USA Archive - Law Commentary

Rapper Rick Ross, also known as William Leonard Roberts II, speaks into a microphone while seated in a chair.

Rick Ross Felony Strangulation Charge Dropped, Still Faces Battery Case

Miami-Dade prosecutors have declined to pursue a felony strangulation charge against rapper Rick Ross, citing insufficient evidence to support the allegation that he restricted a woman's breathing during an argument at his Miami Beach home.The decision, filed Thursday, October 29, 2026, leaves Ross, whose legal name is William Leonard Roberts... Read More about Rick Ross Felony Strangulation Charge Dropped, Still Faces Battery Case

Russell Brand's Wife Defends Him as Prosecutor Says He Ignored Women's Refusals

Russell Brand's wife described him as a devoted husband and father, but prosecutors urged jurors Friday to judge the comedian by the accounts of six women who accuse him of rape and sexual assault, arguing that he repeatedly ignored their refusals.During closing arguments on October 30, 2026, at London's Southwark... Read More about Russell Brand's Wife Defends Him as Prosecutor Says He Ignored Women's Refusals

Man speaking into a microphone and gesturing while holding papers at an outdoor event.

Democrats Push to Prevent Taxpayer Bailouts for AI Companies

House Democrats are seeking to prevent artificial intelligence companies and financial institutions exposed to the industry from receiving taxpayer-funded bailouts if the AI market collapses, calling for failing businesses to enter bankruptcy and executives responsible for unlawful conduct to face legal consequences.Reps. Greg Casar of Texas and Maxine Waters of... Read More about Democrats Push to Prevent Taxpayer Bailouts for AI Companies

General Motors sign outside a brick building.

GM to Pay $220 Million for Selling Drivers' Data to Insurers

General Motors will pay $220 million to settle allegations that it collected and sold millions of drivers’ location information and driving habits to data brokers that supplied insurance companies, allowing the records to be used in decisions about customers’ premiums.The agreement, announced Thursday, October 29, 2026, by a bipartisan coalition... Read More about GM to Pay $220 Million for Selling Drivers' Data to Insurers

Paris Jackson poses in a red off-the-shoulder dress at a red-carpet event.

Paris Jackson Challenges $109M in Michael Jackson Estate Fees, Accuses Executor of ‘Persistent Incompetence’

Paris Jackson is challenging more than $109 million in compensation tied to Michael Jackson’s estate, accusing longtime executor John Branca of “persistent incompetence” and asking a judge to cut the management rate paid on the late singer’s entertainment income.In a motion filed Oct. 23, 2026, Jackson argues that Branca failed... Read More about Paris Jackson Challenges $109M in Michael Jackson Estate Fees, Accuses Executor of ‘Persistent Incompetence’

DoorDash to Buy Instacart for $17 Billion, Raising Antitrust Concerns

DoorDash has agreed to acquire grocery delivery rival Instacart for approximately $17 billion, a deal that would combine two of the country’s largest delivery platforms and face federal antitrust review over its potential effects on grocery prices, competition, and gig workers.The companies announced the agreement Thursday, October 29, 2026, offering... Read More about DoorDash to Buy Instacart for $17 Billion, Raising Antitrust Concerns

Five fluffy puppies standing together in a grassy field.

Los Angeles Seeks $7 Million From Celebrity-Favored Dog Rescue Over Alleged Puppy Laundering

Los Angeles prosecutors are seeking more than $7 million in civil penalties from a celebrity-favored animal rescue accused of purchasing puppies from commercial breeders and selling them as rescued dogs, some of which allegedly became seriously ill and died shortly after adoption.The lawsuit targets Wagmor Pets, a Studio City organization... Read More about Los Angeles Seeks $7 Million From Celebrity-Favored Dog Rescue Over Alleged Puppy Laundering

DOJ Sues Google Over Firing Army Reservist After Military Leave

The U.S. Department of Justice sued Google on Thursday, October 29, 2026, accusing the technology giant of stripping an Army reservist of his job responsibilities after a year of military service and later firing him while he was on another approved military leave.The lawsuit, filed in Manhattan federal court, alleges... Read More about DOJ Sues Google Over Firing Army Reservist After Military Leave

Criminal background check form labeled “Criminal Background Check” with eyeglasses and an orange pencil.

