Amid intensifying scrutiny over U.S. military strikes against alleged drug boats in the Caribbean, questions are emerging about who in the Trump administration’s chain of command is legally responsible for what many view as potential war crimes.
Administration officials have insisted that the decision rested with Adm. Frank Bradley, not Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5643557-hegseth-bradley-legal-liability/
The Virginia high school football coach who went missing on November 20 and was later revealed to be wanted on charges involving child sexual abuse material was last seen walking into the woods with a gun, the coach’s family says.
A statement from a law firm representing the family of Travis Turner, released Friday, said:
“The last known contact the family had with Travis occurred on or about Thursday, November 20, after he left his residence to walk in the woods with a firearm. He is believed to have entered a heavily wooded and mountainous area.”
At that time, the statement from attorney Adrian Collins noted that no warrants had been issued for Turner’s arrest. When Turner did not return home that evening, his wife notified law enforcement.
“She was advised that a missing-person report could not be taken until at least 24 hours had passed,” the attorney’s statement said. “The following day, she filed a missing-person report with the Virginia State Police. The family has cooperated fully with law enforcement in their ongoing efforts to locate Travis.”
Agents with the Virginia State Police’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation Wytheville Field Office were en route to Turner’s home on November 20 as part of an investigation when they were informed he was no longer there, police said.
State police later obtained a total of 10 warrants for Turner, 46, of Appalachia, Virginia, including five counts of possession of child pornography and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor, authorities confirmed.
Turner is a physical education teacher and head football coach at Union High School, in the Wise County public school district, according to the school’s website.
Amid his disappearance, the football team advanced to the Virginia regional final during a 12-0 season and remains undefeated.
Virginia State Police said earlier this week they are actively searching for Turner.
“Since his disappearance, VSP has utilized a number of assets, including search and rescue teams, drones, and K9s, to assist in the search,” state police said in a statement. “VSP’s main priority is locating Turner safely; he is now considered a fugitive.”
The statement from the Turner family’s attorney added that family members and friends have also been searching the woods.
“These efforts have been limited by weather conditions and with respect for the official operations underway,” the statement said. “It is the family’s prayer that Travis is safe and will have the opportunity to defend himself in a court of law.”
https://abcnews.go.com/US/missing-virginia-football-coach-wanted-child-sexual-abuse/story?id=127971375
OpenAI has lost a key discovery battle over internal communications related to the startup deleting two huge datasets of pirated books, a development that further tilts the scales in favor of authors suing the company. To rewind, authors and publishers have gained access to Slack messages between OpenAI’s employees discussing the erasure of the datasets, named “books 1 and books2.” But the court held off on whether plaintiffs should get other communications that the company argued were protected by attorney-client privilege. In a controversial decision that was appealed by OpenAI on Wednesday, U. S. District Judge Ona Wang found that OpenAI must hand over documents revealing the company’s motivations for deleting the datasets. OpenAI’s in-house legal team will be deposed. At stake: Billions of dollars and, potentially, OpenAI’s defense in the case. The communications could help prove what’s known as “willful” infringement, which triggers significantly higher damages of $150,000 per work. And if it’s found that the company destroyed the evidence with potential litigation in mind, the court could direct juries in later trials to assume it would’ve been unfavorable for OpenAI. The discovery ruling bolsters what’s increasingly looking like a winning argument over the practice of pirating books from shadow libraries. That theory has changed over the course of AI litigation. At first, lawyers for the authors directly connected the piracy to OpenAI’s training of its models under a single umbrella. But later, they separated the theories and alleged that the distinct act of illegally downloading the works, regardless of whether they were used, constitutes 5 billion to settle the lawsuit. Last year, a lawyer for OpenAI said that the “books 1” and “books 2” datasets weren’t being used for training purposes and that they were deleted in 2022 “due to their non-use.” Counsel representing authors and publishers called foul play. The issue has been a major battleground in discovery. At first, OpenAI claimed attorney-client privilege but later said that it would turn over some information. Then, it moved to withdraw its representation that the datasets were deleted due to nonuse and said that all evidence on the erasure is privileged. In the ruling, the court found that most of the communications aren’t shielded from discovery. This includes Slack messages between OpenAI employees in a channels called “project-clear” and “excise-libgen,” where they discussed deleting the datasets. “OpenAI has waived privilege by making a moving target of its privilege assertions,” Wang wrote. She added, “OpenAI has gone back-and-forth on whether ‘non-use’ as a ‘reason’ for the deletion of Books1 and Books2 is privileged at all. OpenAI cannot state a ‘reason’ (which implies it is not privileged) and then later assert that the ‘reason’ is privileged to avoid discovery.” The upshot in OpenAI’s messy legal maneuvering: The company effectively opened the door to the privileged material when it disclosed a reason for the deletion of the dataset. To stave off a finding of “willful” infringement, it’ll have to show a good faith belief in the innocence of its action. The company faces an uphill battle on that issue, with the court stressing a “fundamental conflict” in circumstances when a defendant blocks discovery into communications over its state of mind by asserting attorney-client privilege. OpenAI continues to maintain that it didn’t willfully infringe on any copyrighted material. On Wednesday, it moved to pause enforcement of discovery obligations.
