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By Celine K. Agard
Edited by Elissa D. Hecker
Entertainment
2 Live Crew Reclaims Copyrights in Iconic Rap Hits
A Miami federal jury cleared the way for 2 Live Crew’s ability to reclaim ownership of its 1990s music catalog in a significant copyright termination case against Lil’ Joe Records. The case focused on Section 203(a) of the Copyright Act, which allows artists to terminate copyright transfers after 35 years. The surviving group members, including Luther "Luke" Campbell, had been battling for three years to terminate their 1990 transfer of master recordings to Skyywalker Records (later Luke Records), which was later acquired by Joseph “Lil’ Joe” Weinberger. Lil' Joe Records argued that the songs were “works made for hire,” but the jury sided with 2 Live Crew, agreeing that the group was not label employees and did not create the tracks under such conditions. This verdict allows the group to recapture rights to major hits like “Me So Horny” and “Get It Girl.” The case also marked a precedent by confirming that termination rights can survive bankruptcy.
Live Nation Faces Class Action Lawsuit over Ticketmaster Hack with Potentially Millions of Customers Joining
Live Nation has recently been hit with a class action lawsuit after hackers breached Ticketmaster’s servers, stealing data and reverse engineering its Safe Tix Feature. The lawsuit alleges that Live Nation failed to adequately protect the data of its users and only alerted users of the hack months after it occurred. Ticketmaster did not discover the data breach until May 23rd and did not notify the plaintiff or class members until July 17th. The lawsuit faults Ticketmaster for retaining personally identifiable information (PII) that should have been deleted after purchases were made and involves personal selling data of users. As a result of the Ticketmaster breach, the listed class members have been exposed to a substantial risk of fraud and identity theft.
The MLC v. Spotify Legal Battle Keeps getting Uglier – Bitter Dispute Unfolds Over ‘Extremely Broad’ and Invasive Discovery Demands
There is an escalating discovery dispute between the Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) and Spotify in their ongoing lawsuit. The lawsuit centers around Spotify's decision to classify its subscription packages, including audiobook access, as "bundles," which impacts the calculation of mechanical royalties. Spotify argues that this reclassification is legitimate, while the MLC claims it results in millions of dollars in unpaid royalties. The dispute has intensified, as both parties seek court intervention to resolve disagreements over the scope of discovery. The MLC accuses Spotify of refusing to produce key documents related to the launch and financial performance of the audiobook service, claiming they are necessary to support its case. Spotify counters that it has already agreed to provide significant documentation and accuses the MLC of making overly broad and invasive requests. Additionally, Spotify is seeking internal communications among the MLC, music publishers, and the National Music Publishers' Association (NMPA), which the MLC has declined to provide. Both parties remain entrenched in their positions, with no signs of a near-term settlement. Spotify is continuing to pursue a dismissal of the case.
Prosecutors Argue That Sean Combs ‘Can’t Pay His Way Out of Detention’.
Sean ‘Diddy Combs’ recently tried to appeal a New York District Court’s decision to deny him bail. Combs is currently being held in a Brooklyn jail ahead of his trial on several counts of racketeering and sex trafficking charges and was recently denied bail. His lawyers proposed a private version of house arrest where Combs would be monitored by security staffers at all hours, with no access to digital media or devices. The suggested bond was set for $50 million. Prosecutors pushed back on the appeal, arguing that the music producer’s history of facilitating a criminal enterprise has wielded the ability within the entertainment industry to commit crimes of rape, sexual assault, and coercion. They further claim that Combs’s longstanding and sophisticated methods of obstructing justice and silencing witnesses establishes his danger to the community.
A Lawyer Seeking Sean Combs Accusers via Hotline Files 6 Lawsuits
Six new lawsuits against Combs were brough by Texas personal injury lawyer Tony Buzbee. This comes after Buzbee spoke in front of a backdrop displaying a large red hotline number to attract victims who may have a claim against Combs. Filed anonymously, the lawsuits accuse him of raping both men and women between 1995 and 2021, intensifying his legal troubles as he also faces federal racketeering and sex trafficking charges. Buzbee’s firm is vetting numerous claims amid a flood of calls, as Combs's defense contends the accusations create an unfair media environment.
