Hungary’s Leader Fights Criticism in U.S. via Vast Influence Campaign

Viktor Orban, the country’s far-right prime minister, has spent millions on lobbying, support for think tanks and cultivating allies in Washington.

Housing Boss Earns $1 Million to Run Shelters Despite a Troubled Past

Some executives at nonprofit groups that operate New York City homeless shelters are benefiting from the plight of the people they serve.

Intelligence Agencies Pushed to Use More Commercial Satellites

Congress wants the government to turn to the private sector to augment the capabilities of highly classified spy satellites.

Bezos’ Rocket Company Loses Challenge to NASA SpaceX Moon Contract

The Government Accountability Office said a $2.9 billion award to SpaceX to build the next lunar lander for astronauts would stand.

New York’s Fiscal Watchdog Sues to End Mayor’s Pandemic Spending Powers

The city comptroller, Scott Stringer, wants to regain oversight of the city’s pandemic spending, which he said has been characterized by “overpayment and overpurchasing.”

Trump Sues N.Y.C. for Ending Golf Course Contract After Capitol Riot

The Trump Organization, which had a 20-year contract to operate a public golf course in the Bronx, claims it was unfairly targeted.

Departure of U.S. Contractors Poses Myriad Problems for Afghan Military

It is not just U.S. troops who are withdrawing from Afghanistan. Thousands of private contractors — who help keep the Afghan Air Force flying, among other tasks — are leaving as well.

Vaccine Maker Earned Record Profits but Delivered Disappointment in Return

Emergent BioSolutions was awarded a $628 million federal contract with no competitive bidding. Top executives received big bonuses while factories mostly sat idle and tens of millions of Covid-19 doses were thrown away.

China Still Buys American DNA Equipment for Xinjiang Despite Blocks

The U.S. government has long tried to prevent the sales over concerns about rights abuses and surveillance. Documents show those efforts have failed.