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The Augusta Chronicle

Kemp names panel to weigh Burke sheriff's suspension after indictment

Kemp names panel to weigh Burke sheriff's suspension after indictment

A a federal grand jury indictment alleges that Williams accepted bribes from five people to fix their pending DUIs.

Governor Braun Increases Staffing to Address Transparency Office Backlog

Governor Braun Increases Staffing to Address Transparency Office Backlog

Indiana Governor Mike Braun has announced measures to address the backlog in the state's Office of the Public Access Counselor, which has been criticized for delays in handling government transparency complaints. Following an investigation by The Indianapolis Star and a letter from media organizations threatening litigation, Braun has directed additional staff from his office to assist in resolving the backlog. The public access counselor, Jennifer Ruby, has been taking an average of 250 days to issue opinions, far exceeding the 30-day requirement. Braun's response includes loaning two staff members to the office and posting weekly metrics on the office's website to track progress.

Georgia State Agencies Directed to Maintain Spending Levels Amid Budget Constraints

Georgia State Agencies Directed to Maintain Spending Levels Amid Budget Constraints

Governor Brian Kemp's administration has instructed Georgia state agencies to maintain their current spending levels as they prepare budget proposals for the upcoming legislative session. This directive comes as Kemp, who is term-limited, signed his final budget earlier this year, which included over $300 million in cuts to accommodate an income tax cut package. The Office of Planning and Budget, led by Richard Dunn, has emphasized that any requests for increased funding must be justified as urgent and unavoidable, and cannot be addressed through internal redirection without impacting essential services. Agencies are also required to draft contingency plans to identify potential efficiencies and savings. This move is part of a broader strategy to manage the state's finances responsibly while implementing tax relief measures.

Austin City Council Approves $5.2 Million Contract for Comprehensive Audit Program

Austin City Council Approves $5.2 Million Contract for Comprehensive Audit Program

Austin's City Council has approved a $5.2 million contract for a multiyear citywide audit program aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency in city operations. The audit will cover all city departments, programs, and third-party contracts, with comparisons to peer cities and regular public reporting. This initiative follows a failed tax election in November 2025, which highlighted the need to restore public trust in City Hall's financial management and service delivery. Mayor Kirk Watson emphasized the importance of continuous improvement in government services. The audit will be managed by Pennsylvania-based Public Works LLC, in partnership with Austin-based EGS Research and Consulting LLC. The program is set to run for at least three years, with optional extensions for two more, and aims to provide meaningful and sustainable improvements in city governance.

Ansonia's Former Mayor Cassetti Under Investigation for Credit Card Use Amid Allegations of Mismanagement

Ansonia's Former Mayor Cassetti Under Investigation for Credit Card Use Amid Allegations of Mismanagement

An investigation is underway into former Ansonia Mayor David Cassetti's use of city-owned credit cards. The Crumbie Law Group, hired by current Mayor Frank Tyszka, is examining Cassetti's spending practices, which reportedly lacked structure and oversight. The investigation follows a freedom of information request that revealed Cassetti's credit card was used for various purchases, including personal items, which he claims were reimbursed. The review aims to determine the legitimacy of these expenses and whether they adhered to city policies. The investigation is part of a broader effort to ensure fiscal responsibility in Ansonia's government.

Lisbon City Council Faces Criticism Over Delays in Glória Funicular Crash Compensation

Lisbon City Council Faces Criticism Over Delays in Glória Funicular Crash Compensation

The Lisbon City Council is under scrutiny for delays in compensating victims of the Glória funicular crash that occurred on September 3, 2025. The accident resulted in 16 fatalities and 22 injuries. Socialist councillors have accused the city administration of lacking transparency in handling compensation and investigations. There is also confusion regarding the status of autopsies, as the municipal transport company Carris claimed some remain incomplete, contradicting earlier statements by the National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences that all autopsies were concluded shortly after the accident. The council has completed only two compensation cases, with 38 still unresolved. The administration is accused of using delay tactics to diminish public attention.

PBS to Air Docuseries on FBI History in 2027

PBS to Air Docuseries on FBI History in 2027

PBS to Air Docuseries on FBI History in 2027

Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes Addresses Viral Reporter Exchange

Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes Addresses Viral Reporter Exchange

Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes has addressed a viral exchange with a reporter during a news conference, downplaying the incident as not 'heated.' The exchange occurred amid questions about Barnes' frequent travel and absence during a recent mass shooting at the Bite of Seattle festival. Barnes emphasized his respect for the media and their role in community information sharing. The incident has sparked online discussions about Barnes' presence in Seattle and his leadership during critical events.

Indiana Inspector General Halts Publication of Investigative Reports Amid Legal Concerns

Indiana Inspector General Halts Publication of Investigative Reports Amid Legal Concerns

The Indiana Office of Inspector General has decided to stop publishing summaries of its investigations into alleged fraud, mismanagement, and wrongdoing within state government. This decision follows a year-long review of office practices, which raised concerns about potential legal risks. Historically, the office has released reports when investigations identified government waste or led to criminal or ethics charges. However, Inspector General Jared Prentice has opted for a different approach, citing the need to protect the due process rights of individuals involved in investigations. The office will continue to summarize its work in quarterly and annual reports, but the public will no longer have access to detailed investigative summaries unless criminal or ethics charges are filed.

Former Richland County Deputy Arrested for Misuse of Camera System

Former Richland County Deputy Arrested for Misuse of Camera System

A former deputy from the Richland County Sheriff's Department has been arrested following an internal audit that revealed misuse of the agency's Flock camera system. Russell Kenton II, aged 35, was charged with misconduct in office after it was discovered that he used the system to access information unrelated to law enforcement purposes. The misuse was identified during a routine audit conducted by the department's Professional Standards Division. Sheriff Leon Lott emphasized the importance of maintaining public trust and stated that any violation of this trust would not be tolerated. Kenton was terminated from his position and is currently awaiting a bond hearing at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.

King County Council Passes Ethics Reform Following Grant Conflict-of-Interest Scandal

King County Council Passes Ethics Reform Following Grant Conflict-of-Interest Scandal

The King County Council has unanimously passed ethics reforms in response to a conflict-of-interest scandal involving over $813,000 in grant payments. The legislation, approved with a 9-0 vote, aims to prevent county employees from using their positions to benefit relatives or close associates. This decision follows a Seattle Times investigation that revealed a county program manager directed substantial grant funds to businesses linked to her family and pressured subcontractors to hire her daughter. The reforms, sponsored by Councilmember Reagan Dunn, expand conflict-of-interest rules and require conflicts to be resolved before fund distribution. The council has also taken steps to enhance oversight and accountability, including creating an Inspector General Division.

King County Implements Ethics Reforms Following Grant Mismanagement Scandal

King County Implements Ethics Reforms Following Grant Mismanagement Scandal

The King County Council has unanimously passed a series of ethics reforms in response to a scandal involving a county program manager who directed $813,000 in grants to businesses linked to her relatives. The reforms aim to prevent conflicts of interest by expanding protections to include close family and personal relationships, and by mandating resolution of conflicts rather than mere disclosure. This legislative action follows an investigation that revealed weaknesses in the county's financial oversight and conflict-of-interest rules. The reforms are part of a broader effort to enhance accountability and transparency within the county government.