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
The No. 1 Country Song in America Is AI-Generated
AI-created country artist Breaking Rust hit No. 1 on Billboard’s digital chart with "Walk My Walk," marking a first for AI music. Experts warn about AI floods on streaming platforms that are challenging human artists. Spotify is introducing measures to manage AI’s growing role in music.
https://www.newsweek.com/breaking-rust-ai-music-country-digital-sales-11022040
Disney and YouTube TV End Blackout
After a 15-day blackout, Disney and YouTube TV reached a new multiyear deal restoring Disney channels like ESPN and ABC to YouTube TV’s 10 million subscribers. The dispute, over fees tied to rising sports rights costs, disrupted major sports broadcasts and cost Disney $4.3 million daily. YouTube TV credited customers $20, but some left the service. The deal also gives subscribers free access to ESPN’s new streaming service. Both sides had accused each other of unfair tactics during the negotiations.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/14/business/disney-youtube-tv-deal.html?searchResultPosition=1
GEMA wins landmark ruling against OpenAI over ChatGPT’s use of song lyrics
German collecting society GEMA won a court ruling that OpenAI’s ChatGPT infringes copyright by using song lyrics without licenses, requiring OpenAI to pay rights holders. This is the first European case protecting creators against generative AI misuse.
https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/gema-wins-landmark-ruling-against-openai-over-chatgpts-use-of-song-lyrics/
Arts
Trump Cuts and Orders Have Broad Impact on American Museums, Report Finds
A new survey finds that one-third of U.S. museums have lost federal grants under the Trump administration, forcing cuts to programs, staff, and infrastructure. Many institutions reduced services for students, rural communities, and people with disabilities or the elderly, while attendance and revenues continue to lag behind pre-pandemic levels. Private donors have helped some museums fill gaps, but most have been unable to replace the lost funding, leaving the sector in growing financial distress.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/11/arts/design/trump-cuts-impact-museums-aam-survey.html
A Company Sold Investors $1 Billion in Art. Did it Paint Too Rosy a Picture?
Masterworks lets everyday investors buy shares in expensive artworks, aiming to make art investing accessible. While some have profited, critics say the company’s marketing overemphasizes potential gains and downplays risks. Art investing is illiquid and volatile, and many portfolios have lost value during market slumps. Masterworks uses in-house appraisals and charges fees, with profits tied to successful sales. Despite some success, experts warn that art investing is risky and not as predictable as stocks.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/12/arts/design/masterworks-art-investment-company-questions.html
Cracking Down on What Can Be Called Kente Cloth
Ghana has given kente cloth geographical indication status so only Ghana-woven kente can be considered authentic, aiming to protect local artisans and preserve the textile’s cultural heritage amid widespread global imitations.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/11/style/kente-cloth-africa-ghana.html
Sports
Is Your College Football Team Short of Cash? Sports Betting Can Help.
Louisiana’s college athletic directors teamed up with Gov. Jeff Landry to raise the state’s online sports-betting tax and direct a quarter of the revenue to the state’s 11 public Division I athletic programs — roughly $2.2 million per school. The move comes as athletic departments face rising costs and pressure to pay athletes under new NCAA rules. The bill passed easily, thanks to widespread support for college sports, although critics argue that it shortchanges problem-gambling programs and reduces money for the state’s general fund. Other states are now exploring similar models.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/15/business/is-your-college-football-team-short-of-cash-sports-betting-can-help.html?searchResultPosition=1
Skaggs attorney accuses Angels VP of perjury, plans to subpoena Major League Baseball
The Skaggs family attorney accused an Angels Vice President of lying about notifying MLB of Eric Kay’s drug use, which MLB denies. The case involves Kay’s role in Tyler Skaggs’ death from a fentanyl-laced pill. Witnesses defended Skaggs’ character and career potential, disputing claims that he was a drug addict. Skaggs’ father shared emotional stories about Tyler and past family interventions. The trial is ongoing.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6803173/2025/11/13/skaggs-angels-witness-accused-perjury/
Brian Kelly files lawsuit against Louisiana State University, alleging school wants to fire him for cause
Brian Kelly sued LSU, asking a Louisiana court to confirm that he was fired without cause and is owed the full $53 million remaining on his contract. LSU initially said he was fired without cause, but later claimed grounds for cause existed, and that the former athletic director who fired him lacked authority. Kelly was fired after eight games this season; LSU offered buyout settlements of $25-30 million, which Kelly rejected. The lawsuit challenges LSU’s handling of his termination and buyout.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6796896/2025/11/11/brian-kelly-lsu-lawsuit/
The National Football League’s boom in kickoff returns is coming at a cost: Rising injury rates
The NFL’s revamped kickoff rules have dramatically increased return rates and big plays, but they’ve also led to a sharp rise in injuries — especially concussions. Through seven weeks, kickoff returns jumped to 79%, but concussions on kickoffs surged from one last year to 13, with rates far higher than on normal plays. Several players have suffered season-ending injuries. The NFL and NFLPA say they’re monitoring the issue, and further rule tweaks may be considered as concerns grow.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6798426/2025/11/12/kickoff-returns-concussions-injuries-nfl/?searchResultPosition=1
Media/Technology
Anthropic Says Chinese Hackers Used Its AI in Online Attack
Anthropic claims that a Chinese state-backed group used its AI tools to automate most of a cyberespionage campaign targeting about 30 organizations — a sign that hackers can now offload major parts of attacks to AI. China denied the claim. Other tech companies have also reported rising use of AI in state-sponsored cyberattacks.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/14/business/chinese-hackers-artificial-intelligence.html?searchResultPosition=1
Who Pays When AI Is Wrong?
