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
‘Rust’ Case Against Alec Baldwin Is Dismissed Over Withheld Evidence
Alec Baldwin's involuntary manslaughter case was dismissed after it was revealed that the prosecution had withheld crucial evidence—ammunition related to the "Rust" shooting. The judge found this withholding to be deliberate, leading to the case being dismissed with prejudice, ending the criminal prosecution against Baldwin. However, Baldwin still faces civil lawsuits for negligence related to the shooting.
Warner Music Joins Sony Music in Warning AI Companies Against Unlicensed Training: ‘We Will Take Any Necessary Steps to Prevent the Infringement’
Warner Music Group (WMG) has joined Sony Music in warning AI companies against using its music catalog without permission. WMG emphasized the need for licenses to use its content in AI development and pledged to protect its artists' rights. The company provided an email for licensing inquiries, aligning with Sony Music's recent actions.
Marsha Blackburn, Ted Lieu Lead Bipartisan Letter to U.S. Copyright Office Over Spotify’s Actions Slashing Songwriter Royalties
Senator Marsha Blackburn and Representatives Ted Lieu, and Adam Schiff have requested the U.S. Copyright Office to investigate Spotify’s new bundle plans, which they claim reduce royalty payments to publishers and songwriters. They are concerned that Spotify's actions might violate the Music Modernization Act and harm copyright owners.
Songwriter Groups Hail ‘landmark Victory’ As Us Copyright Office Issues Rule Confirming How Termination Rights Apply To Streaming Royalties
The U.S. Copyright Office has ruled that songwriters can collect mechanical royalties from streaming services even after reclaiming their rights under the Music Modernization Act. This decision, effective August 8, 2024, ensures fair payment for post-termination use of their work and is praised by songwriter groups as a major win for creators.
Streaming Fraud or Misunderstanding? More Bands Caught Up in Spotify Accusations & Takedowns
Spotify's new measures to tackle streaming fraud have led to unintended consequences for some artists. Boston's Hallelujah the Hills received a warning about potential fake streaming for their track "Play It As it Loops," despite not engaging in fraudulent activities. This reflects broader issues with streaming fraud, where scammers exploit systems to steal revenue from genuine artists.
The Beastie Boys Sue Chili’s Over Use of ‘Sabotage’
The Beastie Boys are suing Chili’s for using their song "Sabotage" and parodying its music video in ads without permission. They seek at least $150,000 in damages.
Suno Releases a Mobile App Amid RIAA Suit — Complete With a Warning About ‘Legal Liability’ for Uploading Protected Audio
Suno, a generative AI platform, has launched a mobile app that allows iOS users to create music using text prompts or recorded audio. The app requires users to certify they own the rights to any uploaded content. It also functions as a music streaming and sharing platform, enabling users to generate tracks, like, share, and save AI-generated songs. Despite its legal battles and a crowded AI market, Suno has attracted over 12 million users and recently secured $125 million in funding.
Arts
It Turns Out That the Picassos Anchoring a Gallery’s Exhibit Were Not by Picasso
The Museum of Old and New Art in Australia displayed fake Picassos and other counterfeit items in a women's restroom to protest a court ruling against its women-only exhibit. Curator Kirsha Kaechele admitted the fakes after being questioned by the Picasso Administration.
Sports
$2 Million of Memorabilia Stolen in Dallas Baseball Card Heist
In Dallas, four men pulled off a sophisticated heist at the Legacy Cardz booth, stealing a briefcase with valuable sports cards worth millions. Owner Ashish Jain is offering a $70,000 reward for information. The theft is the largest in the event's history.
In Las Vegas, a Violent Sport Sparks Controversy
The UFC is investing in Power Slap, a dangerous sport where competitors slap each other with open hands. Despite its growing popularity and safety measures, critics warn about severe brain injuries and other health risks. The sport's organizers argue that it is safe, but concerns persist about its inherent dangers to participants’ brains, ears, and other body parts.
They Called It ‘Improper’ to Have Women in the Olympics. She Persisted.
Alice Milliat, who founded the International Women’s Sports Federation in 1921, was a key figure in advocating for women’s inclusion in sports. Her efforts led to the first female "Olympic" Games in 1922 and helped pave the way for greater female participation in the Olympics. This year’s Paris Games will be the first in history with numerical gender parity.
Taliban Do Not Recognize Women on the Afghan Olympic Team
The Taliban government does not recognize the three female athletes set to compete in the Paris Olympics, as girls' sports are banned in Afghanistan. The IOC invited six Afghan athletes, including three women, and the Taliban only acknowledged the three male athletes.
