Wisconsin Family Sues Walgreens Over Son's Fatal Asthma Attack Linked to Medication Price Spike

Elon Musk has criticized the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), branding it a “criminal organization" during a recent exchange on his social media platform X. His comments followed the controversial removal of two senior security officials from the agency, who were placed on administrative leave for restricting access to classified documents for staff affiliated with Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) (CNN). Musk's accusations included unfounded claims that USAID funded bioweapons research linked to COVID-19 fatalities, which some officials suggest may stem from Russian disinformation efforts. In tandem, former President Donald Trump reaffirmed his intention to reshape the agency, labeling it as being "run by radical lunatics" (AFP). This turmoil occurs against a backdrop of higher scrutiny of government expenditure, with reports indicating that Trump may seek to consolidate USAID into the State Department. Critics, including Senator Chris Murphy and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have condemned these actions, arguing that they threaten national security (PBS). The future of USAID as an independent agency remains uncertain.

Google’s parent company Alphabet has recently lifted a long-standing ban on using artificial intelligence for developing weapons and surveillance tools, raising significant concerns among human rights organizations. Human Rights Watch described the decision as “incredibly concerning,” noting that AI can complicate accountability for critical battlefield decisions that may result in loss of life. Previously, Alphabet's guidelines prohibited applications of AI that were “likely to cause harm.” However, the company has revised these principles, arguing that businesses and democratic governments should collaborate to develop AI that "supports national security." According to Anna Bacciarelli, a senior AI researcher at Human Rights Watch, the removal of self-imposed restrictions by a global leader in AI illustrates a dangerous shift towards less accountable uses of technology. The change comes as military applications of AI are evolving rapidly, particularly in conflicts like the ongoing war in Ukraine. Experts suggest that the deployment of AI in warfare raises pressing ethical questions about autonomous lethal decision-making, emphasizing the urgent need for regulatory frameworks to govern such technologies.

Tensions escalated in Washington as President Donald Trump faced backlash for appointing Darren Beattie, a former speechwriter fired for attending a white nationalist conference, to a key role in the State Department. According to CNN, Beattie has been named acting undersecretary of state for public diplomacy, prompting criticism from prominent figures, including CNN commentator Van Jones, who labeled him "one of the worst people ever born." In a related incident, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett responded sharply to the situation, asserting that mediocrity among certain groups leads to a backlash against those who have historically worked harder for their positions. Crockett's comments emphasized systemic inequality in access to education, particularly regarding Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). As the administration navigates these controversies, public discourse intensifies regarding appointments reflecting Trump's stance on issues of race and privilege. Officials have not provided further comments on the public outcry surrounding Beattie's appointment and its implications for U.S. diplomacy.