Before You Log Off... 🎧
10 stories to fuel your weekend brain. Power, protests, and a Marvel drop.
Happy Friday! Before you head into an awesome weekend, here’s everything you need to know. 🔗
P.S. Click the title to read more!
1. Trump Signs Order to End Federal Funding to NPR and PBS
President Trump signed an executive order to end all federal funding to NPR and PBS, accusing them of political bias. The order directs the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and federal agencies to stop grants and contracts, but both media outlets say the move is unlawful and plan to fight it.
2. US and Ukraine Sign Landmark Minerals Deal
The United States and Ukraine have signed a significant agreement granting the U.S. access to Ukraine's vast mineral resources, including critical materials like titanium, lithium, and rare earth elements.
3. Apple CEO Tim Cook Shifts iPhone Production to India
Apple CEO Tim Cook announced that, for the June quarter, most iPhones sold in the U.S. will be manufactured in India. A strategic move to soften the impact of tariffs.
4. May Day Protests Erupt Across US Against Trump Policies
Thousands participated in May Day protests nationwide. From Los Angeles, Chicago, to the steps of Washington DC. Protests are in response to President Trump's policies on education, deportations, and trans rights.
5. Trump Proposes $163 Billion in Federal Budget Cuts
President Trump unveiled a federal budget blueprint proposing $163 billion in cuts, focusing on domestic programs while increasing defense and border security spending.
6. Google Faces Trial on Ad Tech Antitrust Remedies
Google is set to face a trial in September concerning antitrust remedies related to its advertising technology practices, with regulators seeking potential structural changes.
7. Marvel’s Thunderbolts* Hits Theaters Today
Marvel’s newest antihero team-up, Thunderbolts, officially lands in theaters today. Thunderbolts is a gritty, emotional ride that dives into redemption, control, and what it really means to be both human and hero.
8. Tech Industry Sees Job Losses due to AI Roles
In April, the tech industry experienced a loss of 214,000 positions as companies pivoted towards AI-focused roles and skills-based hiring.
9. US to Change Biden Era Offshore Oil and Gas Rule
The Trump administration announced plans to revise a rule from the Biden era that required nearly $7 billion in new financial assurances from the oil and gas industry for offshore drilling.
10. Katy Perry Responds to Blue Origin Backlash: ‘Battered and Bruised’
Pop star Katy Perry addressed the criticism she received after participating in Blue Origin's all-female spaceflight on April 14, describing herself as feeling "battered and bruised" by the backlash.
The Last Atom: Ideas Are Like Milk 🥛
Ever had a great idea, only to let it sit until it went bad? Ideas, like milk, have a shelf life. Use them while they're fresh, or risk losing them altogether. Don't wait for things to be perfect to move—just move.
Appreciate your brain. Appreciate your time. See you soon. 👋🏼
-Adam
Hey Adam, great Atoms! I don't generally follow celebrity stories, but I found the Katy Perry story very telling about the need to elevate the conversation. The flight she chose to participate in doesn't warrant everybody voicing opinion. Those who are quick to criticize should look at themselves and ask what are the consequences of their own priorities, choices and actions. At the very least, if they don't appreciate what she or Bezos or Blue Origin are doing, they don't have to pay attention. It seems nowadays everyone's just wants to find somebody to criticize. We should all first look in the mirror and focus on what we can do to make the world better.
Adam! This is just so great! Thank you for another wonderful and informative "atoms," where we can get a quick update on the news but dive deeper into any item(s) that interest us.
If I may, I would like to make a (completely unsolicited) appeal to those of you who may be getting and reading this newsletter for free. If you are appreciating and enjoying it, please consider joining the paid subscribers in financially supporting Adam. It's just a few dollars a month, and will help insure that we don't lose him. Adam: keep up the good work. It's amazing!