A Defense Department estimate reveals extending the National Guard's deployment in Washington, D.C., until January 2029 will cost $1.4 billion, drawing sharp criticism from local officials and Democrats over militarization and taxpayer expense.
The US Defense Department estimates extending the National Guard deployment in Washington, DC, until January 2029 will cost $1.4 billion, covering 2,500 Guard members. The move, criticized for infringing on the city's autonomy and militarizing its streets, was extended despite local and Democratic lawmakers' objections, highlighting concerns over the $1.4 billion cost amid rising public expenses.
UK ministers are scrapping requirements for companies to prove green values to win £90bn in government contracts, doubling the weight given to job creation and youth employment instead.
A NSW charity tasked with finding foster homes for children allegedly misused over $40,000 in taxpayer funds for its CEO's US/Europe sabbatical and awarded a $120,000 pay rise without approval. A confidential audit flagged $1.6M unrecorded funds and other non-compliant expenses, prompting the DCJ to investigate this and five other foster care providers.
Glasgow is hosting a scaled-back Commonwealth Games in 2026 after Victoria withdrew due to financial concerns. Despite organisers' optimism, challenges like low ticket sales, limited free-to-air TV coverage, and star athlete absentees raise questions about the event's long-term viability and relevance.
The US Department of Labor is threatening to withhold administrative funds from states for the first time in history if they fail to combat waste, fraud, and abuse in unemployment insurance programs. Acting Secretary Keith Sonderling sent letters to 53 states and territories, specifically highlighting California, New York, and Illinois.
A new report reveals that internal cost estimates for Donald Trump's White House ballroom project were significantly higher than publicly stated, with taxpayers expected to cover at least half of the projected $600 million cost, contradicting Trump's claims of full private funding.
The UK faces a debate over its military budget, with critics arguing that increased defence spending is prioritized over essential services like healthcare and welfare. This 'welfare vs. warfare' narrative is fueled by political rhetoric and think tank reports, despite the financial realities suggesting that welfare cuts alone won't fund defence goals.
Palantir Technologies has filed a legal protest against the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), alleging the agency is wasting taxpayer money on its internal MARS tech project. Palantir claims the DIA should consider commercial software instead of building its own system from scratch.
UK government departments wrote off £6.6bn last year due to cancelled projects like the Rwanda deportation scheme and Stonehenge tunnel, a parliamentary watchdog found. MPs cited 'complacency' and called for action to reduce waste and fraud.
Donald Trump's administration is reportedly creating a $1.8 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" to compensate allies, following a lawsuit against the IRS. The fund, described as secretive and controlled by Trump, also requires the IRS to drop audits of Trump and his family. Critics decry it as bald self-dealing and corruption.
A Guardian investigation has found that more than £50m of UK taxpayer money from the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA) has gone to 14 US tech companies and venture capital groups over the past two years. The agency, created by Dominic Cummings to fund "crazy" ideas and restore Britain's scientific superpower status, has faced criticism over its international spending. One recipient, Rain Neuromorphics (backed by Sam Altman's OpenAI), was reportedly near collapse last year after receiving ARIA funding. ARIA maintains over 80% of funding goes to UK-based teams, but critics including the Commons science and technology committee chair Chi Onwurah question how US venture capital investments meet the agency's legal requirement to benefit the UK.
