USA Archive - Law Commentary

First Defamation Lawsuit for Open AI Filed, as Radio Host Sues for Defamation, Creating Test for Future AI Suits

A Georgia-based radio host, Mark Walters, sued OpenAI in the first defamation lawsuit of its kind. OpenAI owns and operates the now-viral platform ChatGPT, a program where AI answers questions, writes articles, and also offers written content that is sometimes fabricated and not factual. Walters filed the lawsuit on June... Read More about First Defamation Lawsuit for Open AI Filed, as Radio Host Sues for Defamation, Creating Test for Future AI Suits

Cuba Gooding, Jr. seated in a courtroom during a legal proceeding.

Settlement in Rape Lawsuit Against Actor Cuba Gooding, Jr. Announced

Actor Cuba Gooding, Jr. pled guilty in 2022 to one charge of forcible touching in 2018. However, after pleading guilty, he was allowed to withdraw his plea, and then plead guilty to a lesser harassment charge instead, after proving he participated in behavior and alcohol modification after his 2019 arrest. ... Read More about Settlement in Rape Lawsuit Against Actor Cuba Gooding, Jr. Announced

Exterior view of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals building in San Francisco, California, with people walking in front.

The Continuing Saga of AB 5: California Seeks Full Ninth Circuit Review

The battle over the “gig economy” continues to rage as the State of California seeks rehearing or review of a Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision that found that Assembly Bill 5 may have violated the rights of Uber, Postmates, and their drivers. California Assembly Bill 5 (AB 5) was... Read More about The Continuing Saga of AB 5: California Seeks Full Ninth Circuit Review

Prosecutors Charge Two Women With Forced Labor Allegations After Netflix “Orgasm, Inc” Airs

Federal prosecutors charged a popular sexual wellness company with forced labor conspiracy on Tuesday. The founder and former CEO of One Taste, claiming to educate patrons in "orgasmic meditation,” Nicole Daedone, 56, was charged along with the former head of sales, Rachel Cherwitz, 43. Prosecutors in Brooklyn Federal Court allege... Read More about Prosecutors Charge Two Women With Forced Labor Allegations After Netflix “Orgasm, Inc” Airs

The White House building with a clear blue sky and well-maintained gardens in the foreground.

White House and California Move to Protect Kids Against Book Bans

America is facing what Publishers Weekly calls “an unprecedented surge in book bans and censorship efforts being pushed by right-wing groups in communities across the nation.” This week, the White House moved to reverse the trend by appointing a new coordinator in the Department of Education to “spearhead a response... Read More about White House and California Move to Protect Kids Against Book Bans

Governor Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma speaking during a meeting, with state flags in the background.

Oklahoma Charter School Board Approves Unprecedented, First US Publicly Funded Religious School

Oklahoma is the first state to have approved what could be the nation's first and only completely publicly funded Catholic religious school. The dual entities Catholic Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and the Diocese of Tulsa, Oklahoma, would run the school, which is an online charter school. In an opinion issued... Read More about Oklahoma Charter School Board Approves Unprecedented, First US Publicly Funded Religious School

A group of individuals sitting in protest, focusing on their legs and shoes, with a backdrop of flags and governmental decor.

Parents Sue as Fla. Gov. DeSantis Signs Major Legislation With “Let Kids Be Kids” Law, Prohibiting Children From Adult Events, Gender Surgery, and Parental Rights Controlled by the State.

A hefty, throwback bill package in Florida that harkens in spirit to the1950s was signed by Governor Rick DeSantis this week, with the administration promising to “protect Florida’s children from permanent mutilating surgical procedures, gender identity politics in schools, and attending sexually explicit adult performances.” The so-called “sweeping” set of... Read More about Parents Sue as Fla. Gov. DeSantis Signs Major Legislation With “Let Kids Be Kids” Law, Prohibiting Children From Adult Events, Gender Surgery, and Parental Rights Controlled by the State.

A diverse group of people, including a drag performer, marching with LGBTQ+ flags in a demonstration.

