Latest news with #FIRST
The Hill
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Hill
Battle to define ‘America First' intensifies as Israel strikes Iran
The Movement is a weekly newsletter tracking the influence and debates steering politics on the right. Sign up here or in the box below. Thank you for signing up! Subscribe to more newsletters here The ideological battle over what 'America First' means in the Trump era is intensifying in wake of Israel's strikes on Iran, splitting the MAGA right and testing their relationships with the president. On one side, noninterventionist doves insist that the Trumpian tagline means the president must avoid U.S. troops, resources or dollars going toward the conflict, for fear of getting dragged into an endless war. 'Anyone slobbering for the U.S. to become fully involved in the Israel/Iran war is not America First/MAGA,' Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) posted on X on Sunday. But on the other end, foreign policy hawks and supporters of Israel are appealing to Trump's position that Iran should not have a nuclear weapon, and encouraging him to leave all options — including direct military intervention — on the table. 'How is it not AMERICA FIRST to congratulate those who just made sure Islamists who chant 'DEATH TO AMERICA' and who openly plotted to assassinate President @realDonaldTrump never have an opportunity to have a nuke?' right-wing provocateur Laura Loomer posted on X over the weekend. In a Saturday phone interview with The Atlantic, President Trump responded to criticism from former Fox News host Tucker Carlson — who said in a newsletter that 'politicians purporting to be America First can't now credibly turn around and say they had nothing to do with' the strikes — by saying he is the one that will ultimately write the definition. 'Well, considering that I'm the one that developed 'America First,' and considering that the term wasn't used until I came along, I think I'm the one that decides that,' Trump said. And on Monday, Trump offered one part of his definition: 'AMERICA FIRST means many GREAT things, including the fact that, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!' he posted on Truth Social. Trump beat back the dove side somewhat in another post calling Carlson 'kooky' — prompting Greene, who almost never criticizes the president, to make the stunning move to come to Carlson's defense. 'Foreign wars/intervention/regime change put America last, kill innocent people, are making us broke, and will ultimately lead to our destruction. That's not kooky. That's what millions of Americans voted for,' Greene said. Despite Trump claiming ownership of the tag line, different wings of Trump supporters spent much of the last few days warring about the 'America First' response to the conflict. Conservative radio host Mark Levin, who is on the hawkish side of the debate, made a lengthy post on Monday about 'Real MAGA and Fake MAGA,' saying 'Real MAGA is not isolationist or antisemitic. In another post, Levin took aim at Greene, calling her 'a little known politician from Georgia.' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also weighed in on the 'America First' debate in a Monday interview with ABC News. 'Today, it's Tel Aviv. Tomorrow, it's New York. Look, I understand 'America First'. I don't understand 'America Dead,'' Netanyahu said. 'That's what these people want.' As Trump takes responsibility for defining the America First response, he is being vague and open enough to give both the hawks and the doves reason to believe they are right about their own versions of America First. The initial response from the administration to the strikes, in the form of a statement from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, notably distanced the U.S. from the attacks — saying that 'Israel took unilateral action against Iran' and that the U.S. was 'not involved in strikes against Iran.' But the U.S. did assist in intercepting missiles that Iran shot into Israel in response — and NBC News reported that the U.S. had been 'quietly moving some pieces into place to prepare for the Israeli attack.' Trump slammed Iran for failing to make a deal after 60 days of negotiation on its nuclear program — referencing his warnings that there would be bombing if they did not do so. But even as the recent conflict derailed a round of peace talks that were supposed to take place on Sunday with Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff — in part because Iranians with whom the U.S. was dealing are now dead, as Trump said — the president has not taken negotiation off the table. 'They should talk, and they should talk immediately before it's too late,' Trump said Monday at the G7 Summit in Canada. The Wall Street Journal reported Monday that Iran is seeking negotiations in order to end the hostilities — a development that was cheered by noninterventionists like Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.). 'Iran's move to reenter negotiations isn't a coincidence. It's the result of a foreign policy that rejects endless wars and puts American priorities first,' Paul said. But Trump has declined to wholly rule out using U.S. force in Iran. Asked Monday in Canada what it would take for the U.S. to get involved in the conflict, Trump dummured: 'I don't want to talk about that.' Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) is among those urging Trump to use U.S. military might to help Israel in Iran if talks are not possible. 