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
Blackstone Seeks $3 Billion in Sale of Bob Dylan, Adele Song Rights
Blackstone is exploring a $3 billion sale of music rights, including works by Bob Dylan and Adele. The portfolio includes SESAC, a performing-rights group, as music valuations rise due to streaming growth.
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/blackstone-seeks-3-billion-sale-225136022.html
A List of Music Piracy Sites Being Watched by the U.S. Government
The U.S. Trade Representative's "Notorious Markets List" highlights global piracy hotspots, emphasizing digital piracy through stream-ripping, torrents, and bulletproof ISPs. These services ignore copyright takedowns, facilitating widespread infringement. The report also names illicit IPTV services and platforms like Douyin Mall as piracy enablers. Despite legal efforts, piracy remains profitable, requiring more strategic action, such as reducing legal content costs and strengthening international anti-piracy agreements.
https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/heres-the-list-of-music-piracy-sites-being-watched-by-the-us-government-and-what-they-do/?curator=MusicREDEF
Hollywood Work Was Already Drying Up. Then the Fires Hit.
Hollywood is struggling due to wildfires, strikes, and competition from other states offering tax incentives. Production has dropped, impacting jobs across the industry. Local officials are pushing for tax credit increases and new facilities to revive the industry. Despite the challenges, many workers are committed to rebuilding, though some are considering leaving due to financial strain and job scarcity.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/26/movies/los-angeles-wildfires-hollywood-production.html
Suno’s Content “obviously infringes copyrights” of Prominent German Songwriters, According to GEMA Lawsuit
GEMA has sued AI music platform Suno for copyright infringement, claiming that its AI-generated tracks closely resemble copyrighted songs by German artists. The lawsuit was filed in Munich and challenges whether AI companies must obtain licenses for training models with copyrighted content under European law, which differs from U.S. law. GEMA previously sued OpenAI over similar issues.
https://completemusicupdate.com/sunos-content-obviously-infringes-copyrights-of-prominent-german-songwriters-says-gema-lawsuit/
Arts
Suit Disputes Ruling That a Sculpture Is Too Broken to Still Be a ‘Calder’
Art collector Richard Brodie is suing the Calder Foundation for claiming that his $8 million Calder mobile is too damaged to be authentic. He argues that the damage is minimal and was caused during an authentication process by the Foundation, which has affected the artwork’s market value. The Foundation insists that the piece is broken and no longer reflects Calder’s intent.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/17/arts/calder-sculpture-mobile-lawsuit.html?searchResultPosition=1
Major Authors Hope New AI Licensing Site Will Help Them Keep Control of Their Books
Susan Orlean and other authors are pushing for control over AI's use of their works. She joined a lawsuit against AI developers for unauthorized use and supports Created by Humans, a new platform allowing writers to license their content for AI under transparent, compensated terms.
https://www.npr.org/2025/01/17/nx-s1-5259845/new-ai-licensing-platform-for-book-authors
How a Monument to Women Finally Won a Place on the National Mall
The Women’s Suffrage National Monument, the Mall’s first honoring women’s history, overcame legislative and political challenges to secure approval despite a 2003 ban on new monuments. Set for completion around 2030, it aims to honor diverse suffragists and spotlight the lack of women’s representation in memorials.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/20/arts/womens-suffrage-national-monument.html
Paris Olympics Medals Are Tarnishing, Putting LVMH in the Spotlight
LVMH, a key Paris Olympics sponsor, faces criticism as over 100 medals designed by its Chaumet brand deteriorated due to defective varnish. The French mint took responsibility, and replacements were promised, but LVMH, despite promoting its role, has remained silent.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/20/business/medals-paris-olympics-lvmh.html
Thieves Blow Up a Dutch Museum Door to Steal a Golden Helmet
