Trump and Ryan Committed to Unity (BBC News)
Donald Trump and House Speaker Paul Ryan have said they are “totally committed” to party unity in a statement following their meeting. They stated that they would be having additional discussion but think they can unify the party and win the election. Mr. Ryan clashes with Mr. Trump on many issues including religious freedom and trade. Trump is one of the least politically experienced nominees in US history, having never held elected office.
What’s Gone Wrong in Brazil? (BBC News)
Dilma Rousseff has been suspended from Brazil’s presidency and will face an impeachment trial over accusations that she illegally manipulated government accounts. She denies the allegations, saying they are common practice in Brazil, and has accused her opponents of mounting a coup. Ms. Rousseff will remain suspended for 180 days while the trial lasts. Vice President Michel Temer will serve as interim president. This reflects voters disillusionment with a deep recession and a corruption scandal involving the state-controlled oil company Petrobras.
2nd Officers Trial in Freddie Gray Case Opens in Baltimore (NPR)
A second trial related to the death of Freddie Gray opens Thursday in Baltimore, where police officer Edward Nero faces multiple misdemeanors in connection with the case. Gray died April 19, 2015 after suffering a broken neck while in police custody. The following month, prosecutors announced charges against six police officers in connection with Gray’s death. The first trial related to Gray’s death, of Officer William Porter, ended in a hung jury.
Panama Papers Names Released (Vice News)
A significant portion of the Panama Papers was released to the public this week. You can search the website, using country or jurisdiction, for the 200,000 or so offshore companies that were incorporated by the Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca. The leak revealed political leaders, drug lords, wealthy art collectors, and even FIFA members having involvement in offshore holdings. It is important to note that not all offshore holdings are illegal, case in point, actress Emma Watson (Harry Potter) was named in the leak as having an offshore company. Watson has admitted to having one but says she used it to purchase a home under the company’s name (so she would not have to use hers) for privacy reasons.
You can visit the website here: https://offshoreleaks.icij.org/