'If diplomacy fails, Mr. President, President Trump, you've been great, help Israel finish the job. Give them bombs. Fly with them if necessary,' Graham said Sunday on CBS's 'Face the Nation.' Further reading: Israel-Iran war spotlights MAGA divide, from my colleague Brett Samuels. Welcome to The Movement, a weekly newsletter looking at the influences and debates on the right in Washington. I'm Emily Brooks, House leadership reporter at The Hill. Tell me what's on your radar: ebrooks@ Not already on the list? Subscribe here President Trump is pumping the brakes, shifting gears, and speeding up on the kind of migrants he is targeting as he aims to fulfill his promise of mass deportations. The president is clearly sensitive about negatively impacting key industries that rely on migrants who entered the country without permission for labor — but seems to have reversed himself on pausing enforcement on such industries. Let's review. Thursday morning: Trump posted recognition of concerns from those in the agricultural and hotel industries about his 'very aggressive policy on immigration' taking away workers who are 'almost impossible to replace' — promising that 'changes are coming.' It was a notable shift in tone from the kind of hardline stances and messaging from the immigration hardliners in Trump's administration like Stephen Miller — particularly in wake of anti-Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protests in Los Angeles that prompted Trump to activate the National Guard. Thursday afternoon: Trump made another post appealing to the immigration hardline side. 'I campaigned on, and received a Historic Mandate for, the largest Mass Deportation Program in American History,' he said, adding that migrants in the U.S. illegally should self-deport 'or, ICE will find you and remove you.' But directives to soften enforcement on certain industries as the president had first espoused still came. ICE was directed to 'largely pause raids and arrests on American farms and in hotels and restaurants,' NewsNation reported, citing DHS sources. Sunday: Trump made another long social media post giving further guidance on deportation targets: Democratic-run cities. 'ICE Officers are herewith ordered, by notice of this TRUTH,' Trump said, to expand detention and deportation efforts in the nation's largest cities that 'are the core of the Democrat Power Center.' Monday: 'Officials from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, including its Homeland Security Investigations division, told leaders at the agency in a call Monday that agents must continue conducting workforce site immigration raids on agricultural businesses, hotels and restaurants, according to two people familiar with the call,' the Washington Post reported. The whiplash is exposing some divisions within the Trump administration. The New York Times reported over the weekend that the initial post about agriculture workers came after Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins had told the president about worries about the effect of the immigration raids on the agricultural industry. Rollins appeared to respond to the reporting in a post on X saying to 'ignore the noise from the fake news media.' 'The President and I have consistently advanced a 'Farmers First' approach, recognizing that American households depend upon a stable and LEGAL agricultural workforce. Severe disruptions to our food supply would harm Americans. It took us decades to get into this mess and we are prioritizing deportations in a way that will get us out,' Rollins said. Related: Inside Trump's Extraordinary Turnaround on Immigration Raids, from the New York Times… Trump officials reverse guidance exempting farms, hotels from immigration raids, from the Washington Post. The shocking shootings of Minnesota Democratic lawmakers in the early hours of Saturday morning — killing Minnesota House Democratic Leader Melissa Hortman and her husband — set off an ugly ideological blame game on social media. Right-wing posters did not want to believe that the now-detained suspect in the shootings, Vance Boelter, was on their 'side.' And despite evidence piling up that Boelter shared right-wing beliefs, some still don't want to believe it. The first misdirection came after a number of accounts posted videos of Hortman earlier in the week getting emotional while talking her vote in favor of a bill vote that cut access to health care for undocumented immigrants — insinuating that her assassination was a result of progressive left anger about that vote. She was the only House Democrat to vote for the bill, averting a potential government shutdown. Other emerging details fueled the belief the shootings were left-on-left violence. Law enforcement confirmed that Boelter had flyers in his car that said, 'No Kings,' an apparent reference to the anti-Trump protests that occurred across the country on Saturday. And Boelter was in 2019 appointed by Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) to a workforce development board. But Boelter's friend and roommate told CBS News that the suspect was a very conservative, listened to the right-wing conspiracy theorist Alex Jones's Infowars, and had voted for Trump. Local reporting in the Minnesota Star-Tribune said that Boelter did not know Walz; that the 60-member member board includes people appointed by the governor who do not agree with his political views; and voted in the 2024 primary election, but not in the Democratic primary. That has not stopped the narrative from taking hold, though. Donald Trump Jr. had this to say on right-wing influencer Benny Johnson's YouTube show on Monday: 'They're sitting there, 'Oh, please be a MAGA guy.' Oh, it happens to be a Tim Walz appointee in his own state. He happened to go after a Democrat legislator, but it seems like he went after a Democratic legislator because she voted against Democrat Party policy, which was the unabashed, unlimited health care funding for illegal immigrants.' Among those who pushed the left-on-left violence narrative: Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), who posted a photo of the masked suspect on Sunday with the commentary: 'This is what happens When Marxists don't get their way.' Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.) confronted Lee about the post in the Senate Monday night, my colleague Al Weaver reports. Lee refused to answer questions from reporters about the encounter. Minnesota state Sen. Julia Coleman (R) posted on X on Saturday that she found the race to figure out of Boelter was a Republican or Democrat 'absolutely shameful.' 'The state needs unity. Not blame. Now more than ever we should come together and put partisan politics aside,' Coleman said. Related: Fact check: Did suspect in Minnesota shootings have close ties to Gov. Tim Walz? No, by Walker Orenstein in the Minnesota Star Tribune Thanks for reading. Check out more newsletters from The Hill here. See you next time!
