Elon Musk Posts 'DEI Means DIE' As California Burns After Officials Spent $500M On DEI Initiatives

Elon Musk posted "DEI means DIE" amid wildfires in California, criticizing the state's $500M investment in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The post sparked controversy as the state dealt with the ongoing crisis. Meanwhile, airlines are extending travel vouchers due to the Palisades fire - know which ones in today's Money Making Moves:  

> Elon Musk sparked controversy amid California wildfires by posting "DEI Means DIE" on X, criticizing the state’s £406 million ($500 million) investment in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Musk and conservative activist Robby Starbuck argued that prioritizing DEI programs diverted resources from critical wildfire management, drawing both support and backlash. Critics like Megyn Kelly accused the Los Angeles Fire Chief of focusing on DEI over disaster preparedness, while others highlighted poor infrastructure as the root issue. The debate has intensified scrutiny over California's budget priorities and the impact of DEI programs on public safety and efficiency.

> Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, reiterated his skepticism about Bitcoin, describing it as having no intrinsic value and associating it with criminal activities like money laundering and ransomware. Despite his criticisms, Dimon acknowledged the broader legitimacy of blockchain technology, noting its practical use in moving money and data and its integration into JPMorgan's operations. He also recognized the validity of stablecoins, a type of digital currency tied to assets like commodities or fiat currencies, though he emphasized the need for regulatory oversight. While Bitcoin's price surged in 2024, surpassing $100,000, Dimon compared its appeal to personal choices like smoking—legal but ill-advised.

> Chuck E. Cheese has made a strong comeback after filing for bankruptcy in 2020, with a $350 million investment in modernizing its stores, updating its menu, and introducing new entertainment features like trampolines and mobile apps. The company has achieved consistent sales growth, with annual revenue increasing from $912 million in 2019 to $1.2 billion in 2023, despite operating fewer locations. A revamped subscription model and partnerships with kid-friendly brands like Paw Patrol and Marvel have helped attract a new generation of families while encouraging repeat visits. CEO Dave McKillips envisions expanding the brand beyond restaurants, including licensing deals, entertainment partnerships, and even a potential feature film starring its iconic mascot.

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> Airlines, including American, United, Southwest, and JetBlue, have extended travel waivers for Los Angeles airports as wildfires continue to impact the area, causing power outages, water shortages, and widespread damage. Travelers can rebook flights without fees, with options to adjust their travel dates or reroute to nearby California cities like San Diego and Palm Springs. While Los Angeles airports remain operational, Delta Air Lines has reported a decline in flight bookings to the region but expects a rebound in demand during the recovery phase following the disaster. Airlines continue to monitor the situation, offering support to affected travelers while expressing solidarity with those impacted by the wildfires. For other airline deals, you can also check here. 

> The mayor of Belcastro, a small town in Calabria, Italy, issued a symbolic decree urging residents to avoid getting sick to highlight the severe healthcare crisis in the region. The town, with a population of 1,300 and a significant elderly demographic, struggles with irregular health center operations, no on-call doctors during off-hours, and a distant emergency facility 45 kilometers away. Mayor Antonio Torchia's directive aims to provoke regional authorities to address these issues while shedding light on Calabria’s broader challenges, including depopulation and a lack of infrastructure. The crisis reflects the struggles faced by many rural Italian towns, prompting calls for urgent solutions to ensure healthcare access and community sustainability.

> A 22-year-old resident of the Palisades shared their harrowing experience of evacuating during the recent wildfires in California. Awakened by an evacuation alert, they had only 45 minutes to gather essentials and escape with their dog amidst thick smoke and heavy traffic. Their apartment building was later shown in news footage to have been destroyed, leaving behind cherished, irreplaceable items like family heirlooms and a college diploma. While they are grateful for temporary support from friends and renters insurance, they feel displaced and frustrated by misconceptions that everyone in the Palisades is wealthy, emphasizing the need for compassion for all who have lost their homes.