United StatesOwnership & classification
Founded: 2016
Ownership
Coda Story is published by Coda Media, Inc., a New York-registered company founded in 2016 by former BBC correspondent Natalia Antelava and writer Ilan Greenberg. Antelava serves as CEO and editor-in-chief, and the organization is overseen by an independent board of directors. It operates from offices in New York City and Tbilisi, Georgia.
Funding
Coda Media is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit funded mainly by philanthropic foundation grants and private donations, and it began as a roughly $30,000 crowdfunded project. Reported grant support includes funding from the National Endowment for Democracy for its Coda Network of partner newsrooms.
Affiliation & stance
Coda is a nonprofit investigative outlet focused on tracking ongoing global crises (authoritarianism, disinformation, war, climate), with no party, government or corporate owner controlling its editorial line. Because it is privately/philanthropically funded and editorially self-governing, it is correctly classified as INDEPENDENT, with a center-left orientation.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Lean Progressivebased on 25
83/100
Factual
73/100
Objective
25
Articles
25
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
At Least Five Underage Girls Allegedly Raped in Spanish Ceuta Following Migrant Invasion
A news article from Breitbart News reports that at least five underage girls were allegedly raped in the Spanish exclave of Ceuta following a large-scale migrant influx from Morocco. The incident occurred amid a surge of approximately 72,000 migrants entering Ceuta in a single day, with many remaining in the city due to insufficient shelter capacity. Local reports indicate that these girls, some under 14 years old, were living on the streets and reportedly subjected to sexual assault. Dr. Susana Ascaso, an emergency doctor at Ceuta University Hospital, confirmed multiple cases of migrant girls being raped, attributing the situation to overcrowding and lack of resources. The article also highlights broader concerns about public health risks, including potential disease outbreaks, and notes that residents organized a protest demanding stronger border controls and protection from further migration. The article cites local Spanish news outlets as sources.
Darkness is losing its war with the light
An American company called Reflect Orbital plans to deploy 50,000 large mirrors into space to illuminate parts of the Earth during the night. These mirrors, named after a character from J.R.R. Tolkien's work, would reflect sunlight to create artificial daylight, enabling activities like farming and urban lighting around the clock. The project has been approved by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC), with the first satellite, Eärendil-1, set to launch soon. However, the initiative has sparked significant concern among astronomers, who warn that the increased light pollution could severely disrupt astronomical research and permanently alter the night sky. Organizations such as the European Southern Observatory and the Royal Astronomical Society have described the proposal as an 'existential threat' to optical astronomy and a 'disastrous' idea that could 'permanently scar' the night sky.
Standing with strangers, a Tbilisi story
The article describes the ongoing protests in Georgia against the government, which many citizens believe is aligning the country with Russia rather than Europe. These protests, which have lasted over 365 days, have resulted in numerous arrests, including those held in pre-trial detention. The narrative follows the author's experience during these protests, highlighting the challenges faced by protesters and the broader implications of authoritarianism on societal relationships. The author meets Tsaro Oshakmashvili, a local woman who becomes involved with Archil Museliantsi, a law student imprisoned for alleged protest-related offenses. Despite the political tensions, Georgia remains a tourist destination. The article also recounts an incident where the author's photos were confiscated by police, underscoring the risks faced by journalists covering such sensitive issues.
FIFA’s games betray our trust
The article discusses growing concerns over corruption within FIFA, highlighting the controversial decision to allow U.S. player Folarin Balogun to compete in the World Cup despite apparent violations of disciplinary rules. This decision follows similar leniency shown to Cristiano Ronaldo, raising questions about whether such rulings are influenced by commercial interests rather than strict adherence to regulations. The author argues that while football may seem trivial, the erosion of trust in governing bodies like FIFA reflects broader societal issues. They note that fans' reactions to a disputed refereeing call during Argentina vs. Egypt highlight a shift in public perception, where previous tolerance for minor errors is now overshadowed by skepticism toward institutional fairness. The piece draws parallels between sports governance and political systems, suggesting that preferential treatment undermines the integrity of institutions and erodes public confidence.
The Chilean curse is its abundance of riches
Chile's Salar de Atacama, one of the world's largest salt flats, holds vast reserves of lithium and other critical minerals. This resource-rich region has become a focal point of global competition, particularly between the United States and China. Following the election of conservative President Jose Antonio Kast, who aligns closely with former U.S. President Donald Trump, Chile has signed agreements to increase mineral extraction and reduce dependence on China. This shift reflects broader U.S. efforts to counter China's growing influence in Latin America. However, the environmental and social impacts of mining these resources remain a concern for local communities.
