Week In Review
- Elissa D. Hecker - Editor
- Mar 30
- 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
Bill Cosby Loses Sex Assault Lawsuit and Faces a $59 Million Judgment
On March 23, 2026, a Santa Monica jury found Bill Cosby liable for the 1972 drugging and sexual assault of Donna Motsinger, awarding her $59.25 million. This follows years of legal battles, with Cosby's conviction overturned in 2021 on procedural grounds. In a deposition, Cosby described his net worth as declining "like a submarine with no motor" due to a lack of income since his downfall. Experts estimated his net worth at about $128 million.
WGA West Staff Union Delivers “Strike-Ending” Updated Contract Proposal to Management: “Enter A Fair Deal…And Reunite”
After unsuccessfully trying to call WGA West leadership back to bargaining last weekend, the guild’s staff union is now taking a different approach. The WGSU delivered a new, “strike-ending” proposal to executive director Ellen Stutzman as the work stoppage nears six weeks. The letter to Stutzman states, “This bargaining cycle has been marked by management's attempts to bypass and oppose this membership’s priorities and union standards in most collective bargaining agreements.”
Universal Music Group Torches Drake’s Defamation Appeal Over Kendrick’s ‘Not Like Us’
Drake’s appeal seeking to revive his lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) over Kendrick Lamar’s incendiary diss track “Not Like Us” hit a snag as the music giant argued that the filing was an insult to the art of rap battles. According to court documents, UMG argued that Drake’s lawsuit would “critically undermine” the art of hip-hop just because he was upset about losing the battle with Kendrick.
Bad Bunny legal victory: Inside the copyright case over ‘Enséñame a Bailar’
The Puerto Rican artist’s legal team reiterated that the sample was obtained with permission. After months of legal proceedings, the superstar is now seeking to recover substantial legal costs following a court dismissal that ended a copyright dispute related to one of the album’s standout tracks.
‘House of Cards’ Production Company Loses Trial Over Imploded Final Season
Siding with Media Rights Capital's insurer, the jury rejected arguments that Kevin Spacey couldn't film because of a sickness that led to his unavailability.
FKA Twigs Reignites Legal Battle Against Shia LaBeouf, Citing Illegal NDA
The singer-songwriter, represented by Hollywood power litigator Mathew Rosengart, accuses the actor of trying to silence her from speaking about sexual abuse in violation of a California law reining in nondisclosure agreements.
Italy Says It Has Recovered $23 Million Stolen from First 'Bond Girl'
The Swiss actress Ursula Andress, whose breakthrough came in “Dr. No” in 1962, accused a former wealth manager of embezzlement. He died in an apparent suicide last year.
Nepal's New Prime Minister, Former Rapper Balendra Shah, Sworn InBalendra Shah, a 35-year-old rapper turned wunderkind politician, was sworn in as prime minister of Nepal at 12:34 p.m. on Friday, a time deemed auspicious by astrologers.
Arts
Trump Is Digging Up Washington. Can Lawsuits Stop the Bulldozers? As the president develops plans to fundamentally alter the White House, the Kennedy Center, and other sites, federal lawsuits are beginning to catch up.
Heirs of Dave the Potter, the Enslaved Artist, Are Battling to Recover His Legacy
The descendants of David Drake learned who he was 10 years ago. They see his jars as his artistic and spiritual inheritance — and their own.
Why Are Theater Tickets So Much Cheaper in London Than New York?
For half the price of a great seat at a Broadway show, you can see “Paddington” in the West End (if you can find a ticket) and snack on a marmalade sandwich.
Sardi's Sells Its Name and Takes a Brief Intermission
The Shubert Organization has acquired Sardi's, the iconic Theater District restaurant, as the longtime owners bow out. The new owners plan to renovate the historic Broadway establishment while keeping the famous celebrity caricatures intact, signaling a new chapter for the landmark location.
Musician Who Canceled Kennedy Center Holiday Performance Asks for Suit to Be Dismissed
Chuck Redd, who canceled a Christmas Eve show at the Kennedy Center to protest Trump’s influence, is asking a judge to dismiss the venue's lawsuit. Lawyers for Redd said the breach-of-contract suit should be dismissed because he wasn’t contractually required to perform. The motion included the Kennedy Center's unsigned contract.
