The internet, freshly baked.

AI company Midjourney turns tables on Disney, Warner, Universal in copyright dispute

Midjourney is appealing a court order that restricts its ability to demand information about how Disney, Universal, and Warner Bros. use artificial intelligence, according to Variety. The AI image-generation company is fighting a copyright infringement lawsuit filed by the three studios, who accuse Midjourney of enabling massive infringement of their characters and training its models on protected content. As part of its defense, Midjourney claims fair use and has now filed a motion to compel the studios to open their own AI practices, a move that could shift the focus of the legal battle. "Midjourney's defense employs a 'everyone does it' argument, essentially challenging the studios' own ethical standing given their use of AI and copyrighted material." The studios have invested heavily in generative AI themselves, with awesomeagents.ai reporting that Disney has made a $1 billion investment in OpenAI. Midjourney is pushing for access to internal files that would reveal how the studios train their own AI models, arguing that the plaintiffs cannot claim infringement while engaging in similar practices. A magistrate judge previously limited Midjourney's discovery access, prompting the company to appeal. Engadget and TechCrunch both noted that Midjourney is seeking to compel the studios to show the court how they use AI. The case highlights the escalating tension between Hollywood and AI developers over copyright and training data. "potentially turning the tables in a high-stakes legal battle over AI training data and copyright infringement." If Midjourney succeeds in forcing the studios to disclose their AI usage, it could set a precedent for how courts handle the interplay between copyright law and generative AI. The outcome may also influence how major entertainment companies balance their own AI ambitions with their legal claims against third-party tools.

6 sources · 5 Jul

Alibaba classifies Claude Code as high-risk software after hidden user-tracking code discovered

Alibaba has banned its employees from using Anthropic's Claude Code, classifying the coding assistant as 'high-risk' software. The internal notice, seen by the South China Morning Post, cites security concerns over Anthropic's past practice of embedding hidden code to track Chinese users, a move that previously sparked backlash. "Alibaba has banned employees from using Anthropic's Claude Code, classifying it as 'high-risk' software due to security concerns." The ban is effective July 10, according to The Next Web, which reported that security researchers uncovered code in Claude Code designed to identify Chinese users. Alibaba has labeled this discovery as 'back-door risks,' prompting the company to direct employees to switch to its own Qoder coding tool as an alternative, as noted by Tom's Hardware. "The discovery of what Alibaba calls 'back-door risks' in Claude Code has led to its classification as high-risk software within the company." The move deepens an existing rift between the two firms. The Next Web also reported that Anthropic previously accused Alibaba of stealing its AI capabilities through large-scale distillation, a charge Alibaba has not publicly addressed. The ban reflects growing tensions between Chinese tech companies and US AI firms over data security and espionage concerns, according to commons.now. Alibaba's decision to classify Claude Code as high-risk software was also confirmed by TechCrunch and BackBox.org, which reported the same classification.

7 sources · 5 Jul

OpenAI Proposes U.S. Government Stake in Bid to Share AI Profits and Ease Regulatory Pressure

OpenAI has reportedly entered early-stage discussions with the incoming Trump administration about granting the U.S. government a 5 percent ownership stake in the company, a move designed to both share the financial gains of artificial intelligence and defuse rising political tensions. According to The Verge, CEO Sam Altman pitched the idea to Trump early last year, arguing that giving the public a direct financial interest would be the most effective way to distribute AI's benefits while potentially avoiding onerous regulation. San.com provided additional detail, reporting that the 5 percent stake is valued at nearly $43 billion based on OpenAI's current $852 billion valuation. Altman's broader vision extends beyond his own company: he wants every major U.S. AI developer, including rivals at Google, Meta, and Anthropic, to contribute similar equity into a public fund modeled after Alaska's oil-wealth dividend program. The proposal could mark a significant shift in how the federal government engages with private tech firms. "If you want the Trump administration to back off your company, simply provide them with an ownership stake in it." The conversations come as Washington ramps up oversight of advanced AI models, with lawmakers and regulators questioning whether the American public will benefit from the industry's soaring valuations. BNN Bloomberg noted that the report follows a U.S. jury ruling against Elon Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI, which found the company not liable for straying from its original mission. TechCrunch independently confirmed that the stake would be directed to a U.S. sovereign wealth fund, reviving a long-standing debate about public participation in the AI boom. "This could pave the way for broader government equity stakes in private AI companies, marking a significant shift in how the U.S. government engages with the tech industry." Hacker News reported that the proposal is still in early-stage talks and may involve other U.S. AI companies offering similar stakes, though it remains unclear whether competitors would agree to such an arrangement. As OpenAI navigates a tougher political environment ahead of a potential public listing, according to Cointelegraph, the stake offer appears to be a strategic olive branch. Whether the Trump administration accepts the deal, or whether other AI giants follow suit, will shape the next chapter of U.S. tech policy.

