By Seth Nguyen
Edited by Elissa D. Hecker
Below, for your browsing convenience, the categories are divided into: Entertainment, Arts, Sports, Technology/Media, and General News.
Entertainment
U.S. Supreme Court Seeks Federal Insight Into Major Labels’ $1 Billion Copyright Case Against Cox
The Supreme Court has asked for the federal government’s input on a $1 Billion copyright dispute between major music labels and Cox Communications. The labels accused Cox of failing to prevent illegal music downloads by its subscribers. While a jury initially awarded them $1 Billion, the verdict was overturned in 2024, and Cox is seeking a Supreme Court review. The case could set a significant precedent for internet service providers’ responsibilities in addressing copyright infringement.
Influencer vs. Influencer: Can You Copyright a Vibe?
Influencer Sydney Gifford is suing Alyssa Sheil, accusing her of copying Gifford’s minimalist aesthetic and copyrighted posts, which she claims causes business losses and follower confusion. Sheil denies the claims, arguing that similarities in style aren’t legally enforceable. The case highlights copyright challenges in social media and may set a precedent for influencer disputes.
Final Defendants in YSL Trial Are Acquitted of Murder and Gang Charges
The gang conspiracy case against Young Thug and five others ended with two defendants, Deamonte Kendrick and Shannon Stillwell, acquitted of murder and conspiracy charges. Young Thug had pleaded guilty in October to gang charges, receiving time served and 15 years’ probation. The trial was Georgia’s longest, involving conflicting witness testimony and extensive evidence.
Music Industry Backs New ‘TRAIN Act’ Requiring Transparency in Materials Used to Train AI
The TRAIN Act, backed by major music groups and labels, would require AI developers to disclose if they used copyrighted works to train their models when requested by rightsholders. It aims to increase transparency without mandating compensation, addressing concerns over unauthorized use of creative content in AI training.
Customs and Border Patrol, Partners, Seize More than $18 Million in Fake Gibson Guitars in Largest Counterfeit Musical Instrument Seizure on Record
CBP seized over 3,000 counterfeit Gibson guitars worth $18.7 Million at the LA/Long Beach Seaport. The shipment from Asia was confirmed fake by Gibson, which warned of the risks that counterfeit goods pose to consumers and businesses. CBP highlighted the broader impact of counterfeiting, including ties to criminal activities.
Director of ‘2000 Mules’ Acknowledges That Conspiratorial Film Was Flawed
Dinesh D’Souza admitted that his documentary 2000 Mules was based on faulty data; particularly its claims of election fraud involving drop boxes. He apologized to Mark Andrews, a Georgia voter wrongly depicted in the film. Despite the apology, D’Souza maintained the film's core premise, though without providing supporting evidence. The film sparked legal action and controversy, especially regarding the use of drop boxes in elections.
Is Online Piracy Flattening? New EU Study Reveals 2023 Data — Including Country-Specific Stats
Music piracy in the EU has generally stabilized since 2023. Legal streaming services like Spotify have reduced the appeal of illegal music access. However, methods like stream-rippers remain most common.
Arts
Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris Reopened
The restoration cost hundreds of millions of dollars and involved about 2,000 workers and artisans, including carpenters, stonecutters, and gold-leaf decorators.
Stalin Silenced These Ukrainian Writers. The War Made Them Famous Again
The "Executed Renaissance" refers to Ukrainian writers and artists killed by Stalin's purges in the 1930s. Once suppressed, their legacy is now being revived in Ukraine through films, musicals, and literature, as the country fights to preserve its cultural identity amid Russia’s invasion.
The Statue of an Emperor That Lost Its Head Is Getting It Back
The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek in Denmark is returning a bronze head of Roman Emperor Septimius Severus to Turkey, acknowledging that it was likely looted from a shrine in Bubon in the 1960s. The head, acquired by the museum in 1970, was part of a statue returned to Turkey in 2023.
Sports
Anti-doping Agency Froze Out Investigators Who Warned About China
In 2020, WADA's investigative unit warned about Chinese doping, including the use of trimetazidine (TMZ), but when 23 Chinese swimmers tested positive for TMZ in 2021, WADA cleared them without further investigation. The swimmers' positive tests were attributed to accidental contamination by China. This decision has sparked criticism and led to a U.S. investigation into WADA's handling of the case.
Prosecutors Raid Olympic Training Center Over Alleged Service Contract Irregularities
Prosecutors raided the Jincheon National Training Center as part of an investigation into potential irregularities in a 7 Billion-won contract between the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee (KSOC) and a service firm. The probe may also involve corruption allegations against KSOC President Lee Kee-Heung.
Media/Technology
TikTok Faces U.S. Ban After Losing Bid to Overturn New Law
A U.S. appeals court upheld a law that could ban TikTok by January 19 unless its Chinese owner, ByteDance, sells it to a non-Chinese company. TikTok plans to appeal to the Supreme Court, arguing that the ban violates free speech. The law, citing national security concerns, could lead to a sale or ban if ByteDance doesn’t comply.
What Happens When AI Files Bad DMCA Takedowns
AI is increasingly used to automate copyright enforcement, but this raises concerns about false DMCA claims. While systems like YouTube’s Content ID already handle most claims, mistakes are inevitable. Accountability for AI-generated false notices remains unclear, leaving users with limited options to challenge errors.
