Week In Review
- Elissa D. Hecker - Editor
- Apr 14
- 18 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
Morrissey Launches Legal Action Against Alleged Online Fraudster, As Web Sheriff Investigation Uncovers ‘Decades-Long Defamation Campaign’
In 2022, Cardi B won a libel case against a YouTuber for defamatory statements. Recently, K-pop giant HYBE has moved to unmask anonymous YouTubers who are allegedly spreading misinformation about its artists. With AI-generated deepfakes, the distinction between legitimate criticism and character assassination is increasingly blurred.
Mariah Carey, Universal Music, Sony Music, and Others Demand $185,000+ In Legal Fees After Beating ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’ Copyright Case
The defendants made a sizable ask before the May 12 hearing. The complaint is one among many targeting alleged infringement in prominent works, which may deter similar copyright litigation by showcasing high legal fees.
Donald Trump Denied Dismissal of Isaac Hayes Heirs’ Copyright Lawsuit
Judge Thomas Thrash Jr. of the U.S. District Court in Georgia denied President Trump’s lawyers' motion to dismiss, which claimed that the plaintiffs had not proven ownership of the song. Hayes’s estate and Isaac Hayes Enterprises LLC, led by Isaac Hayes III, filed a lawsuit last August, alleging that Trump played "Hold On, I’m Coming,” a 1966 Sam and Dave hit, as outro music at rallies without permission.
Congress Advances TICKET Act Without Important Changes
The House Energy & Commerce Committee unanimously approved the TICKET Act, sending it to the House of Representatives. However, music industry trade groups consider the bill inadequate. Earlier this year, a similar bill was introduced in the Senate. While consumer groups and ticket resellers support the TICKET Act, independent venues, promoters, artists, agents, and managers call for stronger protections.
James Toback Is Ordered to Pay $1.7 Billion in Sexual Assault Case
A jury in New York awarded $1.7 billion in damages to 40 women who sued the former movie director and writer James Toback over allegations of sexual assault.
Writers Guild West Names Members Who Were Expelled or Disciplined for Breaking Strike Rules Appeal
Four of the seven disciplined have appealed: Julie Bush, Tim Doyle, Edward Drake, and Roma Roth. They have all sought to overturn rulings from the WGA West board of directors.
‘Jeopardy!’ & ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Legal Shocker: CBS Loses Out to Sony in Court Battle Over Rights to Distribute Game Shows
A judge has granted a preliminary injunction to Sony Pictures Television regarding the distribution of “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune”, denying CBS’ attempt to block it. Judge Kevin C. Brazile noted that licensing agreements should be limited to two years, but some, like those in Australia and New Zealand, exceeded this timeframe.
Warner Bros. Seeks to Quash Diddy’s Move to Access Raw Documentary Interview Footage
The rap mogul's legal team attempts to subpoena all footage and notes from interviews with his ex-chef and former girlfriend, who spoke out in 'The Fall of Diddy' docuseries.
Russell Brand: Warner Reportedly Ready to Hand Over ‘Arthur’ Outtakes in Civil Sexual Assault Case
Warner Bros. Discovery has informed a U.S. court that it will provide “Arthur” outtakes for a civil sexual assault case against Russell Brand. In 2023, actress Jane Doe sued Brand and Warner Bros., claiming Brand exposed himself on set and followed her into a bathroom, where he assaulted her while a crew member guarded the door. Both Brand and Warner Bros. deny any wrongdoing.
Colombian Court Says Song Recorded by Karol G And J Balvin Violated the Rights of Children
A Colombian high court ruled that “+57,” a song by J Balvin and Karol G, violated children's rights by sexualizing minors. The court ordered the artists and other reggaeton singers to stop publishing music that harms children and teenagers, stating, “Sexualizing minors reduces them to becoming objects of desire and exposes them to risks affecting their development.”
