Week In Review
- Elissa D. Hecker - Editor
- Jun 2
- 11 min read
By Seth Nguyen
Edited by Elissa D. Hecker
Below, for your browsing convenience, the categories are divided into: Entertainment, Arts, Sports, Technology/Media, and General News.
Entertainment
Taylor Swift Buys Back Rights to Her First 6 Albums
Taylor Swift has regained ownership of her early master recordings after buying them from Shamrock Capital, which had acquired them from Scooter Braun in 2020. Braun’s original 2019 purchase of her catalog led Swift to re-record her first six albums as "Taylor’s Version" to reclaim control. Thanks to her fans’ support and the massive success of her Eras Tour, she was finally able to repurchase her masters. She now fully owns her music, videos, and unreleased work, though she may still release the remaining re-recordings.
A Former Employee Testifies That Sean Combs Threatened to Kill Kid Cudi
Capricorn Clark, a former employee, testified that Sean Combs threatened and kidnapped her in 2011 over jealousy involving rapper Kid Cudi. Combs’s lawyers deny this. Clark’s testimony supports racketeering and kidnapping charges against Combs, who faces sex-trafficking accusations. The defense says all encounters were consensual.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/27/arts/music/sean-combs-diddy-trial-capricorn-clark-kidnapping.html
Kevin Costner Is Sued by ‘Horizon’ Actor Over Rape Scene
Stunt double Devyn LaBella sued Kevin Costner for forcing her into an unscripted, violent rape scene without notice or an intimacy coordinator, causing trauma. Costner’s lawyer called the claims baseless, saying she had agreed to the scene.
Smokey Robinson Accuses Housekeepers of Defamation in Countersuit
Smokey Robinson’s lawyers sued four former housekeepers, accusing them of defamation and faking sexual assault claims. The housekeepers allege repeated abuse and a criminal investigation is underway.
Diego Maradona trial in doubt as judge steps down after ‘acting like an actress’
The trial over Diego Maradona’s death is in doubt after Judge Julieta Makintach stepped down due to criticism for her appearance in a documentary. Her involvement may lead to the trial restarting. Seven medical staff face negligent homicide charges.
Arts
Harvard Relents After Protracted Fight Over Slave Photos
Harvard settled a lawsuit by Tamara Lanier over two 175-year-old photos of her enslaved ancestors, agreeing to send them to a Black history museum in South Carolina. The case highlighted Harvard’s ties to slavery and set a precedent for racial justice and repatriation efforts.
Sports
Video Game Union Reaches Deal on Industry-First Contract at Microsoft
A union representing 300 Microsoft video game workers at ZeniMax reached a tentative contract with a 13.5% wage increase and new minimum pay rates. The deal includes a commitment to notify and negotiate with the union over AI’s impact on jobs. This is the gaming industry’s first union contract and follows growing worker organization around pay and conditions.
Trump Administration Says New York Mascot Ban Violates Civil Rights Law
The Trump administration accused New York of discriminating against Native Americans by banning a school’s “Chief” mascot, siding with the district and calling the ban racist. This reversed efforts to remove Native American mascots nationwide and reflects the administration’s shift in civil rights enforcement.
L.A. Made Big Promises for the Olympics. Can It Deliver by 2028?
Los Angeles faces challenges like wildfires, budget shortfalls, and federal uncertainty as it prepares for the 2028 Olympics. Early grand plans have been scaled back, but city leaders remain hopeful, citing past successes. The $7 billion Games will test the city’s recovery and infrastructure.
Pelicans’ Zion Williamson accused of rape in lawsuit, denies claims
Zion Williamson faces a civil lawsuit accusing him of rape, abuse, and threats by a woman claiming a nearly five-year relationship. He denies the claims, calling them false and says it was consensual. The woman seeks damages for emotional harm.
Judge in Hockey Canada trial delivers another blow to critical piece of evidence for Crown
Justice Maria Carroccia ruled a key text message from Brett Howden inadmissible in the Hockey Canada sexual assault trial, calling it unreliable hearsay. Howden, under cross-examination, struggled with memory issues and was questioned about his recollection, language, and actions during the night in question, including an undisclosed incident caught on video.
They Inhaled a Gas and Scaled Everest in Days. Is It the Future of Mountaineering?