Tennessee’s Anti-Drag Law Ruled Unconstitutional

In a strongly worded, 70-page defense of the First Amendment, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Parker of the Western District of Tennessee ruled that a State law that limits public drag shows was unconstitutional. Parker found the bill overbroad, too vague, and not narrowly tailored enough to achieve the compelling... Read More about Tennessee’s Anti-Drag Law Ruled Unconstitutional

Environmental Groups Sue FAA Over Musk’s SpaceX launch, as Metal & Dust Debris Reaches Over 6.5 Miles Away

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is headed to federal court after being sued by numerous environmental groups due to claims of not conducting enough research into the recent SpaceX launch. The plaintiffs include the American Bird Conservancy, Center for Biological Diversity, Surfrider Foundation, Save RGV, and the Corrizzo/Comcrudo Nation of... Read More about Environmental Groups Sue FAA Over Musk’s SpaceX launch, as Metal & Dust Debris Reaches Over 6.5 Miles Away

Dave Ramsey speaking on his radio show, discussing financial matters.

Dave Ramsey Hit With $150 Million Lawsuit Over Timeshare Exit Team Partnership

Radio personality and financial guru Dave Ramsey has been hit with a $150 million class action lawsuit related to Ramsey's promotion of the now-failed timeshare exit company, Timeshare Exit Team. Ramsey, the CEO of Ramsey Solutions, rose to popularity because of his financial advice that pushes people to get out... Read More about Dave Ramsey Hit With $150 Million Lawsuit Over Timeshare Exit Team Partnership

Hyundai dealership with multiple cars on display, including various models of Hyundai vehicles.

Hyundai, Kia Agree to Pay $200 Million to Settle Claims Their Cars Are Easy to Steal

Auto manufacturers Hyundai and Kia agreed to settle class action claims that their vehicles are especially prone to theft. The Korean automakers will pay roughly $200 million to settle claims with as many as nine million vehicle owners nationwide. The lawsuit alleges that the covered vehicles--model years 2015-2019 Kia and... Read More about Hyundai, Kia Agree to Pay $200 Million to Settle Claims Their Cars Are Easy to Steal

A stack of vote-by-mail ballots featuring a U.S. flag design.

Appeals Court Approves Counting Mail-In Ballots Before Election Day

Among its endless controversies, the 2020 election is likely to be most remembered for its contentious debates over the legality and accuracy of ballots. A recent ruling by a California Court of Appeal could help prevent pouring more fuel onto the fire over the legitimacy of votes. This time it’s... Read More about Appeals Court Approves Counting Mail-In Ballots Before Election Day

Priscilla Presley and her granddaughters, Riley Keough and a sibling, attend an event, dressed in formal black attire.

Priscilla Presley Reaches Settlement Over Late Daughter’s Trust That Named Her Granddaughter, Riley Keough, as Beneficiary

The famous: they’re just like us, and love to fight in court. With the Elvis Presley legacy at stake, Priscilla Presley petitioned the court in January to overturn her late daughter’s trust. Now, Ms. Presley has reached a settlement agreement in her petition challenging her late daughter, Lisa Marie Presley’s,... Read More about Priscilla Presley Reaches Settlement Over Late Daughter’s Trust That Named Her Granddaughter, Riley Keough, as Beneficiary

A woman with gray hair and glasses, appearing emotional with her hands clasped in front of her mouth, sits in a courtroom setting.

Appeals Court Orders Parole for Manson Family Member Despite Governor’s Denial

When she was 19, Leslie Van Houten became a member of the notorious Manson Family. After a year of living under the drug-fueled and manipulative influence of their cult leader, she and three other Family members murdered Rosemary and Leno LaBianca. She was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder... Read More about Appeals Court Orders Parole for Manson Family Member Despite Governor’s Denial

Tennessee state legislature in session, with lawmakers discussing health benefits policies.

Federal Lawsuit Alleges Tennessee Health Benefits Program Discriminates Against Transgender Individuals

A federal lawsuit brought forward by a worker for the state of Tennessee and a former special education teacher accuses the state’s health benefit program of discriminating against transgender individuals. The lawsuit was filed by Gerda Zinner, 30, and Story VanNess, 38 on May 24, 2023. Both plaintiffs take issue... Read More about Federal Lawsuit Alleges Tennessee Health Benefits Program Discriminates Against Transgender Individuals