USDA paying farmers after death

The results of a recent GAO report that indicates subsidies being paid more than a year after death. http://www.latimes.com/business/money/la-fi-mo-usda-dead-people-20130729,0,3034245.post
Here is a link to the GAO report on improper payments by the USDA.
http://www.gao.gov/assets/660/655649.pdf

States and cities need to promise less

This article is discussing the potential of the borrowing and debt from promises made (pension and health care) and the challenges and warnings to various governments.   There is one quick-telling visual of the map of the U.S. with the pension gap highlighted in colors for states where this gap is greater than 50% of annual revenues.  http://www.economist.com/news/leaders/21582258-it-not-just-detroit-american-cities-and-states-must-promise-less-or-face-disaster

Making the 990 form reach its potential

This article is oriented to nonprofits who want to ensure that the Form 990 is prepared in a way that will meet the needs of various stakeholders.   Five recommendations are provided, with some good suggestions and reasoning.
http://www.cpa2biz.com/Content/media/PRODUCER_CONTENT/Newsletters/Articles_2013/CorpTax/MakeForm990Work.jsp

One helpful item that is linked within the article that might be of interest is testimony from last year related to this area.   I am separately linking to that testimony which had suggestions, and a little bit of history of  the Form 990.  http://waysandmeans.house.gov/uploadedfiles/borenstein_testimony_7.25.pdf

Some future scenarios for Detroit

as per these educators  http://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/7313.html

Large U.S. municipal bankruptcies

are discussed in this article  http://247wallst.com/special-report/2013/07/19/the-largest-municipal-bankruptcies-in-u-s-history/

Detroit files for bankruptcy

Trying to stop 60 years of decline, Detroit is the largest American City to file for bankruptcy.   The governor's representative, Kevin Orr discusses the 15 months he has left in his 18 month term, to try to help Detroit.   The lawyer for the retirement systems see it as betrayal, as well as others who view it as a dark day.   Many citizens will watch this situation with interest.  http://www.freep.com/article/20130718/NEWS01/307180107/Detroit-files-Chapter-9-bankruptcy-amid-staggering-debts

Moody's affirms U.S. bond rating

Says this represents a move toward stability.   Go triple A....but don't get too confident.   http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/18/us-usa-ratings-moodys-idUSBRE96H1AC20130718

constituents provide input into GASB processes

is detailed in this article http://www.governing.com/blogs/view/gov-the-trouble-with-gasb.html

Gifts in kind valuation for nonprofits

and some of the related issues are addressed in this 2011 piece regarding some well-known charities  http://www.charitywatch.org/articles/valueinwonderland.html

Nonprofit governance tips

to ensure that unexpected issues do not arise.   15 useful policies outlined in this article. http://journalofaccountancy.com/News/20138217.htm

Nonprofits ripe for fraud?

See this article that discusses the necessity for internal controls in the mission driven NFP sector.   Doing good is great, but do so with open eyes to the realities of the world, so that you can continue to "do good".  http://journalofaccountancy.com/News/20138221.htm

GASB issues proposal for pension transition

to eliminate potential source of understatement  by governments in the transition for GASB 68.   Comments are being sought through 8/26  http://journalofaccountancy.com/News/20138266.htm

Issues with the way the U.S. Treasury

processes its consolidated financial statements.   The 33 page GAO report issued June 28, 2013 report indicates some of the concerns.   http://www.gao.gov/assets/660/655636.pdf