By Jessie Schuster
Edited by Elissa D. Hecker
Entertainment
Landmark Legal Fight Over US Music Rights Termination Heats Up As Creator Orgs Weigh In With Amicus Brief
A coalition of major music advocacy groups has filed an amicus brief in Vetter v. Resnik. The filing urges the Fifth Circuit to affirm that American copyright termination rights apply globally, which could dramatically strengthen protections for songwriters and recording artists worldwide.
https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/landmark-legal-fight-over-creator-orgs-weigh-in-with-amicus-brief/
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Attorneys Ask Court For Acquittal or New Trial
Sean "Diddy" Combs' attorneys have asked a federal judge to overturn his recent conviction or grant a new trial, arguing that key evidence was improperly admitted and that jurors were influenced by media coverage. The request comes amid growing scrutiny of the legal process and claims of procedural errors during the trial.
https://abcnews.go.com/US/sean-diddy-combs-attorneys-court-acquittal-new-trial/story?id=124244588
‘Implied Jokes License’ No Laughing Matter Says Comedy Lawyer in Stand-Up Streaming Stand Off
A legal battle over streaming stand-up comedy raises the question whether platforms have a right to broadcast routines without explicit licenses.
https://completemusicupdate.com/implied-jokes-licence-no-laughing-matter-says-comedy-lawyer-in-stand-up-streaming-stand-off/
SESAC Music Group Closes $889M Whole Business Securitization
SESAC Music Group has completed an $889 million whole-business securitization deal, using its entire music rights and royalty assets as collateral. The move reflects growing investor confidence in music IP as a stable financial asset and positions SESAC for further growth and acquisitions.
https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2025/07/31/sesac-music-group-business-securitization/
Arts
Museums Lobby Against Strengthening a Holocaust Art Recovery Law
Major U.S. museums are opposing proposed reforms to a federal law that would make it easier to reclaim Nazi-looted art.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/31/arts/design/holocaust-art-recovery-law.html
Zillow Hit With Federal Copyright Lawsuit Over 47K Allegedly Stolen Property Photos
Zillow is facing a federal copyright lawsuit accusing the company of using over 47,000 property photos without permission from the photographer who owns the rights. The case highlights growing legal concerns around intellectual property use in real estate tech platforms.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/zillow-hit-federal-copyright-lawsuit-over-47000-allegedly-stolen-property-photos
‘Maybe Happy Ending’ Casting Controversy Continues
The ongoing casting controversy around Maybe Happy Ending is sparking wider debates about diversity and representation in Broadway theater.
https://www.amny.com/entertainment/broadway/maybe-happy-ending-casting-controversy-continues/
Sports
Female Athletes Must Take Gene Tests for Track and Field Worlds
Female athletes competing in the upcoming Track and Field World Championships are being required to undergo genetic testing to verify eligibility, sparking backlash from athletes and human rights advocates. Critics argue the policy is discriminatory and targets women with naturally high testosterone levels.
https://www.espn.com/olympics/trackandfield/story/_/id/45859752/female-athletes-take-gene-tests-track-field-worlds
Fired Stanford Football Coach Suing ESPN Over His Dismissal
Former Stanford football coach Troy Taylor is suing ESPN for defamation and wrongful termination, claiming the network aired false reports that led to his dismissal.
https://www.si.com/college-football/troy-taylor-stanford-sues-espn
Shannon Sharpe Out at ESPN After Settling Sexual Assault Lawsuit
Shannon Sharpe has reached a settlement in a sexual assault lawsuit and is parting ways with ESPN. While the terms of the settlement remain confidential, both parties confirmed the resolution and his exit from the network.
https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/30/entertainment/video/shannon-sharpe-espn-lawsuit-settlement-vrtc
Gilbert Arenas, Former NBA Star, Arrested for Running Illegal Gambling Ring
Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas has been arrested for allegedly operating an illegal gambling ring involving high-stakes sports betting. Authorities claim the operation generated millions in profits and violated federal gambling laws.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2025/07/30/gilbert-arenas-arrested-illegal-gambling-business/85444628007/
Man Pleads Guilty, Sentenced to Prison for Stalking Caitlin Clark
A man has pleaded guilty to stalking WNBA star Caitlin Clark and has been sentenced to prison. The case involved repeated harassment and threats, raising concerns about athlete safety and the legal system’s response to stalking.
https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/45843769/man-pleads-guilty-sentenced-prison-stalking-caitlin-clark
Some Kenyan Runners See Doping as a Path to Glory, and to Basic Sustenance
Kenyan runners have been resorting to doping as a means to achieve international success and financial stability amid poverty, an issue that raises ethical concerns and challenges to the integrity of competitive athletics in the region.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/29/world/africa/kenya-runners-doping.html
Media & Technology
Is AI Coming for Video Games Next?
AI technology is increasingly being integrated into video games, transforming how games are developed, played, and experienced. This evolution raises questions about creativity, player interaction, and the future role of human developers in the gaming industry.
https://www.vice.com/en/article/is-ai-coming-for-video-games-next/
TikTok Follows X’s Lead and Adds Community Fact-Checking in the US
TikTok has launched a community fact-checking feature in the U.S., allowing users to flag and review potentially false content. This move follows similar initiatives by platforms like X to combat misinformation.
https://www.businessinsider.com/tiktok-community-fact-checking-us-following-x-lead-2025-7
General News
Trump’s Tariffs Get Frosty Reception at Federal Appeals Court
The Trump administration encountered skepticism from a federal appeals court regarding its tariff policies, with judges expressing doubts about their legality and economic consequences.
