Latest News
-
Netanyahu claims Iran attempted to kill one his sons
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister, said that Iran had allegedly tried to kill his son, but did not provide any details as to when it took place, who was the target, or how close he came to executing this plot. Netanyahu's claim highlights the increased tensions that have been present since the U.S. and Israeli war against Iran began in early February. During this conflict, the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ayatollah Khamenei as well as other senior Iranian officials were killed. Netanyahu's coalition, which is in the rear of opinion polls just two months out from a general election on October 27, made this claim in a phone interview with Israel’s Channel 14. He was responding to reports that one of Israel's Security Agencies had refused to protect a political opponent ahead of the nationwide election. "As to my sons. Yes, this is quite incredible. Iran targeted one of my sons. Iran attempted to kill or murder one of my sons," Netanyahu said to the conservative channel known for its positive coverage of the government. "Iran attempted to murder one my sons and therefore, this security protection isn't a luxury," said he, without giving any more details about the alleged plan or how close it was to being executed. It wasn't immediately clear to whom he was referring. Netanyahu's older son, Yair lives in Miami. The Iranian mission to the United Nations at 'New York' did not respond immediately to a question about?the accusations. Netanyahu said he also told Shin Bet chief David Zini he wanted to ensure that 'any candidate for prime ministerial office' would be adequately protected. Israeli media reported that Zini refused to provide security to Gadi Eisenkot, and told the country’s election authority that there was no conspiracy to harm him. Eisenkot's Party is expected to?win the most seats? in the election. However, Israeli governments are formed by coalitions between multiple parties and not by one party gaining a majority. Reporting by Andreea P. Popescu and Alexander Cornwell, Editing by Howard Goller
-
Thirty people are killed in a gang attack near Haiti's capital.
Jean Massillon, the mayor of Kenscoff, told reporters on Monday that at least 30 people had been killed in a gang attack near Port-au-Prince. Kenscoff, a hillside town that overlooks Port-au-Prince, has been the scene of frequent gang violence in recent years. Human rights groups reported rapes and homicides in mass numbers, as well as arson, kidnappings and arson. This forced thousands of people to flee. RNDDH, a Haitian rights group, estimated that 30 to 40 people were killed in the overnight raid which began at 10:30 pm local time (0230 GMT) but cautioned it was still difficult to determine a total number. Haiti's Prime Minister's Office on Monday afternoon condemned the "heinous attacks", noting that all security forces are on high alert, and that reinforcements have been deployed. In a press release, it stated that "Kenscoff?will not be abandonned." "The authority of the government will be restored without delay and without any weakness in Kenscoff." Haiti's National Police did not respond immediately to a comment request. The community is strategically located to?overlook routes leading into Petion-Ville, home to several embassies and upscale hotels as well as the temporary seat for government. Local?media reported that?several homes were set ablaze, including the residence of Jean William Pape - a leading 'public health expert' in Haiti. The attack took place as the U.N. Gang Suppression Force - mandated to assist police in fighting gangs, and replace a 'underfunded and ill-equipped predecessor - plans?to achieve a full?capacity?of over 5,500 troops this fall. The report was written by Daina Beth Solor and Sarah Morland. Inigo Alexander, Natalia Siniawski, and Harold Isaac edited the article.
-
France and Saudi Arabia agree to EUR6 billion Dragon Ball Z Theme Park Project near Paris
The Elysee Palace announced on Monday that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had visited Paris and agreed to build a manga-themed amusement?park near Paris?. The Elysee said that the project, which is based on the popular Japanese manga and anime series Dragon Ball Z, would be built in Cergy-Pontoise to the northwest of Paris, and was expected to create 22,000 jobs. Macron advisers claim that the idea came about after French President Emmanuel Macron discovered a common interest in Dragon Ball Z with Saudi Crown Prince during Macron's trip to Saudi Arabia 2025. The project will be funded by the Saudi entertainment and investment group, 'Qiddiya. It is part of the Kingdom's efforts to diversify their economy and expand globally in the leisure sector. Construction of what would be Europe's largest themed park is expected to take many years. Bin Salman - who owns a Chateau near Paris - is making a rare official trip to the United States and appeared with Macron on Sunday at the closing ceremony for the Esports World Cup in Paris. The Dragon Ball Z project is a sign that France continues to attract foreign investment. However, the key details of the sprawling development which would include three theme parks have yet to be determined.
-
What options does Iran have to escalate the situation in response to US economic threats?
