By Kajon Pompey Edited by Elissa D. Hecker
Below, for your browsing convenience, the categories are divided into: Entertainment, Arts, Sports, Technology/Media, and General News:
Entertainment
'Rust' Producers face $136,000 fine in Wrongful-Death Lawsuit
In wrongful-death lawsuit filed by Halyna Hutchins's family, New Mexico state regulators faulted "Rust" producers "with indifference to dangers" on set. The Occupational Health & Safety Bureau stated that the firearm safety procedures were not followed.
Bill Murray Movie 'Being Mortal' Suspended Due to Sexual Complaint
After review of the complaint, the Searchlight Picture has suspended production of the film written and directed by Aziz Ansari. The letter obtained by the New York Times did not provide much details regarding whom it involved or the nature of the complaint, yet the confidential information was enough to shut down production and investigate.
Florida Revokes Disney's 55-year Special Tax Streak
Florida ended Disney World's designation as a special tax district. This credit has allowed Disney World to self-govern its 25,000-acre theme park complex. It appears that such a move comes after the governor claimed that Disney was a "woke" "California company" in challenging the anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.
Arts
'Great Comet' Creator Is Owed Royalties
The creator of musical "Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812" believes that he is owed royalties for its international production. The artist is now suing the show's producer, Howard Kagan, who has refused to pay.
Pissaro Work: A Good Faith Restitution Case
Two Jewish families are in a dispute on the ownership of a $1.2 to $1.8 million Pissaro work, "The Anse des Pilotes, Le Havre". The work was bought from a New York art dealer and was originally left behind in Germany as the Nazis were rising to power. The parties to the agreed upon sale of the art believe that the "resolution is fully consistent with 'just and fair solution' of the Washington Principles on Nazi-confiscated Art ...."
Florida Bans Emotional Intelligence in Math Textbooks
The Florida Department of Education recently rejected dozens of math textbooks, stating that the books "contained prohibited topics." The banned topics ranged from the heavily argumentative critical race theory to social-emotional learning.
Ginsburg's Personal Items to Be Auctioned
The Potomack Company auction house in Arlington, Virginia will be selling more than 150 personal items and works of art owned by Justice Ruth Ginsburg. The catalog will be opened this month and 10% of the proceeds will be donated to a personal favorite of the late justice, the Washington National Opera.
Sports
Justices to Test Prayer in School in Coach's Case
A high school football coach was fired by the Bremerton, Washington school board for his refusal to stop mixing his faith and football on the field, through prayer after games. The coach appealed his case after he lost initially to the Supreme Court.
State of Tennessee Amends NIL Law to Further Empower Institutions and Collectives
Tennessee governor Bill Lee signed an amendment to the state's name, image, and likeness legislation on April 20th. The amendment makes significant changes to the way collectives can work with college coaches and athletic departments. This amendment removes the reference to the athlete being "at an institution" and the provision that compensation only be provided by a third party, and clarifies that an institution or an officer, director, or employee of the institution may not compensate a current or prospective intercollegiate athlete for the intercollegiate athlete's name, image, or likeness.
Mississippi Amends NIL Law to be More Permissive
Like Tennessee's amendment, Mississippi's also now permits communication between institutional employees and third parties who want to work with student athletes.
https://businessofcollegesports.com/name-image-likeness/mississippi-amends-nil-law-to-be-more-permissive/
Nassar Victims Seek $130 Million in Claims, Accusing FBI of Neglect in Abuse Allegations
Thirteen female athletes who were sexually assaulted by Nassar are seeking $10 million each from the FBI, alleging that the agents mishandled the investigations and allowed continued abused by Nassar.
Youth Sports Across the U.S. Lack Referees
Lack of available referees in many pockets of the United States across all sports have resulted in cancellations of youth sport games. In states like Indiana, parents have even been called in to play the role of referee. Such shortages are purportedly due to toxic game environments from parents, coaches, and players.
Grand Slam Condemned for Banning Russian and Belarus Tennis Players
Both the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) and Association of Tennis Players (ATP) expressed their disappointment in Wimbledon's decision to ban Russian and Belarus players. ATP believes that it could set a dangerous precedent for the game. The WTA made clear that athletes should not be discriminated against, penalized or prevented based on their origin or even the political decisions made by their countries' governments.
Technology/Media
Twitter's Board Is Said to Seriously Consider Elon Musk's Bid
Musk, with $46.5 million committed to finance his proposed bid, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission documents hinting a potential Twitter hostile takeover. Twitter's board met on Sunday to discuss the unsolicited bid. The financing was a turning point for how Twitter's board viewed Musk's bid of $54.20 a share, enabling the company's 11 board members to seriously consider his offer.
Depp/Heard Defamation Case
Johnny Depp detailed the physical violence committed during his marriage to actress Amber Heard, who he is suing for defamation. Heard has accused Depp of repeatedly assaulting her throughout their relationship. Depp has maintained his defense that Heard is the violent one in the relationship, stating, "She has a need for conflict, she has a need for violence." Lawyers for Heard presented text messages and audio recordings of the couple's arguments. Heard's lawyers questioned Depp about his alleged drug and alcohol use and suggested that his behavior had been volatile under such use.
CNN+ Ends Abruptly
CNN had a three-week run in the streaming service-sphere with CNN+.
Europe Promotes Privacy Laws
While the U.S. may have been on the center front of advanced technology with the iPhone and social networks and potentially the metaverse, Europe has taken the lead on tech regulations. With more than 27 nations and 24 languages represented, European leaders are agreeing on ways to protects their millions of citizens.
Muzmatch, Muslim Dating App loses Trademark Application
Muzmatch is sued by Match Group, multibillion dollar conglomerate owner of Tinder, OKCupid, Hinge and Match.com, sued Muzmatch for infringing on Tinder's trademarked logo. Match Group argued that Muzmatch unfairly benefited from the use of the company's reputation and investment in it brand. A London court agreed.
General News
Supreme Court to Continue Excluding Puerto Ricans from Supplemental Security Income Program
Established in 1972, the program aimed at providing a minimum income to the neediest; seniors over 65, blind or disabled persons. At the start, the program excluded those citizens from Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories. Challenged at the highest level, the Supreme Court ruled that Congress may continue to exclude Puerto Rican residents from the program.
Audio Reveals Trump Takes 'Some' Blame for Riots Says McCarthy
House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy told GOP lawmakers, days after Jan. 6th, that the former President Trump admitted to having "some responsibility" in the Capitol riot.
New York's Political Map is Illegal
A New York appeals court declared a political map drawn by Democrats to be in violation of the State's partisan gerrymandering law. The outcome will have a significant impact on the fight for control of the House of Representatives.