Filmed in New York, Hold the Taxis and Radiators
The making of “Rosemead” exposes the reason why directors and film crews may go to other state to produce their movies. An independent film “Rosemead”, starring Lucy Liu as an immigrant mother with a mentally unwell teenage son, was inspired by an actual story set in Southern California. Filming “Rosemead” in California would have been easier, but tax incentives in New York ultimately led the crew to direct the film in areas of Queens and Brooklyn. Tax incentives – a form of “soft money” that does not require a payback, is beneficial for creating jobs and spending in the communities of the film’s production.
Dreamtroit, a Low-Cost Bohemia for Artists, Revs Up in Motor City.
Artist Matthew Naimi and his partner Oren Goldenberg recently teamed up together to develop Dreamtroit, a $31 million haven for artists within the historic Lincoln Motor Company factory. The four-acre complex, with 76 lofts and graffiti-covered walls, exemplifies a shift in Detroit’s approach to its decaying industrial sites, which are now viewed as creative spaces rather than ruins. Dreamtroit stands as a pioneer in revitalizing such structures, blending art and industrial history. Goldenberg’s financial acumen and Naimi's creative vision helped secure the necessary funding through loans, grants, and tax credits. Today, Dreamtroit houses over 60 creatives, offering affordable living and studio spaces, and has become a symbol of the post-industrial, do-it-yourself spirit that breathes new life into abandoned spaces in Detroit.
Arts
Art Advisor to the Elite Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud
Prominent art advisor Lisa Schiff recently pleaded guilty in a federal court in Manhattan to one count of wire fraud, for stealing $6.5 million from people who trusted her to buy and sell their art. Federal prosecutors accused Lisa Schiff of stealing money from clients who entrusted her to purchase approximately 55 artworks. According to Damian Williams, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, Schiff breached the trust of her art advisory clients through lying about client purchases and stealing their money to fund a lavish lifestyle. The fraud cases arose in 2023, after real estate heiress Candace Carmel Barash led a pair of lawsuits against Schiff. The first lawsuit accused her of not paying the $1.8 million she owned them as a result of selling a painting for them by Romanian artist Adrian Ghenie. The second accused Schiff of taking $6.6. million after Barash entrusted the art advisor to purchase art for her collection. Schiff is currently seeking a plea deal where she would forfeit about $6.4 million. Her felony fraud charge also carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
These Twin Marvels of Art Conservation Are Now Seen as Looted Works
The Metropolitan Museum of Art reconstructed two ancient Greek kylix drinking cups from pottery fragments that were gifted or sold by individuals later linked to the sale of looted antiquities. Investigators discovered that these fragments, arriving over 15 years, were part of a smuggling strategy to avoid detection. One cup was seized in 2022 and returned to Italy, while the second was quietly repatriated last year. Despite returning ownership to Italy, the Met secured a loan agreement allowing the second kylix to remain on display, highlighting evolving practices around restitution and museum holdings of illicit artifacts.
In Dallas, an Entire Dance Troupe was Fired. Now They’re Protesting
With the start of an anticipated 48th season, audience members of the Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s opening showcase were met with a protest from dancers, musicians, teachers, and union activists. The demonstrators shouted “Dallas Black, bring them back”, “tear up your ticket, join our picket” and displayed a giant, inflatable rat, a symbol of union protest. The context for this protest arose from a dispute between former dancers of the Dallas Black Dance Theatre, as dancers claimed they were fired in August in retaliation for voting to form a union. In the spring, the dancers, concerned about work conditions, discussed the possibility of forming a union with the American Guild of Musical Artists, which represents more than 6,500 artists across the country. This is an ordinary occurrence for many dancers and choreographers, due to financial struggles and work instability after the pandemic. The company’s managers discouraged them from doing so. The Dallas Theatre denies this, stating that the dancers were terminated because of a posted Instagram video that supposedly violated the company’s social media policies. In the video, set to the theme from the 1990s sitcom “Family Matters,” the dancers strike goofy poses, twerk, hang from a ballet barre and at one point, pretend to punch each other.
