MicroWave

• Disney shareholders rejected anti-DEI proposal on Thursday.
• A conservative think tank proposed that Disney stop participating in the Corporate Equality Index.
• Shareholders for Apple and Costco previously rejected similar proposals.

Summary

A federal judge blocked Elon Musk’s DOGE from accessing Social Security systems holding Americans’ personal data, calling the effort a "fishing expedition."

The court ordered DOGE to delete any collected personal data but allowed access to redacted information after training.

The ruling followed a lawsuit by unions and advocacy groups, citing privacy violations and security risks. The Trump administration defended DOGE’s anti-fraud efforts.

Critics hailed the decision as a win for privacy, while DOGE’s access to other federal databases remains under scrutiny.

Summary

Trump has been forced to scale back his plan to shut down the Department of Education completely.

While signing an executive order to begin dismantling the agency, Trump conceded that it will continue operating key functions including student loans, Pell grants, and certain civil rights enforcement.

The White House Press Secretary clarified that the "department will be much smaller" while returning "the great responsibility of education...to the states."

Democrats and rights activists have condemned the move, with Senator Tina Smith vowing to "fight your illegal behavior."

Summary

EU leaders, excluding Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, pledged to impose further sanctions on Russia after summit talks in Brussels.

Orbán blocked a declaration supporting Ukraine, raising concerns about unity. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy urged maintaining pressure on Russia until withdrawal and compensation.

NATO’s Jens Stoltenberg called for stronger European contributions amid US uncertainty. EU defense plans face challenges as larger states reject a €40bn military aid package.

Discussions on a €800bn rearmament plan expose regional divides. Spain and Italy advocate broader security measures, including cybersecurity and anti-terrorism.

Summary

AARP condemned the Trump administration's plan to require in-person Social Security visits for users unable to verify identity online, starting March 31.

The Social Security Administration claims the move, pushed by Elon Musk’s DOGE, will cut $100 million in fraud but faces backlash over the burden on older Americans.

AARP, an influential lobbying group representing a powerful voting bloc, reported that members sent over 800,000 messages to Congress opposing the changes and demanding protection for Social Security services.

Summary

The USDA will invest up to $100 million to fund research into therapies and potential vaccines for bird flu, which has killed nearly 170 million birds since 2022.

The funding targets vaccine makers, states, universities, and other entities. The U.S. will also import more eggs from South Korea to lower prices.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins discussed virus containment with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who opposes vaccination.

The USDA continues to mandate culling infected flocks and is seeking vaccine candidates matched to circulating variants.

Summary

Jerce Reyes Barrios, a Venezuelan soccer player, was deported to El Salvador under the Alien Enemies Act after U.S. authorities mistook his soccer logo tattoo for a gang symbol.

Barrios legally entered the U.S. in 2024 and was accused of being a Tren de Aragua gang member.

His attorney argued the tattoo resembled Real Madrid’s logo and provided evidence of his clean record.

Despite a court order blocking such deportations, Barrios was sent to El Salvador, and his current whereabouts are unknown.

Summary

Vivian Jenna Wilson, Elon Musk’s daughter, accused her father of giving a “definitely Nazi salute” at two rallies in January, calling his actions “fucking cringe.”

In an interview with Teen Vogue, she criticized Musk’s involvement in the Trump administration and advocated for trans rights, emphasizing the importance of gender-affirming care for minors.

Wilson, who transitioned as a teen, described Musk as cold and absent, and revealed she no longer associates with him or his family.

She also expressed fear over anti-trans legislation under Trump’s administration.

Summary

Tesla faces a "brand tornado crisis" as it recalls 46,000 Cybertrucks in the US over a potential exterior panel detachment.

Dan Ives of Wedbush warns that Elon Musk’s involvement with Trump and the controversial DOGE is damaging Tesla’s brand and stock value, down by a third this month.

Vancouver Auto Show dropped Tesla due to safety concerns amid global protests.

Ives urges Musk to balance his Tesla and DOGE roles to restore confidence, as protesters plan 500 demonstrations worldwide on March 29.

Summary

Chronic wasting disease (CWD), an incurable and fatal prion disease affecting deer, elk, moose, and reindeer, is spreading across 36 US states and other countries.

Scientists warn of a potential human spillover crisis, with tens of thousands likely consuming infected venison. Experts criticize labeling it "zombie deer disease" as it downplays the threat.

Concerns include contamination through carcass transport and feedgrounds. Calls grow for better surveillance and prevention, but conflicting policies and resistance to reducing wildlife feedgrounds hinder efforts.

Summary

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz Tim Walz warns that Trump may soon arrest political opponents and potentially groom one of his sons, likely Donald Jr., as a successor.

"It's going to get very dark," Walz told CNN, citing Trump's defiance of a judge's order on Venezuelan migrants and calls to impeach a federal judge as evidence of authoritarian tendencies.

He expressed concern that Democratic leaders underestimate Trump’s authoritarianism and public frustration with both parties.

Walz criticized Schumer’s handling of the GOP spending bill and questioned how Democrats will rebuild institutions damaged by Trump.

Summary

US immigration officers denied entry to a French scientist traveling to Houston after finding phone messages criticizing the Trump administration.

French research minister Philippe Baptiste condemned the decision, stressing the importance of academic freedom.

US authorities reportedly accused the scientist of "hateful and conspiratorial messages" but later dropped charges.

Baptiste has been vocal against Trump and Elon Musk for cutting research funding and invited American scientists to relocate to France.