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
Officials Can't Interfere With Local Tennessee Pride Festival Under Anti-drag Law, Judge Rules
A federal judge has ruled that law enforcement officials can’t use a Tennessee law that strictly limits drag shows to interfere with a local Pride festival.
https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/officials-interfere-local-tennessee-pride-festival-anti-drag-102873865
‘Equalizer 3’ Director Antoine Fuqua Faces Lawsuit From Former Consultant
In a 20-page document filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court, Paul Lozada’s complaint is for breach of oral contract, implied-in-fact contract, common counts, and promissory fraud.
https://variety.com/2023/film/news/antoine-fuqua-sued-equalizer-3-consultant-1235707497/
Striking Actors, Writers Urge FTC to Probe Hollywood Mergers
Dozens of striking Hollywood writers and actors are going beyond the picket line to the next frontier of advocacy against consolidation in entertainment: the federal regulations docket.
https://news.bloomberglaw.com/antitrust/striking-hollywood-workers-flock-to-ftc-to-probe-consolidation
Karol G Sued for Plagiarism in 'Don't Be Shy' with DJ Tiesto
Songwriter Rene Lorente filed a lawsuit against the singer, claiming plagiarism.
https://www.marca.com/en/lifestyle/music/2023/08/30/64ef2a0b22601da4108b4595.html
Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute Band Hits Back At Trademark Lawsuit: You Abandoned Your Name
Faced with accusations that they infringed Earth, Wind & Fire's name, a "legacy" band has made a bold counter-argument.
https://www.billboard.com/business/legal/earth-wind-fire-lawsuit-tribute-band-blasts-trademark-accusations-1235403573/
Love ‘Space Jam’? Pay for License Before Using the Song or You Might Get Sued
Watson Music Group, which says it bought the rights to the Quad City DJ's movie theme, recently sent a notice of infringement to a Minor League Baseball team.
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/space-jam-copyright-infringement-lawsuit-1234815265/
Impact of Hollywood Strikes on Jobs Goes Beyond the Strikers
Walkouts by screenwriters and actors have meant less work in fields that cater to the TV and film industry.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/01/business/economy/hollywood-strikes-jobs-report.html
As Obscure as an Extra, She Has a Lead Role in Hollywood’s Labor Fight
Carol Lombardini, the studio voice in union talks, values a low profile. That hasn’t kept striking writers and actors from casting her as a villain.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/27/business/hollywood-strike-studios-lombardini.html
Why Charter and Disney Are Fighting, and What It Means for Viewers
Messy negotiations between the cable giant Charter Communications and the Walt Disney Company, which owns channels including ESPN and FX, prompted Charter on Friday to proclaim that the business model for cable TV was fundamentally broken.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/02/business/comcast-disney-spectrum-espn.html
Host of YouTube Parenting Channel Is Charged With Child Abuse
Ruby Franke, a Utah mother known for chronicling her strict parenting style, was arrested after one of her children ran to a neighbor’s house seeking help.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/01/us/ruby-franke-child-abuse-arrest.html
Madison Square Garden Given Shortest Ever Permit by Council Committees
The full City Council is expected to endorse the five-year permit when it votes next month, signaling questions about the Garden’s “long-term viability.”
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/28/nyregion/madison-square-garden-permit.html
Coldplay Lawsuit: Former Manager Is Suing For Over $12 Million of Unpaid Commission
Dave Holmes, who managed the Chris Martin-fronted band for over 20 years, had split with the “Viva La Vida” rockers and launched a lawsuit in the U.K. High Court.
https://variety.com/2023/music/global/coldplay-manager-dave-holmes-lawsuit-unpaid-commission-1235710755/
Japanese Pop Mogul Abused Hundreds of Boys, Investigation Finds
Sexual assault allegations against Johnny Kitagawa — who died in 2019 and managed an array of successful boy bands — have been floating around for decades.
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/johnny-kitagawa-japan-talent-agent-abuse-1234815131/
Arts
Hitting Theater Hard: The Loss of Subscribers Who Went to Everything
The subscription model, in which theatergoers buy a season’s worth of shows at a time, had long been waning, but it fell off a cliff during the pandemic.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/29/theater/theater-subscribers-losses.html
Georgia School District Canceled an Author’s Talks After He Said ‘Gay’
An elementary school principal in Forsyth County emailed parents to apologize after Marc Tyler Nobleman used the word in a presentation about the origins of Batman.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/29/us/batman-book-nobleman-georgia-school-gay.html
For Some Culture Executives, a Housing Perk Is Rolled Back
Amid sensitivity over income inequality in their ranks as well as post-pandemic financial strains, several cultural organizations have reduced the housing benefit they had provided to former directors.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/25/arts/culture-museum-executives-perks.html
Washington Man Receives Monumental Sentence in Indian Arts and Crafts Act Case
According to court documents, Cristobal “Cris” Magno Rodrigo, 59, was sentenced to two years in federal prison.
