Week In Review
- Elissa D. Hecker - Editor
- May 26
- 11 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:
Ex-Copyright Office Director Perlmutter Sues Trump to Block Termination
Recently terminated Copyright Office Register Shira Perlmutter sued President Trump and the acting Librarian of Congress, seeking an emergency injunction against her removal. Perlmutter claims the Trump administration’s efforts are “blatantly unlawful,” as the power to appoint and remove the copyright register belongs to the Librarian of Congress, not the president, according to a complaint filed in the US District Court for the District of Columbia. This lawsuit follows Perlmutter’s termination by the White House on May 10, shortly after Trump fired her ex-boss, Carla Hayden.
Entertainment
Ed Sheeran Legal Team Petitions Against Supreme Court Review in ‘Thinking Out Loud’ Case Appeal
Ed Sheeran is firing back against a Supreme Court cert petition in one of multiple “Thinking Out Loud” copyright suits. As the artist and his team see things, reversing the courts’ prior decisions could set the stage for a tidal wave of speculative infringement actions.
At the Combs Trial, the Elusive Victim-3 and Other Unsettled Questions
The major outlines of the prosecution of the music mogul Sean Combs have taken shape in a Manhattan courtroom, but several issues at the core of the case remain unanswered.
Salt-N-Pepa Sue Record Label to Reclaim Rights to Their Recordings, including 'Push It'
Salt-N-Pepa want to reclaim the rights to their recordings, including “Push It” and “Shoop,” and they are suing their record label to get them.
Jennifer Lopez Sued in Copyright Case for Posting Photos of Herself to Social Media
A photographer and agency sued Jennifer Lopez for copyright infringement, alleging that she posted copyrighted photos of herself from a pre-Golden Globes party on social media. The complaint states that Edwin Blanco accuses Lopez of sharing her arrival and departure photos from the January event on Instagram and X without permission. Backgrid USA, co-owner of the photos, filed a similar suit.
Court Dismisses Lawsuit Claiming Lil Nas X Copied Instagram Posts
A freelance artist and model alleged that the musician copied a series of poses from his posts, but the court ruled that it's unlikely he saw the posts, with between eight and 75 likes, in the first place.
Hollywood Commission’s Workplace Misconduct Resource Opened Up to All Entertainment Industry Workers
Starting Thursday, the ombuds feature from MyConnext will be available to everyone across the business.
‘Copshop’ Writer’s Lawsuit Against Managers Over Conflict of Interest on Pay Revived on Appeal
Kurt McLeod accused his managers of failing to disclose a substantial increase to the movie's budget. After a winding road, that case has now been revived.
Rebel Wilson Responds to Latest ‘The Deb’ Controversy as Legal Dispute Leaves Film in Limbo
The movie's Instagram account recently posted comments criticizing 'The Deb' star Charlotte MacInnes for performing at Cannes.
Springsteen Releases EP Including Remarks That Angered Trump
After Bruce Springsteen criticized the Trump administration on tour, the president said he should “KEEP HIS MOUTH SHUT.” Instead, Springsteen included his comments on a new release.
Paris Court Convicts Eight in 2016 Robbery of Kim Kardashian
The reality TV star, who was held at gunpoint as jewelry worth millions was stolen from her, said she was satisfied by the ruling.
Arts
Fortnite’s Darth Vader Is A.I.-Powered. Voice Actors Are Rebelling.
The actors’ union that began striking against video game companies last summer has filed an unfair labor practice charge against Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite.
Times Square Sculpture Prompts Racist Backlash. To Some, That’s the Point.
A 12-foot bronze statue of an anonymous Black woman has become a lightning rod in a fraught American debate about race, representation, and diversity.
The Marine Veteran Who Counteracts Boot Camp with Ballet
Before he served in Iraq, Román Baca was a ballet dancer. Now he helps other veterans deal with their trauma through dance.
Sports
Supreme Court Orders Maine House to Restore Voting Power to Censured Lawmaker, for Now
State Representative Laurel Libby, a Republican, had been banned from voting over comments opposing transgender athletes in girls’ sports.