The Kennedy Center Is Giving Bill Maher the Mark Twain Prize
The annual award that recognizes merit in humor is going to the satirist and talk show host who has been critical of Trump and political correctness.
Outside Kennedy Center, Jane Fonda and Joan Baez Raise Voices in Protest
The pair joined in a gathering of artists and others who denounced censorship and faulted President Trump’s growing influence over the nation’s cultural life.
New York City Ballet Pulls Out of Kennedy Center Performances
The decision by the company, one of the most prestigious in the country, is the latest in a wave of high-profile cancellations at the center.
Trump Eyes White House Treaty Room for Latest Renovation Project
Trump has discussed converting one of the White House’s most historic rooms to a guest bedroom with its own bath.
SportsTigers Praised Employees Who Spoke Out About Misconduct, Then Pushed Out a Whistleblower
A Detroit Tigers employee for almost two decades acted in what he believed the organization desired. In September 2025, after The Athletic reported allegations of misconduct against eight men associated with the Tigers’ parent or broadcast partners over the course of two years, Ryan Gustafson, CEO of Ilitch Sports and Entertainment (IS+E), defended the organization and called for transparency.
Olympic Committee Bars Transgender Athletes from Women’s Events
The International Olympic Committee announced a ban on transgender athletes competing in women’s events. The rule, which will go into effect during the 2028 Olympics, will require athletes to undergo genetic testing. The decision is the most significant since Kirsty Coventry was elected last year to serve as president of the I.O.C.
Los Angeles Rams WR Puka Nacua Was Sued Over Allegations That He Made an Antisemitic Statement and Bit Two Women on New Year’s Eve
Nacua’s attorney has denied the allegations, labeling them part of an effort to blackmail the star wide receiver.
Newsletter, Image, Likeness Vol. 177: The NCAA Wants to Play NFL Commissioner. Will The Courts Let It?
The NCAA Division I Cabinet will hold an emergency meeting on April 1 to vote on legislation targeting "blind transfers," where athletes switch schools outside the January transfer window. Proposed penalties include a six-game coach suspension and a 20% fine of the football program's budget, potentially costing millions.
Phillies' Alec Bohm Sues Parents, Alleging Financial Mismanagement
The lawsuit filed in Philadelphia claims that Daniel and Lisa Bohm misappropriated Bohm’s funds by managing LLCs and lied about their stake. Bohm seeks $3 million and financial info about the LLCs that he has not seen.
Florida AG Calls NFL's Rooney Rule Unlawful; League Says It Is 'Consistent with the Law'
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has threatened legal action against the NFL, calling the league's Rooney Rule unlawful for enforcing race-based hiring. Uthmeier argued in a letter to commissioner Roger Goodell that the policy violates Florida law by promoting race-based interviews and decisions. The NFL responded that its diversity policies are lawful.
Quadruple Amputee Cornhole Professional Jailed on Murder Charges
Dayton Webber, 27, was accused in the shooting death of Bradrick Wells in Maryland, reportedly after an argument inside the car.
Technology/Media
Supreme Court Sides with Internet Provider in Copyright Fight Over Pirated MusicLeading music labels sued Cox Communications for failing to terminate the accounts of subscribers flagged for distributing copyrighted music. This legal case centered on claims that the internet service provider failed to prevent users from using file-sharing technology, such as BitTorrent, to illegally share music.
Meta Ordered to Pay $375 Million Over Child Safety Violations
A New Mexico jury found that Meta misled users about the safety of its platforms and enabled the sexual exploitation of young users in one of the first major child safety trial losses for the social media giant. The jury ordered Meta to pay $375 million in damages for violating state consumer protection laws.
Meta And YouTube Found Negligent in Landmark Social Media Addiction Case
A jury found Meta and YouTube design features addictive, causing mental health issues for a young user, in a landmark case. Meta owes $4.2 million; YouTube, $1.8 million. The case, filed by K.G.M., accused the companies of creating addictive products like cigarettes or digital casinos, with features like infinite scroll and recommendations leading to anxiety and depression.