Thieves stole the golden helmet of Cotofenesti and other valuable artifacts from the Drents Museum in the Netherlands, using an explosion to break in. The items, including gold bracelets, were on loan from Romania and are considered priceless. Dutch authorities are investigating the theft, which follows a similar incident in Amsterdam.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/26/world/europe/art-theft-drents-contofenesti-amsterdam.html
A Hardened Detective and an Angry Rock Star: How a Vast Art Fraud Was Cracked
Two fraud rings in Thunder Bay produced fake Norval Morrisseau paintings, selling them for millions across Canada. The fraud was uncovered after rock star Kevin Hearn bought a fake Morrisseau painting and sued. The investigation, tied to a cold-case murder, led to convictions of the ringleaders.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/26/world/canada/norval-morrisseau-art-fraud.html
Sports
Audio Reveals Ohtani’s Former Interpreter Impersonating Dodgers Star in Call
Ippei Mizuhara, a former interpreter for Shohei Ohtani, stole nearly $17 million from the baseball star. Prosecutors revealed an audio recording showing Mizuhara attempting to transfer $200,000 from Ohtani's account. He pleaded guilty to bank fraud, citing a gambling addiction, and is facing a 5-year sentence, while seeking a shorter term. Mizuhara used his close relationship with Ohtani to exploit the star's trust and access his accounts.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6084445/2025/01/23/shohei-ohtani-interpreter-audio-money-transfer-ippei/?searchResultPosition=2
Newsletter, Image, Likeness Vol. 116: Government Agencies Express Concerns With Possibility Of NIL Revenue-Sharing
The Department of Education’s Title IX guidance links NIL payments to gender equity in athletics, but it is not legally binding. The guidance may influence future litigation, but won’t affect the House v. NCAA settlement. The DOJ criticized the settlement, arguing that it keeps an artificial cap on NIL compensation, potentially violating antitrust laws. The settlement may face challenges and its impact remains uncertain.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/newsletter-image-likeness-vol-116-government-agencies-darren-heitner-bw7de/
What’s Your Major? Some Say ‘Sports’ Should Be an Acceptable Answer
The push for a sports major in universities is gaining momentum, especially with athletes now able to be paid. Educators and Nike support the idea, suggesting a curriculum combining practical sports experience with academic courses. While some see it as a marketing move, others question the academic rigor. The goal is to better integrate athletics into higher education.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/25/business/college-sports-academic-major.html?searchResultPosition=1
Was That a 900 or 1080 on the Halfpipe? X Games Can Now Ask AI
At the X Games in Aspen, AI will assist in judging the snowboard SuperPipe event by providing scores for athletes' routines. Human judges will still determine official scores, but AI will help with accuracy and trick identification, offering insights for athletes’ training and reducing bias in judging.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/21/sports/skiing/x-games-ai-judging.html?searchResultPosition=1
Media/Technology
Trump Announces $100 Billion A.I. Initiative
OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank formed Stargate, a joint venture investing $100 billion in U.S. data centers to support AI. Announced by President Trump, the initiative aims to strengthen American AI leadership and expand infrastructure.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/21/technology/trump-openai-stargate-artificial-intelligence.html
When Google Altered Its Ad Rules, Charities Paid the Price
In July 2023, Google allowed competitors to bid on trademarks, raising ad costs for nonprofits like Samaritan’s Purse and St. Jude. Smaller search engines, like Ask.com, ran misleading ads, causing nonprofits to pay more for top ad placements and potentially losing donations. Google said the policy change was to comply with European regulations.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/21/technology/google-online-ads-philanthropies.html?searchResultPosition=1
Tech’s TikTok Dilemma: Follow the Law or President Trump?
