By Lorena Guzmán-Díaz
Edited by Elissa D. Hecker
Below, for your browsing convenience, the categories are divided into: Entertainment, Arts, Sports, Technology/Media, and General News.
Entertainment
Universal Music Group Pulls Songs From TikTok
Universal Music Group has removed its catalog from TikTok, including tracks from stars like Taylor Swift and Drake, following unsuccessful licensing talks, accusing TikTok of inadequate compensation and letting AI-generated music undercut actual artists' royalties, leading to audio-muted videos and deleted tracks on the platform and underscoring the tension over profits and power between the music industry and tech companies.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/01/arts/music/universal-group-tiktok-music.html?searchResultPosition=1
Study Tracking Women’s Music Credits Has a Surprise: Good News
The Annenberg Inclusion Initiative study reveals a significant rise in women's participation in 2023's hit songs, with 35% of artists and a majority involvement in songwriting for the first time in the study's history, especially noting the contributions of women of color, though women's overall representation since 2012 remains lower at 23%, highlighting ongoing disparities in technical roles in the music industry.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/30/arts/music/annenberg-study-women-music-industry.html?searchResultPosition=1
Trial in Jam Master Jay’s 2002 Killing Begins in Brooklyn
The trial for the murder of Jam Master Jay, the DJ of Run-DMC, has started in Brooklyn, with Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington as the accused. Prosecutors claim the motive was related to a drug deal conflict. With no forensic evidence connecting them to the crime, the case will hinge on witness testimony. Conviction could lead to at least 20 years in prison. Jay's 2002 death deeply affected the hip-hop world, emphasizing the cultural impact of Run-DMC's influence on the music industry.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/29/nyregion/jam-master-jay-murder-trial.html?searchResultPosition=1
George Carlin’s Estate Sues Podcasters Over A.I. Episode
George Carlin's estate has sued podcasters Will Sasso and Chad Kultgen for copyright infringement, accusing them of using A.I. to replicate Carlin's voice and style in a comedy piece on their "Dudesy" podcast. The special "George Carlin: I'm Glad I'm Dead" allegedly features an A.I.-generated impersonation based on Carlin's material, along with the unauthorized use of his name and likeness. The estate seeks to block future use of Carlin's work and destroy the disputed content, while Sasso's representative contends that "Dudesy" is a purely fictional character. The case adds to the legal discourse on A.I. and copyright, an issue raised by other celebrities and artists as well. Carlin's daughter disapproved of the imitation, deeming it a substandard mimicry.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/26/arts/carlin-lawsuit-ai-podcast-copyright.html?searchResultPosition=1
Alec Baldwin Pleads Not Guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter
Alec Baldwin has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter in cinematographer Halyna Hutchins's death on the Rust set, blaming safety crew for the incident. Amidst ongoing legal battles, where his lawyers decry the prosecution and his release conditions bar weapon possession and limit witness contact, the debate continues over an actor's on-set responsibilities, with unions and legal voices like Gloria Allred split on the issue. Additionally, the armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, awaits a separate trial.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/31/arts/alec-baldwin-rust.html
Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce, and a MAGA Meltdown
Taylor Swift, romantically linked to Kansas City Chiefs player Travis Kelce, has faced conspiracy theories and criticism from MAGA supporters, including being labeled a Pentagon agent or a potential endorser of President Biden, as right-wing figures respond to her political activism and influence on her vast social media following, challenging traditional gender norms.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/30/us/politics/taylor-swift-travis-kelce-trump.html
Federal Judge Dismisses Disney Lawsuit Against DeSantis