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/openai-loses-key-discovery-battle-why-deleted-library-of-pirated-books-1236436363/
Mayor Eric Adams is standing behind a 16-year-old Bronx high schooler, Joel Camas, who was recently detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The city has formally filed legal papers supporting Camas’s lawsuit aimed at halting his deportation.
Camas was arrested during a routine immigration check on October 23 and now faces deportation to Ecuador. He originally fled Ecuador in 2022 to escape threats from violent gangs, according to documents submitted in Manhattan federal court.
The Adams administration argues that Camas, as a teenage public school student, should have the right to “access city schools and services while their immigration issues are being resolved.” This stance was detailed in a brief filed Monday in support of the teen.
In a statement, Mayor Adams described Camas as “a hard-working student, dedicated to his school work and future, who followed the proper immigration process.” He added, “We are proud to support his petition for justice, just like we have done with the many other New York City Public School students who have been detained during routine immigration proceedings.”
Since his arrest, Camas has been held at an Office of Refugee Resettlement youth shelter in The Bronx, according to news outlet THE CITY.
The city further argues that Camas poses no flight or safety risk, making detention unnecessary. Muriel Goode-Trufant, the city’s top attorney, stated, “The Trump administration has not met the very high bar for detaining this minor student who is better served remaining in the community with his family.”
However, federal authorities remain determined to deport Camas. The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District, Jay Clayton, also requested the judge to keep Camas detained pending his trial, emphasizing the government’s intention to reunite him with his mother in Ecuador.
Camas arrived from Ecuador in December 2022 with his mother, who self-deported earlier this year. She entrusted Joel to relatives in hopes he could build a better life. According to Camas’s lawsuit, both have had orders of removal against them since losing their asylum case in 2024—an appearance they made without legal representation.
Currently a junior at Gotham Collaborative High School in The Bronx, Camas maintains a perfect attendance record, as noted in the city’s supportive amicus brief. His teachers have described him as a “committed” student who is so motivated to learn English that “he refuses materials in his native language,” the filing states.
The city’s backing of Joel Camas highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of immigrant students and the importance of access to education and services during immigration proceedings. Mayor Adams’s administration continues to champion these causes as part of its broader commitment to supporting New York City’s immigrant communities.
https://nypost.com/2025/11/11/us-news/city-throws-support-behind-bronx-student-detained-by-ice/
In 1920, a Chicago grand jury indicted eight members of the Chicago White Sox on charges of fixing the 1919 World Series, an event that became notorious as the “Black Sox Scandal.” White Sox owner Charles Comiskey immediately suspended the eight players, including “Shoeless” Joe Jackson. A year later, they were permanently banned by newly appointed baseball Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis. Although a jury returned a not guilty verdict on all charges, their ban from baseball stood until they were reinstated by Commissioner Rob Manfred in May 2025.
In 1946, Hockey Hall of Famer Babe Pratt was suspended for gambling but was reinstated weeks later. The NHL Board of Governors issued a warning that any further gambling incidents would lead to a lifetime suspension.
Two years later, in 1948, Billy Taylor and Don Gallinger received lifetime bans from the NHL for betting on hockey games.
In 1951, a major scandal erupted when 35 active and former players were accused of fixing at least 86 games spanning from 1947 to 1951. Among those implicated were four members of the Adolph Rupp-coached Kentucky Wildcats, accused of taking bribes from gamblers ahead of an NIT game against Loyola during the 1948-49 season. An NCAA investigation uncovered several violations, ultimately leading to the cancellation of Kentucky’s 1952-53 season.
