U.S. cuts local grants, brands them "a waste of money"
The U.S. has halted nearly 220 million dollars in global grants that were aimed at countering disinformation and promoting democratic engagement. Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeled the programs "a waste of money," and the Office of Management Efficiency (DOGE-also known as Elon Musk's agency) said the foreign grants in question "do not align with administration policy."
Among the canceled programs is Be MediaWise, a 1.7 million dollar, two-year initiative by the Poynter Institute in Bulgaria. Its partners include Teach For Bulgaria, Prepodavame.bg, online news outlet Mediapool.bg, the American University in Bulgaria, and the European Roma Rights Centre. The program has reached over 21 million people and targets misinformation, social division, anti-vaccine rhetoric, and distrust in democratic institutions.
Bulgaria's road safety plan is underwhelming
The total length of Bulgaria's 36 most dangerous road segments-recently identified for urgent safety upgrades after a 12-year-old died in a car crash near Pleven two weeks ago- only totals 5.6 kilometers, the Road Infrastructure Agency revealed. These segments are located in 17 of the country's 28 regions.
The government has announced 37 measures aimed at reducing road deaths and injuries by 20%. Each stretch has a set deadline for safety improvements, ranging from May 30 to August 15. Regional Minister Ivan Ivanov warned that if any section remains unsafe after the deadline, "heads would roll" in the administration of road safety.
Digitalk 2025 to spotlight AI future
Bulgaria's leading tech event, Digitalk Conference + AI 2025 on May 27th will focus on how artificial intelligence is reshaping the global economy. Now in its 15th edition, the conference-organized by Capital-will gather visionaries, investors, and innovators to explore how businesses can thrive in the AI-driven future.
The event comes as Goldman Sachs reports the world is entering a new economic cycle powered by AI, transforming how companies operate and innovate. This is exactly what this year's edition will bring - visionaries, investors, and AI pioneers who will share strategies and insights shaping the future.
U.S. cuts local grants, brands them "a waste of money"
The U.S. has halted nearly 220 million dollars in global grants that were aimed at countering disinformation and promoting democratic engagement. Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeled the programs "a waste of money," and the Office of Management Efficiency (DOGE-also known as Elon Musk's agency) said the foreign grants in question "do not align with administration policy."
