Judge Richard Leon denied the American Library Association’s request to halt the Trump administration’s defunding of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), citing jurisdictional issues raised by recent Supreme Court decisions. While previously granting a temporary injunction, Leon now believes the case belongs in the Court of Federal Claims, specifically concerning contractual claims related to federal grants. This decision comes after the administration, citing an executive order, drastically reduced IMLS funding and staff, impacting grant distribution and the agency’s operations. A separate Rhode Island court order blocking the IMLS shutdown remains in effect, pending appeal by the administration.
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Disney and NBCUniversal filed a lawsuit against Midjourney, alleging copyright infringement by its AI image generator. The suit claims Midjourney’s service creates unauthorized copies of copyrighted characters like Darth Vader and Minions, functioning as a “virtual vending machine” for pirated images. The studios seek unspecified damages, an accounting of profits, and an injunction to stop the infringement, arguing that Midjourney’s actions constitute blatant copyright infringement and that readily available technological solutions could prevent this. This is a significant legal challenge to an AI company’s practices, highlighting the ongoing debate about the use of copyrighted material in AI training and image generation.
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A 30-year-old New Jersey man sustained minor injuries after being gored by a bison in Yellowstone’s Old Faithful area on Tuesday, marking the second such incident this spring. This follows a similar incident involving a Florida man in May and multiple other bison-related injuries in recent years, highlighting the ongoing danger posed by approaching wildlife. Bison, the park’s most dangerous animal, are capable of high speeds and significant force. The incident underscores the importance of adhering to park regulations mandating a minimum 25-yard distance from bison and other large herbivores.
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The Supreme Court temporarily blocked lower court orders compelling the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to release records and allow depositions to a government watchdog group. The Court found the lower court’s discovery order insufficiently tailored, citing separation of powers concerns regarding internal executive branch communications. The case centers on whether DOGE, a presidential advisory body, is subject to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), a matter the Supreme Court did not address directly this time. The case was remanded to the appeals court for further proceedings. The dispute highlights the tension between executive branch confidentiality and public transparency regarding presidential advisory bodies.
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A 21-year-old former student, legally owning two firearms, perpetrated a shooting at a Graz high school, resulting in ten fatalities and several injuries before taking his own life. The attacker, who did not graduate, acted alone, according to police. Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker declared three days of national mourning following the tragedy, describing the event as a national tragedy. The investigation is ongoing, with a note found at the shooter’s residence, though its contents remain undisclosed.
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Following Guardian reporting on whistleblower claims, US lawmakers from both parties are expressing serious concerns regarding UnitedHealth Group’s nursing home programs. Investigations are underway or being called for, targeting allegations of improper sales tactics, bonuses for reduced hospital transfers, and potentially illegal activities to maximize Medicare Advantage profits. These actions stem from sworn declarations alleging UnitedHealth delayed or denied necessary care and aggressively pushed Do Not Resuscitate orders. UnitedHealth vehemently denies all allegations and has filed a defamation lawsuit against the Guardian.
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Google is offering buyouts to U.S.-based employees across multiple divisions, including its core search, ads, and commerce units, as part of ongoing headcount reduction efforts. This “voluntary exit program” follows a previous round of 12,000 layoffs and aims to streamline operations. The initiative is particularly focused on employees who are not meeting performance expectations or feel misaligned with the company’s strategy. Concurrently, Google is mandating office returns for some remote employees and refocusing its internal training on AI tools.
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In response to several nights of violence following immigration enforcement protests, a limited curfew will be in effect in a section of downtown Los Angeles from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., potentially for multiple days. The curfew, encompassing approximately one square mile, excludes residents and workers. Over 200 arrests have been made since Friday, following incidents of looting and vandalism targeting 23 businesses Monday night. Mayor Bass urges non-residents and non-workers to avoid the designated area.
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Asian needle ants, a potentially deadly invasive species, are rapidly spreading across the southeastern United States and beyond, having been sighted in over a dozen states. These tiny ants, distinguished by their dark coloring and preference for damp, hidden locations, pose a significant threat to those with insect sting allergies, potentially causing fatal anaphylactic reactions. Their expansion disrupts native ant populations and ecosystems. Homeowners encountering these ants are advised to contact pest control professionals for assistance.
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Amazon will invest $20 billion in two Pennsylvania data center complexes, representing the largest capital investment in state history. One complex, located near the Susquehanna nuclear power plant, involves a controversial “behind-the-meter” power arrangement currently under review by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The second complex will be situated at the Keystone Trade Center near Philadelphia. This substantial investment reflects the booming demand for data centers fueled by the growth of cloud computing and artificial intelligence, and positions Pennsylvania as a key player in the expanding tech infrastructure sector.
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John Q. Hosedrinker