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/07/31/trump-tariff-arguments-appeals-court-00486972?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Judge Orders Trump Administration to Continue Medicaid Funding to Planned Parenthood
A judge has ordered the Trump administration to continue Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood, blocking efforts to cut support amid political disputes over reproductive health services.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jul/28/planned-parenthood-medicaid-ruling-trump
Senate Confirms Ex-Fox News Host Pirro As Top Federal Prosecutor for Nation’s Capital
The Senate has confirmed former Fox News host Jeanine Pirro as the top federal prosecutor for Washington, D.C. Her appointment marks a high-profile shift from media to law enforcement leadership in the nation's capital.
https://www.npr.org/2025/08/03/nx-s1-5491473/senate-confirms-ex-fox-news-host-pirro-as-top-federal-prosecutor-for-nations-capital
Senate Passes First Funding Package Ahead of Shutdown Cliff
The Senate passed its first funding package to help avoid a government shutdown in September, marking a critical step in keeping federal agencies operational. The move reflects ongoing negotiations to prevent a funding crisis ahead of the fiscal deadline.
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/08/01/senate-passes-first-funding-package-ahead-of-september-shutdown-cliff-00489731
Senate Delays August Recess for Now as Trump Presses for More Confirmations
The Senate has delayed its August recess to continue confirming Trump administration nominees, responding to pressure from leadership to push through key appointments before the midterm elections.
https://apnews.com/article/senate-nominations-trump-thune-recess-6a30a38f21a841faf099757d76c7d935
States Sue Over Trump Demands for Data on Food Stamp Recipients
Several U.S. states have filed lawsuits against the Trump administration to block demands for detailed data on food stamp recipients, arguing the request violates privacy and state rights. The legal battle highlights tensions over federal overreach and data security.
https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/us-states-sue-over-trump-demands-data-food-stamp-recipients-2025-07-29/
DOJ Uses This Maneuver to Keep Top Federal Prosecutors on the Job, Even After Judges Reject Them
The DOJ is defending its appointment of Alina Habba as acting U.S. attorney for New Jersey using a controversial legal maneuver designed to keep top federal prosecutors in place, even after judicial rejection. This tactic has sparked debate over executive authority and judicial oversight.
https://www.abajournal.com/web/article/doj-defends-habba-appointment-as-acting-us-attorney-in-maneuver-used-to-keep-others-on-the-job
The Trump Administration’s Misconduct Complaint Against Judge Boasberg and What Happens Now
The Trump administration has filed a misconduct complaint against federal judge Boasberg, alleging bias and inappropriate conduct. The complaint will trigger a review process that could impact the judge’s career but faces high legal and procedural hurdles.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-administration-accuses-judge-boasberg-of-misconduct-heres-what-happens-next/
Republican-Led House Committee Postpones Ghislaine Maxwell’s Deposition
The Republican-led House Oversight Committee has postponed the scheduled deposition of Ghislaine Maxwell, citing ongoing legal and logistical challenges. This delay adds to the complexity of ongoing congressional investigations related to the Epstein case.
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/house-oversight-committee-postpones-ghislaine-maxwell-deposition-rcna222571
Epstein Files Controversy Consuming Capitol Hill Has Fueled Less Fire at First Lawmaker Town Halls of Summer Recess
Although the Epstein files continue to draw attention, recent congressional town halls during the summer recess have experienced limited reactions from the public. Both Democrats and Republicans are managing constituent questions carefully as the controversy unfolds.
https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/02/politics/congress-town-halls-epstein-democrats-republicans
Harvard to Comply with Trump Officials’ Demand to Turn Over Employment Forms
Harvard University has agreed to comply with the Trump administration’s demand to hand over employment forms as part of a broader investigation. The move reflects increased federal scrutiny of academic institutions and their practices.
https://www.theguardian.com/education/2025/jul/29/harvard-trump-administration-employment-forms
Trump Administration Freezes $109M in Funding for Duke Health
The Trump administration has frozen $109 million in funding for Duke Health amid a federal investigation into the university’s law journal practices, raising questions about compliance and transparency within academic institutions.
https://abc11.com/post/duke-university-being-investigated-us-department-education-law-journal-practices/17355992/
Trump Administration Says Federal Employees Can Encourage Co-Workers to “Re-think” Their Religious Beliefs
The Trump administration has stated that federal employees are permitted to encourage their co-workers to reconsider their religious beliefs, a policy move that raises questions about workplace boundaries and religious freedom.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-administration-says-federal-employees-can-encourage-co-workers-to-re-think-their-religious-beliefs/
Texas Democrats Head to Illinois to Deny Republicans a Quorum on Redistricting
Texas Democrats took off to Illinois to stop Republicans from pushing through a redistricting plan they believe is unfair and would give the GOP an advantage.
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/elections/texas-democrats-head-illinois-deny-republicans-quorum-redistricting-rcna222743
Midtown Manhattan Office Shooter Fired 47 Rounds in Deadly Rampage
A shooter in a Midtown Manhattan office building fired 47 rounds during a deadly rampage, resulting in multiple casualties. Police are investigating the motive behind the attack as the city grapples with the aftermath.
https://abcnews.go.com/US/midtown-manhattan-office-shooter-fired-47-rounds/story?id=124282559
Kerr County, Texas, Lead Emergency Management Official Says He Was Asleep During Deadly Flooding
The lead emergency management official in Kerr County, Texas, admitted to being asleep during deadly flooding in the area, raising serious concerns about the response and preparedness for natural disasters.
https://abcnews.go.com/US/kerr-county-texas-lead-emergency-management-official-asleep/story?id=124237644
Teachers Demand LAUSD Do More to Protect Students, Families from ICE
Teachers from Angeles Unified School District are urging the district to take stronger measures to protect students from the stress and disruption caused by recent immigration raids, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for all students amid heightened fears.
https://abc7.com/post/teachers-call-lausd-keep-students-safe-immigration-raids/17412980/