The 1980 “Totonero” match-fixing scandal in Italian soccer resulted in the relegation of two teams and penalties for five others. Notably, Paolo Rossi was banned for two years due to his involvement while playing for Perugia.
In 1981, former Boston College basketball player Rick Kuhn and four others, including New York mobster Jimmy Burke, were convicted for conspiring to fix basketball games during the 1978-79 season.
Tulane University suspended its basketball program in 1985 amid point-shaving and other allegations. The program resumed play in the 1989-90 season.
Pete Rose, baseball’s all-time hits leader with 4,256 hits, agreed to a lifetime ban in 1989 after an MLB investigation found he bet on the Cincinnati Reds between 1985 and 1987 while serving as player and manager. Rose died in 2024 still ineligible for induction into Cooperstown, but in May 2025, Commissioner Rob Manfred changed MLB’s eligibility rules, clearing the path for Rose’s Hall of Fame consideration.
In 1996, thirteen Boston College football players were suspended for gambling, including two who bet against their own team in a 45-17 loss to Syracuse. Coach Dan Henning resigned after alerting school officials about the betting allegations. No evidence of point-shaving was found.
Philadelphia Flyers coach Rick Tocchet was placed on two years of probation in 2007 after pleading guilty to conspiracy and promoting gambling while serving as an assistant coach with the Phoenix Coyotes. He was reinstated by the NHL the following year. The investigation, known as “Operation Slapshot,” also implicated several players, Wayne Gretzky’s wife Janet Jones, and Gretzky’s former agent and then-Coyotes GM Michael Barnett.
In 2008, NBA referee Tim Donaghy pleaded guilty to wire fraud for transmitting inside betting information in exchange for thousands of dollars. He was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison.
Former Wales men’s rugby captain Rob Howley was suspended for 18 months in 2019 after it was revealed he made 363 bets, including on Wales’ Six Nations Grand Slam decider against Ireland. He was sent home on the eve of the Rugby World Cup where he was an assistant coach.
England defender Kieran Trippier was banned for 10 weeks in 2021 after providing insider information on his transfer to friends who then bet on the outcome.
At least 15 NFL players have been suspended for gambling violations since 1963. The earliest included Hall of Famers Paul Hornung and Alex Karras, who were suspended for betting on league games. Since 2022, at least 12 players have faced suspensions for betting. Notably, Atlanta Falcons receiver Calvin Ridley was banned for an entire season for betting on NFL games while away from the team for mental health reasons. Indianapolis Colts players Isaiah Rodgers Sr., Rashod Berry, and Demetrius Taylor were suspended indefinitely and released for betting on NFL games but were eventually reinstated.
In May 2023, Brazil’s lower house of Congress launched an investigation into a soccer match-fixing scandal involving players who allegedly secured bookings and penalties in exchange for bribes. This marked the third such probe in the country.
Six-time major champion golfer Phil Mickelson was alleged in 2023 to have wagered more than $1 billion over three decades, according to a book by gambler Billy Walters. Walters also claimed Mickelson intended to place a $400,000 bet on the 2012 Ryder Cup, which Mickelson denied, though he acknowledged his gambling crossed the line into addiction and has since stopped.
In 2023, soccer players Ivan Toney (Brentford), Sandro Tonali (Newcastle), and Nicolò Fagioli (Juventus) all served gambling bans. Fagioli received a seven-month ban from the Italian Soccer Federation, while Tonali was banned for 10 months the previous year for betting on teams he played for.
The NHL suspended Ottawa Senators forward Shane Pinto for 41 games in October 2023 due to sports gambling violations. The league clarified there was no evidence Pinto bet on hockey games. Pinto declined to comment when rejoining the Senators in January 2024.
In March 2024, the Los Angeles Dodgers fired Ippei Mizuhara, interpreter and close friend of star Shohei Ohtani, after reports surfaced of Mizuhara’s ties to an illegal bookmaker. Three months later, Mizuhara pleaded guilty to bank and tax fraud for stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani’s account to cover gambling debts, baseball card purchases, and medical bills. He exploited language barriers to deceive Ohtani’s financial advisers and even impersonated Ohtani to the bank.
Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter was banned for life from the NBA in April 2024 following a league probe that found he disclosed confidential health information to sports bettors and wagered on games, including bets against his own team. Commissioner Adam Silver described Porter’s actions as “blatant.” The investigation uncovered a large $80,000 bet linked to Porter’s performance in a March 20 game against Sacramento, which could have paid out $1.1 million.
In June 2024, San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano became the first active MLB player banned for life in over a century after being discovered to have placed 387 bets totaling more than $150,000 with a legal sportsbook in 2022 and 2023. Additionally, Oakland Athletics pitcher Michael Kelly received a one-year suspension for baseball betting in the minor leagues. Three other minor leaguers—San Diego’s Jay Groome, Arizona’s Andrew Saalfrank, and Philadelphia’s José Rodríguez—also received one-year bans for betting on major league games, each wagering less than $1,000. Saalfrank and Rodríguez had prior major league experience.
In February 2025, MLB umpire Pat Hoberg was fired for sharing his legal sports gambling accounts with a friend who bet on baseball and for deleting electronic messages relevant to the league’s investigation. While no evidence showed Hoberg personally bet on games or manipulated outcomes, his friend made 141 baseball bets, including eight involving games Hoberg umpired. MLB senior vice president Michael Hill recommended the firing, with Commissioner Manfred upholding the decision. Hoberg, known as one of the best strike zone umpires, is eligible to apply for reinstatement no earlier than spring training 2026.
In June and July 2025, MLB placed Cleveland Guardians pitchers Luis Ortiz and Emmanuel Clase on paid leave amid a sports betting investigation. Ortiz was linked to unusual betting activity on specific pitches during games in Seattle and St. Louis. Clase was placed on leave three weeks later. On November 9, both were indicted on charges of accepting bribes to provide bettors with advance notice of pitch types and intentionally throwing balls instead of strikes to influence bets.
The NCAA announced in September 2025 it was investigating possible sports betting violations involving 13 former men’s basketball players from Eastern Michigan, Temple, Arizona State, New Orleans, North Carolina A&T, and Mississippi Valley. By November, six players had their eligibility revoked. The NCAA’s integrity monitoring and sources flagged suspicious text and social media messages revealing betting on and against their own teams, sharing information with bettors, outcome manipulation, and refusal to cooperate. In related cases, three players from Fresno State and San Jose State were found guilty of manipulating game outcomes and permanently lost eligibility.
In October 2025, a major gambling scandal unfolded involving 31 individuals, including Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, and former player and coach Damon Jones. Billups, the 2004 NBA Finals MVP, was charged with conspiracy to fix high-stakes card games connected to La Cosa Nostra organized crime families, resulting in at least $7 million in losses to unsuspecting gamblers. Rozier faced separate charges related to exploiting private player information to win NBA bets, alongside money laundering and wire fraud conspiracy charges. Damon Jones was implicated in both schemes and has pleaded not guilty.
https://mymotherlode.com/sports/college-sports-general-news/10165019/black-sox-ohtanis-interpreter-and-more-a-look-at-notable-sports-betting-scandals-2.html
A federal judge ruled on Friday that the Trump administration violated the First Amendment by sending automated emails and messages blaming the government shutdown on Democrats.
In the ruling, U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper stated that the Department of Education (DOE) cannot compel federal workers to engage in partisan speech.
The American Federation of Government Employees…
https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/5596030-trump-administration-first-amendment-ruling/
In a shocking development, actor Siddharth Sharma took to his Instagram handle to announce that he has dissociated himself from the Sunny Deol-starrer *Soorya*. In his post, he revealed that he has initiated legal proceedings against the makers of the film.
Bollywood Hungama exclusively spoke to Siddharth Sharma to understand what went wrong.
“This has happened for the first time in my career of 7-8 years. I have worked with T-Series for almost 5 years with Balaji, but I never faced something of this sort,” Siddharth began.
### Explosive Allegations: Non-Payment and Misuse of Image
Siddharth blasted the makers of *Soorya* for non-payment of dues. He shared an alarming quote from the producer:
> “Main toh pay nahin karunga. Tujhe jo karna hai, tu kar.”
He further added,
> “They are ruining Sunny Deol sir’s name. They made me shoot an ad for Manyavar without my consent or knowledge.”