After Disney criticized a controversial Florida education law, Governor DeSantis took control of the tax district overseeing Disney World, ending the theme park's self-governance. Disney's subsequent legal challenge, which involved $17 billion development contracts and claims of retaliation and constitutional rights violations, was dismissed by Judge Allen Winsor. He ruled the takeover law could not be contested on grounds of retaliation. Disney plans to appeal, fearing that the decision sets a precedent allowing state retaliation against businesses for political reasons, threatening the rule of law.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/31/business/disney-ron-desantis-lawsuit.html
Why China Has Lost Interest in Hollywood Movies
American films have seen a decline in popularity in China, with none making it into China's top 10 highest-grossing movies of 2023. Contributing to this trend are the US-China tensions, the COVID-19 pandemic's impact, and the growing appeal of Chinese films that embrace cultural relevance and nationalistic themes aligned with the Communist Party's vision. Whereas Hollywood once turned to the lucrative Chinese market for substantial earnings, it now grapples with dwindling Chinese consumer spending and falling box office sales. Despite efforts to comply with Chinese censors, Hollywood is facing a downturn in demand, leading to smaller revenues and a need to revise production budgets and marketing tactics.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/23/business/china-box-office-hollywood.html?searchResultPosition=2
Arts
Amid a Fraught Process, a Philadelphia Museum Entombs Remains of 19 Black People
The University of Pennsylvania held a service to inter the remains of 19 Black individuals whose skulls were used in pseudoscientific racist studies, amidst controversy and criticism over how the museum handled the repatriation process and concerns about the haste and transparency of the interment. The service stood as both a memorial for the deceased and an act of atonement for the institution's role in perpetuating racism through its handling of the Morton cranial collection.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/03/us/upenn-burial-science.html?searchResultPosition=1
Kat Von D Wins Copyright Trial Over Miles Davis Tattoo
Celebrity tattoo artist Kat Von D has won a copyright infringement case over a Miles Davis tattoo she created. The photographer who took the original portrait of Davis filed a lawsuit claiming that the tattoo violated copyright laws. The trial raised questions about what constitutes fair use of this type of copyrighted material. The jury unanimously ruled that Von D's reproduction of the photo as a tattoo did not infringe upon copyright law. The case could have had significant implications for the tattoo industry if Von D had lost.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/27/arts/kat-von-d-miles-davis-tattoo-copyright-trial.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare
Richard Prince “New Portraits” Show Was a Big Fair Use Error
Judge Sidney Stein has ordered artist Richard Prince and gallery owner Lawrence Gagosian to pay substantial damages for copyright infringement. Prince used Donald Graham and Eric McNatt's photographs in his "New Portraits" series, and the ruling emphasized the tightened scope of "transformativeness" in fair use after the Supreme Court's decision in Andy Warhol Foundation v. Lynn Goldsmith, marking a win for creators' copyright protections.
https://illusionofmore.com/richard-prince-new-portraits-show-was-a-big-fair-use-error/
Jury Finds That Sotheby’s Did Not Help in Any Fraud of Russian Oligarch
A jury in a civil trial in New York found that auction house Sotheby's did not aid a Swiss dealer in defrauding Russian oligarch Dmitry Rybolovlev out of tens of millions of dollars in high-end art sales. Rybolovlev accused Sotheby's of being part of a scheme in which the dealer posed as an art adviser but secretly acted as an art dealer, buying works at Sotheby's before reselling them to Rybolovlev at inflated prices. The jury sided with Sotheby's, stating that the auction house was unaware of any scheme and that its focus was on selling art at high prices. The trial provided insight into the inner workings of the art trade, with Rybolovlev testifying from the stand. While his claims against Sotheby's failed, the trial allowed him to discuss his grievances against the dealer, Yves Bouvier.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/30/arts/sothebys-art-fraud-trial.html?searchResultPosition=1
It’s 50 Degrees in Minneapolis. Goodbye, Ice Shanties.
