what do Bob Iger and Solidcore have in common?

Hi!

Natasha is live streaming from Solana Breakpoint this week, so we’re subbing-in to bring you some of the stories taking over this week’s timeline.

First, on The Boys:

• Deana was back in SF with World & the orb

• The Abu Dhabi squad has spent their week learning about DePin things with Helium and, as above, hanging at Etihad Arena (with guests like the co-founders of Solana and Phantom Wallet. NBD!)

wly,

Writers: Deana & Miranda

Polygon just processed 8.1M+ transactions in a single day.

A true smattering of this week’s viral moments! From AI and US immigration news, to a special treat at the end for our pilates princesses.

First up, if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. Disney is investing $1B in OpenAI and licensing 200+ characters across Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars for use on Sora, with some fan-made shorts showing up on Disney+.

Disney’s CEO, Bob Iger, has been hitting the press circuit in support of this announcement, so you know it’s the real deal. Did you know Mr. Iger spends 45 minutes each morning on one of these? A fact I’ll never not think of whenever seeing his name.

I’m into this deal, for the record. It’s possible that this partnership could give a lot of people a lot of joy (and joy is all we have), but it IS also kind of a funny week to announce it given the very recent response to that genuinely bad AI-generated McDonald’s ad.

Next, a social media ban in Australia for children under the age of 16 went into effect this week, with rumblings about which countries will follow suit. The ban does not include Discord or Roblox, however. Two sites that my child is not allowed to visit until he’s 35.

The Trump Administration announced a proposed rule that would require US travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries to submit their social media accounts, emails, and .. DNA (?) for review before they can visit America.

Speaking of controversial propositions, Joyce Carol Oates, fresh off of her feud with Elon Musk, served up the coldest read of people who have the privilege and resources to live virtuously ‘off the grid.’

Firing shots at 87 years old in between posts of her cat and dandelions. Joyce should be an inspiration to us all.

And finally, a story about the court of public opinion on social media. The Solidcore scandal that is ripping through TikTok. Whose side are you on?

@know_au

The Solidcore scandal explained. After seeing all the evidence, who do you think is actually in the wrong? #solidcore #solidcoreandrew #me... See more