7 sources · 5 Jul

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Reportedly Married at Madison Square Garden With Star-Studded Guest List

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce reportedly tied the knot in an intimate ceremony at Madison Square Garden, according to details emerging from the event. The wedding, which was held with a strict no-phones policy, drew a crowd of celebrities and close friends, including AMC Theaters CEO Adam Aron, singer Maren Morris, and hosts from 'Good Morning America,' as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. The ceremony featured several unique touches. An original song written and performed by Adam Sandler was part of the proceedings, and guests received handkerchiefs themed after Swift's hit 'Blank Space.' Jason Kelce's daughters served as flower girls, adding a family element to the celebration. Swift's aunt described the emotional atmosphere of the event in vivid detail, telling attendees that they "cried, laughed, danced, hugged, and kissed" throughout the ceremony, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The account captures the deeply personal nature of the occasion, which blended humor and sentiment. Despite the lack of phone access, several attendees have shared their impressions online, painting a picture of a joyful and tightly guarded celebration. The venue choice of Madison Square Garden, a site closely associated with Swift's Eras Tour appearances, added a layer of symbolism to the event. The Hollywood Reporter noted that the wedding was described as 'intimate,' emphasizing the selective guest list and the controlled environment. The combination of celebrity attendees and personal touches made it a standout event in the couple's public relationship.

2 sources · 5 Jul

Anya Taylor-Joy Enlists Fiona Apple for Title Track of Apple TV+ Series 'Lucky'

Fiona Apple's music will anchor the title sequence of the upcoming Apple TV+ miniseries "Lucky," starring Anya Taylor-Joy and based on Marissa Stapley's 2021 novel, Stereogum reported. The series is set to premiere on July 15. According to Stereogum, Anya Taylor-Joy personally chose the track and described the selection as female-centric with a rock edge. The outlet noted that it remains unclear whether the music is a newly recorded piece or an existing Fiona Apple song. "female-centric music with a rock edge" Taylor-Joy's involvement in curating the title music adds a personal touch to the adaptation, which she both stars in and executive produces. The miniseries has generated anticipation since its announcement, and the choice of Fiona Apple aligns with the show's reported aesthetic. Stereogum highlighted that the title sequence will set the tone for the series, with Apple's distinctive sound likely to amplify the suspense and emotional weight of the story. The collaboration marks another intersection of indie music and prestige television.

2 sources · 5 Jul

Beyoncé Drops Surprise Track 'Morning Dew (Donk)' and Sets 60-Day Countdown to B'Day Reissue

Beyoncé surprise-released a new song called 'Morning Dew (Donk)' on July 4, kicking off a 60-day countdown to her birthday and the upcoming reissue of her second album B'Day. The track, which is her first new music since 2024's Cowboy Carter, arrived on all streaming platforms with no prior announcement, according to multiple outlets. "The release kicks off a 60-day countdown to her birthday and the upcoming re-issue of her second album B'Day, originally released in September 2006." The song was co-written and co-produced by Beyoncé and Pharrell Williams, along with contributions from The-Dream and Darius Dixson, as reported by Pitchfork. Stereogum noted that the track will be included in a reissue of B'Day to celebrate its 20th anniversary, scheduled for September 4. The release also features a visual comprising old footage shot by photographer Cliff Watts. While some details vary among sources, Folha de S.Paulo reported that 'Morning Dew (Donk)' was actually recorded in 2013 and left off Beyoncé's self-titled album 'Beyoncé.' The outlet added that fans were already aware of the track's existence: it had been registered in copyright databases since 2013, a snippet circulated on social media in 2021, and a full version leaked in 2023. This context adds a layer of history to what appears to be a fresh drop. "The song was recorded in 2013 but left out of her self-titled album 'Beyoncé.' The release comes after a period without new material since 'Cowboy Carter' (2024) and is part of planned re-release actions for the album 'B'Day' in the coming months." ELLE described the single as being about more than just a surprise drop, though the outlet's coverage focused on its thematic resonance with the Fourth of July and the reissue celebration. The Independent confirmed the track is available on all streaming platforms, marking Beyoncé's first new song in two years. The coordinated release via a 60-day countdown suggests a deliberate rollout strategy tying her birthday, the holiday, and the album's anniversary together.

