Sat May 10 11:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Swift Subpoenaed, Soap Star Passes, and Political Spats Abound: News in Brief
**Taylor Swift dragged into lawsuit:** Pop superstar Taylor Swift has been subpoenaed in the $400 million defamation and extortion lawsuit filed against actor Justin Baldoni by Blake Lively. Swift’s representatives insist her involvement – licensing a song for Baldoni’s film – is being used for publicity. Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and others are seeking dismissal from the suit.
**Soap opera veteran Denise Alexander dies at 85:** Denise Alexander, known for her roles in *General Hospital* and *Days of Our Lives*, passed away at age 85. Executive producer Frank Valentini praised her barrier-breaking portrayal of Dr. Lesley Webber, one of daytime television’s first female doctors.
**Mexico sues Google over Gulf of Mexico name change:** Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum is suing Google for changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to “Gulf of America” on its US maps, a move made following a US executive order. Google defends the change, citing official government sources.
**Kanye West accuses Kim Kardashian of neglecting daughter:** Kanye West has sent a cease-and-desist letter to Kim Kardashian, alleging she left their daughter North unattended during the Met Gala and is exploiting her on social media. The letter also raises concerns about limitations on his visitation rights.
**Law firm loses employees over Trump pro bono work:** Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft is experiencing staff departures after agreeing to provide $100 million in pro bono legal services to Donald Trump. Employees reportedly object to the firm’s involvement with Trump.
**CNN correspondent Kayla Tausche departs:** CNN senior correspondent Kayla Tausche is leaving the network after two years. No reason was given for her departure, which comes amidst CNN’s recent ratings struggles and staff cuts.
**AI victim impact statement used in court:** In a legal first, an AI-generated video of a murder victim, Christopher Pelkey, delivered a victim impact statement at the sentencing of his killer, Gabriel Horcasitas. The video, commissioned by Pelkey’s family, expressed forgiveness.
**Maggie Gyllenhaal’s daughter arrested at protest:** Maggie Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard’s daughter, Ramona Sarsgaard, was arrested during a pro-Palestine protest at Columbia University. She was charged with criminal trespassing.
**Pope Leo XIV watched “Conclave” before conclave:** The newly elected Pope Leo XIV reportedly watched the movie “Conclave” before entering the real papal conclave, seeking guidance on the process.
**Michelle Obama confronts mortality after mother’s death:** Michelle Obama discussed her mother’s death and her own contemplation of mortality, sharing how her husband, Barack, pointed out she was “next up” in the family’s cycle of loss.
First Piper 