LONDON, August 24 - U.S. threat to impose 'the toughest sanctions ever in history' to force Iran to submit to its demands following nearly six months of war has raised the prospect of another round of escalation?in?the Gulf. How can Iran respond to economic pressure? Can Iran stop more oil from leaving the Middle East? Mohsen Rezaei is the former chief of the 'Revolutionary Guards' and secretary of Iran’s Supreme 'National 'Security council. He has already threatened to stop oil exports, which has been one of Tehran's major strategic moves since the war started on February 28. He said that if the economic war continued, "not a single drop of crude oil would be exported through the Strait of Hormuz or from anywhere else in the Persian Gulf." Iranian threats and attacks on shipping have already halted most traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. This waterway carried around a quarter of the world's energy prior to the conflict. Despite some oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz in recent weeks the volume remained very low. On Sunday, Iran blacklisted 45 tanks for failing to adhere to the rules they want to impose to Hormuz shipping. In the first six months of this conflict, missiles, speedboats or drones have been used to attack oil tankers leaving the Gulf. This has caused the price of oil to rise. Tehran's Houthi ally has restricted Red Sea shipping by threatening to block all Saudi Arabian shipping that carries crude oil to Asia via the Bab 'el-Mandeb Strait, past the group’s Yemeni stronghold. Initially, only a few vessels were stopped, but by mid-August more than half of the vessels had made it through. This is causing a problem for shippers, as Chinese shipping companies are now rerouting their ships away from Bab el-Mandeb. Sources in the industry say that further attacks such as Monday's attack on a vessel near the main Saudi Red Sea terminal at Yanbu or an early August drone strike near Suez Canal could increase oil market anxiety and crude oil price. GULF STATES - STILL at Risk of IRANIAN Attack? Iran has warned that it will retaliate if any of its neighbours join the U.S. in their efforts to choke off the economy of Iran with "earthquake force". It has repeatedly targeted the Gulf States and Jordan during the war. The main focus was on U.S. military bases, but it also hit energy infrastructures and other targets. Attacks on upstream oil and gas facilities, if intensified, could cause energy prices to rise even more. This could result in political damage for the Trump administration. It could also be harder to reverse compared with attacks on shipping. The targeting of power and desalination facilities in this hot, parched area would pose a serious risk to the U.S.-aligned Gulf kingdoms that are important financial hubs. Can IRAN attack western countries directly? The Revolutionary Guards have historically found ways to attack the West, even though they are out of range for Iran's primary munitions. Britain reported on Monday that hackers with ties to Iran had shut down a small power station, while U.S. officials said Tehran is likely responsible for cyber attacks against water plants in Minnesota. Iran hasn't commented on these allegations. Western security services also accuse Iran of recruiting locals to stage attacks or assassinate in the west. Iran denies that. (By Angus McDowall, Editing by Aiden Lewis)
-
Trump threatens to impose 50% tariffs on cars and trucks imported from Canada amid a trade dispute
After trade talks broke down over the weekend, President Donald 'Trump' sought to increase pressure on Canada. He warned that U.S. Tariffs on all?trucks? and automotive parts coming from Canada would increase to 50% on January 1. The deal would have reduced the top line tariff rate for Canadian cars and light duty trucks from 25% down to 15%, and the tariffs of aluminum and steel would have been cut from 50% down to 25%. However, the deal fell apart on Friday due to disagreements over whether or not the U.S. relief on tariffs would apply to medium and heavy-duty truck. "Build in America and there are ZERO TARIFFS." Canada will no longer be treated as a state! Trump wrote. They are the worst Nations to deal with on trade and other issues. They are entitled and "yet we don't need Canada, they need us!" Trump said. Canada is consistently one of the two top U.S. trade partners. Last year, U.S. goods-and-services trade with Canada totaled $872.3 Billion, a 4.6% decrease. Canada exports over 75% of its products to the U.S., and imports almost 50% of the goods it buys from the U.S. U.S. Auto production is heavily integrated with Canada and Mexico. Tariffs could have a drastic impact on American production depending on their specifics. Flavio volpe, president of Canada's Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association said that "a threatened US tariff on Canadian car parts will be paid for by the US auto assembly." Auto assembly in the U.S. could stop if those parts were not available. The White House didn't immediately respond to an