Tennis Governing Bodies File Motions to Dismiss PTPA Lawsuit That Labeled Them ‘A Cartel’
On the eve of the French Open, the major tennis governing bodies have filed motions to dismiss a lawsuit labeling them a “cartel” and accusing them of “harm of players and fans alike.” The ATP, WTA, ITF, and ITIA seek to quash the antitrust suit from the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) and 12 players filed in March.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6370355/2025/05/21/tennis-lawsuit-ptpa-tours-cartel-motion-dismiss/
Newsletter, Image, Likeness Vol. 133: The Antitrust Trap—Why College Sports' New Sheriff May Be Walking into Many Lawsuits
The Weekly Longer NIL Thought
This week, there has been much discussion about the NCAA ceding NIL enforcement to the new College Sports Commission, which will appoint a CEO who "will have the final say in doling out punishments and deciding when rules have been violated."
Nick Saban Doubles Down on Lack of Need for Presidential Commission
"I know there's been a lot of talk about some commission. I don't think we need one," said Saban. "We know the issues; we just need people willing to solve them. I'm open to consulting anyone who believes my experience could help create solutions."
Zakai Zeigler Files Lawsuit Against NCAA Seeking Extra Year of Eligibility
Zakai Zeigler, a University of Tennessee basketball player, is suing the NCAA in federal court for the right to play a fifth season as a graduate student. His case is unique because he neither transferred nor took a non-traditional route; he simply wants to play after graduating. Zeigler argues that the NCAA's four-season limit violates antitrust laws, costing him millions in potential NIL earnings—claiming he could earn $2-4 million next season compared to the $500,000 he made last year.
New Jersey Considering Bill to Trump The NCAA
Bill S4439 repeals the "New Jersey Fair Play Act" and allows colleges to compensate athletes for NIL. It asserts that "A four-year institution of higher education or any related entity subjected to any actual or threatened complaint, investigation, penalty, or other adverse action by an athletic association, conference, or organization with authority over intercollegiate athletics may recover actual damages, reasonable attorney fees, seek injunctive relief, and any other available legal remedy."
Some Interesting Quotes from NCAA Prez Charlie Baker This Week
He said, "I don't believe anything anybody tells me about what's going on in the NIL space because there's no way to verify it." This wrongly suggests that, since perfect verification isn't possible, no verification is possible. Many NIL deals can be verified by the signed documents.
White House Pausing Plans for Presidential Commission on College Sports
Plans for a presidential commission on college sports issues have been paused indefinitely as Congress pursues legislation to address major college sports challenges. There is no set timetable for resumption, but planning may continue in the meantime.
Valencia Criticizes ‘Injustice and Falsehoods’ in Netflix’s Vinicius Jr Documentary
Valencia has asked Netflix to correct part of its documentary on Vinicius Junior, which the club claims “does not correspond with reality.”
Police Charge Man with Giving Alcohol to Underage Pirates Fan Who Fell from PNC Park Stands
A Pittsburgh-area man faces charges for allegedly providing alcohol to Kavan Markwood, 20, who fell from the PNC Park stands during an April 30 game between the Pirates and Cubs.
Judge Weighs Text Evidence After Brett Howden’s Emotional Testimony
The judge in the Hockey Canada trial will decide if Brett Howden's text messages to a teammate about Dillon Dubé hitting the complainant’s buttocks can be admitted as evidence. On Thursday, Justice Maria Carroccia heard arguments from both the Crown and defense on whether the text exchange can be considered "past recollection recorded.”
Technology/Media
Here’s What Meta Argued to Fend Off Monopoly Claims in Landmark Trial
The social media company called only a handful of witnesses as it sought to prove it helped Instagram and WhatsApp after acquiring them.
Regulators Are Investigating Whether Media Matters Colluded with Advertisers
Elon Musk, who owns X, previously sued the liberal group over claims that it tried to damage his social media company’s relationship with advertisers.
Disney Is Suing YouTube Over Poaching of Top ESPN Executive Justin Connolly
YouTube, capturing a growing share of TV audiences, has hired former ESPN executive Justin Connolly as global head of sports and media. Connolly was previously head of Disney’s Platform Distribution group and left the company on Friday.
