By Celine K. Agard
Edited by Elissa D. Hecker
Entertainment
Paula Abdul Settles Sexual Assault Lawsuit against Nigel Lythgoe
Paula Abdul and Nigel Lythgoe, the latter a television producer known for his work on “American Idol” and “So You Think You Can Dance,” have settled a lawsuit Abdul filed accusing Lythgoe of sexually assaulting her during their time working together. Abdul alleged that Lythgoe assaulted her in a hotel elevator during the early seasons of “American Idol” and again at his home while discussing work during her tenure as a judge on “So You Think You Can Dance.” Lythgoe vehemently denied the accusations, calling them false and character assassination, citing supportive messages from Abdul as evidence of their close friendship. The lawsuit, filed under a California law that temporarily allowed older sexual assault claims to be brought forward, was later narrowed to focus on allegations from the “So You Think You Can Dance” period. The settlement’s terms remain undisclosed, and both parties expressed relief at closing the case. Abdul described it as a hard-fought personal battle and hopes her experience inspires other women to face similar struggles with dignity, while Lythgoe maintained confidence in his innocence. A trial had been scheduled for August 2025 before the settlement was reached.
Max Ends Its Partnership with ‘Sesame Street’
"Sesame Street" is seeking a new distribution partner after Warner Bros. Discovery chose not to renew its agreement to air new episodes on its streaming platform, Max. This decision is part of a broader strategy shift at Max to focus on content for adults and families, leading to the 55th season of the show being the last on the platform. While old episodes will remain available until 2027, Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit behind the show, is exploring new partnerships with platforms like Apple TV+, Netflix, or Amazon. The move follows a history of the series airing first on HBO before transitioning to Max, which brought both significant revenue and criticism for limiting access to the show for lower-income families.
Brazilian Judge Orders Adele Song “Million Years Ago” Pulled Globally Over Plagiarism Claim
A Brazilian judge has ordered Adele's song "Million Years Ago" to be pulled from global streaming services after a plagiarism lawsuit filed by Brazilian composer Toninho Geraes. Geraes claims the song plagiarized his samba classic "Mulheres (Women)," recorded by Martinho da Vila in 1995. The injunction, issued by Judge Victor Torres in Rio de Janeiro, threatens fines of $8,000 per violation and prohibits Adele's labels, Sony and Universal, from distributing or commercializing the song worldwide. Geraes is seeking lost royalties, $160,000 in damages, and a songwriting credit. This legal action is the first time the song has faced court challenges over plagiarism, although Adele has previously faced similar accusations, including a claim from Turkish fans regarding a song by Ahmet Kaya.
Arts
The U.S. Has No Special Panel for Nazi-Loot Claims. Could That Change?
Several European countries have established restitution commissions to resolve claims regarding art looted during the Holocaust, but the United States has not yet created a similar body. While the U.S. adopted the Washington Principles in 1998 to guide countries on how to handle such claims, including alternative dispute resolution, it has lacked a formal panel to mediate these cases. Advocates like Stuart Eizenstat, a key figure behind the Washington Principles, argue that a U.S. restitution panel is long overdue, citing challenges faced by claimants in navigating the legal system, especially regarding technical defenses raised by museums. Some U.S. museums have resisted restitution claims, relying on legal technicalities, while others have called for a system that considers moral justice rather than strict legal frameworks. Efforts to establish a U.S. panel are gaining momentum, with increasing public interest and international support for a mechanism that ensures fairer resolutions.
Sports
Crystal Mangum, Who Accused Duke Lacrosse Players of Rape in 2006, Says She Lied
Crystal Mangum, who in 2006 falsely accused three Duke lacrosse players—David Evans, Collin Finnerty, and Reade Seligmann—of rape, publicly admitted for the first time that she lied about the allegations. Speaking from prison on the podcast “Let’s Talk with Kat,” Mangum expressed remorse, stating she fabricated the story for validation and betrayed the trust of those who believed her. The case, which garnered national attention, led to the cancellation of Duke’s lacrosse season, the resignation of the coach, and the disbarment of District Attorney Mike Nifong for ethics violations, including withholding evidence. In 2007, the players were declared innocent by the North Carolina attorney general, citing no evidence to support the claims, and later reached a settlement with Duke. Mangum, now serving time for a separate conviction of second-degree murder, apologized to the players, acknowledging they did not deserve the harm caused by her false accusations.