The TikTok ban has divided U.S. tech companies. Apple and Google removed the app to comply with the law, while Oracle and Akamai continued supporting it, driven by political and financial interests. Legal experts warn of potential penalties for defying the law, with Oracle hoping to benefit from Trump's executive order.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/24/technology/tiktok-ban-trump-amazon-apple-google.html
Fox News Prepares to Cover a Government Filled With Fox News Alumni
Trump has appointed 19 former Fox News personalities, including Pete Hegseth as defense secretary, to key positions in his second administration. This reflects Fox's influence in conservative politics, raising concerns about objectivity for reporters covering a government led by former colleagues. Trump’s picks go beyond communications, placing Fox alumni in significant leadership roles.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/19/business/media/trump-fox-news-cabinet.html?searchResultPosition=1
Partial Victory for Prince Harry as Murdoch’s U.K. Tabloids Admit Unlawful Activities
Prince Harry settled a lawsuit with Rupert Murdoch’s News Group Newspapers, receiving an apology and substantial damages for phone hacking and privacy violations. The settlement ends a long legal battle over media misconduct, marking an admission of wrongdoing by The Sun. It also highlights ongoing tensions between Harry and his family over how to handle media intrusion.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/22/world/europe/prince-harry-murdoch-lawsuit.html
General News
Supreme Court Questions Prosecutors’ Focus on Sex in Capital Case
The U.S. Supreme Court allowed Brenda Andrew, Oklahoma's only female death row inmate, to challenge her conviction. The Court found that inappropriate evidence about her sex life may have unfairly influenced her trial. The case will be reviewed by a federal appeals court to determine if the trial was tainted. Justices Thomas and Gorsuch dissented, arguing that the evidence was relevant.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/21/us/supreme-court-sex-capital-case.html
Supreme Court to Hear Oklahoma Religious Charter School Case
The Supreme Court will review a case that could allow public funding for religious charter schools, centered on the St. Isidore Catholic Virtual School in Oklahoma. Supporters argue that it is a religious freedom issue, while opponents claim that it violates the Constitution’s separation of church and state. A ruling in favor could set a significant precedent for public funding of religious education.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/24/us/supreme-court-oklahoma-religious-charter-school.html
Biden in Final Hours Pardons Relatives and Others to Thwart Trump Reprisals
In his final hours, President Biden issued unprecedented preemptive pardons to protect family members, officials like General Mark Milley and Dr. Anthony Fauci, and others from potential politically motivated prosecutions by incoming President Trump. Biden called the pardons necessary to counter threats of retribution, emphasizing that they did not imply guilt. The clemency also included a commuted sentence for activist Leonard Peltier
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/20/us/politics/biden-pardons-fauci-milley-cheney-jan-6.html
For Trump, a Vindication for the Man and His Movement
Trump was sworn in as the 47th president, promising a "golden age" for America. He quickly signed executive orders to undo Biden’s policies and declared a national emergency at the southern border. His speech focused on reversing betrayals and restoring the nation's faith. Trump also pardoned January 6 rioters and vowed to bring a "revolution of common sense," presenting himself as a savior of the nation despite a strong economy.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/20/us/politics/trump-inauguration.html?searchResultPosition=1
Here’s How President Trump Shifted Policy in His First Week
In his first week, Trump issued numerous executive orders that quickly reshaped U.S. policies. His actions focused on immigration, climate, gender, tariffs, and diversity initiatives. Key changes include aggressive immigration enforcement, pulling out of the Paris climate agreement, opening more land to oil drilling, and recognizing only two genders.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/25/us/politics/trump-immigration-climate-dei-policies.html
Trump Rescinds Biden AI Order, Creates DOGE, Orders In-Person Work
On his first day, Trump rescinded Biden's AI executive order, required federal employees to return to in-person work, and launched the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to modernize federal technology. These actions align with his campaign's priorities, including opposing Biden's AI plan and advocating for in-person work.
https://fedscoop.com/trump-rescinds-biden-ai-order-creates-doge-orders-in-person-work/
Trump Seeks to Paralyze Independent Privacy and Civil Liberties Watchdog
The Trump White House has instructed three Democratic-appointed members of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board to resign or be fired, potentially crippling the agency's ability to oversee government surveillance. This move is part of efforts to reshape law enforcement and intelligence agencies, raising concerns about undermining independent oversight of surveillance programs.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/22/us/trump-privacy-civil-liberties-oversight-board.html?searchResultPosition=2
Trump Starts Immigration Crackdown, Enlisting the Military and Testing the Law