Rare Copy of U.S. Constitution Sells for More than $11 Million
A rare 1787 copy of the U.S. Constitution, printed shortly after the Constitutional Convention and instrumental in its ratification by the original 13 states, sold for over $11 million at a live auction. The winning bid of $9 million, excluding premiums and taxes, came from an undisclosed buyer. Brunk Auctions in North Carolina handled the sale, which attracted rapid bids and concluded within seven minutes. The document, discovered in a former North Carolina governor's home, drew significant attention. Although its sale price was far below a similar copy sold in 2021 for $43 million, experts attributed the difference to unique factors driving up the previous auction's price.
A Wrestling Match Over Control of the Chrysler Building
The iconic Chrysler Building in Manhattan is at risk of eviction after one of its co-owners, Signa Holding, collapsed amid financial troubles. Austrian investor René Benko’s real estate empire, valued at over $20 billion, fell apart under allegations of financial impropriety, leaving creditors scrambling to recover losses. Alongside RFR Holding, Signa purchased the Chrysler Building in 2019 for $151 million, entering a ground lease with Cooper Union, the landowner. However, Cooper Union, which relies on rent from the property to fund student tuition, claims the partners have defaulted on payments, leading to its decision to terminate the lease and take control of the building. Legal battles ensued as the building’s owners filed a lawsuit to halt the eviction, while Cooper Union accused them of financial misrepresentation and rent arrears totaling $21 million. With the future of the Chrysler Building in jeopardy, Cooper Union has moved to assume control, engaging a real estate firm to manage the property.
An Artist Signed Over His Career to Investors, Now He Wants It Back
Norwegian artist Bjarne Melgaard is currently seeking a legal battle over a contractual agreement with two art investors Svein Roar Grande and Stein Lie. In 2020, Melgaard signed the “Main Agreement” to settle debts and formalize his relationships with the two investors, who have provided financial support to Melgaard for almost a decade, totaling nearly $10 million. However, he now claims that he was pressured into signing the contract while drunk and without fully understanding its implications, which included the forfeiture of ownership of his artwork and rights to future projects. Melgaard has since filed a lawsuit seeking to void the agreement, arguing that it was signed under undue pressure. The investors countersued, claiming Melgaard is trying to evade his debts and responsibilities. Grande and Lie argue that they have been instrumental in building his career, but Melgaard now wants to escape what he views as an exploitative arrangement. The legal battle over the Main Agreement is set to unfold in a Norwegian court, with the future of Melgaard’s career at stake. While Melgaard has managed to get sober and is focusing on rebuilding his personal and professional life, the outcome of the case will determine whether he can regain control of his art and financial freedom.
Media/Technology
Mark Robinson Sues CNN Over Report Linking Him to Lewd Comments on Porn Site
Politician Mark Robinson’s campaign for North Carolina governor has been in jeopardy after the CNN published an article in September linking him to offensive comments made years ago on a porn site named Nude Africa. According to the CNN article, Robinson who is running as a social conservative in the governor race, described himself as a “black Nazi”, defended slavery and expressed his preference for watching transgender porn. CNN claims that it discovered the comments on the porn site by matching his email address and the username “minisoldr” to other online accounts belonging to him. After the article was released, many republicans, including Donald Trump, have distanced themselves from Robinson. Supposedly, this is not the first time Robinson has faced criticism before the CNN article due to antisemitic, racist, and transphobic comments he posted on Facebook. A month after the CNN article was published, Robinson filed a lawsuit against CNN for defamation and is currently seeking $50 million in damages.
Sports
Judge Refuses Bid of New Hampshire Parents to Protest Transgender Players at School Soccer Games
Debates on whether parents should be allowed to passively protest transgender players at sport events have erupted amongst parents at Bow High School in New Hampshire. This debate has led to a federal judge’s refusal of an immediate order to allow New Hampshire parents to allow them to wear pink wristbands with “XX” on them at a girls’ high school soccer game to protest transgender student athletes. The case first arose after three parents and a grandparent of soccer players at Bow High School sued the school district, after they were barred from school grounds for wearing the “XX” wristbands to represent the female chromosome pair. Two of the parents in the lawsuit wore the wristbands during a September 17th match to express their opinion about the importance of reserving women’s sports for biological females. The Bow School District countered this claim, stating that the plaintiff parents instead chose to direct their protest at a 15-year-old transgender player on a visiting team. Issues surrounding the parents’ First Amendment rights to protest transgender athletes will be an important part of the dialogue for this case.
