transparency Archives

Judge Denies Trump’s Request to Call Court-Appointed Monitor as Witness

November 28, 2023November 28, 2023 Business

The judge presiding over Donald Trump’s civil fraud trial has denied his defense team’s request to call Barbara Jones, the court-appointed monitor critical of the transparency of the Trump Organization, as a witness. This rejection spares Trump’s side in the trial, as Jones has continuously highlighted the organization’s deficiencies in terms of thoroughness and transparency. The attorney general’s office highlighted Jones’s criticisms by displaying excerpts from her report during the trial, indicating incomplete data and inconsistencies in financial statements. The judge, Arthur Engoron, prevented Jones and her staff attorney from testifying to avoid any conflicts of interest, as he had not found any precedent for an independent monitor testifying in a case they were monitoring. Trump’s defense also confirmed that Eric Trump and Donald Trump himself would testify on December 6 and 11, respectively.

The Rotten State of Crypto: A Lawsuit Sheds Light on Bitcoin Fraud

November 23, 2023November 30, 2023 Technology

Joel Dietz, a self-described “founding member” of Ethereum, is suing Aaron Davis for allegedly swindling him out of an ownership stake in MetaMask, an Ethereum-based crypto wallet. Dietz’s lawsuit sheds light on the state of the crypto industry, which has been marred by legal battles and allegations of abuse of power. This case highlights the issue of ownership disputes within the industry and the need for transparency and accountability.

California Governor Signs Law Banning Hidden Fees

October 9, 2023November 23, 2023 Business

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed SB 478 into law, banning hidden fees in purchases. The bill, proposed by state Sen. Bill Dodds, aims to increase transparency and protect consumers. According to Consumer Reports, 85% of Americans have encountered hidden fees, with an estimated annual spending of $29 billion.

Controversy Surrounding Neuralink Experiments on Monkeys

October 4, 2023November 23, 2023 Technology

Controversy surrounds the experiments conducted by Neuralink at the California National Primate Center, where macaque monkeys suffered and died. Lack of transparency, missing photographs, and vanishing videos have raised ethical concerns. UC Davis has withheld information due to concerns about public interpretation and safety of researchers. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine has filed a lawsuit against UC Davis, arguing for public access to the records of Neuralink’s work.