An Unimaginable Tragedy at a Celebrity-Studded Nightclub Plunges Dominican Republic Into Mourning
Two former MLB stars, an iconic singer, a renowned fashion designer, a prominent banking family, a governor, and young professionals were among at least 221 people killed when a celebratory night turned into one of the Dominican Republic’s deadliest events. The roof of the Jet Set nightclub collapsed, plunging the nation into mourning.
Luis R. Conriquez’s Show in Mexico Ends in Chaos for Excluding Narcocorridos
A concert by popular Mexican corrido singer Luis R. Conriquez ended in chaos when he announced that his performance at the Feria del Caballo in Mexico would not include narcocorridos due to a ban on glorifying violence in several municipalities. Performing at a “palenque" in Texcoco, he faced boos from the audience as his setlist lacked some famous corridos criticized for glorifying drug trafficking. Upset attendees began jeering, throwing punches, and causing damage at the venue.
Arts
Luxury Fashion Brands Are 'Biting Their Nails' Over EU Tariffs
A month ago, luxury businesses anticipated deregulation, lower taxes, and a booming stock market, hoping for wealthy buyers to indulge in lavish gowns and watches. However, with the Trump administration's 20% tariffs on EU products, they face a different reality: a U.S. market possibly lacking quilted Chanel bags, with pricier Rolexes, and uncertain price tags on “Made in Italy,” “Made in France," and “Made in Switzerland" items for American consumers.
States Challenge Trump's Effort to Dismantle Library Agency
In a lawsuit, 21 state attorneys general argued that the steep cuts to the Institute of Museum and Library Services violate the Constitution and other federal spending laws.
Singer Sues Met Opera Over Firing for Post-Pregnancy Vocal Problems
Mezzo-soprano Anita Rachvelishvili sued the Metropolitan Opera (Met) and her union, claiming her contracts were unlawfully terminated due to a vocal issue after childbirth. She also alleged that the union failed to pursue a grievance. In a complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Manhattan, the 40-year-old Georgian singer stated that the Met owed her over $400,000 from canceled performances from 2022 to January 2025.
Dismissed Players Take Aim at New York Philharmonic Misconduct Inquiry
In April 2024, the New York Philharmonic suspended principal oboist Liang Wang and associate principal trumpet Matthew Muckey due to renewed allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of power. Both were previously dismissed in 2018 and reinstated in 2020 after arbitration but faced suspension and eventual dismissal in November 2024. Wang and Muckey then filed amended complaints against the Philharmonic and the players' union, claiming the investigations were biased.
Stunt Design Will Be Honored at the Academy Awards
Movies released in 2027 will be the first ones eligible for the new category at the Oscars, achievement in stunt design.
Who’s In and Who’s Out at the Naval Academy’s Library?
An order by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s office resulted in a purge of books critical of racism but preserved volumes defending white power. A total of 381 books were removed from the U.S. Naval Academy’s Nimitz Library on the Annapolis, Md., campus because their subject matter was seen as being related to so-called diversity, equity, and inclusion topics. Among the books banned are: "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou; "Memorializing the Holocaust" by Janet Jacobs; "How to Be Anti-Racist” by Ibram X. Kendi; and studies of the Ku Klux Klan.
France’s #MeToo Investigation Condemns “Endemic” Sexual Violence in Film, Culture Industries (Report)
The report, which follows a wave of high-profile sexual assault cases, recommends an overall of French funding and regulations to protect the vulnerable, especially minors.
Russia Frees Jailed American in Prisoner Swap With U.S.
Ksenia Karelina, jailed for a $50 donation to a Ukrainian charity, was released in exchange for Artur Petrov, a dual-Russian-German citizen. The Russian American ballerina was sentenced to 12 years in Russia and arrived in Washington after the exchange at Abu Dhabi airport, highlighting connections between Presidents Putin and Trump.