Holding the U.S. to account, Tether exits EU & Congo’s conflict coltan
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), now under UK leadership, has shifted its focus toward combating fraud, estimating global losses at $500 billion annually. This represents a significant portion of financial crime profits. While fraud is a clear priority, concerns remain about the FATF's historical tendency to disproportionately criticize smaller, less wealthy nations for anti-money laundering shortcomings, despite evidence suggesting wealthier countries host more illicit funds. The upcoming FATF evaluation of the United States highlights potential issues, particularly after the Trump administration reversed prior progress on transparency measures such as the Corporate Transparency Act. These developments raise questions about the fairness and effectiveness of international financial oversight.
How governments enable kleptocrats by doing nothing
The article discusses how governments, particularly the UK, often fail to effectively combat corruption by not taking decisive action against kleptocrats. It highlights the case of Diezani Alison-Madueke, former Nigerian oil minister and OPEC head, who was acquitted of corruption charges despite allegations of using public funds for personal gain. The article criticizes the UK's legal system for its inability to successfully prosecute high-profile corruption cases, citing similar failures in past investigations, such as the failed attempt to charge Kazakhstan's Dariga Nazarbayeva. It also references ongoing investigations into the financial activities of Iran's Supreme Leader, noting that funds are being routed through UK and other international financial centers. The piece argues that the UK needs to improve its resources and capabilities to address corruption effectively.
Trillionaires are a national security risk
The article discusses the growing concern over the rise of trillionaires and their potential impact on national security and social stability. It highlights how extreme wealth inequality poses risks to democracy and civil society, comparing it to the threat of climate change. The author notes that Elon Musk's increasing wealth seems to make him more combative rather than constructive. The piece argues that reducing inequality could prevent wealthy individuals from inciting unrest and emphasizes the need for stronger measures against financial misconduct. Experts have called for the proper implementation of the Corporate Transparency Act to combat money laundering networks, which often operate through complex structures that evade detection.
Donald Trump’s $250 gift to launderers and criminals
The article discusses the prevalence of high-denomination banknotes, particularly the U.S. $100 bill, which has seen a significant increase in circulation over the years. These bills are favored by criminals due to their anonymity and ability to transfer large amounts of value discreetly. The author criticizes the Trump administration for proposing a $250 bill featuring Trump's portrait, arguing that such a move would exacerbate the issue of money laundering. In contrast, the UK has taken steps to expand sanctions against cryptocurrency exchanges aiding Russian efforts in Ukraine, including targeting major platforms like HTX.
AI is not the answer to AI-enabled fraud
Standard Chartered Bank CEO Bill Withers faced backlash for calling employees whose jobs are at risk due to AI automation as 'lower-value human capital.' This comment came amid the bank's plan to cut 15% of back-office staff to improve profitability. Critics, including Singapore's former president Halimah Yacob, condemned the remarks as insensitive. The article highlights the inefficiency of current financial crime compliance processes, noting that banks often prioritize regulatory compliance over actual crime prevention. It argues that AI could exacerbate fraud by enabling scammers to target vulnerable individuals more effectively and automate money laundering activities. The piece warns that while AI may help banks avoid fines, it could also empower criminals to operate more efficiently.
Crypto’s corrupt American dream
The article discusses the progress of the CLARITY Act, a proposed U.S. legislative effort aimed at regulating cryptocurrencies, which passed through the Senate Banking Committee. The bill is seen as a major victory by cryptocurrency advocates seeking legal clarity for 'financial innovation.' However, critics, including anti-corruption experts and law enforcement officials, warn that the legislation could create dangerous loopholes for money laundering and sanction evasion. Former U.S. Coordinator on Global Anti-Corruption Richard Nephew and former FBI agent Karen Greenaway express concerns that the bill could enable illicit activities by allowing untraceable cryptocurrency transactions. Meanwhile, the article highlights the growing wealth of cryptocurrency industry figures, including Tether's executives and Binance founder Changpeng 'CZ' Zhao, and notes the influence of figures like Nigel Farage in the UK crypto space.
The new samizdat
The article explores the evolving nature of the information struggle beyond traditional notions of censorship and access, focusing on the infrastructure and systems that shape what information is disseminated and trusted. It highlights the role of platforms, algorithms, and state control in determining narrative dominance. The piece introduces a collaborative project between Coda Story and The Continent titled 'The Atlas,' which examines the challenges of journalism in an era where information is used to capture attention and influence perception globally. The first chapter reflects on the author's childhood experiences with Soviet-era propaganda and samizdat, while the second chapter features a story about the rediscovery and loss of music in Cambodia.
Legalize Cocaine to save democracy
The article discusses concerns about the influence of illicit finances on democratic processes, using examples from the UK and the U.S. Nigel Farage's Reform UK party, despite receiving funds from individuals with questionable financial histories, has gained electoral success, raising questions about transparency and accountability. In the U.S., senators are seeking documentation regarding financial connections between a Commerce Secretary and Tether, a cryptocurrency company. The piece highlights the broader issue of money laundering through the cocaine trade, with UK detectives noting that while some progress has been made, the problem persists due to the scale of illegal activities. It emphasizes the need for stronger regulatory frameworks and enforcement mechanisms to prevent unaccountable money from influencing politics.