MicroWave

Summary

Florida has emerged as a national solar leader, surpassing California in large-scale solar capacity in 2024 and ranking second in residential solar since 2019.

Despite state leadership opposing climate action, favorable policies and abundant sunshine have driven growth.

The Inflation Reduction Act’s tax credits and streamlined permitting for small solar projects have made solar more accessible and affordable.

Utilities like Florida Power & Light have capitalized on easy permitting, while grassroots support remains strong, with 84% of voters backing net metering to lower costs.

Summary

Elon Musk's political influence continues to expand beyond his $261 million in 2024 election spending and role in Trump's administration.

While serving as de facto leader of DOGE, Musk's America PAC is now the top outside spender in Wisconsin's Supreme Court race ($6.6 million) and he's making strategic donations to Trump-loyal congresspeople.

With Democrats increasingly using Musk as a "boogeyman" in campaigns (51% of voters view him negatively), his unlimited wealth and controversial persona position him as an unprecedented political force for both parties.

Summary

Thousands of probationary (new) federal workers fired during Trump’s workforce slashing have been reinstated by court order but remain on administrative leave while appeals continue.

Many employees, uncertain about their job status and pay, report poor communication from agencies. Some have received reinstatement notices, while others remain in the dark.

The government argues that full reinstatement poses logistical challenges, including onboarding and security clearance.

Workers express frustration over the chaotic process and fear further terminations.

Summary

A fire at a power substation near London’s Heathrow Airport caused a massive power outage, grounding over 1,300 flights and stranding 200,000 passengers.

The disruption, expected to last through the weekend, left travelers worldwide scrambling for alternatives. British Energy Secretary Ed Miliband called the incident "unprecedented."

The fire damaged a backup generator and caused local power outages affecting 4,900 customers. British Airways was hit hardest, with at least 124 canceled flights.

Summary

The Netherlands announced a new fund to attract top scientists, responding to U.S. researchers leaving due to political pressures and funding cuts.

Education Minister Eppo Bruins emphasized the need for swift action to position the Netherlands as a refuge.

Dutch universities and research bodies support the initiative, citing the importance of academic freedom and innovation.

However, domestic budget cuts and proposed limits on skilled immigration could hinder recruitment. The initiative follows similar efforts by France to attract American talent.

Summary

Gazprom reported a $13.1 billion loss in 2024, driven by the loss of its European market and increased tax liabilities.

The company's revenue rose by 11%, but falling share prices and a 25% income tax rate contributed to the deficit.

Gazprom's 2023 gas exports to the EU fell to 32 billion cubic meters, significantly lower than peak levels.

The financial crisis forced mass layoffs, including 1,600 central office employees. The EU’s shift away from Russian energy and Ukraine’s refusal to extend a gas transit agreement exacerbated the situation.

• 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.