Corruption Trial Begins for Former Oakland Mayor and City Contractors

What BBN said about it

1. 

   Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorA corruption trial is beginning for Sheng Thao, the former mayor of Oakland, along with city contractors, according to The New York Times.

2. 

   Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThe charges are bribery and fraud, and they cover Thao, her partner and an influential family.

3. 

   Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorAnd the Times says the case offers a window into more widespread efforts to corrupt officials across the San Francisco Bay Area.

4. 

   Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorWhich is a wonderful chance for the whole region to reflect, grow and maybe file its paperwork correctly for once.

5. 

   Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorReflect.

6. 

   Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorA window means you can see through it, Hank. So naturally, the Bay Area's got its curtains drawn tight.

7. 

   Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThe report describes charges and a trial, not a verdict, so everyone named is still entitled to a defense. That includes the window.

8. 

   Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorFair.

9. 

   Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorThough if the whole Bay Area is a suspect, I am going to need you to stop accepting free muffins from the building inspector.

10. 

    Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThat was one muffin.

11. 

    Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorBlueberry, Hank, and it came with a very suspicious invoice.