By Jessie Schuster
Edited by Elissa D. Hecker
Entertainment
Amazon MGM Studios Sued by Producer Over Alleged Pay-to Play Scheme
A producer sued Amazon MGM Studios, alleging the company operated a pay-to-play scheme that improperly required financial contributions or incentives tied to production opportunities.
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/amazon-mgm-studios-sued-by-producer-1236595069/
Paramount Says It’s All in on Theatrical Distribution as It Aims to Stave Off California Merger Challenge
Paramount defended its commitment to theatrical film distribution while responding to concerns from California officials reviewing its proposed merger activities and broader industry consolidation.
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/paramount-theatrical-distribution-wbd-merger-california-ag-letter-1236593688/
Matt Damon and Ben Affleck’s Production Company Facing Defamation Lawsuit Over “The Rip”
Artists Equity, the production company founded by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, was sued for defamation over claims connected to the upcoming Netflix project The Rip.
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/matt-damon-ben-affleck-the-rip-defamation-lawsuit-netflix-1236594180/
Jermaine Jackson Hit With $6.5M Legal Judgment for Alleged 1988 Rape
A court ordered Jermaine Jackson to pay $6.5 million in damages after a lawsuit accused him of sexually assaulting a woman in 1988.
https://www.billboard.com/pro/jermaine-jackson-sex-assault-lawsuit-singer-pay-judgment/
Harvey Weinstein Granted Mistral for Third Time
A New York judge declared another mistrial in Harvey Weinstein’s rape retrial after jurors remained deadlocked over allegations involving Jessica Mann. Prosecutors are now considering whether to pursue a fourth trial.
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/e/thr-esq/
Dua Lipa’s $15M Samsung TV Box Lawsuit Unveils The ‘New Rules’ of Trademark Litigation
Dua Lipa’s $15 million lawsuit against Samsung over television box branding highlights evolving legal strategies and standards in modern trademark disputes.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/legalentertainment/2026/05/14/dua-lipa-v-samsung-a-masterclass-in-the-new-rules-of-trademark-litigation/
Real Madrid’s Bernaéu Stadium Defeats Criminal Case Over Taylor Swift, Karol G Concert Noise
A Spanish court dismissed a criminal complaint alleging excessive noise from concerts at Real Madrid’s Bernabéu Stadium, including performances by Taylor Swift and Karol G.
https://www.billboard.com/pro/real-madrid-bernabeu-beats-taylor-swift-karol-g-noise-case/
Arts
Children’s Book Author Kouri Richins Sentenced to Life in Prison Without Parole in Fatal Poisoning of Husband
Kouri Richins, a children’s book author, was sentenced to life without parole after being convicted of murdering her husband by poisoning him.
https://www.cnn.com/2026/05/13/us/kouri-richins-murder-sentencing
Neil Young Trademark Lawsuit Over ‘Chrome Hearts’ Band Name Dropped by Fashion Brand
A fashion company dropped its trademark lawsuit against Neil Young over the use of the name “Chrome Hearts” for his band project, ending the legal dispute without further litigation.
https://www.billboard.com/pro/neil-young-trademark-lawsuit-chrome-hearts-dropped-accuser/
A Cautious New Approach to Trump’s Impeachments at the Smithsonian
The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery is handling material related to Trump and his impeachments carefully as it navigates political sensitivities surrounding his presidency.
https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/2026/05/smithsonian-trump-portrait-impeachment/687180/
Creative Financing Ideas: A Potential Sale of the Met Opera’s Chagalls
The Metropolitan Opera could potentially raise funds by selling or leveraging its Chagall paintings, although doing so would involve significant legal, financial, and ethical questions surrounding major cultural assets.
https://itsartlaw.org/art-law/creative-financing-ideas-a-potential-sale-of-the-met-operas-chagalls/
At the Venice Biennale, the Thrill of Victory, the Agony of Defeat
The Venice Biennale featured standout successes alongside disappointing receptions for several artists and national pavilions, reflecting the intense competition and prestige tied to the international exhibition.
https://news.artnet.com/art-world/venice-biennale-report-2772175
Archaeologists Find Egyptian Mummy Buried With the ‘Iliad’
Archaeologists discovered an Egyptian mummy buried with a copy of Homer’s Iliad, providing rare evidence of Greek literary influence and cultural exchange in ancient Egypt.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/15/science/archaeology-egypt-mummy-iliad.html
Sports
MLB’s Rays, Local Officials Reach $2.3B Ballpark Framework
The Tampa Bay Rays and local officials reached a $2.3 billion agreement outlining plans for a new stadium, including financing, land use, and economic development commitments.
https://www.law360.com/sports-and-betting/articles/2478371/mlb-s-rays-local-officials-reach-2-3b-ballpark-framework-
College Sports Capital Wins NIL Arbitration Case Brought by Nebraska Football Players
College Sports Capital successfully defended an NIL arbitration case, with a ruling upholding its contract terms and salary cap rules against claims from Nebraska football players.
https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/48745201/college-sports-salary-cap-rules-upheld-arbitration-case-brought-nebraska-football-players
Minn. Twins Doctor Can’t Claim Immunity in Player Death Suit
A Minnesota court ruled that the team’s doctor cannot claim immunity in a lawsuit over a player’s death, allowing the legal case to proceed against the physician.
