Week In Review
- Elissa D. Hecker - Editor
- Mar 4
- 14 min read
By Giancarla Sambo
Edited by Elissa D. Hecker
Below, for your browsing convenience, the categories are divided into: Entertainment, Arts, Sports, Technology/Media, and General News:
Entertainment
Missouri Woman Pleads Guilty in Brazen Plot to Sell Graceland
A Missouri woman pleaded guilty to federal charges of attempting to defraud Elvis Presley's family by auctioning off Graceland. In a Memphis hearing, Lisa Jeanine Findley admitted to mail fraud. She previously pleaded not guilty to a two-count indictment, including aggravated identity theft dropped.
Judge Allows Michael Crichton’s Estate to Pursue Lawsuit Over ‘The Pitt’
A judge is allowing Michael Crichton's estate to pursue its lawsuit over the Max show “The Pitt,” claiming it is an unauthorized reboot of “ER.” Crichton’s widow, Sherri, sued Warner Bros. in August, alleging the show closely resembles “ER,” which Crichton created, and that the studio excluded her from the deal contract.
Netflix Dunks on Pepperdine Over “Running Point” Trademark Lawsuit
The lawsuit from the Christian university said that Mindy Kaling's upcoming sports comedy misappropriated its trademarks for its basketball team.
Former “Below Deck” Crew Members Sue Bravo and NBC for Allegedly Covering Up Star’s Sexual Misconduct
Samantha Suarez and Grey Duddleston’s complaint alleges sexual battery, assault, hostile work environment harassment, and false imprisonment against the networks and show's star, Gary King.
Paramount Pulls Back on D.E.I. Policies
The company has a merger with Skydance pending before the Federal Communications Commission, which chief has criticized diversity, equity, and inclusion hiring programs. Paramount is a large entertainment conglomerate, which pullback will have resounding affect.
Gene Hackman Most Likely Died on Feb. 17, Sheriff Says
The Santa Fe County sheriff reported that the actor's pacemaker was last active nine days before his and his wife's bodies were found. Authorities are piecing together the timeline of events leading to their deaths, with initial investigations suggesting potential causes of death.
Connecticut Bill Requiring Movie Theaters to Disclose Actual Start Times Attracts National Attention
If the bill becomes law, people would see two times instead of one when buying movie tickets in the state: the time when ads and trailers start and the actual start of the film.
Their Album Is Wordless. Will Their Protest Against A.I. Resound?
Musicians including Kate Bush and Billy Ocean released a “silent record” in outrage at a proposed change to British copyright law. Amelia Nierenberg reported from London while listening to the album: “Is This What We Want?” Sometimes, silence speaks louder than song.
Merlin Warns Of 'Irreparable Damage' To Independent Music from UK Government's AI Proposals
Merlin opposes the UK government’s proposed copyright law changes for AI training, joining a national campaign against allowing AI developers to use copyrighted works, including music, without permission or compensation. Major labels also support this opposition media.
Brazil’s Best Picture Nominee Sparks New Fight for Justice
“I'm Still Here” — the Oscar best picture nominee about the murder of a Brazilian congressman by the country's military dictatorship — concludes with a single sentence that delivers a gut punch of historical reality: The five soldiers charged in the killing were never punished because of laws granting them amnesty. The film is now bringing that back into public view.
A New Age of Iranian Cinema Is on Display at the Oscars
“The Seed of the Sacred Fig,” an Oscar-nominated movie filmed in secret in Iran, highlights the Iranian film world's groundbreaking new work inspired by the women-led protests in 2022.
Court Finds That Roger Waters Defamed Filmmaker with Antisemitic Remarks
A London High Court found that the Pink Floyd bassist made antisemitic statements in response to the documentary “The Dark Side of Roger Waters.” Al Jazeera was also named in the complaint.
Indian Man Awarded Damages Over Length of Commercials Before Movie Screening
A 31-year-old lawyer from Bangalore, Abhishek M R, has won damages in a legal case against India’s largest movie theater chain, PVR INOX, for showing excessive commercials before films. He took action after having to cancel work calls due to the movie running late time.