Media/Technology
TikTok Asks Supreme Court to Block Law Banning Its U.S. Operations
TikTok has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to block a law requiring its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app or face a ban in the U.S. by January 19, citing First Amendment violations for both the company and its 170 million American users. The law, enacted over bipartisan concerns about national security threats posed by Chinese ownership, allows TikTok to continue operating only if it is sold to a non-Chinese entity, but TikTok argues that a sale is neither feasible nor supported by the incoming administration. A lower court previously upheld the law, prioritizing security concerns over free speech rights. TikTok warns that a ban would lead to irreparable losses, as users and creators would migrate to rival platforms, permanently altering the social media landscape.
Supreme Court Fast-Tracks TikTok Case in Face of Jan. 19 Deadline
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear TikTok's challenge to a law that could force the app to sell its U.S. operations or face a ban due to national security concerns tied to its Chinese ownership. The case is set for oral arguments on January 10, 2024.
Trump and His Picks Threaten More Lawsuits over Critical Coverage
The incoming Trump administration appears poised to intensify efforts to suppress unfavorable media coverage through defamation lawsuits and other legal threats against journalists and critics. President-elect Trump and his allies have discussed measures such as subpoenaing news organizations, revoking broadcast licenses, and cutting public media funding, while already deploying libel lawsuits to intimidate reporters and deter negative press. Recent cases include a $15 million defamation settlement with ABC News and legal threats against individuals criticizing Trump’s nominees for key government positions. Critics view these tactics as part of a broader strategy to undermine press freedom and weaponize libel law to stifle dissent, raising concerns about the future of media independence in the United States.
Trump Sues The Des Moines Register, Escalating Threats Against the Media
Trump has intensified his threats of retribution against his political opponents and the media, filing multiple lawsuits to punish those he claims have wronged him. His latest legal action targets The Des Moines Register and pollster J. Ann Selzer over a pre-election poll showing Vice President Kamala Harris leading him in Iowa, accusing them of "election interference." Trump's lawsuits against media outlets, including defamation cases and claims of deceptive practices, reflect his broader strategy of using the legal system to retaliate against perceived adversaries. Critics argue that the lawsuits, even when unsuccessful, serve more as a means of intimidation than legal action, signaling Trump’s intent to wield governmental power to punish those he views as enemies, including members of the press and political figures like Liz Cheney.
Media Moguls Set the Stage for Deal Mania
Major media companies like Comcast and Warner Bros. Discovery are reorganizing their businesses to prepare for mergers and acquisitions, potentially transforming the media industry in 2025. Warner Bros. Discovery is splitting into two divisions—traditional TV networks and streaming/studios—signaling readiness for deal-making, while Comcast is considering spinning off its cable networks to pursue acquisitions. Investors anticipate fewer regulatory barriers under a potential Trump administration, fostering optimism for consolidation amid industry challenges. Smaller networks and emerging players, such as AMC Networks and Hallmark Media, are seen as acquisition targets, positioning the industry for significant structural changes in the coming year.
Judge Says Former ByteDance Executive Lied in Suit Against Company
A federal judge in San Francisco ruled that Yintao Yu, a former ByteDance executive, fabricated evidence and submitted false statements in his wrongful dismissal lawsuit against the company, alleging that ByteDance had a unit of Chinese Communist Party members influencing its operations. The judge found that Yintao engaged in bad faith conduct, including fabricating an anonymous declaration and perjuring himself, leading the court to order the case to private arbitration. ByteDance, which has consistently denied Yintao’s claims, secured a legal victory amid mounting pressure to divest TikTok or face a U.S. ban by January 19 under a new law. Lawmakers have urged Apple and Google to comply with the law by removing TikTok from their app stores unless ByteDance sells the platform. TikTok, meanwhile, is challenging the law in federal court, hoping for intervention from the Supreme Court or a potential Trump administration.
Inside Disney’s Decision to Settle a Trump Defamation Suit
Disney settled a defamation lawsuit filed by Trump against ABC News, agreeing to donate $15 million to his presidential foundation and pay $1 million in legal fees. The decision came after months of legal setbacks, including a federal judge's rejection of Disney's motion to dismiss the case. Disney executives, concerned about the risks of continuing litigation and the potential damage to the company's reputation, decided to settle rather than fight a case that could harm press protections and lead to unfavorable publicity. The settlement has drawn criticism, with some viewing it as a surrender to Trump, and concerns that it could embolden him to pursue similar lawsuits against other media outlets, challenging First Amendment protections.