https://www.justice.gov/usao-ak/pr/washington-man-receives-monumental-sentence-indian-arts-and-crafts-act-case
Politicians to Shein: Not So Fast on U.S. Expansion
A group of state attorneys general urged the S.E.C. to make the fast fashion company prove it doesn’t use forced labor if it files to go public.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/29/business/politicians-sec-shein-letter-ipo.html
After the Sudden Heralding of Hilma af Klint, Questions and Court Fights
She rocked the art world in 2018. Now a legal battle looms over control of the painter’s visionary works, and historians question who really created many of her iconic paintings.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/28/arts/design/hilma-af-klint-legacy.html
Totem Pole Taken 94 Years Ago Begins 4,000-Mile Journey Home
The 36-foot tall memorial pole has spent almost a century in a Scottish museum. Now it will be returned to the Nisga’a Nation in Canada.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/29/world/europe/totem-pole-nisga-a-nation-scotland.html
U.S. Seeks to Block Recovery of Titanic Artifacts
Washington has gone to court to become a party to the salvage case involving the famous liner so it can stop any expedition it deems objectionable.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/30/science/titanic-shipwreck-lawsuit.html
Investigators Seize ‘Marcus Aurelius’ Statue From Cleveland Museum
The Manhattan district attorney’s office said the headless bronze, valued at $20 million, is a depiction of the Roman emperor and was looted from Turkey.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/31/arts/design/marcus-aurelius-seized-cleveland-museum.html
Christie’s Cancels Sale of Jewelry Connected to Nazi-Era Fortune
The decision follows a backlash from Jewish organizations after the auction house generated $202 million in a spring sale from the jewelry collection of Heidi Horten.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/31/arts/design/christies-heidi-horten-sale.html
A Scandal and Its Fallout Compound the British Museum’s Woes
After it fired a worker for theft and its director stepped down, the museum faces renewed calls to give back contested objects and an uphill battle to raise funds for refurbishment.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/01/arts/british-museum-thefts.html
Sports
NFL Safety: How VICIS’ Position-Specific Helmets Have Become All the Rage
While watching a football game in the early 2010s, Per Reinhall was struck by the sound of helmets violently clashing together. The audible cracks of the collisions reverberated through his television and sparked an idea.
https://theathletic.com/4776016/2023/08/28/vicis-helmets-nfl-concussions/
Racehorse Deaths in Saratoga Renew Old Worries and Prompt Reforms
New York racing officials, addressing a deepening concern for the industry, say they will use diagnostic technology and synthetic tracks to keep horses safe.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/01/sports/horse-racing/horse-racing-deaths-reforms.html
Missouri Law Banning Minors from Beginning Gender-Affirming Treatments Takes Effect
Two new laws restricting transgender Missourians’ access to gender-affirming health care and school sports are now in effect.
https://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/missouri-law-banning-minors-beginning-gender-affirming-treatments-102630370
In a Bitter Lawsuit, Chess Combatants Agree to a Draw
An American grandmaster sued Magnus Carlsen, the world’s top player, and two other parties after Carlsen accused him of cheating. A settlement has been announced.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/28/sports/chess-lawsuit-magnus-carlsen.html
With Feud Over, New Women’s Ice Hockey League Is Set to Begin
Three Canadian and three American teams will begin play in the Professional Women’s Hockey League in January.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/29/sports/hockey/pwhl-womens-hockey.html
After Prosecutors Open Inquiry Into Soccer Chief, He Is Asked to Resign
Luis Rubiales caused outrage for kissing a player after Spain won the Women’s World Cup. A a criminal investigation has begun, and he has been told to step down.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/28/world/europe/luis-rubiales-spain-investigation.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/29/world/europe/luis-rubiales-spain-soccer.html
Technology/Media
U.S. Judge Throws Out Two Soccer Bribery Convictions
A U.S. judge has thrown out the convictions of a former Fox executive and an Argentine sports marketing company for attempting to bribe soccer officials in exchange for lucrative broadcasting contracts
https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/38312517/us-judge-throws-two-soccer-bribery-convictions
Bitcoin Jumps as Court Ruling Paves Way for Cryptocurrency E.T.F.
A federal appeals court ruled that the Securities and Exchange Commission had wrongfully denied Grayscale Investments’ application to create a cryptocurrency fund that sells on stock exchanges.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/29/business/cryptocurrency-grayscale-bitcoin-etf.html
Tech Chiefs to Gather in Washington Next Month on A.I. Regulations
Senator Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York, plans to kick off a series of listening sessions next month on the regulation of artificial intelligence with Elon Musk of Tesla, Sundar Pichai of Google, Sam Altman of OpenAI, and Satya Nadella of Microsoft.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/28/technology/tech-ai-regulations-listening-session-lawmakers.html
A Federal Judge Strikes Down a Texas Law Requiring Age Verification to View Pornographic Websites
A federal judge has struck down a Texas law requiring age verification and health warnings to view pornographic websites and blocked the state attorney general’s office from enforcing it.
https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/federal-judge-strikes-texas-law-requiring-age-verification-102863573
Giuliani Is Liable for Defaming Georgia Election Workers, Judge Says
The ruling means that a defamation case against Rudolph W. Giuliani, stemming from his role in seeking to overturn the 2020 election, can proceed to a trial where damages will be considered.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/30/us/politics/giuliani-defamation-georgia.html
Falsehoods Follow Close Behind This Summer’s Natural Disasters
Misattributed videos, recycled lies, and warped fears are fueling unfounded claims about the recent record-breaking heat, floods, and wildfires.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/30/business/media/maui-idalia-disinformation-climate-change.html
Meta’s ‘Biggest Single Takedown’ Removes Chinese Influence Campaign
The campaign began at least four years ago and spanned thousands of accounts on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, Substack, and Chinese websites, Meta said.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/29/technology/meta-china-influence-campaign.html
Taxes, Drugs and … TikTok?