Sports
What's At Stake with the House V. NCAA Settlement? Goodbye Amateurism, Hello Revenue Sharing
College athletes will receive direct payments from their universities. A California judge has approved a landmark settlement in multi-billion-dollar antitrust cases against the NCAA and college sports conferences. Judge Claudia Wilken granted preliminary approval in October, rejecting the NCAA’s defense. This marked a significant moment in college sports history, although her narrow ruling resulted in only modest scholarship stipends for athletes.
TKO, In Plans for Boxing Promotion, Seeks Changes to Ali Act
According to a memo posted on Combat Sports Law, the TKO Group, owner of UFC and WWE, has requested changes to the Muhammad Ali Act, which protects boxers from exploitation. This request coincides with TKO's plan for a new boxing promotion. While specifics are unclear, a UFC spokesperson told ESPN that the amendment aims to "enhance" the Ali Act and provide boxers with "more opportunities."
What To Know About NASCAR Antitrust Lawsuit: Teams Seek Financial Info From NFL, NBA, NHL, F1
Front Row and 23XI have gone to court to enforce subpoenas issued to the NFL, NBA, NHL, and Formula 1, seeking compliance in New York and Colorado. They request information on team and league revenues and their distribution, aiming to compare these with NASCAR, which they argue faces exclusionary conduct maintaining its monopoly. The NFL opposed the request, citing concerns over sharing financial data with a competitor and the involvement of attorney Jeffrey Kessler, who represents players against the league.
Barcelona Considers Filing a Motion That Could Lead To La Liga President’s Suspension
Barcelona issued a strong statement against La Liga and President Javier Tebas for illegally disclosing confidential financial documents. The club also announced its resignation from the La Liga Delegates Commission and is considering filing a motion to suspend Tebas.
Technology/Media
Senators Reintroduce “No Fakes” Bill Taking on AI Deepfakes
A bipartisan group of legislators reintroduced the bill alongside executives from YouTube, SAG-AFTRA, and the Recording Academy, among others.
Judge Orders White House to Restore AP's Access to Trump
A federal judge ordered the White House to restore The Associated Press's access to Trump, ruling that the ban over coverage objections violated the First Amendment. This order undermines Trump's efforts to control media access to presidential events, a shift from previous practices. Trump's team began restricting coverage in February, citing the outlet's refusal to use the administration's term, Gulf of America, for the Gulf of Mexico.
Trump and Paramount Agree on Mediator in '60 Minutes' Lawsuit
Paramount and Trump are set to mediate his $20 billion lawsuit against CBS News after agreeing on a mediator. Trump’s lawsuit claims that CBS edited an interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris on "60 Minutes" misleadingly.
How Trump's TikTok Negotiations Were Upended by China and Tariffs
The Trump administration's TikTok restructuring plan faced setbacks due to escalating U.S.-China trade tensions. To comply with regulations, ByteDance proposed giving 50% ownership to U.S. investors, but China's resistance, spurred by U.S. tariffs, stalled advancements. This situation highlights TikTok's risky position amid geopolitical trade and technology disputes, casting doubt on a resolution.
Google Says Employees Can Discuss Antitrust Case
After losing its antitrust trial in August, Google’s top lawyer, Kent Walker, reiterated to employees for the third time that discussing the case was prohibited. However, Google then lifted this restriction as part of a settlement with the Alphabet Workers Union, representing some employees and contractors, according to an email sent to workers. Alphabet is Google's parent company.
Broadcast Television Is in Trouble and Stations Are Asking Washington for Help
Advertisers are reallocating budgets from broadcasters to digital platforms. Concerns arise that streaming may replace the NFL, broadcast TV’s major draw, after its rights deal ends in 2029. Station owners like Nexstar Media Group and E.W. Scripps believe consolidation is vital to competing with large tech companies, but existing regulations hinder this.
Newsmax Made Defamatory Statements About Dominion, Judge Says
Newsmax, the right-wing cable channel, made defamatory statements about Dominion Voting Systems when it falsely claimed that the company rigged votes in the 2020 presidential election, a Delaware judge ruled.
