NEWSMAKERS

NEWSMAKERS

News groups fight to keep Weinstein’s hearing open

NEW YORK

News organizations are fighting to pull back the curtain on a Harvey Weinstein court appearance that the prosecution and defense want to take place in secret.

The organizations, including The Associated Press and The New York Times, argued in court papers filed Monday that the sides haven’t met a high legal standard for banning the media and the public from Friday’s hearing in Weinstein’s sexual-assault case.

Prosecutors contend the hearing should be closed to protect Weinstein’s right to a fair trial and for the privacy of women whose allegations against him are not part of the underlying criminal charges. Weinstein’s lawyers say news coverage could taint the jury pool.

Prosecutors want the women to testify at Weinstein’s June 3 trial to show he has had a pattern of violating women. They also expect to discuss evidence that could be used against Weinstein if he testifies.

A lawyer for the news organizations, Robert Balin, argues that holding the hearing behind closed doors would do nothing to safeguard Weinstein’s right to a fair trial because allegations against him from more than 80 women have already been widely reported.

Melinda Gates talks brash Microsoft culture in new book

SEATTLE

Looking back at her time as an early Microsoft employee, Melinda Gates said the brash culture at the famously tough, revolutionary tech company made her want to quit, but that she didn’t discuss it with her boyfriend, and later her husband, Bill Gates, the company CEO who embodied that culture.

“That wasn’t my job to do that at the time,” Gates said in an interview with The Associated Press, adding that she drew “bright lines” around the office and home in order to work there for nine years before she left to have children.

Her new book, “The Moment of Lift,” is a memoir and manifesto on women and power from the former tech business executive, outspoken feminist and public supporter of the #MeToo movement. The Associated Press reviewed an advanced copy of the book ahead of its release today. All book proceeds will be donated to charity.

Associated Press