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A federal judge has dismissed the criminal cases against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Both officials were indicted by a prosecutor who aligned with President Trump's demands to pursue criminal charges, despite other prosecutors finding no grounds for such actions. The judge determined that Lindsey Halligan, the prosecutor in question, was unlawfully appointed, marking a significant setback for Trump's initiatives against his perceived political adversaries.
Judge Cameron Currie stated that the actions stemming from Halligan's improper appointment constituted unlawful exercises of executive power and should be annulled. This ruling indicates a crucial limitation on the president's authority to appoint prosecutors, as highlighted by NPR's Carrie Johnson. The dismissal of the cases against Comey and James occurred because Halligan was the sole prosecutor in the grand jury room and the only one to sign off on the indictments. The Justice Department retains the right to appeal this decision.
Comey expressed concerns that Trump may target him again but maintains confidence in the federal court system. Interestingly, Johnson notes that this year alone, different courts have ruled that U.S. attorneys have not been legally appointed on four separate occasions, reinforcing the idea that there are checks on presidential power.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is planning to sever all ties with Scouting America, previously known as the Boy Scouts. Internal documents reviewed by NPR reveal Hegseth's assertion that the organization has shifted from being a meritocracy to one that undermines traditional boy-friendly spaces. In a draft memo to Congress, he criticized Scouting's gender-neutral approach and its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
For over a century, the military has supported the Scouts, formalizing their relationship in 1937. The potential cut in ties reflects the changing dynamics and priorities of both the military and youth organizations.
The 28-point peace plan proposed by the U.S. to help end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine appears to be off the table. Both Ukrainian and European leaders have dismissed the plan as a mere wish list for the Kremlin. In response, European leaders have introduced their own proposal for consideration. NPR's Eleanor Beardsley reports that this new proposal closely mirrors one presented in April 2022. However, the current context of exhaustion and heavy losses from four years of conflict may yield different outcomes.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed that the European plan is constructive and has the potential to bring about an end to the war. Conversely, a Kremlin adviser has already rejected the proposal, emphasizing that Russia has not shifted from its maximalist goals throughout the negotiations.
The Trump administration has designated the Cartel de los Soles, led by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, as a foreign terrorist organization. This designation is part of a broader pressure campaign aimed at preventing drug traffickers from accessing U.S. markets. The official announcement was made in the Federal Register following months of military strikes on vessels departing from Venezuela, as Trump considers potential military actions against the country.
NPR's Franco Ordoñez notes that an increasing number of foreign officials and experts believe the administration may be gearing up for some form of military intervention in Venezuela. The political implications of such military actions are significant, particularly in relation to Trump's America First agenda. While the White House argues that stopping drug trafficking aligns with saving American lives, Ordoñez warns of the long-term responsibilities that military action could entail.
Tech companies are pouring billions into the artificial intelligence (AI) sector, with executives and investors declaring an impending AI boom. To sustain their cash flow while expanding, large Silicon Valley firms, including Meta, are turning to private equity and debt for financing their data center expansions. However, financial analysts caution that what may appear as an AI boom could actually be an impending bubble that could burst.
Research indicates that AI chatbots have minimal impact on most tech firms’ profitability, with only 3% of users willing to pay for AI services, despite heavy investments. Analysts from Morgan Stanley predict that Big Tech will invest around $3 trillion in AI infrastructure by 2028, with only half of the funding sourced from their own cash flows. If the AI market growth stabilizes, an oversupply of AI technology could lead to significant financial losses for investors and institutions.
Deborah Willis, renowned author of Reflections in Black: A History of Black Photographers, 1840 to the Present, has dedicated her career to uncovering and showcasing the work of Black photographers. Now, 25 years after the book's initial release, a new edition has been published, featuring 130 new images and an accompanying gallery show inspired by the book. This expanded edition delves into the impact of migration and emphasizes the significance of imagery for those compelled to leave their homes.
Scientists are exploring innovative cancer-fighting strategies and have identified promising leads in bowhead whale DNA. In a heartwarming story, Jolena Rothwell found herself in a financial bind after a costly divorce in 2007. When she asked her coworker, Steven Green, for a $20 loan, he surprised her with $200 and a simple note asking her to pay it forward, sparking a chain of kindness.
Lastly, the world mourns the loss of Jimmy Cliff, the legendary Jamaican musician and actor who played a pivotal role in bringing reggae music to the global stage. Cliff passed away at the age of 81, leaving behind a legacy of hits, including the beloved song Many Rivers to Cross.