inquiry for more information on the tariffs. The Canadian government did not respond immediately to a request for comment. Canada will begin imposing tariffs on certain U.S. products on September 8, in response to Trump's 50% levy on $20 billion of Canadian goods. When you are attacked, it's war. Mark Carney, Canadian Prime Minister, said that Canada had been attacked on Saturday. Many automakers have announced or are considering plans to reduce Canadian auto production. The trade dispute has also led to a reduction of 22% in Canadian imports. Major automakers have not commented on Trump's announcement. Auto executives who spoke on condition of anonymity expressed skepticism over Trump's threats, pointing out that the president has announced tariffs of this size before, but they never came into effect, and that any such tariff would most likely trigger a massive Canadian response. Also, they noted that it was still months after the midterm elections in November and that Trump's threats?could have been aimed at restarting negotiations. Trump stated in January that the U.S. Bombardier Global Express jets would be decertified and import tariffs of 50% on all aircraft manufactured in Canada threatened until Canada's regulator approved a number planes made by U.S. competitor Gulfstream. The two things did not happen, but Canada's regulator certified several Gulfstream aircraft the next month. Reporting by Katharine J. Jackson, Daphne Psaledakis, and David Shepardson, Editing by Susan Heavey and Chizu Nomiyama, and Mark Porter
-
Braskem, a Brazilian company, has approved a $10.9 billion restructuring out of court
In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Braskem said that its 'board of directors has approved filing for an out-of-court restructuring in order to negotiate $10.9 billion of unsecured debt. Braskem is Latin America's biggest petrochemical company. It has been struggling with a prolonged slump in the industry and a disaster at its salt mines?in northeastern Brazil. Both of these have severely weakened Braskem's cash position. Three sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that the out-of court?restructuring proposal may include a subsequent share offering. This could pave the way for an external capital increase. Sources said that the restructuring proposal will be developed within 90 days. The company is in advanced discussions to file an out-of court restructuring in Brazil by the end of August. A 60-day emergency protection period was due to expire. Braskem, a joint venture between Grupo Idesa of Mexico and the Brazilian firm, Braskem, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S. last week. Braskem stated that the out-of court proceeding would be limited to the restructuring of its financial obligations and not affect any obligations towards customers, suppliers or other stakeholders. The company said it will file for an out-of court restructuring once the documentation is complete. Braskem's control is split between IG4 Capital (which acquired a stake from Novonor) and Petrobras, a state-run oil firm. (Reporting and editing by Gabriel Araujo, Paul Simao, and Isabel Teles)
-
All the M&A transactions in Italy since 2025
Monte dei Paschi di Siena has made simultaneous offers to acquire Banco BPM, Banca Generali and Banco BPM. This is the latest of a series aimed at transforming Italy's formerly dormant banking sector. The MPS offers were made last week in an effort to repel the hostile takeover attempt by Italy's largest bank, Intesa Sanpaolo. This would result in the third largest banking group of Italy. This is a list of all other completed and attempted M&A deals in the Italian banking sector since 2025. 1. MONTE DEI PASCHI?DI??SIENA (MPS), BANCO BPM, BANCA GENERALI MPS announced on August 21, separate bids for Banco BPM, a rival bank, and Banca Generali, a wealth manager controlled by Generali. The combined total of the two bids is approximately EUR34 billion (40 billion dollars). CEO Luigi Lovaglio stated that MPS is the "natural partner" for an aggregation friendly and has promised a combined annual synergies pre-tax of approximately EUR2.6 billion. In order to approve the takeover plan, at least two-thirds of MPS's shareholders must vote in favor, according to Italian takeover regulations, on October 29. Banco BPM invited MPS for "a merger on equal terms" but stopped the talks last month when France's Credit Agricole expressed its disapproval. 2. INTESA SANPAOLO – MONTE DEI PASCHI DI SIENA (MPS) – UNIPOL – BPER Intesa’s EUR30.6 billion cash and share?bid would create the second largest lender in the Euro zone, placing Italy’s top bank behind Spain’s Banco Santander on market value. Intesa will sell Unipol about half of the MPS network that it will receive as a result of the takeover. The network will be combined with Unipol's BPER Banca, a lender backed by Unipol to create a new bank operating under the Monte dei Paschi name. 3. ?UNICREDIT – COMMERZBANK UniCredit, who stayed away from Italian M&A after a failed bid for Banco BPM in 2006, announced in July that it had increased its share in?Commerzbank, to 47.6%. It pursued a takeover bid in spite of?German opposition. UniCredit holds a 49.7% stake in the German lender, excluding Treasury shares that have no voting rights. It could increase its stake further by amending swap agreements. UniCredit approached Commerzbank in September 2024 about merger talks after buying a 9% stake in its German counterpart and signaling that it was willing to take more. 4. CF+ BANCA SISTEMA Banca CF+, a speciality lender backed by Elliott, completed a EUR145 million offer in March for Banca Sistema. 