Several U.S. lawsuits target tech companies for defamatory AI-generated content. Minnesota’s Wolf River Electric sued Google after false AI claims hurt its business. Experts debate who is responsible for AI defamation. While some cases were dismissed or settled, concerns about AI spreading harmful falsehoods remain. Wolf River’s documented losses make its case notable.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/12/business/media/ai-defamation-libel-slander.html
Amazon steps up attempts to block illegal sports streaming via Fire TV Sticks
Amazon is blocking pirated streaming apps on all Fire TV Sticks, including its new, more secure model. The move targets illegal apps that harm rights holders and risk user security. Partnering with anti-piracy groups, Amazon is rolling this out globally to protect consumers and content creators.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6776394/2025/11/12/amazon-fire-sticks-illegal-streaming/
AI Cheating Rattles Top Universities in South Korea
South Korea’s top universities—Yonsei, Seoul National, and Korea University—have faced multiple cheating scandals involving AI tools like ChatGPT during online exams about AI. Dozens of students admitted using AI to complete tests, despite rules banning it. With AI becoming widespread among students, educators say traditional testing methods are outdated and suggest focusing on creativity instead. Universities have set AI guidelines, but many find it difficult to prevent AI misuse, highlighting the challenges elite institutions face adapting to AI in education.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/14/world/asia/south-korea-ai-cheating-college.html?searchResultPosition=1
General News
The Penny Dies at 232
The U.S. penny was discontinued after 232 years because it cost more to make it than it ss worth and has no buying power. Billions remain in circulation, and cash transactions will now round to the nearest nickel.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/12/business/penny-coin-legacy.html
Johnson to Seat Grijalva, Seven Weeks After She Was Elected
Speaker Mike Johnson will finally swear in Arizona Democrat Adelita Grijalva, 50 days after her special-election win. Johnson had repeatedly refused to seat her, despite no House of Representatives rule preventing it, blocking her from doing her job and prompting a federal lawsuit. Democrats accused him of abusing power to protect his narrow majority and avoid a bipartisan petition she vowed to support, while Johnson denied political motives.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/11/us/politics/adelita-grijalva-swearing-in-congress.html
Federal Employees Return to Work as Government Reopens
The government reopened after the shutdown, but some workers faced access issues and many awaited full food stamps.