Arts
Artist Jeff Koons Defeats Sculptor's Copyright Lawsuit
U.S. pop artist Jeff Koons persuaded a Manhattan judge to dismiss a lawsuit claiming that he infringed a set designer's copyrights by depicting his work in art over 30 years ago. U.S. District Judge Timothy Reif stated that Michael Hayden should have known of the alleged infringement "well before" filing his 2021 lawsuit, concluding that Hayden waited too long to act sue.
Egon Schiele Watercolor, Said to Be Nazi-Looted, Set for Auction
A watercolor by Egon Schiele titled "Boy in a Sailor Suit" is set to be auctioned next month in London at Christie's after the auction house facilitated a settlement between the consignor and the heirs of a Viennese cabaret performer who owned the piece before he was murdered in a Nazi concentration camp.
Are Birkenstocks a Work of Art? A German Court Says No
The famous sandal company lost a battle over copyright law in Germany, leaving room for imitations to spawn.
Romania Sues Christie’s Auction House Over Sale of Centuries-Old Painting, Claims It Was Stolen by Former King
The Romanian government is suing Christie’s and a Russian billionaire to stop the sale of an El Greco painting claimed to be stolen by Romania’s last king over 70 years ago. The legendary piece, San Sebastian, painted by the Greek master between 1610 and 1614, was listed for auction by Christie’s for an estimated $9 million.
Sports
Texas Lawsuit Would Require 'SexScreening' of Student Athletes
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against the NCAA requiring "sex screening" of student-athletes. The lawsuit follows President Trump's executive order to bar transgender athletes from competing in girls' and women's sports.
DOJ Threatens to Sue Minnesota Over Noncompliance with Trump's Transgender Athlete Ban
The U.S. Justice Department is prepared to sue Minnesota and two other states defying Trump's recent executive order banning transgender girls and women from competing in sports that align with their gender identity. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi warned Minnesota's Attorney General Keith Ellison and MSHSL director Erich Martens that the state should be aware that her department “will hold accountable those violating federal law."
Puma and Brooks Settle Lawsuits Over Running-Shoe Patents and Trademarks
Puma and Berkshire Hathaway's Brooks Sports settled litigation over claims that Brooks' running shoes violated Puma's patent and trademark rights. The parties requested that a Seattle federal judge dismiss the cases with prejudice, preventing refiled claims. The dispute was resolved confidentially.
Veterinarian and 13 Horse Trainers Violated Drug Rules, According to U.S. Regulator
Thirty percent of the horses never raced again, and seven died, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority said.
Victor Wembanyama Jersey Swap Controversy Explained
On Monday, after the auction concluded, Frankie Desideri Sr., the father of the boy who swapped jerseys with Wembanyama, filed a lawsuit in the New York State Supreme Court for a temporary restraining order against Goldin Auctions to stop the sale, as first reported by Cllct.
Trump Says He Will Posthumously Pardon the Baseball Star Pete Rose
Trump also repeated his call for Rose, who was banned from the sport for gambling, to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Trump and Zelensky’s Meeting Sends Ukrainian Tennis Players to U.S. Under a Cloud
Ukrainian tennis players will head for two of the biggest U.S. tournaments of the year days after Trump castigated their president.
Australian Radio Host Leaves Role After 'Unacceptable' Comments on Women's National Soccer Team
Marty Sheargold has been removed from his position with the Triple M network after saying on air that the current women's national team reminded him of “Year 10 girls” and mocking the name of the SheBelieves Cup. He later asked a co-host if they “got any men's sport” to discuss instead.
Technology/Media
Study Reveals AI Training is Copyright Infringement
Last spring, the Copyright Initiative commissioned Professors Tim W. Dornis and Sebastian Stober to evaluate the technological and legal aspects of training generative AI models. Their research offers crucial insights into the training steps; tracing the process through collaboration between a computer scientist and a legal scholar.
Judge Declines to Intervene in Associated Press Lawsuit Over Trump Access
The Associated Press (AP) sued Trump officials for violating First and Fifth Amendment rights by blocking its reporters from certain White House events, including Oval Office and Air Force One. This ban followed AP's refusal to rename the Gulf of Mexico to "Gulf of America" as requested by the administration protections.