Fast Company
27-05-2025
- Business
- Fast Company
Why your workplace needs more 'Gracious Professionalism'
When most people think about innovation, they imagine sprints, whiteboards, late nights, and the relentless pace of deadlines. What's often missing from this image are genuine acts of kindness and empathy—but perhaps they should be at the center. As the leader of FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), a global youth STEM education community, I've seen firsthand the power of Gracious Professionalism. This ethos is about more than producing quality work: It's about valuing others—teammates, competitors, and the broader community—and showing respect at every turn. Gracious Professionalism empowers everyone, regardless of role or tenure, to lift others up and help create a culture rooted in acceptance and shared success. While the term may sound gentle for the high-stakes world of science and technology, its influence is anything but passive. Gracious Professionalism demonstrates that even in a competitive corporate landscape, it is possible—and powerful—to lead with trust, respect, and a spirit of cooperation. Companies that embrace this mindset can gain a real edge in innovation, talent recruitment, and long-term success. The origin of Gracious Professionalism Gracious Professionalism was the vision of the late and much beloved Pappalardo Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering at MIT, Woodie Flowers, PhD. He was also a distinguished advisor to FIRST and longtime collaborator and friend of Dean Kamen, FIRST's founder and a lifelong inventor. Woodie believed deeply in the power of blending competition with kindness. His philosophy emphasizes striving for excellence while valuing others and treating everyone—teammates, competitors, and community members—with respect. Today, Woodie's legacy lives on through millions of FIRST participants and alumni. The mindset appears in small but powerful moments within our competitive youth robotics events, like when a team lends an opponent a spare part for a malfunctioning robot, or when a student pauses to encourage a teammate who is experiencing self-doubt. These everyday acts of support and empathy keep Woodie's profound vision very much alive. From robotics to the real world As demand grows for 'durable skills' like collaboration, resilience, and ethical leadership, Gracious Professionalism is more relevant than ever in the workplace. Ruhi Lankalapalli first encountered Gracious Professionalism as a FIRST participant. Today, as a manufacturing engineer at Medtronic, she credits this ethos with shaping her approach to work and leadership. 'Gracious Professionalism has shaped how I work and lead—it has helped me build trust quickly, collaborate effectively, and stay focused on long-term success. I've taken on many projects, spanning several teams at Medtronic, and maintaining the values of Gracious Professionalism has been crucial to building strong partnerships and finding common ground,' she said. 'When I stepped into my current role in Medtronic, I was invited to join a major project within just two months. Though I was new to the position, I stood out because of how I collaborated with the team and embraced new challenges, which set me apart through the ways I support others and contribute to a stronger team culture.' It shapes corporate culture The impact of Gracious Professionalism extends beyond individual growth. It builds organizational cultures rooted in trust, teamwork, continuous learning, and ethical decision making. The result? Greater innovation, stronger employee engagement, and long-term business success. Qualcomm, the global wireless technology company, is a longtime supporter of FIRST and has hired many program alumni who practice Gracious Professionalism in their everyday roles. 'Our employees who grew up participating in FIRST are known within Qualcomm for their ability to handle challenges with a positive attitude and a collaborative approach,' said Angela Baker, vice president, corporate responsibility, and chief sustainability officer at Qualcomm. 'Their ability to balance competition with respect and kindness is consistent with our value of 'winning together.' Their dedication to continuous improvement accelerates their own career growth while also contributing to our company's long-term innovation pipeline and their work ethic helps us deliver results.' The impact of Gracious Professionalism Gracious Professionalism is not just about being kind: It is a strategic advantage. Employees who practice this ethos develop essential skills like collaboration, empathy, and creative problem-solving, making them invaluable contributors and culture-builders. In a world where agility and integrity are essential for businesses' success, Gracious Professionalism proves that the most powerful path forward is one built on respect, excellence, and a collective drive to grow—together.