On his first day, Trump signed orders to tighten immigration policies, including sealing the border, deploying the military for enforcement, and challenging birthright citizenship. He reversed Biden-era policies, reinstating measures like "Remain in Mexico" and suspending refugee resettlement, with many actions likely facing legal challenges.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/20/us/politics/trump-starts-immigration-crackdown-enlisting-the-military-and-testing-the-law.html?searchResultPosition=1
Trump Administration Cancels Flights for Refugees Already Approved for Travel
The Trump administration canceled flights for thousands of approved refugees, halting the resettlement program. This move, part of a broader immigration crackdown, left refugees stranded and delayed family reunifications, with many having waited years. Resettlement agencies criticized the decision, citing its impact on vulnerable people fleeing persecution.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/22/us/politics/trump-administration-refugee-flights-canceled.html
Trump Shuts Down Migrant Entry App, Signaling the Start of His Crackdown
Trump ended the CBP One app, canceling migrant entry appointments and signaling stricter border policies. The app, a Biden-era effort to manage migration, offered legal pathways but faced criticism for enabling unlawful entry.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/20/us/politics/trump-shuts-down-migrant-entry-app-cbp-one.html?searchResultPosition=1
Judge Temporarily Blocks Trump’s Plan to End Birthright Citizenship
A federal judge temporarily blocked Trump's executive order ending automatic citizenship for babies born in the U.S. to undocumented immigrants, calling it unconstitutional. The order was challenged by several states, arguing it violated the 14th Amendment, which grants citizenship to all born on U.S. soil. The judge's ruling is the start of a long legal battle, with other lawsuits also challenging Trump's immigration policies. The government plans to appeal the decision.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/23/us/politics/judge-blocks-birthright-citizenship.html?searchResultPosition=1
A Trump Executive Order Sets Out What Could Be a Road Map for Retribution
Trump’s executive order, "Ending the Weaponization of the Federal Government," directs investigations into alleged Biden-era misconduct, signaling a focus on retribution against perceived enemies. Critics see it as divisive; supporters call it accountability.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/21/us/politics/trump-executive-order-retribution.html
Federal Workers Ordered to Report on Colleagues Over D.E.I. Crackdown
The Trump administration ordered federal employees to report colleagues who defy a directive to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) programs, threatening "adverse consequences" for non-compliance. This move is part of efforts to dismantle D.E.I. initiatives across government agencies, causing confusion and fear among federal workers. Critics argue that it undermines efforts to address systemic inequities.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/22/us/politics/trump-order-discrimination-federal-hiring.html?searchResultPosition=1
Trump Wants to Unleash Energy, as Long as It’s Not Wind or Solar
Trump signed executive orders to block the shift to renewable energy, focusing on supporting fossil fuels. His actions, which could violate laws, aim to halt clean energy funding and delay renewable projects. While disruptive in the short term, experts believe the global shift to clean energy is unstoppable, and Trump’s moves may face legal challenges.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/21/climate/trump-energy-fossil-fuels.html?searchResultPosition=1
Trump’s Order to End E.V. Subsidies Draws Pushback and Doubt
Trump's executive orders seek to reverse Biden-era policies supporting electric vehicles, including eliminating tax credits and emissions standards. While some automakers and Republicans back the shift, legal challenges and Congressional resistance could limit its impact. EV market growth may continue due to consumer demand, despite the reduced incentives.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/21/business/trump-ev-subsidies.html
Judge Stops Justice Dept. From Releasing Report on Trump Documents Case
Judge Aileen M. Cannon blocked the Justice Department from sharing a section of Jack Smith’s report on Trump’s mishandling of classified documents with Congress, citing concerns over public dissemination of sensitive information. Trump's lawyers argued that it could harm his reputation, as the report includes new, potentially damaging details.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/21/us/politics/trump-documents-jack-smith-report.html
Judges Begin Freeing Jan. 6 Defendants and Dismissing Their Cases
Enrique Tarrio (Proud Boys) and Stewart Rhodes (Oath Keepers) were released after receiving pardons or sentence commutations from Trump as part of a broader move to dismiss cases against those involved in the January 6 Capitol attack.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/21/us/politics/jan-6-defendants-freed.html
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/heads-of-oath-keepers-proud-boys-released-from-prison-after-trump-pardons/ar-AA1xB9LA?ocid=winp2fptaskbar&cvid=cb63a796f2e34d42a968b235e2589782&ei=14
‘A Betrayal, a Mockery’: Police Express Outrage Over Trump’s Jan. 6 Pardons