### How the Project Came About
Siddharth explained, “When I was working on the reality show *Lock Upp*, the producers of *Soorya* approached Kangana Ranaut to reach out to me, as they wanted me to sign their film.”
He added that the makers obtained his contact details through Vinay Sapru and Radhika Rao, the directors of his biggest hit to date, “*Leja Re*,” which has over 1 billion views on T-Series’ YouTube channel. Both had previously worked with the film’s producer Kamal Mukut on *Sanam Teri Kasam* (2016), and the makers used their reference to contact Siddharth.
### Signing and Shooting the Film
“At first, I didn’t entertain their offers. But then, my brother called me inside the *Lock Upp* house and told me that the producers had signed Sunny Deol and were looking for a younger actor for an important role,” Siddharth shared. The film was pitched to him as a Sunny Deol-starrer.
By 2022, having already worked on Season 2 of *Punch Beat*, Siddharth signed an agreement with the producers and began shooting in Jaipur.
“The first schedule got over. It was not great, but overall fine. Our contract stated that I’d receive a signing amount plus 20% of my remaining fees after 50% of the shoot was complete,” he said.
### Delays and Payment Issues
However, the film got postponed, and despite the producers repeatedly asking for his dates, they kept canceling the shoot schedule. Siddharth noticed that the producers were facing financial difficulties at the time, so he did not press them too hard.
“But after the success of *Gadar 2* and the re-release of *Sanam Teri Kasam*, they had money. They also had the power, and I guess they felt it was okay to not adhere to my contract and not pay me,” Siddharth alleged.
He recalled,
> “They used to speak very sweetly, ‘Beta, shoot kar le. After 3 years, we are finally resuming the shoot. Sunny Deol has finally agreed to shoot.’ This is how they convinced me.”
### Contract Dispute and Refusal to Pay
Siddharth then asked for a fresh contract since the original was signed back in 2022. He also requested a raise, noting that Sunny Deol and other actors were getting fee hikes. The producers refused both requests.
“I said, ‘Fair enough. But please pay me my remaining dues.’ I had to cancel dates for another film I was committed to in order to shoot *Soorya*. I gave the film my everything,” he explained.
When Siddharth repeatedly asked for the payment, the producer kept saying, “Abhi paise nahin hai” or “we haven’t started clearing the payments.”
Eventually, Siddharth said the producer threatened him over the phone:
> “Main toh pay nahin karunga. Tujhe jo karna hai, tu kar le. Tu apne aap ko bada hero samajta hai. Toh ban le hero.”
He condemned this behavior, saying, “I was always talking to them humbly.”
### Refusal to Participate in Dubbing and Promotions
As per the contract, Siddharth is obligated to complete dubbing and promotions for the film. However, he stated,
> “I won’t be indulging in these activities until they pay me my rightful dues.”
He also accused the producers of cheating him in a theatrical ad shoot for Manyavar.
### Unauthorized Usage in Manyavar Advertisement
“They said it was a part of the film, a scene. But I had the bound script, and that scene wasn’t in it. They claimed, ‘We have added it later creatively,’” Siddharth explained.
He revealed that the Manyavar ad was shot without his consent or knowledge, which he considers cheating. It was only later that Manyavar informed him about a promotional exercise involving him because he had shot an ad for their brand.
Siddharth added,
> “The ad features me, Sunny Sir, and Virti Vaghani, who has previously worked in *Aarya* as Sushmita Sen’s daughter.”
### Legal Steps Taken
With no other option left, Siddharth sent a legal notice to the makers, but they did not respond. This prompted him to make the issue public on his Instagram handle.
### Despite the Troubles, Siddharth Appreciates the Film
Despite the ongoing issues, Siddharth praised the film:
> “The film is fantastic. The songs are very nice. They have changed the film quite a bit. It is no longer the same script that I signed for. But I am okay with it as it’s a creative call and if it benefits the film.”
He appealed to the producers, saying,
> “At least pay me my dues and stick to the legal agreement. Otherwise, what’s the point of doing an agreement?”
### Final Remarks
Siddharth expressed concern over the film’s makers misusing Sunny Deol’s name:
> “They are ruining the name of Sunny Deol sir. They pitch the film using his name, saying, ‘Woh hamare hero hai; hamare saath kaam kar rahe hai.’ They further claim that they have been in the business since the 1970s and have worked with stalwarts like Rishi Kapoor. So one expects to be in safe hands. But alas.”
