Federal bribery trial of ex-Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao opens with recordings, key witness

The federal trial of former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and three co-defendants on bribery, fraud, and corruption charges began, with prosecutors presenting incriminating recordings and a key witness. The case stems from alleged pay-to-play schemes involving city contracts, marking a significant political corruption prosecution in California. The outcome could reshape local political accountability and set precedent for similar cases.