By Victoria Vitale
Edited by Elissa D. Hecker
Below, for your browsing convenience, the categories are divided into: Entertainment, Arts, Sports, Technology/Media, and General News:
Entertainment
Alec Baldwin and Hannah Gutierrez-Reed Charged with Involuntary Manslaughter,
The deadly shooting that occurred during filming the movie “Rust” has resulted in Santa Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies charging actor/producer Alec Baldwin and Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the film’s armorer, with involuntary manslaughter. Several in the entertainment industry balked at placing such responsibility at least on Baldwin. Assistant director David Halls has already signed a plea agreement for a charge of negligent use of a deadly weapon and will likely serve a suspended sentence and six months of probation.
Alec Baldwin formally charged in "Rust" shooting with involuntary manslaughter - CBS News
Chicago Prosecutor Will Drop Sexual Abuse Charges Against R. Kelly
A Chicago prosecutor is dropping sexual abuse and assault charges against singer R Kelly, who is already facing decades in prison after being convicted of federal charges
Chicago prosecutor will drop sexual abuse charges against Kelly - BBC News
How BMG Secretly Signed a Rapper Dropped for Antisemitic Lyrics
Though the music label ultimately backed out, the deal illustrates the temptations and risks faced by corporations seeking to capitalize on the notoriety of pop-culture figures.
How BMG Secretly Signed a Rapper Dropped for Antisemitic Lyrics - The New York Times (nytimes.com)
‘Squid Game’ Actor Faces Trial on Sex Crime Charges
Oh Young-soo, the actor who portrayed a contestant in the popular Netflix series, is accused of inappropriately touching a South Korean woman in 2017.
‘Squid Game’ Actor Oh Young-soo Goes on Trial on Sex Crime Charges on Feb. 3 - The New York Times (nytimes.com)
Gary Glitter is Released from Prison After Serving Half of His Sentence
The disgraced former glam rock star was found guilty in 2015 of sexually abusing three young girls in the 1970’s. He had been given a 16-year sentence.
Gary Glitter Is Released From Prison After Serving Half of His Sentence - The New York Times (nytimes.com)
Arts
Jewish Heirs Sue Guggenheim Museum Over Ownership of a Prized Picasso
The museum says that the painting’s owner, who sold it after fleeing Nazi Germany, made a “fair transaction”. His heirs say he sold under duress.
Jewish Heirs Sue Guggenheim Over Ownership of a Prized Picasso - The New York Times (nytimes.com)
French Court Upholds Charges Against Former Louvre Director in Antiquities Trafficking Case
A French appeals court upheld the charges against Jean-Luc Martinez, the former president and director of the Louvre in Paris, for his alleged complicity in the trafficking of antiquities from Egypt.
French Court Upholds Charges Against Former Louvre Director – ARTnews.com
Sports
Hamlin’s Injury Highlights Precarious Position of Many Young N.F.L. Players
The injury to Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills, who collapsed on the field in cardiac arrest, has drawn attention to players who have been hurt early in their careers and now struggle to get help.
Hamlin’s Injury Highlights Precarious Position of Many Young N.F.L. Players - The New York Times (nytimes.com)
The Impact of Tom Brady’s Retirement Is Still Unfolding
Brady claims he is done for good, but it is unclear what will mean for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Fox broadcast booth, and other interested parties.
How Will the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Replace Tom Brady? - The New York Times (nytimes.com)
Eagles’ Josh Sills Indicted on Rape and Kidnapping Charges
Joshua Sills, 25, was indicated in Ohio in the rape of a woman in December 2019, prosecutors announced on Wednesday.
Eagles’ Josh Sills Indicted on Rape and Kidnapping Charges - The New York Times (nytimes.com)
Court Dismisses Guilty Plea by Australian Tennis Star Nick Kyrgios in Assault Case
The Guilty Plea and Dismissal Stemmed from a confrontation Nick Kyrgios had with his partner in 2021, when she tried to prevent him from leaving in a ride-hailing car.
Court Dismisses Guilty Plea by Australian Tennis Star Nick Kyrgios in Assault Case - The New York Times (nytimes.com)
Technology/Media
Coinbase Wins Dismissal Of Lawsuit Over Unregistered Securities
Coinbase Inc. won dismissal of a lawsuit by consumers alleging that the cryptocurrency exchange facilitated the sale of unregistered securities on its platform.
Coinbase Wins Dismissal of Lawsuit Over Unregistered Securities (COIN) - Bloomberg
Elon Musk Wins Lawsuit Over ‘Funding Secured’ Tweet
A California jury ruled that Elon Musk was not liable for losses experienced by Tesla shareholders following his controversial “funding secured” tweet from 2018.
Elon Musk wins lawsuit over 'funding secured' tweet | CNN Business
Activision Settles Another Workplace Suit for $35 Million
Videogame maker Activision Blizzard has agreed to pay $35 million to settle federal regulatory charges that it failed to collect and respond to employee complaints of workplace misconduct and violated a federal whistleblower protection rule.
Activision settles another workplace suit for $35 million - Santa Monica Daily Press (smdp.com)\
General News
U.S. Plans to End Public Health Emergency for Covid in May
The end of the emergency, planned for May 11, will be about a complex set of policy changes and signals a new chapter in the government’s pandemic response .
Biden Administration Plans to End Covid Public Health Emergency in May - The New York Times (nytimes.com)
January Saw the Strongest Job Gains Since Last Summer
U.S. employers added more than half a million jobs in January — far more than forecasters had expected. The unemployment rate fell to its lowest level in more than half a century.
January saw the strongest job gains since last summer : NPR
China Protests as US Fighter Jets Shoot Down Suspected Spy Balloon
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said the Biden administration’s decision to shoot down the Chinese spy balloon on Saturday came “too late” and let China “make a mockery” of US airspace.
Suspected Chinese spy ballon shot down by US military: Live updates (cnn.com)
Democrats Vote to Change Order of 2024 Presidential Primary
The Democratic Party approved the reordering of its 2024 presidential primary, replacing Iowa with South Carolina in the leadoff spot, as part of a major shake-up meant to empower Black and other minority voters critical to its base of support.
Democrats vote to change order of 2024 presidential primary | PBS NewsHour
2016 Trump campaign in $450,000 Lawsuit Settlement Voids Worker Non-Disclosure Agreements
Former President Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign, as part of a $450,000 settlement of a class-action lawsuit by a former campaign aide, agreed to void non-disclosure agreements that hundreds of campaign workers and volunteers had signed as a condition of their work.
Trump campaign settles lawsuit, voids NDAs (cnbc.com)
Trump likened to Mob Boss John Gotti in Ex-Prosecutor’s New Book
Mark F. Pomerantz, who resigned from the Manhattan District attorney’s office last year, wrote that he had pursued a racketeering case against the former president.
Trump Likened to Mob Boss John Gotti in Ex-Prosecutor’s New Book - The New York Times (nytimes.com)