How one of Montana’s top elected officials made banning the app a top priority, putting the state at the center of a geopolitical storm.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/02/business/media/montana-tiktok-ban.html
In Monitoring Child Sex Abuse, Apple Is Caught Between Safety and Privacy
An advocacy group is starting a $2 million campaign calling for the company to better police materials on its products and services.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/01/technology/child-sex-abuse-imagery-apple-safety-privacy.html
They’re Forced to Run Online Scams. Their Captors Are Untouchable.
Gangs in Cambodia have compelled thousands of captives to defraud unsuspecting victims. Because of political connections, no one is stopping them.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/28/world/asia/cambodia-cyber-scam.html
General News
Judge Sets Trial Date in March for Former President Trump’s Federal Election Case
Judge Tanya S. Chutkan rejected efforts by the former president’s legal team to postpone the trial until 2026.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/28/us/politics/trump-trial-date-jan-6.html
Trump, Waiving Arraignment, Pleads Not Guilty in Georgia Case
The 19 defendants in the election interference case are sparring with prosecutors over when a trial might start, and whether it will be in state or federal court.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/31/us/trump-not-guilty-plea-georgia.html
Proud Boys Lieutenant Sentenced to 17 Years in Jan. 6 Sedition Case
The penalty for Joseph Biggs is the second longest in more than 1,100 criminal cases stemming from the Capitol attack. Another Proud Boys leader was sentenced to 15 years.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/31/us/politics/proud-boys-joseph-biggs-sentenced-jan-6.html
Two Proud Boys Sentenced in Jan. 6 Sedition Case
Ethan Nordean, a ground commander of the far-right group, got 18 years, matching the longest Jan. 6 sentence so far. Dominic Pezzola, among the first rioters to enter the Capitol, received 10 years.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/01/us/politics/dominic-pezzola-proud-boys-jan-6-sentenced.html
America Is Using Up Its Groundwater Like There’s No Tomorrow
Overuse is draining and damaging aquifers nationwide.
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/08/28/climate/groundwater-drying-climate-change.html
Children Have a Right to Sue Nations Over Climate, U.N. Panel Says
The finding doesn’t have the force of law, but is notable because it is based on one of the most widely accepted international treaties.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/28/climate/united-nations-children-climate-lawsuit.html
Biden Administration Questions New York’s Handling of Migrant Crisis
Alejandro N. Mayorkas, the homeland security secretary, said that the federal government had identified “structural and operational issues” in New York City’s response to the migrant crisis.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/28/nyregion/migrants-crisis-mayorkas-nyc.html
Meadows Testifies in Bid to Move Georgia Trump Case to Federal Court
Mark Meadows, a former White House chief of staff, told a judge that he believed his actions regarding the 2020 election fell within the scope of his job as a federal official.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/28/us/trump-georgia-meadows.html
Trump Asks to Dismiss Suit as A.G. Says He Inflated Worth by $2.2 Billion
Letitia James, the attorney general, asked a judge to find, without a trial, that the former president had fraudulently overvalued his assets.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/30/nyregion/trump-james-civil-lawsuit-trial.html
After Supreme Court Forces Its Hand, E.P.A. Curbs Wetlands Protection
The agency curtailed pollution protections for millions of streams, wetlands, and other bodies of water to comply with a Supreme Court decision.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/29/climate/epa-wetlands-protection-rollback.html
McConnell Freezes Up a Second Time While Addressing Reporters
The episode, which took place in the Republican leader’s home state of Kentucky, intensified questions about his future in the Senate.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/30/us/politics/mitch-mcconnell-freeze-kentucky.html
McConnell Releases Letter Declaring Him ‘Medically Clear’ to Work After Episode
The brief statement came from the attending physician of Congress, who said he had reached the conclusion after consulting with the top Republican’s doctors. However, he had not personally examined the senator.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/31/us/politics/mcconnell-letter-medically-clear.html
Justice Thomas Reports Private Trips With Harlan Crow
Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel A. Alito Jr. had asked for extensions on their annual forms that show travel, gifts, and other financial information.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/31/us/thomas-financial-disclosures-scotus.html
Canada Cautions L.G.B.T.Q. Citizens Visiting U.S. Over State Laws
Advice that travelers to the U.S. “check relevant state and local laws” came in response to rules this year restricting transgender care, drag shows, and sports participation.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/30/world/canada/travel-warning-us-lgbtq.html