A Global Look at the Transgender Debate
The global debate surrounding transgender athletes' participation in women’s sports continues to evolve, with various organizations and countries taking different stances. Recently, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women advocated for restricting female sports categories to biological women, sparking controversy from Western nations. The G7 emphasized the need for transparent scientific standards in sports, while the International Olympic Committee allows sport federations to decide transgender participation policies. Australia has implemented transgender-inclusive guidelines aligned with its Sex Discrimination Act, whereas countries like Brazil and Colombia have introduced legislative proposals to restrict transgender athletes' participation. Despite differing approaches, the debate remains central in sports governance worldwide, with significant implications for future policies and rights.
General News
Supreme Court Allows E.P.A. to Limit Power Plant Emissions
The Supreme Court has allowed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to proceed with its plan to limit carbon emissions from power plants, marking a temporary victory for the Biden administration. This regulation, enacted in April, aims to eliminate pollution from coal-fired power plants, requiring them to capture up to 90% of their emissions by 2032. Over two dozen states challenged the rule, arguing that the federal government did not adequately demonstrate its effectiveness. The Court's decision came in response to an emergency application as the case progresses through lower courts. While environmental groups praised the ruling, states like West Virginia vowed to continue their legal challenge, claiming the EPA is overstepping its authority and imposing impractical standards. The case reflects ongoing tensions between Republican-led states and the Biden administration regarding environmental regulations and the future of fossil fuel industries.
Judge Releases Redacted Trove of Evidence in Trump Election Case
A federal judge ordered the release of a heavily redacted set of evidence that supports federal prosecutors' claims that former President Donald Trump illegally tried to overturn the 2020 election. Despite objections from Trump's legal team, who argued the release could interfere with the upcoming election, Judge Tanya Chutkan ruled that withholding the material could itself be seen as election interference. The released evidence, part of a 1,889-page appendix, mainly includes already public information, such as memos and social media posts. This release follows a Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity, with Trump's team set to file their defense by November 7th.
After Hush-Money Verdict, Trump Tried to Silence Stormy Daniels Again
In May, Trump was convicted for falsifying business records related to a 2016 hush-money deal with Stormy Daniels. By July, a newly revealed letter shows that Trump’s lawyer attempted to silence Daniels again as she settled a defamation-related debt owed to him. Trump’s lawyer offered to accept a reduced payment if Daniels agreed to stop making public or private statements about Trump, effectively proposing a "hush-money discount." Daniels rejected the offer, as she had already been vocal about her past interactions with him. The letter, included in hacked material circulated to news outlets, highlights Trump's persistent efforts to control what is said about him.
Trump Escalates Threats to Political Opponents He Deems the Enemy
With the 2024 election approaching, Trump has intensified his rhetoric, suggesting he would use presidential power to punish his opponents, referring to Democrats as an "enemy from within" and even speculating about using the National Guard on Election Day. In recent speeches and interviews, he has escalated his threats of retribution, framing his political opponents as "evil" and raising concerns about a peaceful transfer of power.
Abortion Could Decide Control of State Supreme Courts
It is no secret that debates on abortion has expanded to every corner of American political life, as state courts have been handling new legislation and cases in their states. For decades, political issues of abortion powered conservative efforts to remake the federal judiciary, but progressive candidates and hoping this conversative push back against abortion will hope them in the long run. With the overturning of Roe v. Wade, states now rely on their state supreme courts to determine the future of abortion access. In Arizona, two justices are facing efforts to oust them after upholding a 160-year-old abortion ban, while in Texas, campaigns are targeting three justices who sharply restricted abortion access. In Montana, the race for two seats on the state supreme court has attracted millions in outside funding, with both progressive and conservative groups vying to influence the future of abortion rights in the state. This heightened focus on state supreme courts reflects the broader politicization of these judicial races, particularly as abortion and other critical issues like redistricting and voting rights increasingly come before them.
