Week In Review
- Elissa D. Hecker - Editor
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
By Jessie Schuster
Edited by Elissa D. Hecker
Entertainment
Indie Artist Coalition Files Major Lawsuit Against Google Over AI Copyright Theft–’Broadest, Most Comprehensive Attack’ Against AI Music Models
An independent artist coalition filed a sweeping lawsuit against Google, accusing it of using copyrighted music to train AI models without permission. The case is being described as one of the most significant legal challenges to AI in the music industry to date.
Live Nation Employees Boast About “Gouging” Fans with Fees and Parking Costs in Private Exchange: “Robbing Them Blind, Baby”
Internal messages revealed in court filings show Live Nation employees allegedly joking about overcharging fans through high fees and parking costs. The disclosures are fueling scrutiny over the company’s pricing practices and potential consumer exploitation.
Afroman Wins Lawsuit Filed By The Cops Who Raided His Home
Rapper Afroman won a lawsuit brought by officers who raided his home, after he used footage from the raid in music videos and content. The court sided with Afroman, finding that his use of the footage was legally protected.
Arts
House Passes Goodlander-Backed Bill to Help Holocaust Survivors and Families Reclaim Stolen Art
The House passed legislation aimed at helping Holocaust survivors and their families recover artwork looted during World War II. The bill seeks to remove legal barriers and expand opportunities for rightful ownership claims.
Man Charged After Smashing $240,000 Worth of Chihuly Glass at Seattle Exhibition
A man was charged after allegedly destroying $240,000 worth of glass artwork by Dale Chihuly at a Seattle exhibition. The incident caused significant damage to the renowned artist’s installations and led to criminal charges.
Writer Denies it, but Publisher Pulls Horror Novel After Multiple Allegations of AI Use
Publisher Hachette Book Group pulled a horror novel after allegations it was partially generated using AI, despite the author denying the claims. The controversy highlights growing tensions around AI use in publishing.
https://arstechnica.com/ai/2026/03/hachette-pulls-shy-girl-horror-novel-after-concerns-about-ai-use/
Inside the Arrest That Led to Banksy’s Possible Unmasking Decades
New reporting suggests an arrest decades ago may have revealed the identity of Banksy, long rumored to be Robin Gunningham. The case adds new evidence to one of the art world’s biggest mysteries.
Sports
WNBA and players’ union reach verbal agreement on new CBA terms
The WNBA and its players’ union reached a verbal agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement after lengthy negotiations, likely averting a work stoppage and significantly improving salaries, benefits, and revenue sharing. The deal still requires formal ratification and is seen as a major step forward for player compensation and league growth.
Iran Women’s Team Exists Malaysia After Asylum Reversal
Several members of Iran’s women’s soccer team withdrew their asylum requests after initially seeking refuge in Australia and rejoined the team in Malaysia, amid reports of pressure and safety concerns. The situation highlights the risks faced by athletes following political tensions and their perceived dissent.
A 19-year-old star wrestler and two other young men were hanged in Iran as regime continues with executions and crackdown on dissent during war
Iran executed a 19-year-old wrestler and two other young men amid an ongoing crackdown on dissent during wartime conditions. The executions have drawn international criticism over human rights abuses and political repression.
Media & Technology
Judge orders Trump administration to restore Voice of America and bring back hundreds of staff members
A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to reinstate Voice of America operations and rehire hundreds of employees. The ruling found that the prior cuts likely violated legal protections governing the agency.
Pentagon's limits on press access unconstitutional, U.S. judge rules
A federal judge ruled that Pentagon restrictions on press access violated the First Amendment. The decision blocks enforcement of the policy and affirms protections for media coverage of government activities.
Pentagon Put Billions of Dollars at Stake With Supply Chain Risk Designation
Anthropic warned that a Pentagon designation related to supply chain risk could jeopardize billions of dollars in contracts and disrupt key technology partnerships. The concern centers on how such classifications may unintentionally limit access to critical AI resources.
Encyclopedia Britannica sues OpenAI over AI training
Encyclopedia Britannica filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging that its content was improperly used to train AI systems without permission. The case adds to growing legal battles over intellectual property rights in AI development.
CBS News plans to imminently cut dozens of employees as Bari Weiss remakes the broadcast network
CBS News is planning layoffs affecting dozens of employees as Bari Weiss takes a larger role in reshaping the network. The changes reflect a broader shift in editorial direction and strategy.
In rural New York, some see proposed AI center as a needless intrusion
Residents in a rural New York community are pushing back against a proposed AI data center, arguing that it would disrupt the environment and local character. Supporters, however, say the project could bring economic growth and jobs.
Bringing More International News and Content to Meta AI
Meta announced plans to expand international news and content offerings within its AI tools to provide more diverse and localized information. The initiative aims to improve global relevance and user engagement across its platforms.
General News
Supreme Court defers decision on whether Trump can fire head of U.S. Copyright Office
The Supreme Court declined to immediately decide whether President Donald Trump has the authority to remove the head of the U.S. Copyright Office. The delay leaves unresolved questions about executive power over certain federal positions.
Unanimous Court allows street preacher’s free speech case to move forward
The Supreme Court unanimously allowed a street preacher’s First Amendment lawsuit to proceed, finding that lower courts may have dismissed his claims too quickly. The case will now continue to determine whether his speech rights were unlawfully restricted.
The Postal Service may be out of cash in 2027 without Congress's help
The U.S. Postal Service could run out of money by 2027 without congressional intervention, according to the postmaster general. Officials are urging legislative action to stabilize finances and ensure continued operations.
DOJ asks judge to drop charges against officers in Breonna Taylor case 'in the interest of justice'
The Department of Justice requested dismissal of charges against two officers involved in the case surrounding Breonna Taylor, citing the “interest of justice.” The move is likely to reignite debate over accountability in high-profile police cases.
Senate advances Markwayne Mullin's nomination for DHS Secretary in procedural vote
The Senate moved forward with Markwayne Mullin’s nomination through a procedural vote, setting up a final confirmation decision. The advancement indicates growing Republican support for his appointment.
Cesar Chavez abuse allegations forces communities to rethink honors for the labor leader
New abuse allegations against Cesar Chavez are prompting communities to reconsider public honors and memorials bearing his name. The revelations have sparked debate over how to balance historical legacy with accountability.
Iran Threatens to Retaliate Against Gulf Energy and Water After Trump Ultimatum
Iran warned that it would target Guld energy and water infrastructure in response to U.S. threats, escalating regional tension. The exchange raises concerns about broader conflict and disruption to global resources.
Trump slams NATO allies for not joining Iran war effort, says U.S. never needed their help
Trump criticized NATO allies for not supporting U.S. actions against Iran, while insisting that the U.S. did not require their assistance. His remarks highlight ongoing tensions between the U.S. and its traditional allies over military strategy.
Trump says he'll have 'honor' of taking Cuba as country struggles with energy crisis
Trump stated he would consider taking control of Cuba amid its worsening energy crisis, raising concerns about U.S. foreign policy rhetoric and intentions toward the island nation.
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