How X Is Benefiting as Musk Advises Trump
The social media platform has regained advertisers and a new status as a government news source. In the White House press briefing room, journalists noticed a new face in the rotating seat for new media: John Stoll, the new head of news at X, owned by Elon Musk. "As you know, you are all on X, which has millions of users, many independent journalists, and news organizations worldwide across political spectrums,” said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. She then asked Stoll to ask the first question.
OpenAI Asks Court to Bar Elon Musk from Unfairly Attacking It
OpenAI asked a federal court to bar Musk from unfairly attacking it through a high-profile lawsuit he filed last year, the latest move in a bitter feud between the artificial intelligence start-up and the world's richest man.
Pilot Sues Influencer on X in Latest Test of Defamation LawTwo days after a January helicopter collision with a passenger jet that killed 67, Jo Ellis, a 35-year-old Virginia Army National Guard pilot, received many messages. Friends informed her that her name and photos were circulating online, with users mistakenly identifying her as the pilot involved in the crash on Jan. 29, fueling claims that diversity initiatives contributed to the incident since Ellis is transgender. To counter the rumors, she shared a “proof of life” video on Facebook asserting her well-being, but the claims persisted.
Trump White House Won't Respond to Some Journalists Who Display Their Pronouns
“As a matter of policy, we do not respond to reporters with pronouns in their bios,” Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, wrote to a New York Times reporter.
Trump Orders Exemptions on Phones and Computers
Trump didn’t mind as his tariffs triggered stock market sell-offs, erasing trillions in wealth. “Be cool,” he advised Americans. He then wavered amid financial turmoil, especially rising government bond yields threatening the dollar’s dominance and U.S. economic stability. Late Friday, he exempted smartphones, computers, chips, and other electronics from some tariffs on China.
How Musk’s Team Collects, and Connects, Data About You
The federal government possesses your mother’s maiden name, bank account number, student debt, disability status, employer, and wages. These intimate details about U.S. citizens are stored in various disconnected systems across federal agencies like the Treasury, Social Security Administration, and Department of Education.
Sarah Palin, New York Times to face off in defamation retrial
Sarah Palin returns to court to convince a second jury that the New York Times defamed her in an editorial about gun control. The retrial in her nearly eight-year-old lawsuit starts today in Manhattan federal court.
Skydance-Paramount Merger Agreement, Which Is Still Pending FCC Approval, Extended for 90 Days
Skydance Media‘s $8 billion merger with Paramount Global expired on April 7, awaiting FCC approval. The agreement's deadline has been extended for 90 days. If not closed by July 7, 2025, it may receive another 90-day extension if all conditions except regulatory approvals are met or waived.
Round One of ‘Blade Runner 2049’ Legal Battle Over AI Images Goes to Warner Bros. and Elon Musk
While dismissing trademark claims, the court found that Tesla could have infringed upon Alcon Entertainment's copyright for the Ryan Gosling film by using stills of the movie to prompt an AI image generator.
Redbox, Crackle, And Other Chicken Soup for The Soul Entertainment Assets Set for Post-Bankruptcy Auction
Redbox‘s DVD kiosks will soon reappear legally after last year’s bankruptcy along with its parent company, Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment. This month, a New York City law firm will sell the company’s trademarks and assets, including the kiosks, in a foreclosure auction. Notable brands in the sale include Crackle, an ad-supported streaming service from Sony Pictures, and many films formerly from Screen Media.