The Art Shanty Projects in Minneapolis, where artists recreate traditional ice fishing huts, were forced to end their program early due to unseasonably warm temperatures. The event opened with 13 inches of solid ice on Lake Harriet, drawing in 10,000 visitors, but March-like temperatures caused the organizers to conclude that the lake was no longer safe for crowds. Diminishing ice has become a common occurrence in Minnesota, with winters warming five to six degrees since 1970. Climate change and natural El Niño weather patterns are believed to be the cause. The loss of reliable winter ice in Minnesota is raising concerns and threatening cultural events that rely on frozen lakes.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/02/arts/design/minnesota-ice-shanties.html?searchResultPosition=1
Plan to Resurface a Pyramid in Granite Draws Heated Debate
Egypt's proposal to refurbish the Pyramid of Menkaure with granite has ignited controversy, with critics likening the project to a theme park renovation and fearing the loss of authenticity. Despite the fact that many original granite stones are gone, the plan involves meticulous study and debate over restoration versus preservation. With Japanese support, this initiative is a segment of a larger investment in Giza's historical sites, including the upcoming Grand Egyptian Museum.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/01/arts/design/resurfacing-pyramid-ignites-debate.html
Sports
NCAA Inquiry Takes On Growing Role of Booster Groups
The NCAA is investigating the University of Tennessee's football program over potential recruiting misconduct tied to a donor collective's involvement, including alleged improper benefits, like private jet flights for recruits. This probe, amidst concerns over the swelling influence of outside money via donor collectives in college sports, could lead to severe penalties for the team and further challenges the NCAA 's diminishing regulatory power over such financial dynamics.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/30/us/ncaa-tennessee-booster-group-violation.html?searchResultPosition=1
Suit Seeks to Block NCAA Limits on Athletic Donors
Tennessee and Virginia's attorneys general are suing the NCAA, challenging the organization's authority to block wealthy boosters from offering financial incentives to college athletes for recruitment purposes. Stemming from the NCAA's probe into potential recruiting malpractices at the University of Tennessee, the legal action seeks to overturn a rule limiting donor groups from compensating athletes, asserting it hampers competition and salary prospects for student-athletes. They're pursuing a judicial order to nullify the rule before the upcoming recruitment period. The NCAA contends that its regulations are set by its member institutions and warns that the lawsuit may heighten current disputes.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/31/us/politics/lawsuit-ncaa-athletic-donors.html
Sexual Assault Claims Against McMahon Shadow a World Wrestling Entertainment Trying to Move Forward
Vince McMahon, ex-WWE head and TKO Group executive chairman, is facing allegations of sexual assault and sex trafficking in a new lawsuit from a former WWE employee. The suit implicates WWE, suggesting corporate awareness of McMahon's alleged actions. Although McMahon resigned from TKO's board and denied the claims, he's no stranger to such allegations. While WWE thrives, securing a multi-billion dollar Netflix deal, its parent company Endeavor acknowledges the risks of McMahon's past behavior. He remains WWE's primary shareholder and retains his TKO stake as the investigation continues, with WWE staying silent on the issue.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/28/business/vince-mcmahon-wwe.html?searchResultPosition=1
PGA Tour strikes $3 billion deal with Fenway-led investment group. Players to get equity ownership
The PGA Tour has secured a $3 billion investment from Strategic Sports Group, establishing PGA Tour Enterprises with over $1.5 billion accessible to players as equity owners. This initiative integrates players into the tour's profit and decision-making structure. Post a framework deal with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf, interest from private equity surged, although the Saudi Public Investment Fund is not currently involved, discussions persist. Upcoming player meetings are set to fine-tune the equity program, intending to elevate the sport's value for players, events, fans, and affiliates.
https://apnews.com/article/pga-tour-ssg-liv-golf-saudi-cb9eefdd3ccac5ae39c0c5b25ddaaa9f
4 NHL Players, 1 Ex-Player Charged in 2018 Sexual Assault Accusation
Four current NHL players and one former NHL player have been charged with sexual assault in connection with a 2018 allegation. The players charged include Carter Hart from the Philadelphia Flyers, Cal Foote and Michael McLeod from the New Jersey Devils, and Dillon Dubé from the Calgary Flames. The ex-NHL player charged is Alex Formenton, who turned himself in to Canadian police. All five athletes deny the allegations. The charges stem from a civil case filed in 2022 by an Ontario woman, who later dropped the suit after reaching a settlement with the defendants. The investigation is ongoing, and the NHL has declined to comment on the charges.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/sports/ex-nhl-player-alex-formenton-turns-charges-related-2018-sexual-assault-rcna136370
PGA Tour Raises $1.5 Billion From Group of U.S. Investors