Four British men used xenon gas to climb Mount Everest in under a week, skipping normal acclimatization. This sparked controversy over safety and ethics, with Nepal and mountaineering groups criticizing the method. Supporters say it could make climbing safer and faster, but experts warn of health risks and question if it undermines the spirit of the climb.
Media/Technology
President Trump signs Take It Down Act, addressing nonconsensual deepfakes. What is it?
President Trump signed the bipartisan Take It Down Act, making it illegal to share or threaten to share non-consensual intimate images, including AI-generated deepfakes. Platforms must remove such content within 48 hours. While backed by lawmakers and victims’ advocates, critics warn that the law's broad language may lead to censorship and First Amendment violations.
Justice Department Supports Cox in Copyright Case
The Trump DOJ urged the Supreme Court to protect ISPs like Cox from heavy fines for customers’ music piracy, arguing that strict liability could unfairly cut off innocent users.
Fate of Google’s Search Monopoly Is Now in a Judge’s Hands
Judge Mehta will decide by August how to fix Google’s search monopoly, with the government pushing for big changes and Google seeking smaller ones. The ruling could impact competition and AI’s future in search.
NPR sues Trump over executive order cutting federal funding
NPR and three member stations sued Trump over his executive order cutting federal funding, arguing that it violates the First Amendment and Congress’s authority. The lawsuit claims the order punishes perceived bias in NPR’s journalism and threatens public media's existence. They seek to block the order and have it declared unconstitutional.
AI Is Eating Data Center Power Demand—and It’s Only Getting Worse
A new analysis of AI hardware being produced and how it is being used attempts to estimate the vast amount of electricity being consumed by AI.
Texas Requires Apple and Google to Verify Ages for App Downloads
Texas passed a law requiring Apple and Google to verify users’ ages before downloading apps, aiming to give parents more control over children’s online access. The law is part of a growing trend among states pushing tech companies to protect kids online, though Apple and Google have raised privacy and practicality concerns. Social media companies support the move and want similar federal laws.
The New York Times and Amazon Announce an A.I. Licensing Deal
The New York Times licensed its content to Amazon for use in AI platforms, including Alexa, marking its first generative AI deal. This follows a 2023 lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft over copyright. Amazon will use the content to train AI models as it expands its AI efforts through recent investments and partnerships.
Businessman Accused of Orchestrating Attacks on Journalists
Eric Spofford was indicted for paying to vandalize homes of journalists who investigated sexual misconduct claims against him. Four accomplices pleaded guilty; Spofford denies involvement.
Trump Media Raises Money to Buy $2.5 Billion in Bitcoin
Trump Media, owned mostly by Trump, is raising $2.5 billion to invest heavily in Bitcoin, signaling a shift from social media to crypto and financial services. The move follows losses at Truth Social and expands the Trump family’s growing ties to the cryptocurrency industry, including ventures with Crypto.com and a personal memecoin, $TRUMP.
Another Suspect Is Charged in Bitcoin Kidnapping and Torture Case
William Duplessie surrendered in NYC, accused of kidnapping and torturing Michael Carturan to steal his Bitcoin. Duplessie and others held Carturan captive in a Manhattan home until he escaped. Duplessie faces serious charges and was held without bail. The case highlights rising violent crimes targeting crypto investors.
French Crypto Chiefs Step Up Security After String of Violent Kidnappings
Violent kidnappings targeting crypto entrepreneurs and their families in France have sparked fear. Attackers demand huge ransoms and sometimes harm victims. Crypto leaders blame new European rules that expose personal data, making it easier for criminals to find targets. Many executives have boosted security, and the government is adding protections. The crypto industry wants privacy rules changed to better safeguard its members.
General News
Judge Rejects Ex-Copyright Chief’s Bid to Pause Trump Firing
A judge denied Shira Perlmutter’s bid to block her firing as Copyright Office Director, ruling that she did not prove irreparable harm.
https://news.bloomberglaw.com/ip-law/judge-rejects-temporary-relief-for-fired-copyright-office-chief
Justices Allow School to Bar Student From Wearing ‘Only Two Genders’ Shirt
The Supreme Court declined to hear two cases: One allowing a school to ban a student’s “There Are Only Two Genders” T-shirt, and another permitting copper mining on sacred Apache land. Justices Alito, Thomas, and Gorsuch dissented, arguing these rulings infringe on free speech and Native American rights.