Korea Herald
16-05-2025
- Science
- Korea Herald
i2Cool's Radiative Cooling Technology to Drive Global Sustainability in UN-Backed FIRST Programme
HONG KONG, May 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- i2Cool is honored to participate in the Fostering Innovation for Resilience and Sustainable Transformation (FIRST) Programme, a global initiative led by City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) and officially endorsed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Selected as one of only 30 projects worldwide recognized under the United Nations International Decade of Science for Sustainable Development (2024–2033), this project aims to advance sustainability through innovation and collaboration. The FIRST Programme has emerged in response to urgent global challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, water scarcity, and the need for clean energy transitions. With a strong focus on innovation and international collaboration, the programme aims to accelerate progress on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Led by CityUHK in collaboration with UNESCO, i2Cool, and a diverse network of international partners, the initiative represents a concerted global effort to build a sustainable future through science, technology, and cooperative action. Mr. Tse Chin-wan, BBS, JP, Secretary for Environment and Ecology of the HKSAR said "With the endorsement of the UNESCO, the FIRST Programme sets a powerful example of how collaboration and innovation can create a more sustainable future for all. I am pleased to support this initiative and look forward to seeing its positive impact on our community and beyond." Professor Freddy Boey, President and University Distinguished Professor of CityUHK, said, "I am delighted that CityUHK will lead this crucial initiative to address sustainability challenges by developing affordable innovations in collaboration with our global partners. The Programme reflects CityUHK's commitment to Innovating into the Future and offering tangible solutions to global challenges." Ir Prof. Edwin Tso Chi-yan, co-founder of i2Cool and Associate Dean (Internationalisation and Outreach) at CityUHK 's School of Energy and Environment (SEE) , has been appointed as the FIRST Programme Director. Commenting on the launch, Prof. Tso stated, "We will kick off the first phase of the FIRST Programme in June 2025, targeting pilot regions with hot climates and limited access to reliable electricity." Core Innovations of the Project: Among these, passive radiative cooling technology developed and implemented by i2Cool distinguishes itself through its mature product platform and extensive global deployment experience to provide critical support in high-temperature and resource-scarce areas. Since its founding, i2Cool has been dedicated to advancing " green cooling + social benefit" through its "Cool Down for a Better Summer" initiative. This initiative has already reached over 7,000 square meters in climate-vulnerable communities worldwide. In total, i2Cool's innovative cooling technology has been implemented across more than 380,000 square meters in nearly 30 countries and regions, resulting in over 200 successful projects. "i2Cool is committed to driving sustainable development through innovative technology. Over the next decade, we will continue validating our solutions in diverse climates and applications to localize radiative cooling technology. Our goal is to build an affordable, scalable, and sustainable cooling paradigm. We look forward to working with global partners to empower communities through innovation and inclusive partnerships, contributing to a more equitable and sustainable future," said Prof. Martin Zhu, CEO of i2Cool. About i2Cool i2Cool is a green and energy-efficient technology pioneer specializing in passive radiative cooling. Established by leading professors and young scientists from the School of Energy and Environment at City University of Hong Kong, i2Cool transforms cutting-edge research, featured in top journals such as Science, into innovative commercial solutions. The company's core products are electricity-free cooling coatings and window films, along with a diverse range of other products such as textiles, membranes, automotive solutions, and ceramics. For more information about i2Cool, please visit their official website at
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
i2Cool's Radiative Cooling Technology to Drive Global Sustainability in UN-Backed FIRST Programme
HONG KONG, May 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- i2Cool is honored to participate in the Fostering Innovation for Resilience and Sustainable Transformation (FIRST) Programme, a global initiative led by City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) and officially endorsed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Selected as one of only 30 projects worldwide recognized under the United Nations International Decade of Science for Sustainable Development (2024–2033), this project aims to advance sustainability through innovation and collaboration. The FIRST Programme has emerged in response to urgent global challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, water scarcity, and the need for clean energy transitions. With a strong focus on innovation and international collaboration, the programme aims to accelerate progress on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Led by CityUHK in collaboration with UNESCO, i2Cool, and a diverse network of international partners, the initiative represents a concerted global effort to build a sustainable future through science, technology, and cooperative action. Mr. Tse Chin-wan, BBS, JP, Secretary for Environment and Ecology of the HKSAR said "With the endorsement of the UNESCO, the FIRST Programme sets a powerful example of how collaboration and innovation can create a more sustainable future for all. I am pleased to support this initiative and look forward to seeing its positive impact on our community