Major Canadian News Outlets Sue OpenAI in New Copyright Case
A coalition of major Canadian news organizations, including the Globe and Mail and CBC, is suing OpenAI for billions, claiming that ChatGPT illegally used their content for training. The lawsuit alleges copyright infringement and demands damages of 20,000 CAD per article, profit-sharing, and an end to unauthorized practices. OpenAI denies wrongdoing, citing fair use. This first-of-its-kind Canadian case echoes similar U.S. lawsuits, highlighting concerns over AI’s use of copyrighted material and the need for transparency.
World’s Largest Piracy Network Taken Down After 100 Homes Raided Across 10 Countries
Operation Takendown, involving police across 10 countries, targeted the world’s largest piracy network, which served 22 million users and generated €250 Million in illegal revenue monthly. The operation led to 11 arrests, €1.65 Million in cryptocurrency seized, and the takedown of illegal streaming sites and devices. It revealed links to money laundering and cybercrime, aiming to dismantle piracy networks and protect consumers.
General News
Inside the Supreme Court Ethics Debate: Who Judges the Justices?
The Supreme Court adopted its first ethics code in 2023 but omitted enforcement mechanisms, sparking criticism. Conservative justices opposed oversight, citing risks to independence, while liberals pushed for accountability. With external reform proposals stalled, enforcement remains in the Court's hands.
Trump Organization Plans an Ethics Policy Without Banning Foreign Deals
As President-elect Donald J. Trump prepares for a second term, the Trump Organization plans to expand internationally, including real estate projects and a cryptocurrency platform. While Eric Trump avoids deals with foreign governments, the company isn't reinstating a ban on foreign business. The organization is creating a new ethics plan, addressing potential conflicts of interest amid global ventures, including in Saudi Arabia and Oman.
Trump Team Signs Agreement to Allow FBI Background Checks for Nominees
Trump delayed signing an agreement with the Justice Department for FBI background checks on his appointees. His team considered using private investigators instead. The agreement has now been signed, but it's unclear if all appointees will undergo FBI vetting. Trump also delayed other standard transition agreements with the Biden administration.
Trump Picks Banking Executive to Lead Social Security Administration
Trump named Frank Bisignano, Fiserv's chairman, as Social Security Administration commissioner. Bisignano, a former top executive at major Wall Street banks, has a history of political donations, mostly to Republicans. Trump praised his leadership in business transformation for overseeing the agency.
Court Halts Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting
A Texas federal court issued an injunction blocking the enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), finding it likely unconstitutional. The CTA requires companies to report their beneficial owners, but the court ruled that it exceeds Congress's power. The Justice Department has appealed the decision, and the injunction applies nationwide, temporarily halting the reporting requirements and penalties set for January 2025.
Kash Patel Has Plan to Remake the FBI Into a Tool of Trump
President-elect Trump plans to make Kash Patel FBI director. Patel’s proposals, including firing top officials, decentralizing the FBI, and prosecuting journalists, have drawn criticism for politicizing the agency and undermining its mission.
For Families of Transgender Children, Tennessee’s Ban Forces Hard Choices
The Supreme Court is reviewing Tennessee's 2023 law banning gender-transition care for transgender youth. Many families have been forced to move or limit activities to access care, fearing the law could harm their children.
Nadler to Relinquish Democrats’ Top Judiciary Post, Bowing to Calls for Change
Rep. Jerrold Nadler is stepping down as the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee after pressure for younger leadership and a challenge from Rep. Jamie Raskin, who Nadler endorsed. This marks a broader Democratic shift toward generational change ahead of a returning Trump administration.
In Pardoning His Son, Biden Echoes Some of Trump’s Complaints
President Biden pardoned his son, Hunter, on gun and tax charges, citing selective prosecution and political pressure, despite previously committing not to intervene. The move drew criticism for undermining the Justice Department’s credibility and bolstering Trump’s claims of a politicized legal system. Some saw it as a father's empathy, while others viewed it as a damaging political precedent.
U.S. Moves to End a Minimum Wage Waiver for Disabled Workers
The Biden administration proposed ending a program allowing employers to pay workers with disabilities less than the minimum wage. The rule would phase out certificates allowing this over three years. Disability advocates support the change, while some families fear it could limit job opportunities. Legal challenges and potential reversal by future administrations are possible.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/03/business/economy/labor-disability-pay.html?searchResultPosition=1
Elon Musk’s $50 Billion Tesla Pay Can’t Be Reinstated, Delaware Judge Rules
A Delaware judge reaffirmed her earlier decision to void Elon Musk's $50 billion Tesla pay package, citing flaws in board independence and shareholder disclosures. Despite a second shareholder vote approving the package, the judge ruled that it could not override the initial decision, as the process remained flawed. Tesla plans to appeal, while its board may pursue a new pay structure under Texas jurisdiction.
Biden Targets China’s Chip Industry With Wider Trade Bans
The Biden administration imposed expanded restrictions on tech exports to China to slow its development of advanced chips for military and AI use. The rules add over 100 Chinese companies to a restricted list, limit chip shipments, and regulate equipment exports. However, critics argue the rules include industry-friendly carve-outs and exceptions that could weaken their impact.
China Just Showed Washington How It Plans to Fight the Next Trade War
China has grown into a major industrial power, challenging U.S. dominance in sectors like technology and automotive manufacturing. The country swiftly retaliated to U.S. technology restrictions, and General Motors reported significant losses due to competition from Chinese carmakers. With China’s expanding capabilities, especially in semiconductors and electric vehicles, the U.S. faces a tough trade balance.
Syria Live Updates: Assad Has Resigned and Left Syria, Russia Says
President Bashar al-Assad’s immediate location was not initially clear after rebels took control of Syria’s capital. Russia’s Foreign Ministry did not provide details on where he had gone, saying only that he had resigned and left the country.
Comments