Saudi Money Makes a Big Splash in Video Games
Saudi Arabia's $38 billion investment in gaming, led by its Public Investment Fund, is transforming the industry with acquisitions and high-profile events like the Esports World Cup. However, critics argue this move is a form of "games washing" to improve the country's image amid human rights concerns, leading to debate about ethical participation in the gaming community.
Media/Technology
Google Search Ranks AI Spam Above Original Reporting in News Results
Despite Google's recent policy adjustments to tackle AI spam, plagiarized content still ranks high in search results. Articles from reputable sources are being copied by spam sites using AI, and these often appear prominently on Google News. SEO experts are puzzled by this persistent issue, leading to frustration in the industry.
FTC Bars Anonymous Messaging App From Serving Users Under Age 18
The FTC has banned the app NGL from serving users under 18 due to violations of child privacy and protection laws. NGL, which falsely marketed itself as safe for teens, agreed to a $4.5 million settlement plus an additional $500,000 penalty. This action reflects growing concerns about online safety for children.
AT&T Says Phone Data of ‘Nearly All’ Customers Was Breached in 2022 A cyberattack on AT&T exposed phone records from over 100 million customers, including details of calls and texts, but not their content or sensitive personal data. AT&T has addressed the breach, is working with law enforcement, and the Federal Communications Commission is investigating. The incident poses a national security risk.
Apple Settles E.U. Case by Opening Its Payment Service to Rivals
Apple will allow banks and payment services in Europe to use its tap-and-go technology, ending a European Union antitrust probe. This move will enable new competitors to offer payment services on iPhones, increasing consumer choice.
AI's Energy Demands Are Out of Control. Welcome to the Internet's Hyper-Consumption Era
Generative AI tools are straining power grids and increasing water consumption. These tools require massive computational resources, leading to higher electricity and water use. Data centers for AI are consuming large amounts of energy and evaporating millions of gallons of water, posing sustainability challenges.
General News
Former President Donald Trump is Shot; ‘We Must Never Descend to Violence,’ President Biden Says in Address to Nation
This article provides live reporting of Presidential Candidate Donald Trump’s shooting at his rally and the consequential aftermath of the incident.
Unbowed by Jan. 6 Charges, Republicans Pursue Plans to Contest a Trump Defeat
Trump's allies are mounting a legal campaign to challenge the election system, aiming to restrict voting and disrupt certification if he loses. They claim the election is rigged, without evidence. This effort could create chaos in the certification process, raising concerns among Democrats and some Republicans.
Antitrust Regulator Tells Chains: Back Off Your Franchisees
The FTC has warned franchisers against restricting franchisees' communication with regulators and charging undisclosed fees. This follows an investigation into unfair practices. While no new rules were introduced, the guidance aims to ensure transparency and protect franchisees from retaliation. The FTC also reopened its review of franchise regulations.
Utah’s Gerrymandered House Map Ignored Voters’ Will, State Supreme Court Says
Utah's Supreme Court ruled that the State Legislature likely violated the State Constitution by ignoring a voter-approved measure for fair congressional maps and drawing a partisan gerrymandered map instead. The court said the Legislature's actions undermined the voters' right to reform government through initiatives. A lower court will now review the legality of the Legislature’s map.
Why Menendez’s Meals With Egyptian Officials Worry Security Experts
The bribery case against Senator Robert Menendez reveals that he allegedly acted as an agent for Egypt by steering aid and altering his rhetoric on human rights to benefit the country. Prosecutors say Menendez and his wife received bribes in gold and cash, while Egyptian intelligence officials cultivated access to Menendez through his wife, who was contacted directly. The trial has highlighted concerns about national security and the influence of foreign powers on U.S. lawmakers.
States and Creditors for Purdue Pharma Threaten Sacklers With Gush of Lawsuits
Following a Supreme Court ruling, the Sackler family faces lawsuits over their role in the opioid crisis. Purdue Pharma supports legal actions accusing the Sacklers of transferring billions from the company to avoid liability. Mediation is ongoing, but if it fails, thousands of lawsuits against the Sacklers and Purdue could proceed.
Trump Cites Immunity and Asks Judge to Throw Out Hush-Money Conviction
Trump’s lawyers are asking the judge to overturn his Manhattan felony conviction, arguing that a recent Supreme Court ruling granting him presidential immunity affects his case. They claim the ruling invalidates the conviction related to falsifying hush money records. The judge has postponed sentencing to review this request.
Cohen Asks the Supreme Court to Let Him Sue Trump Over His Imprisonment
Michael Cohen seeks to sue Trump for alleged constitutional rights violations after the latter had him returned to prison for writing a tell-all book. Lower courts dismissed the case, but Cohen argues that it is exceptional enough for Supreme Court review. Recent Supreme Court rulings favoring Trump could impact Cohen’s chances.
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