Latest news with #inspector general
Bloomberg
2 days ago
- Politics
- Bloomberg
USAID Faulted for Oversight Gaps on Ukraine's Starlink Terminals
The US Agency for International Development failed to monitor whether Ukraine misused thousands of Starlink terminals the agency delivered to the country after Russia's invasion in 2022, according to an inspector general's report obtained by Bloomberg News. A draft transfer agreement prohibited 'military use' of the terminals, the report notes. They were delivered for use in hospitals, schools, communications and other civilian purposes. But shortly after the war began, allegations surfaced that Ukraine ' s military had weaponized the Starlink terminals and used them to pilot drones and target artillery strikes against Russian military equipment, vehicles and mobile command centers.
Washington Post
4 days ago
- Health
- Washington Post
Every VA medical center has severe staffing shortages, audit finds
The independent watchdog for the Department of Veterans Affairs said the agency's health system is facing a severe staffing shortage of clinical and nonclinical workers that has worsened since last year — at the same time the agency has shed tens of thousands of workers and recruited fewer medical workers. The inspector general's office released its annual report Tuesday, revealing the extent of staffing shortages that have plagued the agency for years and have worsened this year. All of the Veterans Health Administration's 139 medical centers reported lacking workers, and reports of severe shortages increased 50 percent from the previous fiscal year.
CBS News
04-08-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Baltimore County Council expected to decide on next inspector general Monday
The Baltimore County Council is set to vote at 6 p.m. Monday on whether to confirm Khadija Walker as the county's next inspector general, a decision that has sparked public debate and scrutiny. County Executive Kathy Klausmeier nominated Walker to replace current Inspector General Kelly Madigan, who founded the office five years ago. If the council rejects Walker's nomination, Madigan will remain in the role. In May 2025, Klausmeier notified Madigan that the county would reopen the inspector general position and invited her to reapply. Though legal, the move drew criticism from Madigan's supporters, who say it threatens the office's independence. Klausmeier defended the process in a memo last week, saying it followed a new, voter-approved amendment to the county charter. The Inspector General Selection Panel conducted interviews and recommended the most qualified candidates, according to Klausmeier. "In December 2023, this same County Council passed a charter amendment that put this process in the Baltimore County charter," Klausmeier wrote. "This process — which names the county executive as the appointing authority — was passed unanimously by this council and, subsequently, Baltimore County voters." Klausmeier said she preferred an open, competitive search over automatic reappointment. Madigan reapplied and participated in the process. Some residents argue that Madigan is more qualified, citing her investigative background. They have raised concerns that Walker, whose experience is primarily in auditing, lacks sufficient investigative credentials. Others pointed to Walker's nearly 200-mile commute from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Walker addressed the issue at a recent council meeting, saying, "Residency wasn't a requirement for the job. And I don't think it will interfere with me at all getting to work." Last week, supporters of Madigan rallied outside the Baltimore County Courthouse, urging the council to retain her. They credited her with increasing transparency and accountability since launching the office. Amid the controversy, Councilman Izzy Patoka proposed creating an Inspector General Appointment Board. The independent, seven-member body would select future inspector generals without direct influence from county officials. Patoka said the measure aims to reduce political pressure in the appointment process. If approved by at least five council members, the proposal would appear as a ballot question in the November 2026 election. In the fiscal year 2025 Inspector General Report, Madigan reflected on the office's progress. "Since this may be my last time issuing this report, I thought it would be appropriate to reflect on how far the office has come during my first term," she wrote. Madigan noted her early focus on outreach, establishing infrastructure, and building public trust. She cited achievements including the launch of a complaint line, hiring staff, and releasing the office's first investigative report in August 2020. Since then, the office has handled more than 1,000 complaints, initiated over 100 investigations, and issued more than 50 public reports, according to Madigan.
E&E News
16-07-2025
- Politics
- E&E News
Fired EPA watchdog heads to Judicial Watch
EPA's former internal watchdog, who was axed as part of President Donald Trump's firing spree of inspectors general, has landed at a top ally of the administration. Sean O'Donnell has joined the litigation team for Judicial Watch, the conservative legal watchdog group announced Tuesday. He served for five years as EPA inspector general, which also included a stint as acting IG at the Pentagon, and was a Justice Department trial attorney and prosecutor as well. Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton said in a statement that they were 'happy to have' O'Donnell join their team. Advertisement 'His tremendous experience at the Justice Department and as inspector general for both the EPA and the Defense Department is a perfect fit for Judicial Watch and should make corrupt government officials nervous,' Fitton said.