Something Else for Europe and the U.S. to Disagree About: ‘Free Speech’
Trump and Europe are clashing over tariffs, the Ukraine war, and the EU's purpose. They also disagree on free speech, impacting digital regulation. The EU is investigating U.S. companies under the Digital Services Act to curb illegal content and disinformation online.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/04/world/europe/european-union-free-speech-x-facebook-elon-musk.html
HYBE Helps Korean Police Arrest Eight People on Suspicion of Targeting Artists with Deepfake Content
HYBE is protecting its artists. The Northern Gyeonggi Provincial Police collaborated with the global company to arrest eight individuals suspected of creating and distributing deepfake videos of HYBE Music Group artists, Billboard confirms. Deepfakes are AI-generated false images, videos, or audio.
General News
Trump Officials Continue Defiant Stance on Seeking Return of Deported Man
The Trump administration is involved in a legal dispute over the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident mistakenly sent to El Salvador despite a court order against his removal. U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis ordered his return to the U.S., calling the deportation "wholly lawless" due to insufficient legal justification and the risks he faces in El Salvador's Terrorism Confinement Center.
Supreme Court Temporarily Blocks Order to Return Man Wrongly Deported to El Salvador.
Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. blocked a judge’s order for the U.S. to return a Salvadoran migrant it inadvertently deported. He issued an “administrative stay,” allowing the court time to consider the issue. This followed the administration's request to prevent the judge’s order requiring the return of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia by 11:59 p.m. Monday.
Trump Reverses Course on Global Tariffs, Announcing 90-Day Pause
Trump announced a 90-day pause on global tariffs that had troubled markets, just hours after imposing levies on nearly 60 countries. However, he maintained a tough stance on China, increasing tariffs on its exports to the U.S. to 125%. This came after China raised tariffs on American goods to 84%, heightening tensions between the world’s largest economies.
China Raises Tariffs on U.S. Imports to 125%, Calling Trump's Policies a 'Joke'
China said it was raising its tariffs on American goods to 125%, retaliating for the third time in the escalating trade war between the two superpowers.
U.S. and China Headed for 'Monumental' Split, Putting World Economy on Edge
A deepening trade war could further strain relations between the superpowers. The effects will be felt everywhere. While Trump paused import taxes for other countries last week, he increased tariffs on China, which now total 145%. China has condemned the policy as “economic bullying” and promised countermeasures.
House Passes G.O.P. Budget, Paving Way for Trump's Tax
The House adopted a Republican budget blueprint for cutting taxes and government spending after hardline conservatives ended a revolt against Trump’s domestic agenda. Although the approval was initially in doubt, it was a win for Republican leaders and the president, enabling them to create major legislation for significant tax cuts funded by deep reductions in federal program spending amid Democratic opposition.
I.R.S. Officials Said to Resign After Deal to Give ICE Migrants' Data
Several top IRS officials, including the acting commissioner, are preparing to resign after the Trump administration urged the agency to use protected tax records to assist Homeland Security in deporting immigrants. A court filing disclosed an agreement between the IRS and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, marking a significant shift from decades of practice aimed at keeping immigrants' information confidential.
Trump Signs Orders Aimed at Reviving a Struggling Coal Industry
Trump signed several executive orders to boost coal mining and burning in the U.S., aiming to revive the struggling industry. These measures include relaxing environmental rules, but their effectiveness in reversing the significant decline in coal power over the past 20 years remains uncertain.
Trump Signs Orders Punishing Those Who Opposed His 2020 Election Lies
Two executive orders targeted Christopher Krebs, who oversaw the security of the 2020 presidential election as a cybersecurity official, and Miles Taylor, who served as chief of staff at the Department of Homeland Security during Trump’s first term and anonymously authored a high-profile opinion piece for The New York Times in 2018.
House Votes to Curb National Injunctions, Targeting Judges Who Thwart Trump
House Republicans approved legislation to limit federal judges from issuing opinions with immediate national impact, addressing complaints from the president. The measure passed 218-214 primarily along party lines and faces challenges in the Senate. This is the latest attempt by the Republican-led Congress to rein in the judiciary, which they claim unfairly targets Trump and his policies.