Carlos Watson, Ozy Media Co-Founder, Is Sentenced to Almost 10 years in Prison
Carlos Watson, co-founder of the now-defunct digital media company Ozy Media, was sentenced to nearly 10 years in prison for defrauding investors and lenders. A federal jury convicted him of conspiracy to commit securities and wire fraud, as well as identity theft, following a trial where evidence revealed Watson's involvement in impersonating phone calls, fabricating contracts, and inflating Ozy’s financials from 2018 to 2021. Despite maintaining his innocence and claiming selective prosecution due to his race, Watson was sentenced to 116 months in prison, with prosecutors requesting a 17-year term. His legal team’s attempts to overturn the convictions on grounds of financial conflicts and discriminatory prosecution were rejected. Ozy's collapse was attributed to Watson's dishonest practices, which ultimately led to the company’s downfall.
Trump Puts $4 Billion in Shares of His Media Company in a Trust
Trump transferred approximately 115 million shares of Trump Media & Technology Group, the parent company of Truth Social, to a trust controlled by his son, Donald Trump Jr., according to a regulatory filing. This transfer, which did not involve a sale or financial compensation, moves Trump's 53% stake—valued at around $4 billion—into the trust, with Trump Jr. having sole control over the voting and investment decisions. The move is seen as a potential strategy to avoid conflicts of interest as he assumes office, though some ethics experts argue that the trust's structure, with Trump Jr. in charge, may not eliminate such concerns. The transfer also raises questions about whether it could allow Trump to sell shares without breaking previous pledges to retain them.
Police Can Seize £2 Million From Andrew Tate Accounts, U.K. Court Rules
A London court has ordered the seizure of over £2 million from the bank accounts of Andrew Tate, the controversial online influencer, and his brother Tristan, after finding they evaded taxes on more than £21 million in business revenue. The brothers, who are also facing criminal charges in Romania, including human trafficking, used various businesses such as adult entertainment and online payment platforms to avoid paying taxes in both Britain and Romania. The court described their actions as deliberate and long-standing tax evasion. Tate, who has publicly bragged about not paying taxes, has also used his platform to promote tax avoidance strategies. Following the ruling, Tate accused the British government of targeting him and criticized the charges against him, which also include allegations of human trafficking and rape.
Romanian Court Blocks Andrew Tate’s Case From Heading to Trial
A Romanian appeals court has sent back the indictment against Andrew Tate, the online influencer facing charges of human trafficking and sexual misconduct, ruling that it did not meet the necessary requirements for a trial. The court cited issues with the presentation of the case and violations of Tate's right to defense. This setback follows previous concerns raised by the court over evidence and case handling. Tate, along with his brother Tristan, has denied all charges, calling them lies, and continues to fight the accusations, which include exploiting women for pornography. The brothers, who have been under house arrest since 2022, also face other legal battles, including tax evasion charges in both Romania and Britain.
General News
Biden Signs Spending Bill, Finalizing End to Shutdown Drama
President Biden signed a spending package that prevented a government shutdown, ensuring federal funding would continue until mid-March. The bill, which passed with bipartisan support in both the House and Senate, included provisions for disaster relief and direct aid to farmers, while deferring the spending deadline to the early months of the Trump administration, when Republicans will control Congress. Despite delays and intense political drama, including opposition from figures like Elon Musk and Trump, Biden's signing ensured continued government operations.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/21/us/politics/biden-signs-spending-bill.html?searchResultPosition=1
Judge Denies Trump’s Bid to Throw Out Conviction Over Immunity Ruling
A New York judge rejected Trump’s attempt to dismiss his 34 felony convictions for falsifying business records, ruling that the Supreme Court’s recent decision granting presidents immunity for official acts does not apply to his case. Trump argued that testimony from former White House employees tainted the verdict, but the judge ruled the evidence focused on personal misconduct unrelated to presidential duties. While Trump plans to appeal, prosecutors emphasized overwhelming evidence of guilt and opposed dismissing the case entirely. Despite this setback, Trump may delay sentencing if re-elected, as federal prosecution policies shield sitting presidents, leaving his conviction’s long-term impact uncertain.
Supreme Court to Hear Challenge to California Tailpipe Emissions Limits
The Supreme Court agreed to review whether industry groups have the legal standing to challenge a federal program granting California the ability to set stricter tailpipe emission standards under a Clean Air Act waiver, which has historically allowed the state to combat air pollution and, more recently, climate change by promoting electric vehicles. Industry challengers argue that California's authority effectively dictates national policy, harming fuel producers, and they seek to revoke the waiver. While the case currently focuses on procedural standing, it could set the stage for broader attacks on environmental regulations, particularly as the Biden administration plans stricter emission rules and a potential ban on new gasoline-powered cars after 2035, which Trump has vowed to dismantle.