Trump Asks Supreme Court to Let Him Send Migrants to South Sudan
The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to allow quick deportations without hearings, but a judge ruled that migrants must get a chance to object, especially to avoid danger. Migrants were sent to Djibouti and remain held. The government says the judge is blocking removals of criminals; the judge insists on proper process. The Supreme Court recently emphasized due process in deportations.
Supreme Court Allows Trump Administration, for Now, to End Biden-Era Migrant Program
The Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to pause Biden’s humanitarian parole program, risking deportation for over 500,000 migrants from war-torn countries. The ruling is temporary and part of ongoing legal battles over immigration policies. Critics warn it will cause serious harm to migrants.
Supreme Court Curbs Scope of Environmental Reviews
The Supreme Court ruled that a federal agency's review of a proposed Utah railway met environmental law requirements, limiting future review obligations and sparking concern from environmental groups.
Sixteen States Sue Trump Over $1.4 Billion in Science Cuts
Sixteen states sued to stop Trump administration cuts to National Science Foundation programs, especially those supporting diversity and research funding, saying the cuts harm U.S. science leadership and violate the law.
Judge Blocks White House From Ending Congestion Pricing
A judge blocked the Trump administration from stopping NYC’s congestion pricing, keeping the tolls active while the legal battle continues. The court ruled that the government acted unfairly, preventing funding cuts tied to the program. Appeals are expected.
Trump Administration Tells State Regulators It Won’t Back Some Discrimination Claims
The Trump-era EEOC cut funding to state and local agencies for investigating transgender and disparate-impact workplace discrimination claims, weakening enforcement of civil rights protections and aligning with Trump’s executive orders limiting transgender rights and disparate-impact liability. Critics warn that this move undermines anti-discrimination efforts.
Trump Loses Another Battle in His War Against Elite Law Firms
A judge ruled that Trump’s executive order against law firm WilmerHale was unconstitutional, calling it retaliation for representing his opponents. This is the latest court win for firms resisting Trump’s crackdown on legal independence.
Trump Officials Intensify Attacks on Judges as Court Losses Mount
The Trump White House has aggressively attacked judges after court rulings blocked its policies, calling decisions a “judicial coup” and undermining trust in the judiciary. This unprecedented rhetoric, even against judges Trump appointed, has led to more threats against judges. The administration is pushing cases to the conservative Supreme Court, hoping for favorable rulings.
Youth Climate Activists Sue Trump Administration Over Executive Orders
A group of 22 young plaintiffs has sued the federal government, arguing that Trump-era executive orders boosting fossil fuel production violate their constitutional rights by worsening climate change and threatening their health and future. Filed in Montana, the suit challenges the legality of the orders and their impact on clean energy, climate science, and environmental protections.
Harvard Wins Initial Court Fight to Keep Its International Students
A judge blocked the Trump administration from stopping Harvard’s enrollment of international students amid a legal dispute. The government accused Harvard of antisemitism and foreign influence but offered little proof. Harvard sued, claiming the ban violated its rights. The judge cited concerns over visa delays and allowed the enrollment to continue temporarily while the case proceeds.
A Court Debates Whether a Climate Lawsuit Threatens National Security
Charleston sued oil companies for misleading the public on climate risks. Lawyers debated if Trump’s executive order, calling such suits a national security threat, applies. Oil companies want dismissal, saying federal law governs emissions. Charleston seeks damages for local climate harm, not emission limits. The judge questioned the scope and venue of such cases, reflecting broader climate lawsuit conflicts.
Trump Administration Agrees to Facilitate Return of Guatemalan Man to U.S.
A judge ordered the U.S. to return a deported Guatemalan man fearing persecution. The case challenges Trump-era third-country deportations, with others still detained abroad.
Judge Blocks Shutdown of Biden-Era Migrant Entry Programs
A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from ending Biden-era humanitarian parole programs for hundreds of thousands of migrants, including Ukrainians, Afghans, and military families. The judge called the termination likely unlawful and warned it would cause widespread harm.
Judge Says Government Should Release Russian Scientist
A judge ordered the release of Harvard researcher Kseniia Petrova, criticizing her visa cancellation after she failed to declare harmless scientific samples. She still faces smuggling charges and possible deportation.
Trump Officials Deported Another Man Despite Court Order
A federal court blocked the deportation of Jordin Melgar-Salmeron, but the Trump administration deported him anyway, citing “administrative errors.” This is part of a pattern where the administration has ignored court orders to stop deportations, leading judges to demand some deportees be returned to the U.S.