Lawsuit Accuses Sportsbooks of Using Addictive Technology
Hours after a Los Angeles jury found Meta and YouTube harmed a young user by using addictive features, attorneys filed suit against DraftKings and FanDuel, accusing them of employing social media-like technologies to keep customers betting and induce gambling addictions. In a Massachusetts complaint, attorneys claim that the sportsbooks track and target users' behavior, especially when they're most vulnerable, such as late at night or after a big loss.
Trump Administration Releases ‘Comprehensive National Legislative Framework on AI’ — With U.S. States Leapfrogged Entirely
The White House publishes a National AI Legislative Framework, and at least one copyright advocate is applauding the government for taking action to protect IP. Individual states are far less enthusiastic, however.
Judge Stays Pentagon's Labeling of Anthropic as 'Supply Chain Risk'
The decision is an early victory for the artificial intelligence company in a rancorous legal battle with the Department of Defense.
Judge pauses blockbuster merger between TV station owners Nexstar and Tegna
DirecTV challenged the tie-up on antitrust grounds.
The journalists said in the complaint that the administration was trying to force them to be a ‘mouthpiece’ and that one official demanded ‘loyalty’ if reporters wanted to ‘keep their jobs.’
Judge Hears State Challenge to Trump's Tech Deal Settlement
Democratic state attorneys general are fighting the Justice Department’s clearance of a $14 billion deal by Hewlett Packard Enterprise, arguing it was ineffective and corrupt.
Warren Requests Information from MrBeast About Crypto and Children
Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren sent a 12-page letter to YouTuber MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) asking about his company's plans to expand into financial services. In February, Donaldson’s firm, Beast Industries, bought the banking app Step, aimed at promoting cryptocurrency to young users. Warren didn't accuse them of wrongdoing, but asked questions and expressed concerns about their banking partner, Evolve Bank & Trust.
Video Testimony of Former DOGE Employees Can Remain Online, Judge Rules
A judge allowed the reposting of video depositions by former employees of the Department of Government Efficiency after 10 days, following complaints of harassment, citing the public’s right to know about their government’s operations, including DOGE actions.
New York Times Accuses Pentagon of Defying Court Order
The revised policy, The Times said, was “nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to flout this court’s ruling and prevent journalists and news organizations whose editorial viewpoints defendants dislike from engaging in independent, protected news gathering and reporting at the Pentagon.”
Man Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Music Streamers Out of Millions Using AI
Michael Smith, 52, charged after flooding platforms with thousands of AI songs and boosting them with bots.
Sony Music, USC Settle Copyright Lawsuit Over Social Media Posts
Sony Music settled a lawsuit against USC over unauthorized use of over 170 songs in videos promoting the school's athletics, according to Manhattan federal court filings. Sony said on that the case was resolved in principle and asked for dismissal.
OpenAI Is Shutting Down Sora, Its A.I. Video Generator
OpenAI announced it will shut down its Sora app and API, ending the AI video platform less than six months after launch and after its deal with Disney. The company will release timelines for data preservation soon. Rising demands and a shift toward an enterprise focus led OpenAI to reassign the Sora team to robotics and simulation research, aligning with plans for an IPO later this year.
The Trail of Clues Leading to Iran That Binance Missed
The world’s largest crypto exchange is under fire after investigators found accounts moving $1.7 billion to Iranian entities. Clues about those accounts were in plain sight for over a year.
Brussels officials accused Snap of ineffective age verification for children under 13 and said its algorithm incorrectly classifies users aged 13-17 as adults, leading to inappropriate content.
In an Asymmetrical War, Iran Seeks an Edge with Its Information War
Propaganda and disinformation have flooded the internet in a sophisticated effort to undermine support for U.S. and Israeli attacks.
Gulf States Crack Down on Videos of Iranian Attacks Posted Online
The authorities have made a wave of arrests to stop people posting footage of strikes, citing security risks. Experts also see a fear of damage to the countries’ image as safe havens.
Actress Says She's Found Her Secret Online Abuser
According to reports, actress Collien Fernandes accused her husband, Christian Ulmen, of being her secret online abuser, alleging that he created fake accounts to post pornographic images and initiate fake affairs. Ulmen's lawyers have denied the allegations regarding deepfake pornography.
General News
Supreme Court Appears Poised to Reject Late-Arriving Mail-In Ballots LawThe Supreme Court seemed ready to reject Mississippi’s mail-in ballot law, potentially impacting mail-in voting nationwide. Justices, divided along partisan lines, expressed skepticism about the law, which counts ballots postmarked by Election Day if received within five days.