Judge Strikes Down Multiple Georgia Election Rules
A Georgia judge ruled that several new election rules passed by the Georgia State Election Board were illegal, unconstitutional, and void. These rules, which included requirements for hand-counting ballots, expanded ballot box surveillance, and additional ID mandates for absentee ballots, were primarily aligned with right-wing election policies. Judge Thomas A. Cox found that the Board exceeded its authority, as these rules conflicted with state and federal law. The lawsuit challenging the rules was brought by a Republican group, which argued that the Board's actions represented bureaucratic overreach. An appeal of the decision is being considered.
Local Officials Cannot Refuse to Certify Election Results, Georgia Judge Rules
A county judge in Georgia recently rejected an argument by Trump allies that local election officials have the power to refuse to certify election results. The judge concluded that this process is mandatory and one that must meet critical deadlines. Years following the 2020 election, right-wing groups have sought broader authority and power over the certification process. A lawsuit in May filed by Julie Adams, a member of the Fulton County Board of Elections and right-wing election activist, argued that she had the right to refuse to certify an election. However, Judge Robert C.I. McBurney ruled that the effort to wrest control of certification was unconstitutional and against state law. Furthermore, only law enforcement as well as the state courts were the proper venue for investigations, challenges or concerns about the integrity of an election. This is an important decision regarding the constitutionality of elections and the authority of state courts to support challenges of election results, especially after theories of voter fraud after the 2020 election.
Nebraska Supreme Court Upholds Voting Rights for Felons
Nebraska’s supreme court ordered the secretary of state to allow people with felonies to vote after serving their sentences. On October 16th, the court rejected an argument by the state attorney general that lawmakers were overstepping their voting rights to those with convictions. This decision will have a significant impact on the state’s electorate, because Nebraska splits its Electoral College votes by congressional district, rather than using the winner-take-all approach mode. Even though the state has a long history of being a red state, there has recently been a national trend in loosening voting rules for people with criminal records.
Texas Supreme Court Halts Execution in Shaken Baby Case
The Texas supreme court temporarily halted the execution of Robert Roberson, convicted of killing his two-year-old daughter, after a bipartisan group of Texas House members issued a subpoena for him to testify before the Legislature. The stay was procedural and unrelated to the case's details, but it delayed the execution past its scheduled time. Roberson’s case has drawn attention due to his conviction being based on the controversial diagnosis of shaken baby syndrome, which has faced scrutiny in recent years. Roberson's lawyers argued that his daughter's death was caused by pneumonia exacerbated by prescribed medication, not abuse, and his autism, diagnosed after his trial, led to investigators and the jurors misinterpreting his behavior as guilt. The Texas House members' intervention was driven by concerns over a potential miscarriage of justice, with many questioning the reliability of the shaken baby diagnosis. Although the U.S. Supreme Court refused to intervene, Justice Sonia Sotomayor urged Texas Governor Greg Abbott to grant a 30-day reprieve for further review.
Small Business Administration Depletes Disaster Loan Funds
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has depleted its funds for providing low-interest disaster recovery loans to homeowners, renters, and businesses affected by disasters, including Hurricanes Milton and Helene. While federal officials encourage eligible individuals to continue applying, loans will not be disbursed until Congress approves additional funding, which is expected after it reconvenes on November 12th. Despite concerns about the availability of resources for ongoing recovery efforts, officials believe that FEMA has sufficient funds for immediate needs, although the agency is monitoring its budget closely. The SBA has requested $1.6 billion in new funding for the fiscal year, though it may need more after recent hurricanes.
With $32 Billion in Aid, Native Americans Push Against History of Neglect.
The American Rescue Plan allocated $32 billion to Native American tribes and reservations, providing crucial long-term aid for infrastructure, businesses, and public services after decades of neglect. Historically, tribal lands have lacked the tax revenue and ownership rights necessary to foster economic growth, leaving communities like Tuba City, Arizona, with limited public services and high poverty rates. This funding represents a significant shift, allowing tribes to invest in roads, water lines, healthcare, and high-speed internet, and access the State Small Business Credit Initiative, which was previously unavailable to them. However, despite this progress, many challenges persist, such as restrictive land ownership policies and limited access to capital, requiring continued efforts to rebuild tribal economies.