Justice Dept. Bars its Lawyers From American Bar Association functions
The Justice Department barred its lawyers from attending American Bar Association events, escalating its battle with the legal profession over client representation. In a memo, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the association was free to support activist causes, but department employees must conduct themselves without undermining the department’s core mission of administering justice fairly and effectively.
Two Law Firms File for Permanent Relief From Trump's Executive Orders
Jenner & Block and Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr urged federal judges to block Trump’s executive orders against them, arguing that his actions are unconstitutional due to settlements with other firms. Jenner stated, “The settlements enabled [the president] to create an ‘unrivaled network of Lawyers’ serving not their clients’ interests but the government’s agenda."
Five More Big Law Firms Reach Deals with Trump
Kirkland & Ellis, A&O Shearman, Simpson Thacher, and Latham & Watkins are each set to provide $125 million in pro bono work to the administration each, among other terms, to avoid executive orders punishing them. This is a significant capitulation to the president as he attacks the legal profession.
How Trump Is Putting Law Firms in a No-Win Situation
Last week, Willkie Farr & Gallagher became the latest law firm to strike a deal with the White House and avoid President Trump's wrath. It is one of several prominent law firms that have opted to settle with the Trump administration to avert potential sanctions.
Chevron Must Pay $745 Million for Coastal Damages, Louisiana Jury Rules
A jury in Louisiana ruled that Chevron must pay a parish government about $745 million to help restore wetlands, which the jury said the energy company had harmed for decades. The verdict will likely influence similar lawsuits against other oil companies over coastal damage in the state.
When It Comes to D.E.I. and ICE, Trump Is Using Federal Grants as Leverage
In Trump’s early months, his administration threatened to withhold federal funds to impose its ideology on institutions and municipalities. This strategy continues as the Department of Homeland Security reviews billions in grants to ensure compliance with Trump’s immigration and diversity priorities.
Trump Administration Aims to Spend $45 Billion to Expand Immigrant Detention
The Trump administration plans to invest billions to expand immigrant detention in the U.S., as outlined in a recent request for proposals. The Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement seeks contractors for new detention facilities, transportation, security, medical support, and administrative services, totaling up to $45 billion over two years.
Trump Administration Cuts Aid Programs It Had Promised to Keep
The Trump administration cut funding for U.N. World Food Program emergency programs aiding millions in Afghanistan, Syria, Yemen, and 11 other crisis-affected countries. The largest food aid provider urged the U.S. to reverse these cuts in a social media post. This unexpected round of contract cancellations impacts some of the last humanitarian programs by the U.S. Agency for International Development.
Funding for National Climate Assessment Is Cut
The Trump administration cut funding and staffing for the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP), which is responsible for the National Climate Assessment (NCA). This decision jeopardizes the future of the NCA, a congressionally mandated report assessing climate change impacts in the U.S. Additionally, the administration terminated a vital contract with ICF International, disrupting future climate assessments, including the following report due in 2027.
The Pandemic Is Not the Only Reason Why U.S. Students Are Losing Ground
America’s lowest-performing students once improved alongside the top students. Despite low scores, they made steady gains on national tests in the 2000s, showing the U.S. education system was functioning if not spectacularly, helping struggling students keep pace with their more privileged peers. Now, these lowest-scoring students are in decline.
House Strikes Down $5 Overdraft Fee Limit, Sending Issue to TrumpSupporters of the repeal, including Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott and American Bankers Association President Rob Nichols, argue that access to overdraft services is critical and that limiting fees could drive consumers to riskier financial alternatives. Consumer advocates warn that without the cap, average overdraft fees of around $35 could continue to burden customers.
Trump Administration Cuts Princeton Funding to Study Climate Change
The Trump administration announced it is cutting nearly $4 million in federal funding for climate change research at Princeton University, saying that the work promoted “exaggerated and implausible climate threats” and increased “climate anxiety” among young Americans.