The PGA Tour has garnered at least $1.5 billion from U.S. investors, including Fenway Sports Group, raising doubts about its need for a partnership with LIV Golf, backed by Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund. This capital injection comes as the tour was eyeing an alliance with LIV Golf to combat financial challenges. With prominent figures like Marc Lasry and Steven Cohen on board, the PGA Tour is set to establish PGA Tour Enterprises, a for-profit entity with investor and player stakeholders. Despite this move to solidify player investment and deal with the Tour's financial issues, the Saudi fund's influence endures, presenting a continuing challenge.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/31/business/pga-tour-investment-liv-group.html?searchResultPosition=1
Recruited to Play Sports, and Win a Culture War
The introduction of varsity athletics at the progressive New College of Florida, encouraged by Governor Ron DeSantis to pivot the school's liberal culture, initially stirred campus tensions, with some students transferring and others feeling out of place. Athletes and returning students faced mutual misunderstanding, but as the semester advanced, barriers started to break down, exemplified by shared curiosity and respect at a campus party. Through engagement and a broader exposure to the college's diverse activities and social issues, students found common ground, learning, and building connections across cultural and ideological lines.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/31/magazine/new-college-desantis-florida.html
Russian Figure Skater Is Handed Four-Year Ban in Olympic Doping Case
Kamila Valieva, a Russian figure skater, received a four-year ban from competition due to doping at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, with the Court of Arbitration for Sport rejecting her defense of accidental ingestion and making the ban effective retroactively, allowing a potential return for the 2026 Winter Olympics, while Russia will lose its team event gold medal, affecting medal standings.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/29/world/europe/kamila-valieva-russia-doping-figure-skating.html?campaign_id=190&emc=edit_ufn_20240129&instance_id=113775&nl=from-the-times®i_id=67127294&segment_id=156720&te=1&user_id=0236c45b7ba3058bdd4cb83eb64a9d71
Former N.H.L. Player Faces Sexual Assault Charges in Canada
Ex-NHL player Alex Formenton, accused of sexual assault from an incident in 2018 involving members of Canada's national junior team, faces charges amidst a scandal that has led to the resignation of Hockey Canada's leadership, lost sponsorships, and a parliamentary inquiry. An initial police investigation was dropped but reopened in 2022 after a multi-million dollar settlement, funded by hockey registration fees, became public knowledge, prompting renewed investigations by Hockey Canada and the NHL, raising serious concerns over sexual misconduct in hockey.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/29/world/canada/hockey-sexual-assault-charges.html?searchResultPosition=1
Bullfighting Returns to Its Largest Arena. A Fight Over Its Future Goes On.
Bullfighting resumed at La Plaza México in Mexico City after being banned for nearly two years, but a federal judge's intervention halted events again, reflecting the intense debate between supporters of cultural tradition and animal rights advocates, leaving the future of the practice uncertain amidst legal and societal challenges.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/01/world/americas/bullfighting-mexico.html?searchResultPosition=2
Media/Technology
‘Your Product Is Killing People’: Tech Leaders Denounced Over Child Safety
Chief executives of Meta, TikTok, X, Snap, and Discord faced criticism from lawmakers during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing for failing to protect children from harmful content on their platforms. Senators accused the tech leaders of prioritizing profits over the well-being of youths and compared them to cigarette makers. Concerns over the impact of technology on children and teens have been growing, with social media being identified as a cause of youth mental health issues. More than 105 million images, videos, and materials related to child sexual abuse were flagged in 2023 alone. Lawmakers from both parties are calling for action to address these issues and hold tech companies accountable. However, previous attempts to pass legislation or enforce existing laws have been unsuccessful, prompting skepticism about the impact of these hearings.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/31/technology/senate-child-safety-social-media.html
Law Enforcement Braces for Flood of Child Sex Abuse Images Generated by A.I.
The proliferation of A.I.-generated images that simulate child sexual exploitation is troubling law enforcement, as these realistic depictions are often hard to distinguish from genuine abuse material, complicating victim identification. Enhanced by encrypted communication platforms like those offered by Meta, tracking and prosecuting offenders is increasingly difficult. Congress is pressing for stronger child protection measures while law enforcement grapples with a lack of resources and the swift evolution of technology that facilitates the spread of such abusive imagery.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/30/us/politics/ai-child-sex-abuse.html
Hottest Job in Corporate America? The Executive in Charge of A.I.
