Chicago -
By Steve Rhodes
“Speaking at the University of Chicago’s Institute of Politics on Monday night, former Democratic National Committee Chair Donna Brazile said that despite her criticisms of Hillary Clinton’s failed 2016 presidential bid, her new book is ‘a testament to how much I wanted her to win,'” the Sun-Times reports.
Posted on November 14, 2017
By Steve Rhodes
The Chicago skyline after climate change really kicks in.
Posted on November 13, 2017
By Steve Rhodes
Today in the Paradise Papers: Tax havens alive with the sound of music.
Dear Steve,
You’ve probably become accustomed to finding rich people people, politicians, and luxury items such as jets and yachts in offshore tax havens. But how about your favorite music memories? Today we look at the music industry’s link to offshore finance through music rights held in tax havens.
There were also a number of celebrities found in the Paradise Papers. Take, for example, Justin Timberlake, who was linked to an offshore company that bought property in the Bahamas.
The ICIJ team.
Posted on November 11, 2017
By Steve Rhodes
Today in the Paradise Papers: Keeping offshore ‘hush hush,’ but why?
Dear Steve,
Today our Paradise Papers coverage reveals a secretive relationship between one of the world’s largest commodity traders and fleet of giant freighters. Glencore, which remember was one of Appleby’s top clients, used a subsidiary to hold a significant stake in the company. Why all the secrecy?
We’re also still watching how the world reacts to our global investigation. There have been several government actions in Latin America as well as official government responses in Europe and Asia – including Bermuda.
The ICIJ team.
Posted on November 10, 2017
By Steve Rhodes
Today in the Paradise Papers: Development dreams lost in the offshore world.
Dear Steve,
When one of the world’s biggest miners turned up in a small town in Africa, the local residents and officials had hopes of a better life. Our story on Burkina Faso, home to a Glencore mine, paints a very different picture. While Appleby helped Glencore reduce its tax bill, it was also charging nearly 950 times more than one engineer working on the mine earned.
Next, come on a journey to the Indonesian jungle, or what’s left of it. Our reporter Scilla Alecci visited the Indonesian island of Padang and spoke with locals about how an expanding paper company is devastating their environment. A good place to start is this amazing video and this photo gallery.
Back in the U.S. the Wilbur Ross story continues to kick along. Former presidential hopeful Sen. Bernie Sanders has called for an investigation into offshore tax evasion.
The ICIJ team.
P.S. If you have any questions about our Paradise Papers project, we’re hosting a Facebook Live Q&A at 5:30 p.m. ET (America). Leave your questions for us to answer!
Posted on November 9, 2017
By Steve Rhodes
Today in the Paradise Papers: Just how much money is held offshore?
Dear Steve,
Today our stories offer a window into two different sections of offshore secrecy. First, we take a look at how donors from both sides of politics in the U.S. are using offshore accounts.
Our reporter Spencer Woodman also investigates the secret, confusing and extremely intertwined world of offshore trusts.
Next up, our investigation reaches far beyond North America. Our reporter Will Fitzgibbon reveals how Mauritius – once known for its sugarcane production – has become a hotbed for companies wanting to get into Africa. But at what expense?
We’ve also had huge reaction around the world. There has been outrage at Queen Elizabeth being found in the documents. Now, our partners in the UK reveal Prince Charles’ private estate has also invested offshore.
The Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who also featured in our Day One story, has promised an investigation into his fellow citizen named in the Paradise Papers.
Until tomorrow!
The ICIJ team.
Posted on November 8, 2017
By Steve Rhodes
North State Street.
Posted on November 6, 2017
By Steve Rhodes
Baby Bean.
Posted on November 6, 2017
By Steve Rhodes
I have a few things to say about the closing of DNAinfo Chicago and Chicagoist; I hope I find the mental energy to do so over the weekend. No promises. Or you could just call me.
Now, the Papers on demand! Just call and I’ll give you a live audio version right over the phone!
Posted on November 3, 2017