U.S. Agencies Fund, and Fight with Elon Musk. A Trump Presidency Could Give Him Power over Them
Elon Musk’s substantial influence over the U.S. government through his businesses, particularly SpaceX and Tesla, have secured at least $15.4 billion in federal contracts for the past decade. SpaceX is essential for the Defense Department’s satellite deployments, while Tesla has provided services across multiple federal agencies. Musk’s relationship with regulators is often adversarial, with numerous investigations into his companies for safety violations, environmental damage, labor disputes, and more. Musk's entanglements raise concerns about conflicts of interest, especially as he supports former Trump and has been promised a role in a proposed “government efficiency commission.” This role could allow Musk to influence regulations that affect his own businesses, which legal experts suggest would be a major conflict of interest. There are concerns that if Trump wins the presidency, Musk’s power within federal agencies will only increase. Critics worry that such an arrangement could weaken regulatory oversight and skew government decisions in favor of Musk’s businesses.
Three Receive Nobel in Economics for Research on Global Inequality
The Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences was awarded to Daron Acemoglu and Simon Johnson from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and to James Robinson of the University of Chicago for their research into how institutions shape which countries become wealthy and prosperous, and how those structures came to exist in the first place. The recipients delved into the world’s colonial past to trace how gaps emerged between nations. They found that countries with more inclusive institutions during the colonial period tended to become more prosperous. The researchers concluded that prosperity today is partly a legacy of how a nation’s institutions evolved over time.
These Scientists Tested Dolphin Breath. They Found Plastic
For the first time, scientists have detected microplastic particles in the exhaled breath of dolphins, highlighting the pervasive nature of plastic pollution. Published in PLOS One, the study collected breath samples from dolphins in Florida and Louisiana, finding plastic fibers such as PET and polyester. These particles, commonly released from items like clothing during laundry, may be inhaled by dolphins from both air and water. The findings underscore the growing concern of plastic exposure in marine mammals, with implications for health risks, especially as dolphins may breathe in larger doses of airborne microplastics than humans.
Groups That Run New York City Shelters are Riddled Witb Problems
Issues of self-dealing, nepotism, and conflicts of interest are common in dozens of nonprofit groups that run New York City’s $4 billion network of homeless shelters, according to a review done by the city’s Department of Investigation. Some shelter operators enriched themselves with salaries over $700,000, hired family members, and awarded city-funded contracts to businesses in which they had financial interests. The review uncovered hundreds of instances of financial mismanagement, including one executive profiting nearly $200,000 from a security company tied to his nonprofit. The city’s Department of Social Services is implementing reforms to address these issues, which have grown alongside rising homelessness and city spending on shelters.
U.S. Charges Indian Official in New York Assassination Plot
Federal prosecutors charged Vikash Yadav, an alleged Indian intelligence officer, with orchestrating an assassination plot targeting Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a New York-based Sikh lawyer and activist critical of the Indian government. The plot, directed from India, was intended to silence Pannun, who advocates for the secession of Punjab. U.S. authorities uncovered the plan through a sting operation, and Yadav, along with his associate Nikhil Gupta, now face charges of murder-for-hire and conspiracy to launder money. This indictment follows rising tensions between India, the U.S., and Canada, with Canada accusing India of involvement in the killing of a prominent Sikh cleric, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, on Canadian soil. Both the U.S. and Canada have shared intelligence in their investigations, leading to diplomatic expulsions between India and Canada.
How Israel Found and Killed Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar in Gaza
Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas, who was found by an Israeli military unit in southern Gaza during an operation. Israeli security forces, backed by U.S. intelligence, had been hunting Sinwar for over a year due to his role in orchestrating the October 7th attacks. Contrary to expectations that he was hiding underground, Sinwar was found by trainee Israeli soldiers in a small group of fighters. The death of Sinwar marks a significant moment in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. However, Hamas has indicated that this event will not lead to any de-escalation of the war in Gaza.
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