https://www.law360.com/sports-and-betting/articles/2478390/minn-twins-doctor-can-t-claim-immunity-in-player-death-suit
RideNow Avoids SEC Suit Following Spat with Ex-CEO
RideNow reached a resolution that prevents the SEC from filing a securities fraud suit related to disputes with its former CEO.
https://www.law360.com/sports-and-betting/articles/2478422/ridenow-avoids-sec-suit-following-spat-with-ex-ceo
Montreal Strippers Plan Strike for Formula One Weekend
Strippers in Montreal announced plans to strike during the Formula One Grand Prix, demanding better pay and working conditions during the high-profile event.
https://www.reuters.com/business/world-at-work/montreal-strippers-plan-strike-formula-one-weekend-2026-05-15/
Spain Tightens Limits on Olympic Trademarks
Spain implemented stricter regulations on the use of Olympic-related trademarks to prevent unauthorized commercial exploitation during sporting events.
https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/spain-tighten-limits-olympic-trademarks
Media & Technology
“Do You Always Tell the Truth?”: Sam Altman Rests His Case in the OpenAI Trial
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman concluded his testimony in the trial with Elon Musk, defending the company’s practices and responding to scrutiny over transparency and credibility.
https://www.theringer.com/2026/05/15/tech/sam-altman-defense-testimony-elon-musk-trial
‘Are You Completely Trustworthy?’: Musk’s Attorney Presses OpenAI CEO in Trial
During testimony in the legal dispute between Elon Musk and OpenAI, Musk’s attorney sharply questioned CEO Sam Altman about his credibility and OpenAI’s shift toward a for-profit structure. The exchange highlighted tensions over the company’s founding mission and governance.
https://www.cnn.com/2026/05/12/tech/sam-altman-openai-vs-elon-musk-testimony
CA High Court Releases EdTech Co. From Data Breach Suit
California’s high court ruled that an educational technology company could not be held liable in a data breach lawsuit because the plaintiffs failed to show sufficient injury tied to the breach. The decision narrows the circumstances under which companies can face consumer lawsuits over exposed personal data.
https://www.law360.com/media/articles/2478434/calif-high-court-releases-edtech-co-from-data-breach-suit
Israeli Authorities Plan to File Defamation Lawsuit Over New York Time Op-Ed
Israeli officials are preparing a defamation lawsuit in response to a New York Times opinion essay they claim falsely accused the country of misconduct. The dispute adds to growing tensions over media coverage of Israel and the war in the Middle East.
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/israel-lawsuit-new-york-times-op-ed-1236595987/
Their Son Died of a Drug Overdose After Consulting ChatGPT. Now They’re Suing OpenAI
The parents of a man who died from a drug overdose filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging that ChatGPT provided information that contributed to his death. The case raises broader questions about AI responsibility and safeguards around dangerous content.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/open-ai-chatgpt-drug-overdose-lawsuit/
Storming Scientology Buildings: TikTok Trend or Hate Crime?
Teenagers in Los Angeles and New York have been posting videos online of themselves “speedrunning” into Scientology buildings, as part of a TikTok trend. Lines are being blurred between a social media fad and criminal harassment.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/12/style/scientology-speedruns-tiktok-teens-la-nyc.html
Australian Teens Impacted by the Social Media Ban are Getting Less News: New Research
New research found that Australian teenagers affected by social media restrictions are consuming less news overall, as platforms previously served as a major source of information for young users. Researchers warned that the trend could weaken youth engagement with current events and civic issues.
https://theconversation.com/australian-teens-impacted-by-the-social-media-ban-are-getting-less-news-new-research-281988
General News
10,000 Rulings: The Courts’ Overwhelming Rebuke of Trump’s ICE Policies
U.S. courts issued over 10,000 rulings against Trump-era ICE policies, particularly mandatory detention, highlighting consistent judicial resistance to the administration’s immigration enforcement measures.
https://www.politico.com/news/2026/05/13/10k-rulings-ice-mandatory-detention-trump-analysis-00914195
Trump Nominates Cameron Hamilton to Lead FEMA, a Year After He Was Fired From the Role
President Trump nominated Cameron Hamilton to head FEMA nearly a year after removing him from the same position during a shake-up over the agency’s disaster response and internal management. The nomination revives a controversial figure whose previous tenure drew scrutiny over FEMA’s handling of major emergencies.
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/trump-nominates-cameron-hamilton-to-lead-fema-a-year-after-he-was-fired-from-the-role
What We Know About the Latest Ebola Outbreak After WHO Declares Global Health Emergency
The World Health Organization has declared a global health emergency after a new Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda, with the situation described as rapidly evolving and highly concerning.
https://www.cnn.com/2026/05/17/africa/ebola-outbreak-congo-uganda-explainer-intl
UAE and Saudi Arabia Report Drone Incidents as Iran War Deadlock Drags On
The UAE reported a drone attack on its Barakah nuclear plant, prompting a rise in oil prices, while Saudi Arabia also reported drone-related incidents, as regional tensions linked to the Iran conflict continue.
https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/oil-rises-more-than-1-after-drone-attack-uae-nuclear-power-plant-2026-05-17/