7 sources · 5 Jul

Nigel Farage accused of accepting undeclared benefits from convicted fraudster

Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, is facing fresh allegations that he failed to declare benefits provided by George Cottrell, a crypto entrepreneur previously convicted of wire fraud in the United States. The Sunday Times reported that Cottrell supplied security and social media staff who worked on Farage's online content before his election, and that Farage also used a property rented by Cottrell near Buckingham Palace, according to the BBC. Farage's spokesman has denied the allegations. "These allegations are categorically false." Meanwhile, Reform UK's economic spokesperson Robert Jenrick admitted that Farage did not declare the gifts and benefits, but claimed they were personal gifts given before Farage became an MP and therefore did not require declaration, as reported by The Guardian. The controversy adds to existing scrutiny of Farage's finances. He is already under a parliamentary probe over an undeclared £5 million gift from a billionaire Reform UK donor, the BBC noted. The latest revelations, first reported by The Sunday Times, raise further questions about transparency and the source of benefits received by the party leader. Cottrell's criminal background adds a sharp edge to the allegations. The entrepreneur was convicted in the US for wire fraud, a detail that has amplified criticism of Farage's associations. The Guardian reported that Jenrick acknowledged the failure to declare but framed the benefits as personal arrangements predating Farage's parliamentary role, a distinction that may test the boundaries of parliamentary rules.

3 sources · 5 Jul

Cynthia Nixon Rejects Claims Wife's $203,500 Education Job Is Political Reward

Christine Marinoni, the wife of actress Cynthia Nixon, has been appointed as chief of mass engagement at the New York City Department of Education's Family and Community Empowerment office under Mayor Zohran Mamdani's administration, according to the Hollywood Reporter. The role comes with an annual salary of $203,500, the outlet reported. "the $203,500/year role is a political reward for Nixon's endorsement of Mamdani during the mayoral primary" That claim, first reported by the New York Post, has drawn scrutiny. But Nixon has denied any political motivation behind the hire, the Hollywood Reporter noted, though the outlet did not elaborate on her full response. The position places Marinoni as a senior official in the department's community outreach arm, a role she previously worked in within the same office. The appointment has fueled debate about the intersection of celebrity endorsements and municipal hiring, especially given Nixon's high-profile backing of Mamdani during the primary. The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that Marinoni's new title is chief of mass engagement, a role focused on building family and community involvement in the city's schools.

2 sources · 5 Jul

Broadway Star Patti LuPone Blasts Turkey for Blocking LGBTQ+ Cruise Ship

Turkey has barred an Atlantis LGBTQ+ cruise ship from docking at its ports, prompting a fury-filled response from Broadway legend Patti LuPone, who was set to perform on the voyage. According to Deadline, LuPone condemned the decision as homophobic in a scathing Instagram post, expressing shock and readiness to perform despite the ban. "Shocked and furious at the decision by the Islamic government of Turkey to ban the Atlantis cruise ship, with its predominantly gay passenger manifest, from entering their ports." LuPone, who emphasized that she will still sail on the ship, called out what she described as discriminatory treatment of the roughly 2,000 mostly gay passengers aboard Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady, the Hollywood Reporter reported. The cruise, organized by Atlantis, is scheduled for July 5-15. This incident highlights ongoing LGBTQ+ discrimination in Turkey, where authorities have increasingly targeted queer events and spaces, Vulture noted. Turkey's ban on the Atlantis ship comes amid a broader crackdown on LGBTQ+ gatherings in the country. Despite the setback, LuPone remains committed to the voyage. "I will sail anyway," she stated in her Instagram post, as quoted by Vulture. The Broadway icon's determination underscores the defiance of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies in the face of such restrictions.

3 sources · 5 Jul

AMC Theatres CEO Briefly Reveals Then Deletes Details of Swift-Kelce Wedding at MSG

AMC Theatres CEO Adam Aron posted a detailed firsthand account of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding at Madison Square Garden on X, only to delete it shortly after, multiple outlets reported. The deleted post offered a rare glimpse into a ceremony that had been kept tightly under wraps, with Aron describing the venue's decor and atmosphere in specific terms. According to Variety, Aron wrote that Madison Square Garden was "completely draped in peach and white with large photos of the couple displayed throughout." The post contrasted sharply with the secrecy that had surrounded the event, as noted by The Independent, which described the wedding as a "secrecy-shrouded ceremony." Deadline reported that Aron's post referenced his business relationship with Swift, dating back to AMC's distribution of her Eras Tour concert film in 2023. The same outlet noted that Good Morning America hosts, who also attended, reportedly avoided sharing specific details, suggesting a more cautious approach than the CEO's. The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that Aron posted a lengthy insider's account of the Swift-Kelce ceremony on X before taking it down. The quick deletion underscored the tension between public curiosity and the couple's desire for privacy, leaving fans to piece together fragments from a post that was never meant to last.