5. MPS – MEDIOBANCA MPS acquired Mediobanca in September of last year for EUR16 billion, becoming a major investor in Generali, an asset highly prized in Italian finance. This deal from a bank that was bailed out in 2017 by the government and reprivatised between 2023-2024 turned MPS into an important M&A player. 6. BANCA IFIS – ILLIMITY Venetian IFIS has completed an offer of EUR298 million in cash and shares for Illimity. This digital bank was founded by Corrado Passera, a veteran banker who served as former minister of industry. It was delisted later from the Milan bourse. 7. BPER BANCA - BANCA 'POPOLARE D SONDRIO In July 2025, Italy's fourth largest bank completed a EUR5.4-billion cash-and-shares offer for the smaller counterpart based in northern city Sondrio. It called it a defensive measure dictated by the rapid consolidation. The main shareholder of both banks, Insurer Unipol played a key role. 8. UNICREDIT BANCO BPM In July 2025, Italy's second largest bank canceled its EUR15 billion all-share offer to Banco?BPM. It blamed the conditions set by the government in order to complete the deal. UniCredit's bid was made in November 2024. 9. BANCO BPM – ANIMA HOLDING Banco BPM bid?to purchase fund manager Anima Holding for EUR1.8 billion. It completed the acquisition in April 2025. 10. MEDIOBANCA – BANCA GENERALI Mediobanca made a EUR6.3 billion all-shares offer to wealth manager Banca Generali in April 2025, but failed. The shareholders did not approve it. 11. BANCA GENERALI – INTERMONTE Banca Generali acquired Intermonte in January 2025 for EUR98.2 Million Euros. This acquisition was made to enhance its investment banking capabilities and provide corporate finance advisory services. ($1 = 0.8574 euro) (Written by Giulio Pivacari and Andrea Mandala Edited by Alvise Armenlini)
-
Copper firms buy metals earmarked for exit from LME
The price of copper rose on Monday as a rise in the number of cancelled warrants and metals marked for delivery at the London Metal Exchange stimulated buying. Meanwhile, the lower U.S. dollar boosted the positive sentiment towards industrial metals priced in dollars. Benchmark 'copper' on the LME was 0.2% higher, at $14240 per metric ton. Last week, prices of metals used in construction and power industries reached $14,396. This is the highest price since January's $14,527.50 high. Industry sources say that the cancellations 0#MCUSTXLOC> are mostly stored in LME warehouses in Asia and the U.S., in free-trade zones. They will likely be delivered to Comex or traders and consumers in the United States. Since President Donald Trump proposed import tariffs last February, traders and producers have been bringing copper to the United States. Comex -copper stocks The record is 742,778 short tonnes, or 673 836?metric tonnes. The LME stocks 50% of the total stock, or 240 250 tons. The majority of the metal that was cancelled last week had been delivered against maturing short positions. The premiums on nearby contracts are expected to rise, after having fallen last week as the copper was delivered. Zinc prices in other countries rose to $3.850 per ton. This is the highest price since June 2022, due to concerns about shortages. Stocks of the metal have increased by more than twofold this year, at warehouses approved and inspected by the Shanghai Futures Exchange. . Zinc increased?0.4%, to $3 838 per ton. LME Zinc stocks at 93 250 tons Since the middle of June, prices have fallen by 25%. In a recent note, Panmure Liberum's Tom Price said that a distortion in which both the supply and demand shrink makes it appear as if the market is tighter than a weak consumer would warrant. The traders said that 'large holdings of Zinc warrants and cash contracts 0#LMEWHC> were contributing to concerns regarding supplies on the LME. Other metals saw aluminium fall 0.1%, while lead rose 0.4%, tin increased 0.2%, and nickel gained 0.1%. (Reporting and editing by Shilpa Majumdar; reporting by Pratima Deai)
The top cases in the US Supreme Court docket
During its current term, the U.S. Supreme Court weighs a number of important cases involving such issues as presidential powers and tariffs, gun rights, race, transgender sportspeople, campaign finance laws, voting rights, LGBT “conversion therapy”, religious rights, capital punishment, and more. The term began in October, and will run through June. Separately, the court has also acted in emergency cases involving challenges against President Donald Trump's policy.