Trump, Who Calls Mail-in Voting 'Cheating,' Just Voted by Mail
The former president used the method he has railed against in a recent Florida special election and another time prior.
Five Takeaways From the 'No Kings' Rallies as the Midterms Heat Up
The war in Iran was a galvanizing force behind the “No Kings” protests that unfolded across the U.S. Many protesters also focused on Trump’s immigration crackdown. Here are five takeaways from the rallies.
House Vote Sets Up Clash with the Senate on D.H.S.
Republicans revolted over a Senate measure to fund the Department of Homeland Security and passed a rival bill, dimming the chances of a quick end to the crisis crippling airports.
Mullin Confirmed to Lead Homeland Security Dept.
The Senate confirmed Markwayne Mullin as homeland security secretary, installing a Trump loyalist to head the agency responsible for carrying out immigration enforcement at a time when it is reeling from dimming public opinion. Mullin, 48, was confirmed in a 54-to-45 vote. Nearly all Republicans and two Democrats voted in support of his nomination.
Senate Republicans Again Block Bid to Halt Iran War Without Authorization
Senate Democrats failed for the third time to advance a resolution that would force the removal of troops from hostilities in Iran unless Congress approves offensive operations.
Around 2,000 U.S. Paratroopers to Be Sent to the Middle East
The order gives Trump more military options as he considers diplomacy with Iran. It is unclear where the soldiers will go in the Middle East.
Trump Draws Bipartisan Backlash for Easing Oil Sanctions on Russia and Iran
Republicans and Democrats alike have criticized the Trump administration’s moves, which were taken to stabilize oil markets rocked by the war with Iran, warning that it is benefiting two U.S. adversaries.
For Second Time, an Appeals Court Backs the Trump Administration's Detention PolicyCourts are weighing whether the administration can hold undocumented immigrants without bond, an issue that may be resolved by the Supreme Court.
Four Problems for Trump in Birthright Citizenship Case
The president must confront a 1952 federal law, the possibility that millions will lose their citizenship, stateless foundlings, and a fluid future.
Trump Calls for Law Cracking Down on Crime and 'Rogue Judges’
Trump and top aides have been railing against judges who have ruled against him, including justices on the Supreme Court. Trump recently escalated his attacks, calling on Republican lawmakers to pass a crime bill that “cracks down on rogue judges.”
Some Judges See Risks in Fiery Opinions Warning of Threats to DemocracyFederal judges are weighing strategies for how to respond to the high stakes, anonymous threats, and politicized atmosphere of the Trump era.
Kennedy's Vaccine Agenda Hits Roadblocks, Diminishing His Clout
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s crusade to scale back Americans' reliance on vaccines has collided with political and legal realities.
Key Adviser Quits Federal Vaccine PanelDr. Robert Malone was vice chair of the committee.
Prominent Climate Scientist Resigns From NASA, Citing Trump's Attack on Science
Kate Marvel, a well-known author, joins an estimated 95,000 people who have left federal science agencies since Trump returned to the White House.
The Trump administration will pay TotalEnergies nearly $1 billion to abandon wind farm plans off the East Coast, according to the Interior Department. TotalEnergies would forfeit leases in federal waters off New York and North Carolina. The Justice Department would reimburse $928 million, the cost of the leases during the Biden era.
Justice Dept. Settles Flynn’s Wrongful Prosecution Suit for $1.25 Million
The Justice Department will pay Michael T. Flynn $1.25 million to settle claims that he was wrongfully prosecuted for false statements to federal agents investigating Russia-Trump ties. The settlement, ending a lawsuit Flynn filed three years ago, shows how the Trump administration provided legal relief to allies and appeared to aim at erasing some criminal cases against Trump and his allies.
Judge Agrees to Drop Charges Against Officers in Breonna Taylor's Death
The Trump administration had asked the court to dismiss the charges, describing them as an example of “weaponized federal overreach” by the Biden administration.
Hegseth Strikes Two Black and Two Female Officers from Promotion List
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth removed two Black and two female officers from a promotion list for Army general. The move is highly unusual and has spurred allegations of racial and gender bias.