Lawyers for Migrants Press Appeals Court to Stop Trump’s Use of Alien Enemies Act
The ACLU is fighting Trump’s use of an old wartime law to deport Venezuelan gang members, arguing it is illegal since the law targets nations, not gangs. Courts are split, and the Supreme Court has paused deportations but hasn’t yet ruled on the law’s use.
Republican Crackdown on Aid to Immigrants Would Hit U.S. Citizens
The Trump administration and GOP tax bill aim to restrict federal benefits for immigrant families, especially those with undocumented members. Though intended to target noncitizens, many changes would mostly affect U.S. citizen children in mixed-status families by limiting access to tax credits, health care, and housing aid.
U.S. Will ‘Aggressively’ Revoke Visas of Chinese Students, Rubio Says
Secretary Marco Rubio announced that the U.S. will revoke visas for Chinese students tied to the Communist Party or sensitive fields, amid broader crackdowns on foreign influence and censorship concerns.
Kennedy Says Healthy Kids Don’t Need Covid Shots. Is That True?
Most children experience only mild symptoms from Covid, but some become seriously ill, and rare deaths and cases of long Covid do occur. The CDC still recommends vaccination for children 6 months and older after consulting with a doctor, despite Health Secretary RFK Jr.'s claims downplaying the risks. Vaccines have proven to reduce serious illness and may offer protection against long Covid, though the need for annual shots is debated. Children with underlying conditions are at higher risk, but even healthy children can be affected. Vaccinating pregnant women can help protect vulnerable infants.
C.D.C. Contradicts Kennedy and Keeps Advice That Children May Get Covid Shots
Kennedy removed COVID vaccines from the childhood schedule, but the CDC kept them recommended for children 6 months to 17 years with doctor consultation. The CDC still advises pregnant women to get vaccinated, contradicting Kennedy’s policy. These changes raise concerns about vaccine access and insurance coverage, and Kennedy’s approach bypassed usual expert review, drawing criticism.
U.S. Cancels Contract With Moderna to Develop Bird Flu Vaccine
The Trump administration canceled a $600 million contract with Moderna to develop a bird flu vaccine using mRNA technology, citing scientific and ethical concerns. Kennedy, a vocal critic of mRNA vaccines, has questioned their safety. Experts warn the move undermines pandemic preparedness and ignores mRNA’s proven benefits.
White House Health Report Included Fake Citations
The Trump administration’s children’s health report cited fake and incorrect studies, casting doubt on its reliability despite some valid points. Experts worry about poor review or possible AI use caused the errors.
Chaos vs. Hope: America’s Trading Partners React Cautiously to Tariff Block
Trump’s tariffs on U.S. trading partners face legal uncertainty after a court blocked them—then another froze that ruling, keeping tariffs in place for now and prolonging global trade tensions.
Complaints Languished as Johnson’s Delays Hobbled House Watchdog
Speaker Mike Johnson delayed over four months to appoint a board for the Office of Congressional Conduct, blocking investigations into thousands of complaints against House members. The office, meant to oversee ethics independently, remains understaffed and limited in power. Critics say Johnson’s delay weakens congressional oversight amid broader attacks on watchdogs and call for greater office independence.
Trump Taps Palantir to Compile Data on Americans
The Trump administration has expanded Palantir’s data-sharing technology across federal agencies, raising privacy concerns about mass surveillance of Americans. Some Palantir employees and advocates warn of misuse and security risks, while Palantir says it only processes data under government control.
Unease at F.B.I. Intensifies as Patel Ousts Top Officials
FBI Director Kash Patel is removing senior staff, using polygraphs to stop leaks, and reshaping the agency with loyalists focused on Trump-related cases and immigration. These actions have sparked fear, lost expertise, and concerns over political bias inside the FBI.
Trump Gives Clemency to More Than Two Dozen, Including Political Allies
Trump issued a wave of pardons and commutations for over two dozen people, including political allies, celebrities, and supporters, bypassing traditional Justice Department review. The clemency recipients included ex-gang leader Larry Hoover, rapper NBA YoungBoy, and reality stars Todd and Julie Chrisley. Many had supported Trump or claimed political persecution.
A Disillusioned Musk, Distanced From Trump, Says He’s Exiting Washington
Elon Musk is distancing himself from Trump, criticizing a spending bill, delaying a $100M pledge, and pulling back from government work due to frustration with bureaucracy.
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