TRUMP TARIFFS During arguments on 5 November, the justices raised questions about the legality and impact of Trump’s sweeping tariffs. This case has implications for the global economic system. It is a test of Trump’s power. Conservative and liberal justices questioned the lawyer for Trump's administration on whether or not a 1977 law intended to be used during national emergencies had given Trump the authority he claimed in order to impose tariffs, or if the president had stepped into the powers of Congress. Some conservative justices also emphasized the inherent authority that presidents have when dealing with foreign nations, suggesting the court may be divided on the case's outcome. Lower courts ruled Trump had overreached by invoking the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act in order to impose tariffs. This was challenged by 12 U.S. States and various businesses. The ruling is expected to be made by the end of June.
Birthright Citizenship The court has agreed to rule on the legality Trump's directive restricting birthright citizenship. This is a controversial part of Trump’s efforts to curb immigration, and would change the way a 19th-century constitutional provision was long understood. The lower court blocked Trump’s executive order, which instructed U.S. agencies to refuse to recognize citizenship for children born in the U.S. when neither parent was an American citizen or a legal permanent resident (also known as a "green-card" holder). The court found that Trump's directive violated the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and federal law codifying the birthright citizenship rights. This ruling was made in response to a class action lawsuit filed by parents and their children who felt threatened by this directive. Arguments in the case have not been scheduled.
LOUISIANA ELECTORAL DISTRICTS The conservative justices of the court signaled on October 15, their willingness to undermine another key section in the Voting Right Act, the 1965 landmark law enacted to prevent racial bias in voting. This was during arguments in a case involving Louisiana's electoral districts. The case centers on Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which prohibits voting maps that dilute the power of minorities without proof of racism. The lower court ruled that the Louisiana electoral map, which divided the six U.S. House of Representatives district into two districts with a majority of Black people instead of one before, violated the Constitutional promise of equal treatment. The ruling is expected to be made by the end June.
TRUMP'S FIRE OF FED OFFICIAL On January 21, the justices will hear arguments about Trump's bid to remove Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook. This is the first time a president has attempted to fire a Fed officer, as he questions the independence of the central bank. The court refused to decide immediately on a Justice Department's request to put a judge’s order temporarily blocking Trump from removing Cook. Congress created the Fed in 1913 and passed the Federal Reserve Act, which included provisions that shielded the central bank from political interference. The law required governors to only be removed "for cause" by the president, though it did not define this term or establish procedures for removal.
Federal Trade Commission Firing The conservative justices of the court have signaled that they will uphold Trump's legality in firing a Federal Trade Commission Member and also give a historical boost to presidential powers while also threatening a 90-year old legal precedent. On December 8, the court heard arguments in the Justice Department appeal of the lower court's ruling that the Republican President exceeded his authority by dismissing Democratic FTC member Rebecca Slaughter before the term she was due to finish. The conservative justices seemed sympathetic to the Trump Administration's argument that tenure protections granted by Congress to heads of independent agencies illegally infringed on presidential powers under the U.S. Constitution. Trump was allowed to remove Slaughter until the case concluded. The court is expected to make a decision by the end June.
LGBT 'CONVERSION THERAPEUTY'
The conservatives on the court appeared to be ready to support a challenge to a Colorado statute that prohibits psychotherapists from performing "conversion therapy", which aims to change minors' sexual orientation or gender identities. A Christian licensed counselor challenged this law under First Amendment protections from government abridgment. Colorado said that it regulates professional conduct and not speech and has the legal right to prohibit a healthcare practice they deem unsafe and ineffective. A lower court upheld this law. The ruling is expected to be made by the end June.
TRANSGENDER SPORTS PARTICIPATION On January 13, the court will hear Idaho and West Virginia's bid to enforce their state laws that ban transgender athletes in female sports teams within public schools. This is another civil rights challenge against Republican-backed "restrictions" on transgender individuals. Idaho and West Virginia appealed lower court decisions siding with transgender plaintiffs. Plaintiffs argued the laws discriminate based sex or transgender status, in violation of Title IX civil rights law that prohibits sex discrimination in schools and the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
HAWAII GUNS LAW On January 20, the justices will hear a challenge against a Hawaii Law that restricts the carrying of handguns in public places, such as businesses. This gives the court an opportunity to expand gun rights. Three Hawaii residents who hold concealed carry licenses, and a gun rights group based in Honolulu appealed the lower court's ruling that Hawaii's measure is likely to comply with the U.S. Constitution Second Amendment right of keep and bear arms. Hawaii's concealed carry law requires that licensees obtain the owner's permission before bringing their handguns onto public property.