White House Moves to Pick the Pool Reporters Who Cover Trump
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced changes for its pool reporters, previously managed by WHCA. The AP was excluded for not calling the Gulf of Mexico the "Gulf of America." Leavitt stated traditional media can still participate, but pool membership will change. The WHCA condemned this, voicing concerns about journalistic independence, while Trump claimed it shows the White House's media control access.
Variety Loses Bid to Dismiss Francis Ford Coppola Defamation Lawsuit Over “Megalopolis” Set Claims
The court ruled against the media outlet, which argued that the director's lawsuit should be dismissed because it was intended to chill free speech.
FCC Chair Writes to IHeartMedia With Pointed ‘Payola’ Questions
The FCC chair has contacted iHeartMedia's CEO with questions about live music events. Brendan Carr wants to understand whether musicians perform for free or at reduced fees for “more favorable airplay” on iHeartMedia stations, potentially violating federal payola laws.
To Identify Suspect in Idaho Killings, F.B.I. Used Restricted Consumer DNA Data
New records show that the F.B.I. identified Bryan Kohberger as a potential murder suspect after tapping consumer databases that were supposed to be restricted to law enforcement.
Mississippi Judge Lifts Order That Forced Newspaper to Remove an Editorial
A Mississippi judge lifted an order she had issued requiring a newspaper to remove an editorial from its website on Wednesday. This ended a case that had drawn national attention from press advocates who said the order was a blatant violation of the First Amendment.
New York Times Asks Court to Dismiss Justin Baldoni’s Defamation Lawsuit
The New York Times urges a federal judge to dismiss Justin Baldoni‘s defamation suit regarding a report that sparked his dispute with Blake Lively. Baldoni alleges that the newspaper worked with Lively and her PR team on the Dec. 21 article “We Can Bury Anyone: Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine," which disclosed Lively’s civil rights complaint against him and implied that Baldoni's team aimed to harm her reputation after she reported his on-set behavior.
YouTuber Defamation Lawsuits from Musicians Are Heating Up
“You can’t say anything nowadays!” is a complaint from public figures who feel restricted in their free speech, often while addressing millions through media. A more accurate summary is that you can express anything now, especially using modern digital platforms. However, people can challenge your statements directly and legally if they consider them defamatory.
Jeff Bezos’ Directive for Washington Post Opinion Pages Leads to Editor David Shipley’s Resignation
David Shipley, The Post's opinion editor, is resigning after trying to persuade Jeff Bezos to reconsider the new direction, citing differences in editorial vision and concerns over the evolving editorial policies under the new leadership.
On X, Conservative Activists Find a Direct Pipeline to Elon Musk’s Team
Prominent conservative activists with an online presence have appeared to wield extraordinary access to Elon Musk’s team and the power to sway policy through it.
Apple Plans to Invest $500 Billion in U.S. as Trump Tariffs Loom
Days after Apple's CEO met with Trump, the company announce its plan to invest $500 billion, hire 20,000 people in the United States over the next four years, and open a factory in Texas to manufacture the machines that drive the company's push into AI.
S.E.C. Declares That Memecoins Are Not Subject to Oversight
A series of investigations into major cryptocurrency firms was halted, and the Securities and Exchange Commission agreed to pause a fraud case against a top crypto entrepreneur.
Federal Funding Crackdown Imperils Global Newsrooms
The U.S. government has been the world's largest supporter of independent foreign media, principally through U.S.A.I.D., since the early 1980s. The funding crackdown “is a boon to dictators and autocrats worldwide,” said Drew Sullivan of the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP).
Vietnamese Journalist Gets 2½ Years in Prison for Facebook Posts
The sentence for Truong Huy San, an influential reporter, was the latest crackdown on speech by Vietnam, a rising regional power.
General News
Supreme Court Grants New Trial to Death Row Inmate in Oklahoma
The Supreme Court granted a new trial to Richard Glossip, a death row inmate in Oklahoma whose challenge to his conviction led to an extraordinary concession from the state's attorney general.
