This week’s “For the Record” from the Los Angeles Times features a diverse set of updates, from election integrity clarifications and corporate legal entanglements to the future of filmmaking and ongoing scientific discourse.
LA County Voting Machine Glitches and Smartmatic Allegations
A previous report in the Los Angeles Times regarding issues during the 2020 primary election in Los Angeles County has been corrected. The Aug. 20 article initially attributed voting machine glitches and prolonged wait times to equipment provided by Smartmatic. A subsequent county report clarified that the primary cause of these issues was the PollPads supplied by KNOWiNK, which are used for voter check-in. The correction also refined details concerning allegations against a former Smartmatic executive. While the initial report suggested the executive used a fund to purchase a home for a Venezuelan elections official, the U.S. government’s allegation is that ownership of the property was transferred to the official through a foreign corporation.
These clarifications come amid broader legal scrutiny of Smartmatic. Federal prosecutors have alleged that Smartmatic executives inflated prices on contracts, including one with Los Angeles County, and channeled surplus funds into a “slush fund” intended for bribing foreign officials. Specifically, allegations detail how former co-founder Roger Piñate and other executives are charged with bribery and money laundering concerning contracts in the Philippines. Prosecutors also claim Piñate secretly bribed Venezuela’s then-elections chief, Tibisay Lucena Ramírez, with a luxury home in Caracas in 2019 to secure political favors and aid in a commercial dispute, following Smartmatic’s 2017 exit from Venezuela after accusing the government of fraud. Smartmatic has denied these allegations, asserting they ceased operations in Venezuela in 2017 and have always operated lawfully and ethically. Investigations indicate that KNOWiNK’s PollPads were indeed a component of Los Angeles County’s voting system during the 2020 elections, with some reports citing synchronization issues with these devices contributing to long lines.
AI’s Cinematic Debut on the Horizon
In the realm of technological innovation, an AI-assisted animated feature film titled “Critterz” is set to challenge traditional filmmaking paradigms. Backed by OpenAI, the project aims to demonstrate how generative AI can expedite film production and reduce costs. The narrative follows forest creatures whose lives are upended by a mysterious stranger, leading them on an adventure. With an ambitious budget under $30 million and a nine-month production schedule, “Critterz” is targeting a global theatrical release in 2026, with producers hoping for a premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May of that year. This development is a significant step in the ongoing debate within Hollywood regarding the integration of AI, its potential to reshape studio strategies, and its impact on creative roles and intellectual property.
Scientists Challenge Administration’s Climate Report
The scientific community has issued a strong rebuke against a report from the U.S. Department of Energy that sought to downplay the severity of global warming. More than 85 leading climate researchers have publicly repudiated the report, deeming it not scientifically credible, biased, and riddled with errors and misinformation. The report, which questioned the extent of climate change’s economic impact and was presented as justification for rolling back environmental regulations, has been criticized for cherry-picking data and failing to align with current scientific consensus. This collective repudiation underscores a significant divide between scientific findings and certain administration policies concerning climate science.
Los Angeles Dodgers Update
On the sports front, the Los Angeles Dodgers saw reinforcements with the activation of pitcher Michael Kopech and infielder/outfielder Hyeseong Kim from the injured list. Despite a substantial payroll and expectations as defending champions, the team has faced scrutiny for inconsistent performance and a loss of their early season lead in the NL West. Injuries have also continued to affect the roster. In recent play, the Dodgers experienced the rare phenomenon of losing potential no-hitters in the ninth inning on two separate occasions within a three-day span. However, the team has secured crucial wins, including a victory over the Colorado Rockies, with key players like Will Smith, Mookie Betts, and Shohei Ohtani contributing to offensive efforts in recent games. The Los Angeles team is navigating a challenging period as they push towards the postseason.
These varied developments, from election equipment corrections to advancements in AI and the ongoing discourse on climate science, alongside the Los Angeles Dodgers’ season, highlight a dynamic news landscape.