Head of CBS News Is Forced Out Amid Tensions with Trump
Wendy McMahon, the president of CBS News and Stations, had allied herself with Bill Owens, the “60 Minutes” executive producer, who recently resigned.
A.I.-Generated Reading List in Chicago Sun-Times Recommends Nonexistent Books
A summer reading insert recommended made-up titles by real authors such as Isabel Allende and Delia Owens. The Sun-Times and The Philadelphia Inquirer have apologized.
Podcasts With a Side of Drugs: Spotify Faces Criticism Over Uploads Promoting Illegal Substance Sales
Audio entertainment with a side of drugs: Spotify has reportedly booted a number of “podcasts” advertising the online sale of illegal substances.
General News
Deadlocked Supreme Court Rejects Bid for Religious Charter School in Oklahoma
In a 4-to-4 decision, the Court upheld a ruling by the Oklahoma Supreme Court that blocked the school.
Supreme Court Lets Trump Lift Deportation Protections for Venezuelans
A federal judge had blocked the administration’s plan to remove the temporary protected status of more than 300,000 immigrants.
Trump Administration Asks Supreme Court to Shield DOGE From Releasing Records
Government lawyers asked the justices to block a lower court order that Elon Musk’s team and the Office of Management and Budget turn over internal documents.
Biden Is Diagnosed with an Aggressive Form of Prostate Cancer
The cancer has metastasized to the bone, according to a statement from Joe Biden’s personal office.
Justice Dept. Says It Will Investigate Chicago After Mayor’s Remarks About Black Hires
It is the Trump administration’s latest effort to remake the department’s civil rights division, which has historically worked to fight discrimination against minorities.
Noem Incorrectly Defines Habeas Corpus as the President’s Right to Deport People
The right allows people to legally challenge their detentions by the government and is guaranteed in the Constitution.
Judge Orders Trump Officials to Seek Return of Guatemalan Man to U.S.
Judge Brian Murphy criticized the government for errors in the case and said the man, who feared persecution if he was deported, was likely to show “his removal lacked any semblance of due process.”
If Justice Dept. Can’t Prosecute Trump’s Foes, It Will ‘Shame’ Them, Official Says
Prosecutors have long spoken only through court filings, to investigate crimes, not people. That’s changing, as the Trump administration targets his perceived enemies, with little evidence of criminality.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/21/us/politics/trump-justice-department-ed-martin-weaponization.html
U.S. Sues Four New Jersey Cities Over ‘Sanctuary’ Policies
Justice Department lawyers say in a lawsuit that Newark, Jersey City, Hoboken, and Paterson are shielding illegal immigrants from lawful prosecution.
U.S. Formally Accepts Luxury Jet From Qatar for Trump
The Air Force has been asked to figure out a way to upgrade it so it can be put into use as a new Air Force One for the president.
Judge Rules That Trump Administration Takeover of Institute of Peace Is Illegal
Judge Beryl Howell of U.S. District Court in Washington said that the administration, in a “gross usurpation of power,” had acted with “blunt force” against the independent agency.
Judge Orders U.S. to Keep Custody of Migrants Amid Claims They Were Sent to South Sudan
In a chaotic hearing, Trump administration officials told a federal judge they did not know where a plane of deportees was going. The judge raised the possibility that he could order its return.
Justice Dept. to End Oversight of Local Police Accused of Abuses
Days before the anniversary of George Floyd’s murder in Minneapolis, the Trump administration said that it would abandon efforts to reduce police violence there and in several other cities.
5 Years After George Floyd’s Murder, the Backlash Takes Hold
The Black Lives Matter movement, kicked into high gear after Floyd’s murder on May 25, 2020, has given way to the politics of “white grievance” championed by Trump.
Trump’s Firings of Rights Watchdog Board Members Were Illegal, Judge Rules
A federal court ruled that Trump’s removals were illegal and arbitrary and ordered two board members reinstated.
Democrats Hammer Linda McMahon Over Education Department Cuts
Linda McMahon defended Trump’s budget proposal, which puts her agency on the chopping block.
Trump’s Pick to Lead I.R.S. Promoted a Nonexistent Tax Credit
Billy Long’s effort to promote the credit, along with his advocacy of a fraud-ridden pandemic-era tax break, was scrutinized during his Senate confirmation hearing.