Supreme Court Poised to Rule for Straight Woman in Discrimination Case
Marlean A. Ames sued under a federal civil rights law that forbids employment discrimination based on, among other characteristics, sex. The Supreme Court had previously ruled in 2020 that discrimination based on sexual orientation is a form of sex discrimination for purposes of the civil rights law.
An Important Judicial Tool Mysteriously Goes Missing at the Supreme Court
The justices have all but stopped issuing summary reversals, which are unsigned decisions used to correct clear errors by lower courts.
Federal Judges Are Ordering Trump to Slow Down. Will He Listen?
Justice Department lawyers, confronting an onslaught of legal challenges, have made a case in court that expansive executive power inherent in the Constitution buttresses the lawfulness of President Trump’s aggressive unilateral actions..
Musk and Republican Lawmakers Pressure Judges with Impeachment Threats
Democrats say the calls to remove judges who block Trump administration policies are an attempt to undermine the independence of the judiciary and erode the checks and balances that are fundamental to the U.S. Constitution.
Trump Fires Joint Chiefs Chairman Amid Flurry of Dismissals at Pentagon
The decision to fire Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., a four-star fighter pilot, upends a tradition in which the Joint Chiefs chairman traditionally remains in place as administrations change.
Some Trump Appointees Resist Musk's Ultimatum to Federal Workers
The F.B.I. director, Kash Patel, the director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, and others, told employees not to respond to a directive from Musk to summarize their accomplishments.
Judge Questions Constitutionality of Musk's DOGE Operation
The suits are part of several efforts by Musk to examine government spending and reduce the federal workforce. These efforts have led to conflicting directives from Musk and the heads of various federal agencies, along with termination notices that were issued promptly rescinded.
Judge Gives Trump Administration Deadline to Unfreeze Foreign Aid
A federal judge directed the Trump administration to unfreeze foreign aid funding within two days after indications that it was being withheld in violation of federal law, ruling that the decision to withhold the funds lacked proper legal justification.
Government Watchdog Moves to Protect Probationary Federal Workers, Judge Rules Trump Can’t Fire Head of Federal Watchdog Agency Without Cause
Hampton Dellinger, the head of the Office of Special Counsel, recommended pausing the mass firings of some probationary federal employees, citing concerns that the dismissals could be inconsistent with established protections and due process procedures. Trump fired him and then a federal judge said that the president's efforts to remove Dellinger were unlawful.
FDA Reinstates Fired Staff Supporting Medical Devices, Food Safety, and Legal Work
The agency changed course just days after firing employees who oversee food safety and life-sustaining medical devices. Dozens of workers said they and others were back at work.
Federal Judge Bars Musk's Team from Student Loan Databases
A federal judge in Maryland issued a temporary restraining order, blocking the Education Department and Office of Personnel Management from sharing sensitive data with the Department of Government Efficiency team members and their associates.
Judge Allows C.I.A. to Fire Officers Who Worked on Diversity Issues
A federal district judge allowed the C.I.A. director, John Ratcliffe, to fire intelligence officers who had worked on diversity issues. This decision could clear the path for terminating other employees at the spy agency.
Trump Team Tightens Control Over Government Lawyers Who Might Say 'No'
At the Justice Department and the Pentagon, the administration is curtailing the ability of lawyers to raise internal objections to the president's use of power.
Prosecutors in Washington Demoted in Retribution Push by Trump Ally
Ed Martin, the acting U.S. attorney in the District of Columbia, took action against federal prosecutors involved in Jan. 6 cases.
Justice Dept.'s No. 2 Targets Old Office Where He Rose as a Prosecutor
The forceful approach that Emil Bove III has taken toward the Southern District of New York underscores his fraught relationship with the office that gave him the expertise to do so.
Judge Blocks Immigration Raids in Certain Places of Worship
Religious organizations are challenging a Trump administration policy that allows ICE to conduct operations in sensitive locations.
Farmers Sue Over Deletion of Climate Data from Government Websites
Organic farmers and environmental groups sued the Agriculture Department for removing climate change references from its websites. The lawsuit claims this violates federal transparency laws and harms farmers who depend on this information for agricultural decisions and funding information.