Attempts to contact producer Kamal Mukut for comment were unsuccessful.
—
**Also Read:**
Sunny Deol announces new film *Ikka*, unveils first look motion poster.
**BOLLYWOOD NEWS LIVE UPDATES**
https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/explosive-siddharth-sharma-blasts-makers-soorya-non-payment-dues-producer-told-main-toh-pay-nahin-karunga-tujhe-jo-karna-hai-tu-kar-ruining-sunny-deol-sirs-name/
In the current economic environment, where Americans owe a record $1.21 trillion in credit card debt and credit card rates are sitting at record highs, many borrowers face collection calls and potential lawsuits over unpaid debt. As more accounts fall into serious delinquency due to inflation and other economic stressors, even more people are at risk.
While debt-related lawsuits are among the most common civil cases in the U.S., they can still have long-lasting effects on your finances. Many people assume a debt lawsuit will only be filed if you owe a substantial balance. That’s not always the case. Debt collectors may file suits over surprisingly small amounts, depending on the type of debt, the agency involved, and state laws.
Understanding when legal action becomes likely and what you can do before it reaches that point is crucial—especially if your debt has already been turned over to collections. So, what is the lowest amount a debt collector is likely to file a lawsuit over? Let’s explore.
### What Is the Lowest Amount a Debt Collector Will Sue For?
There’s no single threshold amount that triggers a debt lawsuit. The decision to file usually depends on three main factors:
#### 1. The Size of the Debt Relative to Collection Costs
Debt collectors weigh potential recovery against the costs of suing you, including court filing fees, attorney costs, and the effort required to collect after winning. For small balances, filing a lawsuit and the related costs often aren’t worth it. However, many collection firms handle large volumes of cases through standardized processes, so pursuing even smaller balances can be profitable.
#### 2. The Type and Age of the Debt
Unsecured debts like credit cards and personal loans are more commonly litigated because they’re easier to prove and collect. Medical debts, on the other hand, are less likely to result in lawsuits, especially if sold to secondary collectors. Additionally, older debts beyond your state’s statute of limitations can’t legally be sued for, though collectors might still contact you or threaten legal action to try and compel payment.
#### 3. State Laws and Local Court Practices
In some states, small claims courts allow lawsuits for amounts as low as a few hundred dollars. For example, a debt collector might sue for a $750 credit card balance in a jurisdiction with minimal filing fees and high default judgment rates. Conversely, in states with higher court costs or stricter documentation rules, pursuing small debts may be less worthwhile.
In short: debt collectors typically start considering lawsuits for amounts around $1,000 to $5,000, but there’s no strict rule. If your debt falls within that range or you’ve ignored collection calls or letters, you could be at risk of being sued.
—
### How to Deal with Overwhelming Debt Before a Lawsuit Is Filed
If you’re behind on payments but haven’t been sued yet, you still have time to act. Taking early steps can help you avoid court, reduce your balance, and protect your credit. Here’s what to consider:
#### Communicate with Your Creditor or Debt Collector
Ignoring calls and letters won’t make the debt disappear; it increases your risk of a lawsuit. Instead, contact the creditor or debt collector to discuss your payment options. Some may accept reduced settlements or waive interest if you can provide a lump-sum payment.
#### Consider a Debt Management Program
Debt management programs, available through credit counseling agencies, allow you to consolidate multiple credit card debts into a single monthly payment while working to lower interest rates. A counselor negotiates with creditors on your behalf, and you pay the agency monthly until your balances are cleared—typically within three to five years.
#### Explore Debt Settlement
If you owe more than $7,500 to $10,000 and can’t keep up with payments, debt settlement could help you resolve your debt for less than you owe. A debt relief company negotiates with creditors to settle balances often for 50% to 70% of the total owed. Keep in mind, debt settlement can temporarily hurt your credit and may have tax implications.
#### Look into a Debt Consolidation Loan
If your credit is still solid, a debt consolidation loan might help combine multiple high-interest debts into one lower-rate loan. This option can make payments more manageable and reduce overall interest costs.
#### Consult with a Professional
If the situation feels overwhelming, speak with a credit counselor or debt relief specialist. They can assess your options based on your income, debt type, and credit profile and help decide whether settlement, management, or even bankruptcy is the best path forward.