Justices to Hear Case on South Carolina’s Bid to Defund Planned Parenthood
The Supreme Court has agreed to consider whether South Carolina can eliminate Medicaid funding for medical services provided by Planned Parenthood due to its involvement in abortion services. Medicaid allows beneficiaries to choose qualified providers, and Planned Parenthood offers various medical services like contraception and cancer screenings. In 2018, South Carolina's governor ordered the state to deny Medicaid funds to Planned Parenthood, arguing that taxpayer money should not support abortion services. A federal judge blocked the directive, leading to a legal battle over whether Medicaid beneficiaries can enforce their right to choose healthcare providers.
Confidence in U.S. Courts Plummets to Rate Far Below Peer Nations
A new Gallup poll reveals a dramatic decline in public confidence in the U.S. legal system, with approval dropping 24 percentage points from 59% in 2020 to just 35% in 2024, placing the U.S. alongside countries like Myanmar, Syria, and Venezuela in terms of judicial distrust. This sharp decline is linked to factors such as the Supreme Court's 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision that overturned Roe v Wade and high-profile legal actions against Trump, leading to a perception that the judiciary has become highly politicized. The poll highlights bipartisan dissatisfaction, with both Republicans and Democrats expressing concern, marking the first time in Gallup’s history that confidence in the courts has fallen below 50% among both parties. Experts warn that this erosion of trust is dangerous, as it may open the door to political interference with the judiciary.
In Late Push, Senate Democrats Narrowly Top Trump on Judicial Confirmations
The Senate confirmed President Biden's 235th lifetime federal judge on December 20, surpassing the previous record set by Trump. This milestone marked the culmination of a year-end push by Democrats to fill as many judicial vacancies as possible before losing Senate control to Republicans in January. Biden's judicial appointments reshaped the federal courts with a focus on diversity, appointing a significant number of women, people of color, and former public defenders, including the first Muslim American judges and the most Black women to appellate courts in U.S. history. Despite these successes, Biden's judicial drive faced challenges, including a shortage of appellate court confirmations and criticism from conservatives who opposed many of his nominees.
Justice Thomas Did Not Disclose Additional Trips, Democrats Say
A 20-month investigation by Senate Democrats revealed that Justice Clarence Thomas failed to disclose two trips in 2021 that were funded by billionaire Harlan Crow, a frequent patron of Thomas’s. The trips, which were previously unknown, involved private jet travel and stays at Crow’s properties. Despite refiling some financial forms, Thomas did not include these trips, and the Senate Judiciary Committee only learned of them after threatening to subpoena Crow. The investigation also highlighted other ethical concerns, including undisclosed gifts from Crow and Justice Thomas's failure to recuse himself from cases linked to the 2020 election. The report follows broader efforts to impose stricter ethics standards on the Supreme Court, which has resisted adopting formal rules.
Fed Cuts Interest Rates and Markets Plunge after 2025 Forecast
The Federal Reserve lowered interest rates by a quarter point for the third time in 2024, signaling a more cautious approach to rate cuts due to persistent inflation. While the job market remains strong, inflation has been slower to subside than expected, prompting the Fed to adjust its future projections. Officials now predict only two rate cuts in 2025, down from the previously anticipated four. The Fed's actions reflect a balancing act between sustaining economic growth and curbing inflation, with further rate reductions contingent on continued progress in lowering inflation without significantly impacting the labor market. The U.S. economy is seen as performing better than many global counterparts, but the central bank will monitor economic data closely before making additional adjustments.
Gillibrand Presses Biden to Amend the Constitution to Enshrine Sex Equality
New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is urging Biden to solidify his legacy by adopting the Equal Rights Amendment (E.R.A.) to the Constitution, explicitly guaranteeing sex equality and potentially protecting abortion rights. Despite legal challenges regarding expired ratification deadlines, Gillibrand argues that Biden could direct the national archivist to certify the E.R.A. as the 28th Amendment, triggering a Supreme Court battle. She has lobbied Biden’s team, sought support from Vice President Kamala Harris and Hillary Clinton, and emphasized widespread public backing, urging Biden to act before leaving office.