5 sources · 5 Jul

Jesse Eisenberg Honored at Karlovy Vary, Plans Move to Europe as Hollywood Indie Films Face Headwinds

Jesse Eisenberg announced at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival that he will soon receive Polish citizenship and intends to work more in Central Europe, citing that the kind of intimate, character-driven films he loves are increasingly difficult to make in Hollywood. He was honored with the festival's President's Award before a screening of Richard Ayoade's 'The Double', according to hollywoodreporter.com. "the kind of films I love are increasingly difficult to make" The actor, writer and director was welcomed with a huge ovation in the Czech spa town, The Hollywood Reporter noted. Eisenberg's announcement signals a growing frustration among filmmakers with the shifting landscape of the American film industry, where mid-budget character studies have become rarer in favor of franchise and blockbuster fare. Eisenberg plans to work more in Central Europe, according to hollywoodreporter.com. While he did not specify a timeline for his citizenship or future projects, the actor's move reflects a broader trend of artists seeking creative freedom outside the U.S. studio system. Festival audiences greeted the news with enthusiasm, reinforcing the international appeal of independent cinema.

3 sources · 5 Jul

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Tie the Knot at Madison Square Garden With 1,000 Guests and Strict Security

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were married at Madison Square Garden in New York City, an event that drew over 1,000 attendees and a heavy security presence, according to Variety. The guest list included a parade of A-listers such as Ed Sheeran, Bradley Cooper, Zoë Kravitz, Jack Antonoff, and Gigi Hadid, as reported by the Belfast News Letter. Security was extraordinarily tight. Variety reported that attendees were required to sign nondisclosure agreements and use digital invitations, with phones confiscated at the door. The Hollywood Reporter noted that the phone surrender policy extended to keeping the event's details under wraps, but social media still lit up with reactions from stars who were not present. "I am so happy for them. I wish them all the love in the world." That quote came from actress Jessica Chastain, one of several celebrities who congratulated the couple online. The Hollywood Reporter also noted that Dolly Parton and Barbara Corcoran shared their excitement, and even Elmo chimed in with a message of support. The wedding's scale and secrecy have made it one of the most talked-about celebrity events of the year. Variety's breakdown of the guest list and security measures underscores how Swift and Kelce managed to pull off a star-studded affair while maintaining a high level of privacy, a feat that has drawn admiration from fans and media alike.

3 sources · 5 Jul

Podcaster and Ex-NFL Lineman Marcellus Wiley Jailed After July 4 Arrest in Orlando

Former NFL defensive end and sports media personality Marcellus Wiley was arrested over the July 4th holiday weekend in Orlando, Florida on a charge of domestic battery. TMZ Sports first reported the arrest, noting that details about the incident remain scarce. Wiley was booked into Orange County Corrections and remained there pending his court hearing at press time, according to Rolling Stone. "This is the latest in a series of legal issues for Wiley, who was previously accused of sexual assault by four accusers, including a former ESPN producer, just over two months prior." Rolling Stone's report underscores that the domestic battery charge follows a separate set of allegations that emerged earlier this year. Those accusations, which involved claims of sexual assault by multiple individuals, have not yet resulted in criminal charges, but they have shadowed Wiley's public profile as a podcaster and former NFL analyst. "Details about the incident remain limited at this time." TMZ Sports provided the initial account of Wiley's arrest but offered no further specifics on what led to the domestic battery charge. The lack of information leaves open questions about the circumstances, though the arrest itself marks a significant escalation. Wiley, who played for the Buffalo Bills, San Diego Chargers, and other teams during his NFL career, has yet to publicly comment on the latest legal development. The case now moves through the Orange County court system. As both outlets have stressed, the underlying facts of the arrest have not been released.

