Palantir has been snapping up massive government contracts to increase surveillance capabilities.

A new report reveals that an unnamed Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) investigator was allowed to retain stock in companies under investigation, raising significant ethical concerns. The waiver, signed by David Reinhold, director of the SEC's Office of Human Resources, permitted the official to hold shares in Alphabet, Meta, and Microsoft. This is the only instance among over 250 waivers issued since Trump took office where the recipient's identity was concealed. Experts like Craig Holman from Public Citizen called the decision a 'huge red flag,' emphasizing that the stocks represent a substantial portion of the individual's assets and could compromise decision-making integrity. Reinhold defended the move, arguing the stake is not significant enough to affect government services. The SEC declined comment. This incident adds to previous controversies under Trump, including Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche's crypto investments during active investigations and Gavin Kliger's stock holdings while overseeing layoffs at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Trump's own investment accounts purchased $1 million in Nvidia stock just days before the administration relaxed export controls allowing Nvidia to sell chips to China. Critics argue the presidential exemption from conflict-of-interest laws undermines public trust in government institutions.

The article discusses the Australian Defence Department's partial release of conflict of interest declarations related to consultants hired to assess military sites for sale. Crikey initially requested these documents via FOI but faced refusal. After an internal review, the government partially released the information, though key details remain undisclosed. The piece highlights ongoing tensions around transparency in government contracts and potential conflicts of interest. It also mentions former journalist Randa Abdel-Fattah's cancellation from a panel discussion and Donald Trump's recent remarks about Australian politics. The report underscores public scrutiny of bureaucratic processes and the challenges journalists face in accessing sensitive information. The partial release suggests some progress toward accountability, but critics argue more transparency is needed given the scale of the $3 billion sale. The article blends political analysis with media commentary, reflecting broader debates about public interest versus institutional secrecy.

A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge has criticized the county's legal counsel for an 'obvious conflict of interest' in resisting a civilian oversight panel's efforts to obtain use-of-force records from the Sheriff’s Department. Judge Jerrold Abeles accused the county counsel of breaching ethical duties by failing to secure independent representation for the oversight commission, which seeks records related to three incidents involving excessive force. The county's outside counsel denied any conflict, asserting that the oversight panel overstepped its authority. The dispute stems from subpoenas issued by the Civilian Oversight Commission in 2025 demanding unredacted personnel records linked to a fatal shooting and two beatings by deputies. The Sheriff’s Department has refused to release the documents, citing confidentiality and collective bargaining obligations. The court has set a Sept. 17 hearing to determine if independent counsel must be appointed for the oversight panel. The case highlights tensions between accountability measures and institutional protections for law enforcement, with critics arguing that transparency is essential to address systemic issues in use-of-force incidents.

A multi-billion-dollar natural gas export company, Fairwood Peninsula Energy, made its first and only federal political donation ever, contributing $125,000 to Northwoods Future PAC, a super PAC supporting Michael Alfonso's bid for Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District. This donation comes as Alfonso faces a crowded primary and has previously faced scrutiny for accepting transportation-industry PAC money despite lacking transportation policy expertise. The timing is alarming because Fairwood's subsidiary, Delfin LNG, received a license from Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy's Department of Transportation to build an offshore export terminal in 2025—a project Delfin publicly thanked Duffy for advancing. Duffy holds the authority to revoke this license, which environmental groups attempted to challenge in court without success. Public Citizen's Tyson Slocum condemned the arrangement as a conflict of interest, urging Duffy to recuse himself from decisions related to the project. Alfonso's campaign dismissed the criticism, stating Michael answers only to Wisconsin voters. The PAC also received $1 million directly from Duffy's former campaign account. A DOT spokesperson defended the decision, framing it as part of Trump's push to 'unleash America's energy dominance' after what officials called years of Biden-era fossil fuel project obstruction.

Dr. Sarfaraz K. Niazi has filed a citizen petition with the FDA, urging action on delayed conflict-of-interest guidelines, highlighting transparency issues that affect advisory committees.

Consumer Watchdog demands USC investigate professor for not disclosing ties to Saudi Arabia while advocating policies benefiting oil producers.