## The United States is destroying itself | Rebecca Solnit

Authored by theguardian.com

The United States is being murdered, and it’s an inside job.

Every department, every branch, every bureau and function of the federal government is being fatally corrupted or altogether dismantled or disabled.

Across the branches of government, the services that are supposed to protect us – nuclear stockpile monitoring, cybersecurity, counter-terrorism – are being undermined, understaffed or trashed.

Hegseth has reportedly stood in the way of promotions for more than a dozen Black and female officers.

The Iran war is creating a fertilizer crisis in Europe, Africa and Asia that may also result in widespread famine.

Meanwhile, the former head of homeland security Kristi Noem spent more than $200m on an ad campaign starring herself before she was fired.

More than 50 forest service research stations are being cut, meaning more loss of irreplaceable ongoing research, data, facilities and staff. »

### Ugandan Army General Muhoozi Demands One Billion Dollar and Wife from Turkey

Authored by timesofislamabad.com

General Muhoozi framed the one-billion-dollar figure as a long-overdue “security dividend” for Uganda’s nearly two-decade military commitment in Somalia.

General Muhoozi has repeatedly highlighted these sacrifices claiming Turkey profited from the stability Ugandan forces helped create without contributing fairly to the security burden.

Whether the ultimatum reflects personal frustration or broader Ugandan policy remains unclear but it has already dominated headlines across Somali Kenyan and Ugandan news cycles. »

### A 9-year-old was found locked in a van since 2024, malnourished and unable to walk

Authored by apnews.com

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PARIS (AP) — A 9-year-old boy has been rescued after living locked in his father’s utility van in eastern France since 2024, according to the local prosecutor.

The boy was clearly malnourished and could no longer walk after being in a seated position for so long, according to the statement. »

### Donald Trump’s Incompetence Is Costing Him the Country

Authored by rollingstone.com

Donald Trump’s “great job” to Marco Rubio, tossed out during his State of the Union speech in February, didn’t have quite the same staying power.

I mean, yes, his administration is the meanest, most xenophobic, and most imperialist in at least the past century.

And even a lot of populist leftists can get behind an “America First” foreign policy and protectionism for American manufacturers. »

### From ‘BuddhaBot’ to $1.99 chats with AI Jesus, the faith-based tech boom is here

Authored by apnews.com

They range from alleged Hindu gurus and Buddhist priests to AI Jesuses and chatbots akin to OpenAI’s ChatGPT for Catholics.

There are other deal-breakers: “AI cannot pray for you, because the AI is not alive.”.

“I see AI as a tool that can help people explore Scripture,” the AI Jesus said to The Associated Press. »

## In pictures

## Also in the news

#### No agreement between U.S. and Iran after 21 hours of talks, Vance says

#### US Intelligence Says China Is Preparing to Deliver MANPADS to Iran. The Law Says Sanctions Are Mandatory.

#### The plot to bring down Trump has begun

#### Spaniards see Trump as the greatest threat to world peace, ahead of Putin

#### Voter turnout in Hungary shatters democratic records