Appeals Court Disqualifies Fani Willis From Prosecuting Georgia Trump Case
Georgia’s Court of Appeals disqualified Fani T. Willis, the district attorney prosecuting the election interference case against Trump and his allies, due to a romantic relationship she had with Nathan J. Wade, a lawyer she hired to manage the case. The appeals court ruled that the relationship created an appearance of impropriety, overruling the trial judge’s decision to let Willis remain in charge after she dismissed Wade from the case. The ruling jeopardizes the prosecution, as it could be taken over by a Republican-controlled panel, potentially leading to the case's dismissal. Willis's office is appealing the decision to the Georgia Supreme Court.
A Famed Iowa Pollster’s Career Ends With a ‘Spectacular Miss’ and a Trump Lawsuit
J. Ann Selzer, a respected Iowa pollster known for her accurate predictions, is facing backlash after her final 2024 poll showed Kamala Harris leading Donald Trump in Iowa, a state he ultimately won by over 13 points. This misprediction has led to a lawsuit from Trump's legal team, claiming voter fraud and election interference. Although Selzer’s polling career has been largely successful, her final error has led to public criticism and threats, with some Trump supporters accusing her of bias. Despite her reputation, this controversy is casting a shadow over her retirement and raising concerns about the impact of lawsuits on press freedom and pollsters' independence.
Senior U.S. Diplomats Meet with Governing Militias in Syria
On December 20, a team of senior U.S. diplomats visited Damascus, marking the first such visit in over a decade, to meet with militias and civil society groups in Syria. Their primary focus was to search for missing American journalist Austin Tice and other U.S. citizens, while also engaging with the new authorities following the fall of Bashar al-Assad. The visit, which signals a shift toward U.S. diplomatic involvement in Syria, follows a series of interactions with rebel leaders, including the leader of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham militia, who has distanced himself from Al Qaeda. The diplomats discussed governance transition principles and the importance of protecting ethnic and religious minorities. They also emphasized the need to locate missing Americans, particularly Tice, and sought cooperation in ensuring that terrorist groups do not threaten Syria or its neighbors. The visit reflects broader geopolitical changes in the Middle East, with shifting alliances and new challenges following Assad's ousting.
What Are ‘Healthy’ Foods? The Food and Drug Administration Updates the Labeling Terms.
The FDA has introduced updated rules defining the term "healthy" for food labeling, aiming to help consumers easily identify nutritious options. The 318-page rule tightens limits on sugar, sodium, and saturated fat for foods that can be labeled as "healthy" or similar terms. It includes some processed foods previously excluded and removes the label from products like yogurts and fruit cups deemed too high in sugar or salt. The rule, which will take effect in 2028, faces criticism from food industry groups, citing concerns over economic impact and free speech. Public health advocates, however, see it as a step forward in promoting healthier food choices.
Man Who Ran Secret Police Office in New York Admits He Was Chinese Agent
Chen Jinping pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of acting as an unauthorized agent of the Chinese government by running a secret police outpost in Lower Manhattan. This outpost was part of China's effort to suppress criticism and control its diaspora, including attempting to quash a news article about the operation. Chen and his co-defendant, Lu Jianwang, did not register as foreign agents, as required by U.S. law. Federal authorities uncovered the operation in a six-story building in Chinatown and linked it to China's Ministry of Public Security. The Justice Department's ongoing efforts to combat foreign influence and intimidation in the U.S. have included several similar cases, with investigations into Chinese officials and operatives across the country.
Top Uniformed N.Y.P.D. Officer Resigns After Abuse Allegations
Jeffrey Maddrey, New York City's top uniformed police officer, resigned after being accused of sexual misconduct, triggering both local and federal investigations. Allegations include demanding sexual favors from subordinates in exchange for overtime, with one officer, Capt. Gabrielle Walls, describing repeated advances and harassment. Maddrey's resignation follows years of prior misconduct claims, including a harassment lawsuit filed by a former officer. The investigation also examines potential corruption related to overtime allocation. Maddrey's departure comes amid ongoing turmoil in the NYPD's leadership, with several commissioners resigning in recent months. The allegations highlight systemic issues of abuse within the department, prompting calls for broader reforms.
German Government Collapses at a Perilous Time for Europe
Chancellor Olaf Scholz lost a confidence vote in Germany’s Parliament, leading to the collapse of his three-party coalition government and plunging Europe’s largest economy into political uncertainty ahead of snap elections set for February 23, 2025. The collapse mirrors broader instability across Europe, as France also faces leadership challenges, further weakening the European Union’s ability to address economic stagnation, immigration debates, and military preparedness.
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