EEOC Scraps Obama-Era Guidance on Criminal Background Checks

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has withdrawn Obama-era guidance advising employers against using arrest and conviction records in ways that discriminate against job applicants, ending a 14-year-old federal policy governing criminal background checks in employment decisions.The agency announced Thursday, October 29, 2026, that commissioners voted Wednesday to rescind the... Read More about EEOC Scraps Obama-Era Guidance on Criminal Background Checks

Faith Evans and Voletta Wallace sit together at an event.

Faith Evans Loses $12.5 Million Court Battle Over Notorious B.I.G.'s Estate

A Delaware judge has ruled that a trust established by Notorious B.I.G.'s late mother, Voletta Wallace, is entitled to more than $12.5 million from the company managed by the rapper's widow, Faith Evans, following a legal battle over profits from his music catalog and intellectual property.In an October 27, 2026,... Read More about Faith Evans Loses $12.5 Million Court Battle Over Notorious B.I.G.'s Estate

A hand holds a California vote-by-mail return envelope in front of a “VOTE HERE” sign.

DOJ Subpoenas California Election Officials in Criminal Voting Probe

The Justice Department has issued federal grand jury subpoenas to California election officials as part of a criminal investigation into alleged noncitizen voting, ordering three Los Angeles County employees to testify one day after the November 3 midterm elections.The subpoenas, dated October 21 and 24, 2026, seek voter records, communications... Read More about DOJ Subpoenas California Election Officials in Criminal Voting Probe

Hayden Panettiere poses in a black outfit at a red-carpet event.

Police Close Hayden Panettiere Death Investigation With No Charges After Fentanyl Overdose

Police in Greenville, South Carolina, have closed their investigation into Hayden Panettiere’s death without filing charges, more than two months after the actress died from an accidental overdose involving fentanyl and other drugs.The Greenville Police Department announced Wednesday that the case was closed following its investigation and the medical examiner’s... Read More about Police Close Hayden Panettiere Death Investigation With No Charges After Fentanyl Overdose

Lyft Wins Lawsuit After Driver Beat Passenger Despite Safety Warnings

Lyft has won a Georgia appeals court ruling in a lawsuit brought by a passenger who was beaten unconscious by his driver, despite receiving two complaints about the driver's conduct in the eight days before the attack.The Georgia Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday, October 27, 2026, that reports of unsafe... Read More about Lyft Wins Lawsuit After Driver Beat Passenger Despite Safety Warnings

Celsius sparkling energy drink cans displayed on a store shelf, including flavors labeled “Burns Body Fat” and “Accelerates Metabolism.”

Celsius Sued Over Claims Its Energy Drinks Burn Body Fat

Celsius is facing a proposed class action lawsuit accusing the energy drink company of misleading consumers with claims that its beverages burn body fat and accelerate metabolism, while placing important qualifications in small print on the back of its packaging.The lawsuit, filed October 26, 2026, in Seattle federal court, alleges... Read More about Celsius Sued Over Claims Its Energy Drinks Burn Body Fat

Hasan Piker stands with his hands in his coat pockets against a pale geometric backdrop.

Hasan Piker Sues CNN Commentator Scott Jennings for $72.5 Million Over Lynching Claims

Political streamer Hasan Piker has filed a $72.5 million defamation lawsuit against CNN contributor Scott Jennings, accusing the conservative commentator of using manipulated video footage and a misleading quotation to falsely portray him as advocating the lynching of Black Americans.The lawsuit, filed October 27, 2026, in federal court in Washington,... Read More about Hasan Piker Sues CNN Commentator Scott Jennings for $72.5 Million Over Lynching Claims