U.S. Military Planes “Crop Dusted the Workers” During BP Oil Spill Clean Up
Corexit was a public relations triumph because it falsely made it look like the oil disappeared. But it didn’t. Rather the so-called dispersant fused with the oil to create a new, far more toxic compound that sank to the sea floor, creating an underwater Death Valley. Even worse, the price was grotesque human tragedy.
“They just guinea pigged him to death,” Exxon Worker’s Medical Horror Story
“He suffered for 30 years and unfortunately didn’t live long enough to see the other side of the 30 years - and maybe this is the way we do that,” she said.
Six Months into Investigating Government Missteps in East Palestine
What is the EPA hiding? Why did they not remediate the worst threat first? Why are they refusing to test residents’ homes near the derailment site? Why are the agencies withholding information?
Former Ridenhour Prize Recipient, Dr. Scott Allen, Shares His Origin Story of Resilience
Former Ridenhour Prize Recipient, Dr. Scott Allen, Shares His Origin Story of Resilience This month we will be hosting the 20th Annual Ridenhour Prizes, a gala event devoted to honoring the most prominent and active whistleblowers and truthtellers in our nation and around the world. As an organization [...]
The Courageous Winners of the 20th Ridenhour Prizes
The Courageous Winners of the 20th Ridenhour Prizes The Ridenhour Prizes are awards in four categories given annually in recognition of those who persevere in acts of truth-telling that protect the public interest, promote social justice or illuminate a more just vision of society. In 2024 we mark the [...]
Talking Democracy Protection at the iGO Conference
We launched the Democracy Protection Initiative to support whistleblowers with information about threats to election integrity and the peaceful transition of power.
In a Time of War, Ukraine Still Protects Whistleblowers
In a Time of War, Ukraine Still Protects Whistleblowers By Sydney Johnson On January 23, delegates from Ukraine visited our office to discuss their nation’s whistleblower legislation and to hear our view. The delegation included a prosecutor, a judge, government officials responsible for whistleblower concerns, a representative of an [...]
Who Was Ron Ridenhour?
When you hear the word “hero,” do you think of someone with superhuman strength or someone you know? The Ridenhour Prizes celebrates ordinary people who step forward and help others in times of need. Whether it is a singular act of heroism, or a life dedicated to helping others, the selfless acts of everyday heroes have changed the course of history.
The History of The Ridenhour Prizes
The Ridenhour Prizes are awards in four categories given annually in recognition of those who persevere in acts of truth-telling that protect the public interest, promote social justice or illuminate a more just vision of society. In 2024 we will mark the 20th anniversary of these awards that memorialize that spirit of fearless truth-telling, a spirit Ron Ridenhour displayed throughout his life and career.
One Year Since the Norfolk Southern Train Derailment, but Still No Answers
On February 3, 2023, a Norfolk Southern train carrying toxic chemicals derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, igniting a fire and setting off fears of an explosion. While the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Norfolk Southern both claimed that their response to this environmental and public health disaster was appropriate and the area was safe, in the past year it has become clear that is not the whole truth.
Lessons Learned from 45 Years Working with Whistleblowers
Whistleblowing is the highest stakes, most significant expression of free speech. So, I’d like to share a dozen priority lessons learned that are summarized below.
2023: A Year In Review
Now that 2023 has ended we want to propose a virtual toast to the whistleblowers, everyday heroes and staff who made justice possible as we look back on last year.
Oligarchs and Common Criminals Alike Thrive via Dominica’s Citizenship-by-Investment
By Juliana Schifferes Island nation Dominica’s Citizenship-by-Investment program is a “golden passport” program that allows international businessmen, politicians and sometimes criminals to buy their way into citizenship for the minimum fee of 100,000 dollars. Who are these new emigres—and why do they need a new passport? As revealed by [...]
Zack Kopplin Shapes An Exposé of International Crime
In the Caribbean island nation of Dominica, an intriguing problem emerges upon examining the Citizenship-by-Investment program. What should a nation-state do when, rather than expelling or imprisoning criminals, its bureaucracy permits them to enter their country? How can the state cope with the new burden?
International Criminals Escape Sanctions and Consequences via Citizenship by Investment
Exposure and external pressure—Government Accountability Project’s specialty tools—may someday bring Dominica’s misguided revenue strategy to heel. Media and journalism organizations across the world are commenting on Dominica’s policy, naming issues, and making recommendations. Change is tenable.
The Foster Care System, Built to Protect Vulnerable Children, has Routinely Ignored Cases of Child Abuse and Trafficking: Part 2
"These disturbing statements shocked the senators and those watching the hearing in the room. Heatherington called for quality legal representation for children, trauma-responsive training, implementation, and care, and youth empowerment and choice. She reminded the senators these statements and issues about sexually abused and trafficked children in the foster care system is not just a problem in Georgia, but across the United States."
The Foster Care System, Built to Protect Vulnerable Children, has Routinely Ignored Cases of Child Abuse and Trafficking
The Foster Care System, Built to Protect Vulnerable Children, has Routinely Ignored Cases of Child Abuse and Trafficking By Sydney Johnson Sensitive Content Warning: This post discusses the death of a child due to child abuse. On October 25, 2023, the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Human Rights and the [...]
Notes from Underground: On the Future of Democracy and the Environment: The Mountain Valley Pipeline
Notes from Underground On the Future of Democracy and the Environment: The Mountain Valley Pipeline by Adam Arnold Democracy and environmental protection in the United States face common challenges, namely the influence of money on politics and the tendency of industry to concern itself with short-term profit rather [...]
Meet Government Accountability Project’s Summer Interns – Part 3
Meet Government Accountability Project’s Summer Interns – Part 3 Every summer, Government Accountability Project hosts interns in departments across the organization. This summer, we are featuring our interns on our blog to learn more about their work and what drives their interest in whistleblowers, legislation, and investigations. Read more [...]
Meet Government Accountability Project’s Summer Interns – Part 2
Every summer, Government Accountability Project hosts interns in departments across the organization. This summer, we are featuring our interns on our blog to learn more about their work and what drives their interest in whistleblowers, legislation, and investigations.