—
### The Bottom Line
Debt collectors can—and often do—sue over relatively small amounts, especially if you’ve ignored repeated attempts to collect money owed. While lawsuits over a few hundred dollars aren’t common, balances in the $1,000 to $5,000 range are frequently targeted, depending on the creditor and your state’s rules.
If you’re at risk of being sued, acting quickly can help you avoid the stress and long-term damage of a judgment. Whether it involves negotiating directly with debt collectors, joining a debt management program, or exploring a debt relief solution, don’t wait to act. The earlier you respond, the more control you’ll have and the easier it will be to protect your finances before a lawsuit begins.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/what-is-the-lowest-amount-a-debt-collector-will-sue-for/
**Prince Andrew’s Top Biographer Warns Former Duke of York Could Still Face Court Over Jeffrey Epstein Allegations**
*Published October 21, 2025, 8:01 p.m. ET*
In the wake of disgraced Prince Andrew relinquishing his royal titles, his leading biographer has claimed the former Duke of York could still be held accountable for claims made by another Jeffrey Epstein victim—claims that might lead him to court, RadarOnline.com reveals.
Andrew Lownie, author of *Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York*, made this sensational assertion just one day before Epstein victim and Andrew’s accuser, Virginia Giuffre’s posthumous memoir, *Nobody’s Girl*, was released on Tuesday, October 21.
**“Serious Crisis for the Monarchy”**
“I think this is probably the most serious crisis for the monarchy since the abdication, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Andrew is actually put on trial,” Lownie boldly stated on *The Telegraph’s* The Daily T podcast.
“There are going to be more damaging revelations. There will be more leaked emails. Another victim’s memoir is coming out next month.”
“Who knows what might emerge from Congress or if other victims will come forward,” he added.
Lownie alleged that in Giuffre’s case, Andrew “tried to avoid the summons by going up to Balmoral. He refused to cooperate with either the victim’s lawyers or law enforcement agencies, even with mutual treaty assistance being used to try and get him to come forward.”
“He and Sarah Ferguson are material witnesses. For the sake of the victims, I hope they will cooperate in the future because, as people who were in these houses, they would have seen a lot that could be very useful,” Lownie claimed.
Like Andrew, his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, 66, also relinquished her royal title and has been embroiled in the Epstein scandal.
**Andrew Settled Lawsuit Out of Court**
Andrew settled his civil sexual assault lawsuit with Giuffre out of court in February 2022.
**“Vigorous” Denial**
“I don’t think this can be any argument. Andrew has never responded to any of the allegations made to him,” Lownie commented regarding the prince and Giuffre’s claim that she was forced to have sex with the late Queen Elizabeth II’s son.
When host Camilla Tominey noted that Andrew “vehemently” denied Giuffre’s claims, Lownie responded, “He could have addressed the allegations rather than simply deny them.”
In Andrew’s announcement relinquishing his titles, he again stated, “As I have said previously, I vigorously deny the accusations against me.”
Giuffre claims she was forced to have sex with the disgraced prince when she was underage, detailing the encounters in her memoir.
**A “Distraction” to King Charles III’s Reign**
Andrew initially stepped back from royal duties after Epstein’s 2019 arrest on sex trafficking charges. The financier died that same year in prison while awaiting trial.
The prince was later stripped of his military titles and royal patronages by the queen in 2022.
On October 17, Andrew announced that after “a discussion with The King, and my immediate and wider family, we have concluded the continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the Royal Family.”
Lownie criticized the prince’s response, saying, “This matter should have been dealt with a long time ago. If he were the honorable man who put his country and the monarchy first, it would have been dealt with. He would have left Royal Lodge.”
The author added, “I don’t feel the palace has dealt with this very well in terms of damage limitation. It’s too little, too late.”
https://radaronline.com/p/prince-andrew-should-face-trial-biographer-claims-epstein-scandal/
The government has asked the court to approve a “filter protocol” to allow a neutral team to review seized communications between James Comey and several lawyers, including Michael Fitzgerald, to determine whether the material is privileged or evidence of misconduct.
“Based on publicly disclosed information, the defendant used current lead defense counsel to improperly disclose classified information,” prosecutors wrote.
