on a project for which Johnson helped get new zoning. Prosecutors say the lawmaker did that after receiving bribes.

The federal trial of the council member and three co-defendants got underway with competing interpretations of nearly $67,000 in alleged bribes.

Opening statements in the trial of Johnson and three co-defendants begin Thursday.

Council President Darrell Clarke set May 17 for the special election to replace Bobby Henon, who resigned after being convicted of federal corruption charges.

Prosecutors say the Democrat received thousands of dollars for helping a nonprofit developer hang onto valuable real estate in his legislative district.

Despite records and interviews that contradict her account, Jennifer Smith continues to contend the state’s drug oversight agency was not responsible for the confusion.

In separate orders late Monday, the justices are allowing maps selected by each state's Supreme Court to be in effect for the 2022 elections.

Receiver Michael Doweary has petitioned the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania for an order compelling city officials to cooperate with his orders.

Former Vice President Mike Pence has been working to differentiate himself from Trump as he lays the groundwork for a possible 2024 presidential run.