The rise of A.I. has led to a surge in hiring for roles, such as Chief AI Officer, contrary to fears that A.I. would eliminate jobs, with organizations like Mayo Clinic and Florida Blue creating such positions to harness A.I.'s potential and mitigate its risks. Companies across various sectors are appointing A.I. executives to navigate the disruptive technology's benefits, such as improving medical diagnoses and efficiency, while experts debate the longevity and evolution of these specialized roles.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/29/technology/us-jobs-ai-chatgpt-tech.html?searchResultPosition=1
Silicon Valley Battles States Over New Online Safety Laws for Children
NetChoice, representing tech firms such as TikTok and Meta, has legally challenged new state regulations on children's online safety in Ohio, California, and Arkansas, halting their enactment and arguing these laws violate free speech, advocating instead for a federal standard, while states contend the laws are crucial for child protection.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/31/technology/social-media-free-speech-netchoice.html?searchResultPosition=1
The News About the News Business Is Getting Grimmer
The U.S. news industry is grappling with significant ups and downs: major outlets like The Washington Post and The Los Angeles Times are cutting jobs amid a wider trend of local newsroom closures, declining cable news viewership, and dwindling ad revenues diverted to tech giants. Half of American counties now have sparse local coverage, while the rise of streaming and dip in cinema visits force media parent companies to economize, putting pressure on magazines and other sectors. Despite gains in digital subscriptions, finding sustainable business models remains a critical hurdle for the news sector.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/24/business/media/media-industry-layoffs-decline.html?searchResultPosition=1
A.I. Fuels a New Era of Product Placement
Rembrand, a start-up that recently raised $14 million, is revolutionizing advertising by using AI to digitally insert products into online videos, creating a new revenue stream for content creators on platforms such as TikTok and YouTube. The company facilitates virtual product placements with a marketplace connecting advertisers and creators and aims to extend its AI services to additional social media platforms, moving towards a self-service model.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/01/business/media/artificial-intelligence-product-placement.html
Apple Has a New Plan for Its App Store. Many Developers Hate It.
Apple's proposed App Store changes, prompted by European regulatory demands for open access to alternative app stores and payment methods, have met with dissatisfaction from developers, who feel the new fees and regulations may hinder their operations and fail to adequately address competition concerns, potentially leading to significant legal confrontations with both European and U.S. authorities.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/01/technology/apple-app-store-europe.html?searchResultPosition=1
He’s Lost His Marriage, His Followers and His Lamborghini
Once celebrated crypto influencer Ben Armstrong, known as BitBoy, experienced a dramatic fall from grace emblematic of the crypto industry's troubles. His previous success, marked by ostentatious displays of wealth like owning a Lamborghini, unraveled due to personal, legal, and financial setbacks, including divorce, lost assets, and accusations of sexual harassment. In a particular legal dispute, Armstrong's car was claimed by a spiritual guide, Mr. Diaz, under contentious circumstances. Armstrong attempts a comeback amid his challenges, continuing to project assurance in his future prospects in the ever-volatile cryptocurrency realm.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/02/business/bitboy-ben-armstrong.html?searchResultPosition=1
From Opposite Sides of War, a Hunt for Elusive Facts
The escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict has led to a surge in disinformation, putting strain on under-resourced and relatively inexperienced fact-checking organizations in the area. These entities struggle against the spread of baseless claims, doctored media, and conspiracy theories amid accusations of partiality and limited access to verifiable data, especially in Gaza. The fact-checkers face the added risks of harassment and mental health impacts while striving to provide accurate information and navigate the complex cultural context of the conflict.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/25/business/media/misinformation-fact-checking-israel-hamas.html?searchResultPosition=1
Thai Court Rules Progressive Party’s Reform Push Violated Constitution
Thailand's Constitutional Court ruled that the Move Forward Party's proposal to scale back the royal defamation law violated the Constitution as it amounted to an attempt to overthrow the monarchy. The Move Forward Party, which campaigned to end military rule and weaken the draconian law that prohibits criticism of the monarchy, is now vulnerable to further legal challenges that could lead to its disbandment. Supporters of the party argue that the law needs to be amended as it is being used as a political weapon, while the establishment believes any change could lead to abolishing the monarchy altogether. The ruling sets the stage for a showdown between Thailand's progressive opposition and the conservative establishment.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/31/world/asia/thailand-move-forward-loses-verdict.html?searchResultPosition=1