Proxy Voting Defeat Reflects a House Out of Step with Modern Culture
A majority of House members backed changing the rules to allow new parents to vote remotely. Yet in a Congress dominated by far-right Republicans, parental leave was a bridge too far.
Trump Will End Temporary Protections for Afghans and Cameroonians
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that thousands of Afghans and Cameroonians will lose their temporary deportation protections. According to DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, Secretary Kristi Noem determined that conditions in Afghanistan and Cameroon no longer justify U.S. protections. Approximately 14,600 Afghans and 7,900 Cameroonians will lose their temporary protected status (TPS) in May and June, respectively.
Social Security Lists Thousands of Migrants as Dead to Prompt Them to ‘Self-Deport’
The Trump administration has classified over 6,000 living immigrants as deceased, canceling their Social Security numbers to pressure them to leave the U.S. This action complicates access to banking and services requiring Social Security. It aligns with Trump’s broader crackdown on immigrants permitted to stay temporarily under Biden's programs. Their names and Social Security numbers will be moved to a database to track the deceased.
Trump Escalates Use of Official Power to Intimidate and Punish His Perceived Foes
Trump’s first-term efforts to urge law enforcement against political enemies were informal and private. His demands for investigations are becoming formalized through written orders as he seeks to use his public office to punish perceived enemies and silence critics.
Congestion Pricing Will Live on for Several Months After Court Agreement
The federal government and New York transit officials will allow congestion pricing to continue until midsummer or possibly fall, per a court filing. However, it’s uncertain if the federal Department of Transportation can pressure to end the program sooner despite threats to defund state transit projects.
Immigration Judge Rules Khalil Can Be Deported, but Legal Hurdles Remain
U.S. immigration judge Jamee Comans ruled that Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate and legal U.S. resident, can be deported, enabling the Trump administration to start deportation proceedings against him despite no criminal charges.
Top Pro Bono Leader Resigns from Paul Weiss, a Firm Hit in Trump's Crackdown on Big Law
Steven Banks, who once ran New York’s social services department, said he wanted to return to helping the homeless. He leaves within weeks of the elite firm striking a deal with President Trump.
Judge Says One DOGE Member Can Access Sensitive Treasury Dept. Data
A federal judge ruled that one member of Musk’s government efficiency program could have access to sensitive payment and data systems at the Treasury Department as long as that person goes through appropriate training and files disclosures.
Transgender Woman Arrested After Using Bathroom at Florida State Capitol
A transgender woman was arrested at the Florida Capitol last month for using a bathroom to protest a law blocking transgender individuals from restroom use based on gender identity. Marcy Rheintgen, 20, stated she deliberately broke the law. This is reportedly the first known case of someone arrested for contesting a law prohibiting transgender bathroom use in government buildings based on assigned gender at birth.
Senior Justice Dept. Lawyer Put on Leave After Questioning Trump Administration
A senior Justice Department immigration lawyer was placed on indefinite leave after questioning the Trump administration’s decision to deport a Maryland man to El Salvador, one day after representing the government in court. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche suspended Erez Reuveni, the acting deputy director of the department’s immigration litigation division, for not following a directive from superiors.
Scientists Revive the Dire Wolf, or Something Close
In 2021, a separate team of scientists retrieved DNA from the fossils of dire wolves, which became extinct about 13,000 years ago. With the discovery of additional DNA, the Colossal researchers have now edited 20 genes of gray wolves to imbue the animals with key features of dire wolves.
All Federal Experts on H.I.V. Prevention in Children Overseas Were Dismissed
Mother-to-child H.I.V. transmission takes an enormous toll in low-income countries. The Trump administration has laid off the officials who worked to solve the problem.
Europe Pauses Retaliation, but Also Braces for What’s Next
In March, the EU had planned to impose $23 billion in tariffs on U.S. products in retaliation for U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs. However, following Trump's announcement of a 90-day suspension of these tariffs to allow for negotiations, the EU has decided to delay its retaliatory measures for the same period.
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