2 sources · 5 Jul

France survives Paraguay scare in sweltering Philadelphia to reach quarterfinals

France edged Paraguay 1-0 in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, surviving a test from a tenacious South American side under extreme heat in Philadelphia. The reigning two-time world champions, tournament favorites coming in, had to endure tough conditions and a confident opponent that had already stunned Germany earlier in the competition, according to marca.com. "France are heavy favorites but will face extreme heat conditions on US Independence Day." The heat was a major storyline before kickoff, as footballcountry.com noted that the match fell on a sweltering Fourth of July. Whether stars like Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, and Ousmane Dembélé would shine or struggle against Paraguay's gritty defense was a key question entering the game. "In their first appearance at the World Cup since the 2010 edition in South Africa, Paraguay have surprised many so far, but they now face tournament favourites France." Yahoo News New Zealand reported that Paraguay had exceeded expectations just to reach this stage, having been absent from the World Cup for 16 years. Yet their run included a victory over Germany, and they carried that confidence into the match against France, making the narrow 1-0 scoreline a relief for the French side. "Paraguay, who had previously stunned Germany, entered the match with confidence led by players like Enciso, Ávalos, and goalkeeper Orlando Gill, but ultimately fell to the reigning two-time world champions." Marca.com confirmed that Paraguay, despite the upset win over Germany, could not replicate that magic against a star-studded French team. Goalkeeper Orlando Gill and attackers Enciso and Ávalos fought hard, but France's quality ultimately prevailed, sending the Europeans into the quarterfinals while Paraguay exits with their heads held high.

3 sources · 5 Jul

Trump's Crypto Windfall Tops $1 Billion as Nearly a Million Memecoin Investors Lose Billions

President Donald Trump earned more than $1 billion from his family's cryptocurrency ventures last year, according to multiple financial disclosures and analyses, while hundreds of thousands of investors in his branded $TRUMP memecoin suffered staggering losses. The scale of the gains and losses highlights the fraught dynamics of Trump's personal financial interests in digital assets as he pursued policies favorable to the crypto industry. CBS News reported that Trump earned over $1 billion from crypto-related ventures, including his meme coin business and his family's cryptocurrency firm. Sky News put the total at more than $1.4 billion, noting that the income came "all while pursuing policies to benefit the industry." Radio Free likewise reported a figure of over $1.4 billion from the various cryptocurrency ventures. The New York Times, citing an independent analysis, said that Trump himself reaped approximately $636 million from the $TRUMP memecoin alone, as part of a $2 billion haul last year. "Nearly a million investors who bought President Donald Trump's $TRUMP memecoin have collectively lost $3.81 billion, while Trump himself earned $636 million from the same token through royalties from a licensing agreement with a Trump Organization affiliate." Blockchain analytics firm Nansen conducted the analysis, covering all transactions through the end of June 2025. The firm found that 988,905 of the token's buyers are now underwater. Bitcoin.com, citing The New York Times, noted that roughly two-thirds of investors who purchased the TRUMP memecoin lost a combined $3.81 billion. The New York Times reported that "sophisticated traders did better" while most retail investors lost money. The financial disclosures provide a rare detailed look at Trump's financial interests in the digital asset space. The data draws renewed attention to the president's ability to profit directly from ventures that his administration has helped shape through deregulation and promotional statements. CBS News noted that the income came from his meme coin business and his family's cryptocurrency firm, underscoring the intertwining of public policy and private profit.

7 sources · 5 Jul

Operation Exchange: Brazilian Police Arrest 11 in $2 Billion Crypto Laundering Scheme Linked to PCC Cartel

Brazilian Federal Police arrested 11 suspects and executed 13 search-and-seizure warrants across São Paulo in a major crackdown on a cryptocurrency money laundering network tied to the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) cartel, according to reports from briefly.co and Bitcoin.com. The operation, dubbed "Operation Exchange," involved over 50 officers and targeted an alleged scheme that laundered nearly $2 billion through illicit cryptocurrency transfers and cash transportation. "The scheme allegedly laundered nearly $2 billion through illicit cryptocurrency transfers and cash transportation, targeting funds connected to the Brazilian SDGT-designated criminal group." Briefly.co noted that the PCC is designated as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) organization, a classification that underscores the severity of the criminal network's activities. The operation on Friday dismantled a structure that used both digital currencies and physical cash to move enormous sums, as reported by Bitcoin.com and News.Bitcoin.com. "The operation involved over 50 officers targeting the PCC, which is designated as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) organization." The scale of the alleged laundering, nearly $2 billion, highlights the growing role of cryptocurrency in organized crime, as well as the increasing sophistication of Brazilian law enforcement in tracking such flows. The arrests and warrants were concentrated in São Paulo state, a hub for the PCC's operations, according to briefly.co. This operation marks one of the largest crypto-related takedowns in Brazil, reflecting the authorities' commitment to curbing financial crimes linked to powerful cartels.

3 sources · 5 Jul