U.S. to cut ties to Boy Scouts; Comey, James cases : NPR

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A federal judge yesterday dismissed criminal cases against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Both were convicted by a lawyer who was willing to comply with President Trump’s demand to pursue criminal charges after other prosecutors found no cause for the case. The judge found that top prosecutor Lindsey Halligan was appointed unlawfully, dealing a major blow to the president’s efforts to go after his alleged political enemies.

• Judge Cameron Currie wrote that the actions resulting from Halligan’s faulty appointment constituted an unlawful exercise of executive power. And it should be set aside, explains NPR’s Carrie Johnson. first upThe judge dismissed Comey and James’ cases because Halligan was the only prosecutor in the grand jury room for the indictments and the only person to sign them, The Justice Department retains the right to appeal the judge’s decision, Comey says he believes Trump may target him again, but he has confidence in the federal court system, Johnson says that four times this year, various courts have ruled that U,S, attorneys are not legally appointed, highlighting that there are some limits to the president’s power to appoint prosecutors,

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth plans to end all ties with Scouting America for the ArmyWhich was earlier known as Boy Scouts. According to documents reviewed by NPR, Hegseth claims the organization is no longer a meritocracy and has become an organization designed to “attack boy-friendly spaces.” In a draft memorandum to Congress, he criticized Scouting for being “genderless” and failing to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Army has supported the Scouts for over 100 years, and formalized their relationship in 1937.

The 28-point peace plan the US proposed to help end Russia’s war in Ukraine appears to be off the table. Ukrainians and Europeans say the plan was a wish list for the Kremlin. Now European leaders have put their proposal for consideration.

• The European proposal is largely similar to the one presented in April 2022NPR’s Eleanor Beardsley says. Although the plan didn’t work out then, Beardsley says the main difference now is the exhaustion and heavy losses felt after four years of conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the European plan is a constructive plan that could actually end the war. A Kremlin adviser has already rejected the plan, saying it wouldn’t work. Throughout the negotiations, Russia has not given up any of its maximalist goals.

The Trump administration has designated the Cartel de los Sols, led by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, a foreign terrorist organization. It is the latest step in a pressure campaign to stop drug traffickers from entering the US. The Federal Register published the designation yesterday after several months of deadly attacks on boats leaving Venezuela and as Trump is considering whether to take military action against the country.

• NPR’s Franco Ordonez says a growing number of foreign officials and international experts he talks to see The administration is potentially preparing some type of military strike into Venezuela. There are political implications that Trump must consider when it comes to military action against the country, including whether the decision is consistent with his America First agenda. The White House says it fits with its mission to stop drug boats and save American lives. However, Ordóñez points out that these actions carry the risk of long-term responsibilities.

detailed analysis

Tech companies are investing billions of dollars in the artificial intelligence industry, as business executives and investors claim an AI boom is underway. To avoid rapidly depleting cash reserves, large Silicon Valley companies like Meta are using private equity and debt to finance a data center construction spree. But financial analysts are worried that instead of an AI boom, there may be an AI bubble – and it could burst soon.

• ➡️ A growing body of research shows that AI chatbots are not impacting the profits of most tech companies. Only 3% of people pay for AI, yet companies are investing heavily in it.
• ➡️ Morgan Stanley analysts estimate that Big Tech will invest nearly $3 trillion in AI infrastructure by 2028, with only half the funding coming from their own cash flow. If AI market growth stagnates, oversupply could lead to bad debt and financial losses for institutions.
• ➡️ Some analysts argue that the cyclical nature of the investment, such as when chip giant Nvidia subsidizes one of its largest customers, artificially inflates real demand for AI technology.

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Deborah Willis, author Reflections in Black: A History of Black Photographers, 1840 to the Presenthas dedicated his career to highlighting, cataloging, and exhibiting the work of black photographers and photographs of black people. Now, 25 years after its publication, a new edition of reflection in black Comes with 130 new images and a gallery show inspired by the book. In this expanded edition, Willis examines the impact of migration and highlights the importance of images for those who have been forced to leave their homes. Check out some photos from the book.

3 things to know before you go

1. Scientists searching for new ways to fight cancer have discovered a promising new lead in bowhead whale DNA, according to findings published in the journal Nature,
2. In 2007, an expensive divorce left Jolena Rothwell short of cash. When she asked her coworker Steven Green if she could borrow $20, he surprised her the next day with $200 and a note saying she didn’t have to pay it back. Instead, he asked her to pay it forward. The action of his unsung hero created a chain of kindness.
3. Jimmy Cliff, the Jamaican musician and actor who helped bring reggae to the international spotlight, has died at the age of 81. He was best known for hits such as “Many Rivers to Cross”.

Who edited this newspaper? Suzanne Nuyen,