Drug Users and Guns On March 2, the justices will hear arguments from the Trump administration in a Texas case that involves a dual American/Pakistani national to defend a federal gun law which prohibits users of illegal drugs. Hunter Biden, son of former president Joe Biden, was charged under this law in 2023. The Justice Department appealed a lower court ruling which found that the gun restrictions were in violation of the Second Amendment rights to "keep and carry arms" guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. The Gun Control Act, which was passed in 1968, prohibited gun ownership by drug users.
CAMPAIGN FUNDING The court heard arguments in December 9 on a Republican-led attempt to overturn federal limits on spending by parties and candidates coordinated with each other in a case that involved Vice President JDVance. The conservative justices seemed to be sympathetic towards the challenge. However, the three liberal members of the court appeared inclined to maintain the spending limits. The debate centers around whether federal limits on campaign spending coordinated with candidates' input violate First Amendment protections against government abridgment. Vance and Republican challengers have appealed the ruling of a lower court that upheld restrictions regarding the amount of money political parties can spend in campaigns, with input from candidates who they support. This type of spending is called coordinated party expenses. The ruling is expected to be made by the end June.
MAIL-IN-BALLOTS The Mississippi defense will be heard in the court. Republicans have challenged a Mississippi state law that allows a five-day grace for mail-in votes received after Election Day. This case could lead to stricter voting laws across the United States. A lower court declared illegal the state's law that allows mail-in votes sent by certain voters be counted even if they are postmarked before Election Day, but arrive up to five days after an election. Arguments in this case have not been scheduled.
U.S. ASYLUM - PROCESSING: The court agreed to hear Trump's administration's defense that the U.S. government has the authority to limit asylum processing at the ports of entry on the U.S. - Mexico border. The Trump administration appealed the lower court's ruling that the "metering policy" was illegal. This allowed U.S. Immigration officials to stop asylum seekers and refuse to process their claims at the border. Former President Joe Biden rescinded the policy, but Trump has said that he would be open to resuming its use. Arguments in the case have not been scheduled.
CRISIS PREGNANCY COUNTER The court seems to be inclined to side with Christian faith-based antiabortion crisis pregnancy centers in New Jersey, in a dispute arising from an investigation by the state attorney general into whether or not these facilities engages in deceptive practice. During the December 2 arguments, a large majority of the Justices appeared to be inclined to revive a lawsuit filed by First Choice Women's Resource Centers against Democratic Attorney General Matthew Platkin's subpoena 2023 seeking information about the organization's doctors and donors. First Choice's facilities are designed to discourage women from getting abortions. The decision is expected to be made by the end June.
RASTAFARIAN INMATE The conservative justices seemed inclined to reject the Rastafarian inmate's attempt to sue Louisiana state prison officials after they shaved his head in violation of religious beliefs. On November 10, the case was argued in front of the court under a federal statute protecting incarcerated persons from religious discrimination. Plaintiff Damon Landor whose religion demands that he let his hair grow appealed the decision of a lower court to dismiss his lawsuit, because they found that the statute in question did not allow him?to sue individual officials for financial damages. The ruling is expected to be made by the end June.
DEATH ROW INMATE The court heard arguments in December in an attempt by Alabama officials in order to pursue the execution for an inmate who was convicted of a murder in 1997 after a lower judge found him intellectually disabled, and therefore ineligible to receive the death penalty. The Republican-led state has appealed a lower court ruling that Joseph Clifton Smith was intellectually disabled based upon his intelligence quotient (IQ), test scores, and expert testimony. In a 2002 Supreme Court decision, the court ruled that executing a person intellectually challenged violated the Eighth Amendment of U.S. Constitution prohibiting cruel and unusual punishment. The Supreme Court is expected to rule by the end June.
COX COPYRIGHT DISSERT The court heard arguments in December in an attempt by Cox Communications, a provider of internet services, to avoid financial responsibility in a major copyright lawsuit brought by record labels who accused Cox of allowing its customers to piracy thousands of songs. Justices appeared to be skeptical about Cox's claim that mere knowledge of user piracy was not enough for it to be held liable for copyright violations. A lower court ordered that a new trial be held to determine the amount of money Cox owes Sony Music Group, Warner Music Group Universal Music Group, and other labels in relation to contributory copyright violations. Cox, which is the largest division of privately-owned Cox Enterprises said that the retrial may result in a verdict of up to $1.5 billion against it. The ruling is expected to be made by the end June.
(source: Reuters)