Author Archives: Yves Smith

Defending Privacy in the Surveillance State and Fragmenting Internet

Governments and private entities are eroding privacy on the internet. Is it possible to safeguard both openness and security in cyberspace?

The Long Goodbye? Mitch McConnell and Big Money Politics

In a political system whose primary currency is not the vote but the dollar, McConnell’s role as leader has been well-earned.

New Palestine Protest/Free Speech Threat: House Oversight Committee Targets 20 Pro-Palestinian Organizations, Such as Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Demanding Treasury Produce Suspicious Activity Reports, Including on Employeees

A new salvo against designated enemies, aka Palestinian rights advocates, which fortunately is more bark than bite.

Kentucky Retirement Systems Plaintiffs Seek Repayment from KKR Entities of Misappropriated $137 Million Plus Interest and Punitive Damages, Totaling $771 Million….Oh, and An Accounting Too

The Tier 3 Plaintiffs in the long-running public pension case, Kentucky Retirement Systems, are fast off their marks with a blockbuster filing.

The IMF’s Chronicle of a Catastrophe Foretold

A dour IMF forecast bodes ill for developing economies and provides more confirmation of crises in the offing.

Links 5/15/2024

Game Finally On! Judge Denies Key Motions to Dismiss in Kentucky Retirement Systems Litigation, Subjecting KKR, Blackstone, PAAMCO, and Top Financiers Henry Kravis, George Roberts, Steve Schwarzman, and Tomlinson Hill to Discovery

The much-delayed Kentucky Retirement System cases are finally moving forward, causing heartburn to some top names on Wall Street.

How Geopolitics Is Changing Trade

Western measures against Russia and China measures have affected global trade. But what of actual winners and losers?

Links 5/14/2024