China’s Censorship Dragnet Targets Critics of the Economy
China's Ministry of State Security has launched a crackdown on critics of the country's economy, censoring negative commentary and financial analysis. The government, struggling to revive a slumping stock market and collapsing real estate sector, is blocking articles that speak negatively about the economy, including those discussing financial struggles and poor living standards. Intimidation tactics have extended to renowned economists, investment banks, social media influencers, and even consulting firms with foreign ties. The involvement of security agencies illustrates President Xi Jinping's broader definition of national security threats. However, these efforts to suppress negative information have raised concerns among investors and foreign businesses about the true state of China's economy.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/31/business/china-censorship-economy-markets.html?searchResultPosition=1
General News
Supreme Court Won’t Block Use of Race in West Point Admissions for Now
The Supreme Court declined to temporarily block race-conscious admissions at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. The Court's decision rejected a request from the conservative group Students for Fair Admissions, which has challenged the consideration of race in higher education. The Court stated that its denial should not be seen as expressing any view on the merits of the constitutional question, indicating that the issue could be considered in the future. The group had filed a lawsuit against West Point, claiming that its admissions practices violated the Constitution. West Point defends its use of race in admissions as important for achieving a diverse officer corps and ensuring national security. The Court's decision does not extend to other military academies, as the previous ruling on race-conscious admissions at Harvard and the University of North Carolina did not address military institutions.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/02/us/politics/scotus-admissions-west-point.html?searchResultPosition=1
Judge Scraps Trial Date for Trump Election Subversion Case
The trial date for former President Donald Trump's prosecution on charges of plotting to overturn the 2020 election has been delayed by Judge Tanya Chutkan. This had been expected, due to Trump's efforts to have the charges dismissed based on complete immunity from prosecution. The new trial date will be set once the immunity claims are resolved, which is currently being considered by a three-judge panel. Trump's legal team has been pushing for a delay until after the upcoming election, where if Trump wins, he could potentially dismiss the charges. Prosecutors have argued for a speedy trial due to public interest. This delay means that Trump's trial on state charges in New York may be the first to proceed, with a trial date set for March 25. The timing of both trials may ultimately be determined by the Supreme Court.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/02/us/politics/trump-trial-election-date-delay.html?campaign_id=190&emc=edit_ufn_20240202&instance_id=114204&nl=from-the-times®i_id=67127294&segment_id=157161&te=1&user_id=0236c45b7ba3058bdd4cb83eb64a9d71
At the Defense Table, Trump Uses the Courtroom as a Stage
Donald Trump's contentious behavior in civil trials—characterized by displays of anger, communication with lawyers, and disruptions—signals how he might comport himself in the face of forthcoming criminal proceedings where his presence will be mandatory, as he seemingly treats the courtroom as a platform to command attention and express his narrative, often challenging the judge's efforts to maintain order.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/28/us/politics/trump-courtroom-stage.html?searchResultPosition=1
Trump Stays on Ballot in Illinois, State Board Rules
The Illinois State Board of Elections ruled that Trump can remain on the state's primary ballot, rejecting a complaint that accused him of insurrection. The board unanimously determined that they did not have the authority to decide whether Trump had engaged in insurrection and that he could appear on the ballot. Two Republicans on the board believed that Trump had engaged in insurrection but said the question should be left to the courts. Trump's lawyers have denied the allegations and argued that the constitutional clause in question does not apply to the presidency. The decision is expected to be appealed in the courts.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/30/us/illinois-trump-ballot.html?searchResultPosition=1
C.I.A. Computer Engineer Who Leaked Secrets Is Sentenced to 40 Years
