Harvey Weinstein: Film producer Harvey Weinstein is now a convicted sex offender found guilty of criminal sexual act in the first degree and rape in the third degree. The sentencing will occur on March 11 where he will face 5 to 25 years in prison. He has a pending trial in Los Angeles for separate counts of sexual misconduct. 

Significance: The New York trial has inspired more accusers to testify in Los Angeles. While Weinstein was convicted on two counts of sexual misconduct, he was not charged on the two counts of predatory sexual assault and rape in the first degree which would have given him life in prison.

Vanessa Bryant Lawsuit:  Vanessa Bryant, former wife of NBA star Kobe Bryant, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Island Express Helicopters which claims that the helicopter was flown in conditions that the company was not certified for on Jan. 26. The crash resulted in a crash that killed all on board. The suit brings up that the pilot violated weather flight rules in 2015 in regard to reduced visibility. 

Significance: The lawsuit was filed on Monday, the same day as the public memorial for Kobe and Gianna Bryant. It seeks repercussions for the nine lives lost. It points out how the nation’s loss could have possibly been prevented.