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/11/13/us/trump-government-shutdown-news#shutdown-travel-snap-backpay
Food Stamps Are Resuming As Government Reopens
Millions still await full November food stamp payments after shutdown delays. Some states have resumed full benefits, but others face delays. The Trump administration’s refusal to fully fund November benefits caused partial payments and confusion, though full payments are expected soon.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/13/us/politics/snap-benefits-food-stamps-shutdown-update.html
Epstein Alleged in Emails That Donald Trump Knew of His Conduct
House Democrats released emails from Jeffrey Epstein suggesting that President Trump spent hours with one of Epstein’s victims and knew about the abuse, which Trump denies. The emails raise new questions about their relationship and the Trump administration’s handling of Epstein-related files. Republicans accused Democrats of politicizing the issue. The revelations come amid growing pressure to release all investigative materials on Epstein, with a House vote on the matter expected soon.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/12/us/politics/trump-epstein-emails.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/12/us/politics/epstein-emails-trump.html
Trump Ramps Up Pressure on G.O.P. to Thwart Epstein Vote
The Trump administration pressured GOP members to drop a push for releasing Jeffrey Epstein files, but supporters secured enough signatures to force a House vote. Speaker Mike Johnson, who opposed it, agreed to hold the vote.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/12/us/politics/trump-epstein-vote-boebert.html
Judge Rejects Utah’s Republican-Drawn Redistricting Map
A Utah judge struck down the Republican-drawn congressional map and instead adopted a centrist coalition’s proposal, ruling the legislature’s maps unconstitutional and gerrymandered. The decision preserves a Democratic-leaning Salt Lake City district and is seen as a Democratic win ahead of the 2026 midterms. Democrats celebrated the ruling, while Republicans vowed to challenge it, though the lieutenant governor said she will implement the new map.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/11/us/utah-redistricting-gerrymander-congress.html
Hegseth Is Purging Military Leaders With Little Explanation
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has fired or sidelined over two dozen top officers in an unprecedented shake-up, often targeting those linked to Mark Milley, supportive of diversity efforts, or critical of Trump administration claims. The moves have created deep anxiety within the military, with critics calling it a political purge that undermines the armed forces’ apolitical norms, while the administration argues it is restoring a “warrior ethos.”
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/07/us/politics/hegseth-firing-military-leaders.html
Assault Case Against a Democratic House Member Can Proceed, Judge Rules
A judge ruled that Rep. LaMonica McIver isn’t immune from assault charges tied to a clash with immigration agents during a congressional visit to a migrant jail. Her claims of selective prosecution and legislative immunity were denied. She faces prison time and plans to appeal. The case raises concerns about prosecuting Trump critics and congressional oversight. The trial is postponed pending further review.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/13/nyregion/lamonica-mciver-assault-case-alina-habba.html
Justice Dept. Struggled to Find Lawyers to Handle Maurene Comey Suit
Maurene Comey sued the Trump administration for wrongful firing, claiming retaliation linked to her father, James Comey. The Justice Department delayed responding due to conflicts and finally assigned the case to Albany’s U.S. attorney. The case reveals political turmoil and reluctance within the department under Trump.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/13/nyregion/justice-department-maurene-comey-lawyers.html
Comey and James Challenge Appointment of Trump Loyalist Prosecuting Them
A judge will soon decide if Lindsey Halligan, Trump’s handpicked U.S. attorney prosecuting Comey and James, was lawfully appointed. If not, the cases could be dismissed permanently. Critics say that Trump bypassed legal rules to install Halligan after firing her predecessor. The Justice Department calls it a technicality, but the judge doubts the legitimacy of the appointment and the Attorney General’s retroactive approval.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/13/us/politics/lindsey-halligan-trump-attorney-court-challenge.html
Judge to Approve Purdue Pharma Bankruptcy, Releasing Billions for Opioid Plaintiffs
Purdue Pharma will dissolve, with the Sackler family paying up to $7 billion to opioid victims and governments. The company will restart as a public benefit firm producing limited opioids, funding crisis relief. The Sacklers remain open to lawsuits but have a legal defense fund. Some cities, like Baltimore, plan to sue them separately.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/14/health/purdue-sacklers-settlement.html
Homeland Security Missions Falter Amid Focus on Deportations
Under Trump, Homeland Security redirected agents from fighting child abuse and terrorism to focus on deporting undocumented immigrants, slowing key investigations. This shift, driven by Trump and aides, made immigration enforcement DHS’s top priority, with increased funding despite many detainees lacking serious crimes.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/16/us/politics/dhs-agents-reassigned.html
Federal Judge Plans to Release Some Immigrants Arrested in Chicago Area
A Chicago federal judge plans to release hundreds of immigrants arrested without warrants during a Trump-era crackdown, citing consent decree violations. Detainees will be monitored but not deported for now. The government disputes widespread wrongdoing.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/12/us/immigrants-wrongful-detention-chicago-release.html