Joshua Schulte, an ex-CIA computer engineer, received a 40-year prison sentence for the Vault 7 WikiLeaks leak revealing U.S. cyber espionage tactics and for child pornography offenses. His actions were described as a "digital Pearl Harbor," with the judge noting his lack of remorse and prosecutors citing spite as his motive. This high-profile case exposed vulnerabilities within CIA security systems.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/01/nyregion/cia-leak-child-pornography.html?searchResultPosition=1
Former Contractor Who Leaked Trump’s Tax Returns Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison
Former IRS contractor Charles Littlejohn was sentenced to five years in prison for unlawfully leaking confidential tax documents, including those of former President Donald Trump, from 2017 to 2021 to media outlets. His unprecedented breach of IRS data privacy led to a guilty plea, supervised release, community service, and a fine, highlighting the significant impact of his actions.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/29/us/politics/irs-trump-taxes-prison.html?searchResultPosition=1
Hate Crimes Reported in Schools Nearly Doubled Between 2018 and 2022
The rising number of hate crimes in schools and universities between 2018 and 2022 has been revealed in a report by the FBI. The report shows that hate crimes in educational institutions nearly doubled during this period, with about 1,300 hate crimes reported in 2022, compared to 700 in 2018. Black students were the most frequent victims, followed by LGBTQ and Jewish students. The report also highlights the underreporting of hate crimes and the potential influence of the politicization of the education system in recent years. Additionally, the report raises concerns about the impact of the Israel-Gaza conflict on bias incidents in schools.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/29/us/hate-crimes-schools-universities.html?searchResultPosition=1
U.S. and U.K. Launch Heavy Strikes on Houthi Sites in Yemen
The United States and United Kingdom conducted heavy military strikes on multiple sites in Yemen controlled by Houthi militants. The airstrikes were carried out with the aim of deterring attacks on ships in the Red Sea. These strikes came just one day after the U.S. targeted other Iran-backed militias in Iraq and Syria. Other countries, including Australia, Bahrain, Denmark, Canada, the Netherlands, and New Zealand, provided support for the strikes. The airstrikes were intended to disrupt and degrade the Houthi capabilities that threaten trade and the lives of mariners. However, the Houthi leadership has vowed to continue their attacks, setting the stage for further escalation in the region.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/03/us/politics/houthis-yemen-strikes.html?searchResultPosition=1
Man Convicted of Assaulting Police in Tipping Point on Jan. 6th
Pennsylvania barber Ryan Samsel was convicted of assaulting police officers during the January 6th Capitol breach, with his actions allowing others to enter the building, although he was acquitted of trespassing. As prosecutions continue, with over 1,260 individuals now charged, the Capitol riot remains a contentious topic in the 2024 presidential race. Samsel, linked to the Proud Boys in photos and accused by some of instigating the riot, along with his co-defendants, was found guilty of obstructing the election certification process.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/02/us/politics/jan-6-ryan-samsel-verdict.html?searchResultPosition=1
N.S.A. Installs New Director as U.S. Prepares for Election Influence Operations
Air Force Gen. Timothy D. Haugh has succeeded Army Gen. Paul M. Nakasone as the director of the NSA and U.S. Cyber Command, with the immediate goal of protecting U.S. elections from foreign influence, particularly from Russia. While the NSA focuses on signal intelligence and Cyber Command on network operations, their joint efforts since 2018 have targeted election interference, including countering Russian cyber activities. As the 2024 presidential election approaches, there's concern over potential increased efforts by adversaries like China and Iran. The agencies collaborate with tech firms to identify and mitigate intrusions, and they emphasize the importance of artificial intelligence technology in safeguarding national security.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/02/us/politics/nsa-haugh-director-elections-russia-china.html?searchResultPosition=1
Trump’s Privacy Case Over Dossier Thrown Out by U.K. High Court
The UK High Court dismissed a lawsuit filed by Trump against former British spy Christopher Steele. The lawsuit was brought against Steele's firm, Orbis Business Intelligence, over a dossier that Steele compiled in 2016 containing unproven claims of links between Trump and Russia. The court ruled that Trump had no grounds for claiming compensation or damages and no prospect of successfully obtaining a remedy. The judge emphasized that she did not make any determination regarding the accuracy of the dossier. This is the latest in a series of failed attempts by Trump to litigate his political disputes. The dossier, known as the "Steele dossier," caused controversy when it was published in 2017, but many of the allegations were never substantiated.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/01/world/europe/uk-trump-court-steele-dossier.html?searchResultPosition=1