Trump Has Cut Science Funding to Its Lowest Level in Decades
The National Science Foundation, which funds fundamental research at American universities, is granting money at the slowest pace in 35 years. Funding cuts affect nearly every area of science, extending beyond diversity programs and other “woke” targets that the Trump administration seeks to reduce.
Slaying Outside D.C. Jewish Museum Is Part of Global Surge in Antisemitism
Groups that monitor hate crimes said the Hamas attack in 2023 and the subsequent war had helped fuel tens of thousands of anti-Jewish incidents globally, including cases of verbal abuse and violence. The murdered couple, Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, met while working at the Israeli Embassy in Washington. Lischinsky had just bought an engagement ring, an official said.
Surgeons Perform First Human Bladder Transplant
Surgeons in Southern California performed the first human bladder transplant, a potentially life-changing procedure for those with severe bladder conditions. This month, a UCLA and University of Southern California surgical team operated on a 41-year-old man who had lost much bladder capacity due to treatment for a rare bladder cancer.
Now That House Republicans Took the Plunge, It’s the Senate’s Turn
Senate Republicans say changes are coming for the sprawling domestic policy bill carrying Trump’s agenda. Their colleagues who took political risks to push it through the House might not like them.
Republican Bill Would Limit Judges’ Contempt Power
Democrats have argued that House Republicans’ measure would rob courts of their power by stripping away any consequences for officials who ignore judges’ rulings.
Judge Blocks Trump Effort to Bar International Students at Harvard
Harvard sued and asked for a restraining order less than 24 hours after the Trump administration had said it would block current and future international students from attending the university.
Judge Blocks Trump Administration from Revoking Student Visas
Judge Jeffrey White of the Northern District of California provided temporary relief to some international students while a legal battle continues.
Trump’s Multi-Million-Dollar Birthday Parade Plans Are Underway. What To Know as the Military Prepares
Dozens of military planes, hundreds of Army vehicles, and thousands of soldiers are set to be deployed in Washington, D.C. on June 14
Trump Allies Look to Benefit from Pro Bono Promises by Elite Law Firms
Veterans, in particular, are seeking free legal work from firms that cut deals with the White House like Skadden, Kirkland & Ellis and Paul Weiss.
C.E.O.s Hold Their Tongues to Avoid Attracting Trump’s Anger
Public companies are obligated to tell investors how tariffs could affect corporate financial results, but some are trying to do it with euphemisms to avoid the president’s anger.
Hochul Apologizes to Native Americans for Boarding School Atrocities
Gov. Kathy Hochul of New York visited Seneca land to apologize for the state’s operation of a boarding school that “sanctioned ethnic cleansing” of Native American children.
Nervous Corporate Sponsors Retreat from New York Pride
About 25% of corporate donors to New York Pride have canceled or scaled back their support, citing economic uncertainty and fear of retribution from the Trump administration.
Rep. McIver Charged with Assault Over Clash Outside Newark ICE Center
The Department of Justice announced it was dropping a trespass charge against the city’s mayor stemming from the same episode.
California Man Is Found Guilty of Starting Line Fire
Justin Halstenberg faces life in prison, prosecutors said, for starting a blaze that burned nearly 44,000 acres in Southern California last fall.
Trump’s New Position on the War in Ukraine: Not My Problem
In a reversal, Trump appears to have backed off joining a European push for new sanctions on Russia, seemingly eager to move on to doing business deals with it.
Why Vietnam Ignored Its Own Laws to Fast-Track a Trump Family Golf Complex
As Trump blurs the lines between politics and business — and threatens steep tariffs on trade partners — governments feel compelled to favor his projects.
U.S. to Impose Sanctions on Sudan Over Use of Chemical Weapons
The State Department’s announcement comes months after U.S. officials found evidence that Sudan’s military had used chemical weapons against its paramilitary rival.
Trump Lectures South African President in Televised Oval Office Confrontation
Trump showed a video and leafed through printouts that he falsely claimed showed widespread persecution of white South Africans. The country’s president tried to correct the record.
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