After Trump pardoned 1,600 individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol attack, affected officers and families of the deceased expressed outrage. Many officers, including Aquilino Gonell and Harry Dunn, criticized the pardons as a betrayal and are frustrated by the lack of accountability.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/21/us/politics/jan-6-pardons-police.html?searchResultPosition=2
Marco Rubio Is Confirmed by Senate as Secretary of State
Marco Rubio was unanimously confirmed as the 72nd U.S. Secretary of State, becoming the first Latino in the role. Known for bipartisan diplomacy and a hawkish foreign policy, he faces challenges like Ukraine, Gaza, and China's influence. Despite past rivalry with Trump, Rubio seeks a pragmatic approach to global issues.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/20/us/politics/marco-rubio-confirmed-secretary-of-state.html?searchResultPosition=1
Kristi Noem Is Confirmed as Homeland Security Secretary
Kristi Noem was confirmed as Homeland Security Secretary with a 59-34 Senate vote. A close ally of Trump, she supports strict immigration policies and oversees agencies like Customs and Border Protection and FEMA. Despite opposition from many Democrats, Noem vows to ensure impartial disaster relief and address issues with the Secret Service. She is also known for her stance on conservative cultural issues.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/25/us/politics/kristi-noem-homeland-security-confirmation.html?searchResultPosition=1
Trump Stocks EPA With Oil, Gas and Chemical Lobbyists
Trump has appointed former industry lobbyists to key EPA positions, including Lee Zeldin, to roll back climate and pollution regulations. Many of the appointees have previously worked to weaken environmental protections, raising concerns about undermining public health safeguards. The new team is seen as more experienced in dismantling regulations than previous officials.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/25/climate/epa-staff-oil-gas-chemical-industry-lobbyists.html?searchResultPosition=1
Trump Moves Quickly to Install New Leaders at Key U.S. Attorneys’ Offices
In its first 24 hours, the Trump administration appointed new interim leaders for key U.S. attorney offices in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Washington, signaling a break from tradition. Danielle Sassoon, John Durham, and Ed Martin were selected, with a focus on politically sensitive cases. These changes are part of broader adjustments within the Justice Department, including reassignments of senior career officials.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/21/us/politics/trump-us-attorneys-justice-department.html?searchResultPosition=1
Airborne Lead and Chlorine Levels Soared as L.A. Wildfires Raged
Urban wildfires release high levels of toxic chemicals like lead and chlorine from burning homes and plastics, posing serious health risks. Rising wildfire incidents threaten to reverse air pollution progress.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/20/climate/los-angeles-wildfires-lead-chlorine-air-quality.html?searchResultPosition=1
Evacuation Orders Given Late to Area Where Fire Deaths Were Concentrated
In the Eaton fire in Altadena, 17 people died due to delayed evacuation orders. The affected neighborhood didn’t receive warnings until hours after others, despite nearby homes already burning. Many residents, especially the elderly, never received official alerts and had to rely on social media or neighbors. Experts are concerned about the effectiveness of mobile-based emergency systems and are calling for a review of the response.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/22/us/evacuation-orders-eaton-fire-altadena-california.html
Trump Vows to Release Records on Kennedy and King Killings
Trump ordered the release of all government records related to the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr., stating that redactions were no longer justified. He directed security agencies to develop plans for full disclosure, citing public interest.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/23/us/politics/trump-declassify-jfk-mlk-assassinations.html?searchResultPosition=1
What Is the H-1B Visa Program and Why Are Trump Backers Feuding Over It?
The H-1B visa program, allowing skilled foreign workers, has sparked a divide among Trump's supporters. Tech leaders argue that it is necessary due to a shortage of qualified U.S. workers, while immigration hard-liners claim it displaces American jobs. Trump previously opposed it but now calls it "great." The debate continues within the GOP.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/24/business/h1b-visa-immigration.html?searchResultPosition=1
Americans Held in Afghanistan Are Freed in Prisoner Swap
The Biden administration brokered a prisoner swap with the Taliban, securing the release of Americans, Ryan Corbett and William McKenty, in exchange for Khan Mohammed, a Taliban member convicted on narcotics charges. Efforts to include 2 other American captives were unsuccessful. The deal, negotiated with Qatar's help, resulted in the release of over 80 hostages globally.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/21/us/politics/americans-taliban-prisoner-swap.html?searchResultPosition=1
Panama Alerts United Nations to Trump’s Inaugural Remarks
Trump’s comments about "taking back" the Panama Canal were rejected by Panama, which reaffirmed its sovereignty over the canal. Panama submitted a letter to the U.N., rejecting Trump's claims and asserting its control, as the canal was handed over to Panama in 1999. Trump’s remarks, including suggestions of military action, sparked concern in Panama.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/21/us/panama-canal-trump-un.html?searchResultPosition=1