MicroWave

Summary

European leaders reaffirmed support for Ukraine as concerns grow over Donald Trump's stance on the war.

Greek, Spanish, and UK leaders insisted peace talks must include Kyiv, rejecting Trump’s claim that Ukraine started the conflict.

Meanwhile, the U.S. proposed a UN resolution urging peace but avoided co-sponsoring Ukraine’s draft. Ukraine also hesitated to sign a U.S. minerals deal due to vague security guarantees.

In London, thousands protested against a Trump-imposed settlement. Hungary's Viktor Orban declared he could block Ukraine’s EU membership.

Summary

Hunter Schafer shared that her newly issued passport incorrectly lists her gender as male, a result of Trump’s executive order requiring federal documents to use sex assigned at birth.

Despite selecting female and having her gender marker changed years ago, the new policy was applied to her application.

Schafer said she wanted to raise awareness rather than cause alarm, emphasizing that trans people will continue to exist regardless of government policies.

“A letter and a passport can't change that,” she said.

Summary

Trump has reportedly slashed funding for the NIH’s Roy Blunt Center for Alzheimer’s Research, leading to layoffs, including its incoming director.

The center, named after former GOP Senator Roy Blunt, was a Republican-backed initiative to advance Alzheimer’s and dementia research. Despite previously championing the program, Republicans have remained silent on the cuts.

Experts warn weakening the center will significantly set back Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s research.

Critics argue the move contradicts past GOP support and lacks justification from either party or scientific leaders.

Summary

Enrique Tarrio, the pardoned former Proud Boys leader, confronted and insulted police officers who defended the Capitol on January 6, calling one a "coward."

He followed officers Michael Fanone, Harry Dunn, and Aquilino Gonell at a Washington hotel hosting the Principles First summit. The officers denounced his actions and Trump’s mass pardons of January 6 rioters.

The incident followed Tarrio’s recent arrest for assault near the Capitol.

Officers at the summit warned that Trump’s pardons embolden extremists and urged resistance against his political movement.

Summary

Clashes broke out in Sofia as thousands of Bulgarian nationalists protested the government’s plan to adopt the euro.

Demonstrators, led by the ultranationalist Revival party, burned effigies, threw Molotov cocktails, and set fire to the European Commission building’s door. Police reported minor injuries and multiple arrests.

Protesters accuse officials of manipulating data and demand a referendum. While economists argue the euro could boost investment, many fear rising prices.

The government remains committed to euro adoption by 2026 as part of its European integration strategy.

Summary

Conservative lawmakers and activists are pushing to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges, the 2015 Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage. Liberty Counsel’s Mat Staver declared, "It’s just a matter of when."

Some legislators, like Oklahoma Senator David Bullard, are introducing bills to challenge the ruling, while Justices Thomas and Alito have signaled interest in reconsidering it.

Though most Americans support same-sex marriage, the court’s conservative shift is concerning.

The 2022 Respect for Marriage Act ensures federal recognition but does not prevent states from restricting same-sex marriage if Obergefell is overturned.

Summary

At CPAC, Donald Trump falsely claimed Europe had contributed less aid to Ukraine than the U.S. and demanded Ukraine repay America with mineral rights.

He again refused to acknowledge Russia started the war and framed both sides as equal victims.

Trump called Ukraine’s leader a "dictator" while praising Putin, aligning with CPAC attendees who showed increasing pro-Russia sentiment.

His speech also included election lies, vaccine conspiracies, and personal attacks.

Summary

Elon Musk announced that all federal employees must report their weekly accomplishments via email or be considered resigned.

The directive requires workers to submit 5 bullet points summarizing their work by Monday night.

It remains unclear how responses will be evaluated or enforced.

Critics question the feasibility of processing hundreds of thousands of reports across multiple agencies.

Summary

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is not ready to sign a minerals deal with the US, citing "problematic issues" and a lack of partnership in the draft agreement.

The deal, pushed by Trump, seeks US access to Ukraine’s natural resources in exchange for weapons. Trump allies claim Zelenskyy will sign soon, but Ukraine resists.

US negotiators allegedly suggested cutting Ukraine’s access to Elon Musk’s Starlink if a deal isn’t reached.

Meanwhile, Trump continues to criticize Zelenskyy and downplays Ukraine’s leverage in negotiations with Russia.

Summary

FDA scientists have been instructed to avoid using words like "woman," "disabled," and "elderly" in external communications, per a leaked list circulating within the agency.

The directive, reportedly linked to Trump’s executive order against "gender ideology," has caused confusion and concern.

The White House denies most words are banned but confirms restrictions on terms related to gender and diversity.

Scientists fear these limits will hinder medical research and public health efforts.

Summary

Rachel Maddow criticized Trump’s leadership as “decorative,” arguing that DOGE and Elon Musk wields real power while Trump focuses on publicity stunts.

On her MSNBC show, she described Musk as overshadowing Trump, making him appear “weak” and sidelined.

She mocked Trump’s obsession with “big maps” and suggested Musk is effectively running the government.

In response, Trump lashed out on Truth Social, calling MSNBC a “threat to democracy” and urging Musk to “GET MORE AGGRESSIVE,” despite reports of declining approval ratings.

Summary

Texas is experiencing its worst measles outbreak in 30 years, with 90 reported cases, mostly among unvaccinated children and teenagers.

The outbreak is centered in Gaines County, where nearly 18% of students opted out of vaccinations. Officials warn of further spread, with cases already appearing in neighboring New Mexico.

The surge coincides with the confirmation of anti-vaccine advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as national health secretary under Trump.

This has prompted concerns as the CDC halts some vaccine campaigns and postpones a vaccine-safety panel meeting.