MicroWave

Summary

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez denied claims that she is secretly wealthy, stating she is worth less than $500,000 and doesn’t trade stocks or take corporate money.

Her financial disclosures show modest savings and student debt.

Some conservatives on X, despite opposing her politics, praised her perceived integrity.

Accusations of political corruption have surged online, partly fueled by Elon Musk.

Summary

Tesla's sales in Europe and the UK are plummeting, despite overall EV growth in the region.

In January 2025, Tesla sales fell 63% in France, 59% in Germany, and 12% in the UK, where overall EV sales rose 35%.

Sweden, Norway, and the Netherlands also saw major declines. Analysts cite Tesla's aging lineup and CEO Elon Musk's far-right political statements as key factors.

The Cybertruck's European road restrictions further limit appeal.

Summary

A poll found that 88% of German voters fear foreign election interference, with Russia (45%), the US (42%), and China (26%) seen as top threats.

Concerns include deepfake disinformation and social media manipulation, with 56% believing Germany is unprepared. Elon Musk, a vocal far-right supporter, has drawn criticism for allegedly influencing German politics.

Voters also worry about the far-right AfD's aggressive online campaigns. Many (79%) believe populists benefit most from social media.

Meanwhile, 71% support creating a new ministry to combat digital misinformation.

Summary

Ukraine has received French Mirage 2000-5 and Dutch F-16 fighter jets, President Zelenskyy confirmed.

The Mirage jets, modified for air-to-ground combat and electronic warfare resistance, were pledged by France in June 2024.

Dutch F-16s also arrived, fulfilling European commitments amid declining U.S. support.

Ukraine also reported striking a Russian airfield used for drone launches.

Summary

Donald Trump’s tax cut agenda is stalled as Republicans struggle over spending cuts.

Fiscal conservatives demand up to $2 trillion in reductions, while others fear deep cuts will limit future funding options.

Proposals include shortening tax cuts from 10 to 5 years and offsetting revenue losses from Trump’s promised tax breaks, like eliminating income tax on tipped wages.

Senate Republicans favor prioritizing border security over tax cuts, but House Speaker Mike Johnson insists the House must lead.

With GOP infighting unresolved, progress remains slow.

Summary

Elon Musk, serving as "Co-President" under Donald Trump, proposed eliminating all federal regulations by default, arguing they restrict freedom.

In a leaked call with Republican lawmakers, including Senators Joni Ernst and Mike Lee, Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy saw Trump's second term and a conservative Supreme Court as a unique chance to deregulate government permanently.

Critics argue such actions would be unconstitutional and dangerous, risking public health and safety.

Ernst later defended the plan on Fox News, calling it necessary "disruption."

Summary

Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.) called Elon Musk a “coward” if he refuses to testify before Congress about the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and its role in federal spending cuts.

House Republicans blocked a Democratic attempt to subpoena Musk.

Concerns over DOGE’s actions include efforts to dismantle USAID and access Treasury systems, potentially affecting Social Security, Medicare, and tax records.

Magaziner criticized the lack of transparency and congressional oversight, arguing Musk has no authority to unilaterally withhold congressionally appropriated funds.

Summary

IRS employees who accepted the Trump administration's buyout offer have been told they must continue working until May 15 because their roles are deemed "essential."

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) had offered voluntary resignations and warned of future downsizing for those who stayed.

Uncertainty now surrounds the offer’s implementation, sparking frustration among employees.

The National Treasury Employees Union criticized the move, arguing it proves IRS workers are vital, especially during tax season, and that federal job cuts risk harming public services.

Summary

A study in Nature Communications found that short-term exposure to air pollution, specifically particulate matter (PM), impairs selective attention and emotion recognition.

Researchers tested 26 participants before and after exposure to candle smoke or clean air, revealing increased distraction and difficulty recognizing emotions.

While working memory remained unaffected, findings suggest potential societal and economic impacts on productivity and education.

Given air pollution’s global health risks, researchers aim to identify key pollution sources, such as cooking or cleaning products, to inform future policies.

Summary

Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino condemned the US for spreading a “falsehood” about the Panama Canal, after the State Department claimed Panama had agreed to waive tolls for US government ships.

The dispute follows Trump’s assertion that the US should “take back” the canal, citing Chinese influence as a threat.

In response, Panama withdrew from China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

China criticized US interference, while analysts see military action as unlikely but not impossible given past interventions in the region.

Summary

Trump announced a new task force led by Attorney General Pam Bondi to combat “anti-Christian bias,” ordering federal agencies to halt alleged discrimination against Christians and prosecute related violence.

Speaking at the National Prayer Breakfast, Trump highlighted pardoned anti-abortion activist Paulette Harlow as an example of faith-based persecution.

His administration is expected to push for public funding of religious schools.

Trump has already advanced conservative social policies, including banning the legal recognition of transgender individuals by the federal government.

Summary

Republicans are divided over Trump’s proposal for the U.S. to "own" Gaza and develop it into a luxury destination.

While House Speaker Mike Johnson and some lawmakers support the idea, Senators Rand Paul and Lindsey Graham express skepticism, citing concerns over military occupation and taxpayer costs.

Others, like Josh Hawley and Thom Tillis call the plan unrealistic.

Meanwhile, Trump allies like Nancy Mace enthusiastically back the proposal.