A report released by Democratic members of the Senate Finance Committee has found that Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas had not repaid the full amount of a $267,230 loan he had taken out to purchase an RV in 1999. The report has raised further questions about Thomas’s ethics and financial dealings, and the committee is continuing to investigate and has requested additional documents from Thomas and his friend who had lent him the money. It is unclear whether Thomas has taken out any other loans or accepted any other gifts that he has not disclosed.
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The United Auto Workers union and Ford have reached a tentative agreement in principle, which could signal the end of the nearly six-week strike with the Big Three automaker. The agreement includes a 25% general wage increase over the life of a new four-year contract, with cost-of-living pay increases potentially lifting the total pay raises above 30%. Ratification of the agreement with all three automakers is needed before the strike can officially end, and the estimated $2 billion in lost production can be recovered.
Maui County, Hawaii is set to reopen to tourism on November 1st, following the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century. The August 8th fire caused extensive damage and destruction, resulting in the evacuation of travelers and the suspension of tourism. Mayor Richard Bissen has announced a phased plan to reopen West Maui, which will bring back jobs and help the local economy recover. He is hopeful that the reopening will be the first step in the recovery process and that the area will be able to rebuild and become a vibrant destination once again.
Thousands of United Auto Workers (UAW) members have gone on strike against Detroit's Big Three automakers, General Motors (GM), Ford, and Fiat Chrysler, impacting GM's profits and causing the company to withdraw its 2023 profit forecast. On Tuesday, 5,000 workers from the Arlington Assembly Plant in Texas joined the strike, and the UAW has created a loan program and website to provide resources to its members. The strike is ongoing and it is unclear when it will end.
Chevron and Hess Corp. have announced a $60 billion merger, the second major oil deal this month as energy prices surge. The acquisition will add a major oil field in Guyana and shale properties in the Bakken Formation in North Dakota to Chevron's portfolio. This follows Exxon Mobil's announcement two weeks ago to acquire Pioneer Natural Resources for $60 billion, and analysts expect more deals to follow as oil prices remain high.
Former President Donald Trump's civil fraud trial took an unexpected turn when the spotlight shifted to his son Eric, who was actively involved in appraisals he has since said he doesn't remember. Judge Arthur Engoron issued a limited gag order on Trump and asked his lawyers why he shouldn't impose sanctions for violating the order. The trial is ongoing and it is unclear what impact Eric's testimony and documents will have on the case.
New York State prosecutors have filed a lawsuit against crypto exchange operator Gemini and DCG's Genesis Global Capital unit, alleging that they defrauded more than 230,000 investors out of a collective $1.1 billion. The lawsuit claims that Gemini and Genesis Global Capital failed to disclose financial risks to those investing in a crypto-lending program and also failed to reveal that nearly 60% of its third-party loans were to Bankman-Fried's crypto trading firm. The Attorney General's Office is seeking restitution and damages for the investors who were allegedly defrauded.
Bill Ford, Executive Chairman of Ford Motor Company, has spoken out about the month-long auto workers strike, warning of devastating effects on local communities if it continues. He criticized the UAW for shutting down the company's Kentucky Truck Plant, and noted that America's future is tied to the success of the iconic car brand. Ford is hopeful that a resolution can be reached soon, and is urging the UAW to end the strike and return to the negotiating table.