Trump Takes Aim at Law Firm Aiding Jack Smith
Trump announced that he will revoke security clearances from Covington & Burling lawyers who represented Special Counsel Jack Smith. This reflects Trump's tactic of using presidential power to target perceived adversaries, including stripping security clearances and details critics.
Unvaccinated Child Dies of Measles in Texas Outbreak
According to officials in Lubbock, Texas, and the Department of State Health Services, the patient was an unvaccinated school-age child. They confirmed that the child had been diagnosed with a severe case of a preventable disease, prompting health officials to urge the community to ensure that vaccinations are up to date to prevent further outbreaks.
Abortion Pill Maker Enters Legal Fight Over F.D.A. Rules
The country's largest manufacturer of abortion pills is wading into the first major legal battle over abortion of Trump's second term. The company, GenBioPro, asked a Texas court to add it to the list of defendants in a lawsuit filed in October by three Republican state attorneys general.
Federal Workers Again Receive Email Asking Them to Detail Accomplishments
Although Musk said he was acting at Trump's encouragement, the original email and threat of possible dismissal sowed chaos across government agencies. Employees scrambled to understand the severity of the situation and what it meant for their jobs.
How Trump's 'Gold Card' Plan Echoes the Golden Visas Programs in Europe
Trump has proposed a new visa program that could lead to permanent residency for those willing to pay a fee of about $5 million.
Trump Administration Ends Global Health Research Program
The surveys have been conducted since 1984. The funding totaled about $500 million over five years, about half of which came from the U.S.A.I.D. and the other half from various international partners and private organizations, all aiming to support global development and research initiatives.
Senior Leaders Are Leaving FEMA
Under the Trump administration's so-called deferred resignation offer, more than 800 FEMA employees are leaving, according to several people familiar with the situation who spoke anonymously because they were not authorized to discuss it publicly.
Office Closures and Relocations Part of Trump’s Plan for Large-Scale Layoffs
The newly released requirements for agencies to move forward with mass cuts to the federal workforce have employees even more on edge.
Iowa Governor Signs Bill Ending Transgender Civil Rights Protections
Iowa’s Republican governor signed into law a measure that ends state civil rights protections for transgender people, a move that LGBTQ rights advocates said made the state the first to eliminate such broad and specific protections for transgender people.
‘Full on Fight Club’: How Trump Is Crushing U.S. Climate Policy
Trump has quickly transformed America's approach to the environment, withholding funds and stretching the limits of presidential power.
Homeland Security Officials Push I.R.S. for 700,000 Immigrants’ Addresses
The Department of Homeland Security has pushed the Internal Revenue Service to turn over the addresses of roughly 700,000 undocumented immigrants it is seeking to deport, according to three people familiar with the matter, in a request that could violate taxpayer privacy laws.
Social Security Administration to Cut Roughly 7,000 Workers
The agency is also restructuring and closing six of 10 regional offices that coordinate and provide support to employees who serve beneficiaries.
Defense Dept. Schools Pause STEM Club for Girls and Pride Clubs
At Lakenheath High School, a school for children of U.S. military members in Britain, a club for gay students and their allies can no longer meet. Clubs for Hispanic and Asian students were also among the student groups put on hold as officials raced to interpret Trump administration orders.
Shocked by Trump Meeting, Zelensky and Ukraine Try to Forge a Path Forward
After Trump's rebukes, President Volodymyr Zelensky tried to repair the relationship with his counterpart while also reaching out to European allies.
Rafael Caro Quintero, Notorious Mexican Drug Lord, Is Arraigned in New York
The move by Mexico to allow the transfer of Rafael Caro Quintero to the United States signaled a potentially new era of cooperation in the drug war. Bringing Rafael Caro Quintero to the United States has long been a top priority of American officials.
Cuomo Enters N.Y.C. Mayor’s Race, Upending Contest to Unseat Adams
The comeback attempt, three years after Andrew M. Cuomo resigned as governor in scandal, will test New Yorkers' appetite for second chances and change.
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