Veteran Georgia Prosecutor Appoints Himself to Oversee Trump Case
Pete Skandalakis has taken over the Georgia election interference case against Trump after District Attorney Fani Willis was removed. With full control, he can continue, settle, or drop charges. Willis was disqualified over a conflict of interest, and the case involves Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Skandalakis is an experienced lawyer known for handling tough cases.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/14/us/trump-georgia-election-case-fani-willis.html
Trump Administration Revokes Biden Ban on Drilling and Mining in Alaska Wilderness
The Trump administration approved oil and gas drilling in Alaska’s North Slope, reversing Biden-era protections. Supported by Alaska officials for economic reasons, the move risks harming wildlife and the environment, drawing opposition from environmental groups and some Indigenous communities.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/13/climate/trump-revokes-biden-ban-on-drilling-mining-in-alaska-wilderness.html
White House Scraps Cash Payments for Delayed or Canceled Flights
The Trump administration is scrapping a Biden-era rule that would have required airlines to pay passengers for major delays. The Transportation Department says it lacks authority for the rule and prefers letting airlines set their own policies. Critics say this favors airlines over passengers and weakens traveler protections.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/14/travel/trump-biden-delayed-flights-payments.html
Trump Officials Are Policing Words and Foiling Deals at G20 Summit
At the G20 meetings, the Trump administration blocked agreements on key issues like clean energy and health, rejecting terms like “transition” and “equity.” Trump then announced a U.S. boycott of the summit in South Africa, showing his disdain for multilateral cooperation and frustrating other nations. This disrupted usual consensus and weakened U.S. influence.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/15/world/africa/trump-g20-boycott.html?searchResultPosition=1
Former Fed Official Violated Trading Rules, Disclosures Show
Adriana D. Kugler resigned as a Federal Reserve governor after disclosures showed repeated violations of Fed trading rules, including stock trades made during blackout periods. She said the trades were done by her husband without her knowledge. Her exit came after ethics concerns, a denied waiver request, and growing political pressure on the Fed, opening the door for Trump to appoint a new governor.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/15/business/economy/fed-kugler-financial-disclosures.html?searchResultPosition=1
Trump Administration Lifts Some Food Tariffs in Effort to Ease Prices
The Trump administration is rolling back tariffs on items like beef, coffee, tomatoes, and bananas to ease food prices — a move critics say shows the tariffs contributed to inflation. The exemptions anger some domestic producers and come as the Supreme Court considers a legal challenge to the tariff policy.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/14/business/economy/trump-food-tariffs-inflation.html?searchResultPosition=1
Trump Pardons the Husband of a Republican Congressional Ally
Trump quietly pardoned Robert Harshbarger Jr., husband of Rep. Diana Harshbarger, who was convicted in 2013 of health care fraud for selling misbranded Chinese kidney drugs. The unannounced pardon was part of a broader wave of clemency for Trump allies and supporters.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/10/us/politics/trump-pardon-republican-harshbarger.html
Former Aide to N.Y. Governors Is on Trial, Accused of Helping China
Linda Sun, former aide to New York governors, is on trial for allegedly acting as an unregistered agent for China, receiving luxury gifts in return. Prosecutors say she promoted China’s agenda in state politics. Her defense says she was just doing her job. The case spotlights U.S. efforts to fight Chinese influence.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/12/nyregion/linda-sun-china-trial.html
Texas A&M Tightens Rules on Talking About Race and Gender in Classes
Texas A&M regents banned courses from advocating race, gender, or LGBTQ+ topics without approval and required faculty to follow approved syllabi. The move aims to limit perceived “indoctrination” but raises concerns about academic freedom. The policy applies system-wide amid political pressure on universities.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/13/us/texas-am-gender-race-ideology-rules-classroom.html
Indiana Professor Removed From Class Over White Supremacy Lesson
An Indiana University professor was suspended for showing a graphic linking "Make America Great Again" to covert white supremacy after a student complaint to Senator Jim Banks. The professor says her intent was misunderstood and worries about academic freedom under a new state law promoting "intellectual diversity." The university is investigating.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/13/us/indiana-university-professor-white-supremacy-lesson.html
Switzerland Reaches Agreement With U.S. to Cut Tariff to 15%
The U.S. and Switzerland agreed to cut a 39% tariff on Swiss exports to 15%, easing costs on goods like watches and pharmaceuticals. Swiss firms pledged $200 billion in U.S. investments. The deal followed talks and a Swiss executive meeting with Trump, ending a trade dispute.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/14/business/switzerland-us-tariffs-trade-deal.html
Memo Approving Boat Strikes Is Said to Rely on Trump’s Claims About Cartels
A secret DOJ memo approved Trump’s strikes on drug-smuggling boats by declaring a legal armed conflict with “narco-terrorist” cartels, justifying attacks on drug shipments and granting legal immunity. The memo relies on White House claims but faces criticism for misclassifying cartels as wartime enemies and for questionable legality of the killings.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/13/us/politics/boat-strikes-doj-memo-trump.html