### A Case Rooted in 2017 Memo Leaks
Comey, 64, was indicted on September 25 for allegedly making false statements and obstructing a congressional proceeding related to his 2020 Senate testimony about the FBI’s Trump-Russia investigation. He pleaded not guilty earlier this month, insisting he never authorized leaks to the press and accusing the Justice Department of mounting a vindictive prosecution encouraged by former President Trump.
According to a Department of Justice Office of Inspector General (OIG) report from August 2019, Comey leaked copies of his personal memos—documenting conversations he had with Trump—to at least three attorneys: David Kelley, Michael Fitzgerald, and Daniel Richman. He later tapped all three as his personal lawyers. These memos contained detailed accounts of Oval Office meetings and one-on-one calls in which Trump allegedly urged leniency for then-national security adviser Michael Flynn.
Prosecutors now argue that Comey is repeating the pattern that started with that arrangement. Because Fitzgerald is now representing Comey in the criminal case stemming in part from those very disclosures, the government says Fitzgerald’s presence on the defense team “raises a question of conflict and disqualification.”
### Classified Information and the Breach
The FBI later concluded that some of the memos shared with the trio contained information classified at the “confidential” level and moved to delete them from the attorneys’ computers in early 2018, underscoring the seriousness of the breach.
“Before litigating any issue of conflict or disqualification, the parties should have access to all relevant and non-privileged information,” prosecutors wrote in their Sunday night filing. “The sooner that the potentially protected information is reviewed and filtered, the sooner the parties can make any appropriate filings with the Court.”
### OIG Found Comey ‘Set a Dangerous Example’
Former DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz’s 2019 report described Comey’s actions as a serious breach of policy, saying he “set a dangerous example” for FBI employees by retaining and leaking government documents for “a personally desired outcome.” The watchdog said Comey kept four of seven memos in a personal safe at home after his firing and failed to notify the bureau he had done so.
Although the Horowitz report found no evidence that Comey or his lawyers shared classified information with the media, it concluded that his handling of official records violated FBI policy and DOJ regulations. Prosecutors at the time declined to bring charges, citing a lack of proof that Comey intentionally mishandled classified material.
One of the leaked memos described Comey’s February 2017 Oval Office meeting with Trump, in which the president allegedly said, “I hope you can see your way clear to letting Flynn go.” The contents of that memo, leaked through Richman to The New York Times, helped trigger the appointment of special counsel Robert Mueller.
Prosecutors have since charged Comey with lying to Congress about leaking, although the details of the DOJ’s case remain unclear.
### How the Leaks Were Shared
The inspector general reported that Comey emailed four memos from a personal account to Fitzgerald within days of his May 2017 firing. Fitzgerald then forwarded the messages to Kelley and Richman, both of whom were advising Comey at the time. Separately, Comey sent Richman a photograph of the Flynn memo from his cellphone.
Copies of the memos later released to Congress showed that four were classified as either “secret” or “confidential” following an FBI review led by counterintelligence chief Bill Priestap. Comey disputed the secret designation for one of them, though investigators found he never sought classification guidance from the bureau before sharing the material.
In a 2019 FBI interview, Richman said Comey had not authorized him to discuss the bureau’s Hillary Clinton email investigation with reporters but acknowledged Comey knew he sometimes engaged with the press.
### First Pretrial Standoff Comes to the Forefront
Comey’s same 2017 relationships with close confidants are now at the heart of the government’s latest inquiry into whether Comey can keep his current lead counsel. Fitzgerald’s own involvement in transmitting Comey’s memos to other lawyers could make him a fact witness in the case, raising ethical questions about whether he can simultaneously defend his former client.
### Jack Smith’s Former Right-Hand Man Joins Comey’s Defense Team
The government’s disqualification effort comes on the heels of Comey’s move last Friday to hire an additional attorney, Mueller counselor Michael Dreeben, who also assisted former special counsel Jack Smith during his case against Trump last year over alleged election interference.
Dreeben’s involvement could present another unique conflict, though the government has yet to raise a specific issue with him being on the case.
Comey’s team has also accused the DOJ of mishandling privileged materials and is preparing to argue that the prosecution itself was politically motivated in additional filings expected Monday afternoon.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/justice/3857132/comey-hired-possible-witness-as-lawyer-patrick-fitzgerald-doj-says/