Judge Orders Records Search After Trump Ties Cole Attack to IranThe bombing of the ship by Al Qaeda killed 17 U.S. sailors in 2000. Trump has said Iran was “probably involved.”
State Prosecutors Sue for Evidence in Shootings by Immigration AgentsThe federal government has refused to provide even basic information about the three shootings that took place during an immigration crackdown in Minneapolis. Two were fatal.
Maryland Supreme Court Strikes Down Local Climate Suit Against Big OilThe decision represents a setback to other local governments around the country that have sued oil companies to recoup the mounting costs of climate change.
Judge Orders Arrest of Former Kentucky Governor for Contempt
Seven years after leaving office, Matt Bevin, the combative ex-governor, faces charges for failing to provide financial records sought by his estranged son.
New Jersey Bars ICE and Other Law Enforcement Agents from Wearing Masks
Gov. Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey signed legislation to prohibit on-duty law enforcement officers, including ICE agents, from wearing masks. Federal officials said they would “not abide” by the new law, which is likely to lead to a showdown in court.
New Top Prosecutor Named in Embattled U.S. Attorney's Office
Federal judges appointed career prosecutor Robert Frazer to run the embattled U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Jersey, aiming to bring stability after a year of leadership chaos. Frazer, a senior trial counsel with over two decades of experience, replaced previous leadership in the New Jersey office, which had faced turmoil.
Chad Bianco, a Republican sheriff who is running for governor of California, recently seized more than 650,000 ballots cast in 2025, saying that he was investigating allegations that vote tallies did not match the number of ballots received. Election officials say his investigation is baseless.
Mamdani Now Plans $1.3 Billion in Cuts in Programs That He Favored
Mayor Zohran Mamdani is banking on savings from a delay he is seeking in the state mandate for smaller class sizes. He is also scaling back a commitment to expand a rental assistance program.
Why the Iran War May Force Countries to Rely Less on Natural Gas
The U.S. and other exporters are poised for a windfall, but disruptions to Persian Gulf supplies are also pushing gas-buying countries to consider alternatives like coal, solar, and nuclear energy.
Boston University Pulls Pride Flags, Raising Free Speech Worries
The university said the flags broke a rule against hanging signs, a policy embraced by other campuses that cracked down on protests. Professors and others say such rules chill speech.
Trump’s Signature to Be Added to U.S. Dollars, a First for a Sitting President
Trump’s signature will adorn U.S. dollars later this year, the Treasury Department said, an unprecedented change to the nation’s currency that the department said was being made in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. Trump is set to be the first sitting president with a signature appearing on currency, with his name alongside that of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Inside the Sprawling World of MAGA Merchandise
Trump has relied on his name recognition throughout most of his adult life. This extensive industry has contributed to his accumulation of millions while serving as president.
Delta Air Lines Says It Will Suspend Special Services for Congress Members
Members of Congress will instead be treated like regular passengers based on their SkyMiles status.
After ‘Sausage Making,’ European Lawmakers Approve U.S. Trade Deal
The agreement that Trump struck with the European Union has cleared a major hurdle that had delayed it for months.
Global Food Supply Faces a Dangerous Bottleneck as Iran War Persists
Fertilizer prices are surging due to Middle East conflicts that are disrupting supply routes, with prices jumping 27% amid regional tensions. The closure of key shipping routes is causing significant bottlenecks, creating a potential threat to global food security. Production disruptions and elevated shipping costs are exacerbating these increases.
Cuban Patients Are Dying Because of U.S. Blockade, Doctors Say
Six Cuban doctors say deteriorating hospital conditions are causing preventable deaths. The blockade worsens the system: hospitals cancel surgeries and send patients home due to staff commuting issues, and clinics struggle with treatments like chemotherapy due to power outages. Medicine production halts as factories rely on diesel, and vaccine production stalls as flights are canceled for lack of jet fuel.
Italians Reject Judicial Overhaul, Undermining Meloni
Some 54% of voters spurned a government plan to change how jurists are supervised. It presented the Italian Prime Minister with her biggest domestic challenge since her election in 2022.
Russia Launches Daytime Attack on Ukraine with Over 550 Drones
The assault, which came after overnight strikes across the country, was one of the largest of the war, the Ukrainian authorities said.
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