and beyond." Professor Freddy Boey, President and University Distinguished Professor of CityUHK, said, "I am delighted that CityUHK will lead this crucial initiative to address sustainability challenges by developing affordable innovations in collaboration with our global partners. The Programme reflects CityUHK's commitment to Innovating into the Future and offering tangible solutions to global challenges." Ir Prof. Edwin Tso Chi-yan, co-founder of i2Cool and Associate Dean (Internationalisation and Outreach) at CityUHK's School of Energy and Environment (SEE) , has been appointed as the FIRST Programme Director. Commenting on the launch, Prof. Tso stated, "We will kick off the first phase of the FIRST Programme in June 2025, targeting pilot regions with hot climates and limited access to reliable electricity." Core Innovations of the Project: Passive Radiative Cooling Coatings Using Local Waste Materials for Lowering Temperatures of Houses Affordable Printable Solar Films for Generating Electricity in Rural Areas Biomass Waste-to-Energy Conversion for Circular Economy Human-powered Sanitation System for Generating Potable Water Among these, passive radiative cooling technology developed and implemented by i2Cool distinguishes itself through its mature product platform and extensive global deployment experience to provide critical support in high-temperature and resource-scarce areas. Since its founding, i2Cool has been dedicated to advancing "green cooling + social benefit" through its "Cool Down for a Better Summer" initiative. This initiative has already reached over 7,000 square meters in climate-vulnerable communities worldwide. In total, i2Cool's innovative cooling technology has been implemented across more than 380,000 square meters in nearly 30 countries and regions, resulting in over 200 successful projects. "i2Cool is committed to driving sustainable development through innovative technology. Over the next decade, we will continue validating our solutions in diverse climates and applications to localize radiative cooling technology. Our goal is to build an affordable, scalable, and sustainable cooling paradigm. We look forward to working with global partners to empower communities through innovation and inclusive partnerships, contributing to a more equitable and sustainable future," said Prof. Martin Zhu, CEO of i2Cool. About i2Cool i2Cool is a green and energy-efficient technology pioneer specializing in passive radiative cooling. Established by leading professors and young scientists from the School of Energy and Environment at City University of Hong Kong, i2Cool transforms cutting-edge research, featured in top journals such as Science, into innovative commercial solutions. The company's core products are electricity-free cooling coatings and window films, along with a diverse range of other products such as textiles, membranes, automotive solutions, and ceramics. For more information about i2Cool, please visit their official website at View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE i2Cool Limited Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
New York Post
02-05-2025
- Automotive
- New York Post
Reckless Ohio driver causes multi-vehicle crash by coming to full stop on busy interstate after missing exit — then flees
A reckless driver caused a three-vehicle crash on a busy Ohio interstate when they came to a dead stop after missing an exit and tried merging over during rush hour traffic. The Ohio Department of Transportation posted a jaw-dropping clip that shows a heavy flow of traffic on Interstate 71 moments before the wreck around 5:24 p.m. near downtown Columbus on April 30, The Columbus Dispatch reported. In the clip, a red minivan is seen crawling into the frame in the middle lane of the busy three-lane highway as other vehicles zip around it. Advertisement The driver of the van appeared to have missed the exit heading towards Dayton and decided to take a risk, coming to a full stop in hopes of cutting across two lanes of traffic. As the minivan came to a standstill, two other minivans were forced to abruptly stop behind the reckless driver as vehicles in both adjacent lanes continued to speed past them. Advertisement However, a large passenger van plowed into the back of the minivan, propelling it forward into the other, causing a multi-vehicle accident. The driver of the red van, who caused the wreck, then seizes the opportunity to cross over into the left lane and carelessly merge into the exit, driving off. The reckless driver of the red minivan has not been identified after fleeing from the scene, and no life-threatening injuries were reported, according to the outlet. In the clip, a red minivan is seen crawling into the frame in the middle lane of the busy three-lane highway as other vehicles zip around it. ABC 6 via Ohio Department of Transportation Advertisement 'When you are driving along a major interstate and you miss your exit do you: A) keep driving and get off at the next one or B) come to a complete stop, cause a multi-car rear-end crash and then drive away,' The Ohio Department of Transportation prompted its followers in its post. 'HINT: The answer is NEVER B. Do not be this driver.' Ohio Department of Transportation Press Secretary Matt Bruning told Fox 8 that the driver did the 'worst thing you can do on a highway' if they missed their exit. A large passenger van collided with the rear of the minivan, propelling it forward into the other vehicle, resulting in a multi-vehicle accident. ABC 6 via Ohio Department of Transportation Advertisement 'What this driver did is extremely dangerous and the absolute worst thing you could do,' he said. According to studies by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, around 94% of motor vehicle accidents are estimated to be caused by driver error. A nationwide study released by the personal finance website ValuePenguin in April — used data from the NHTSA, Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), and the Fatality and Injury Reporting System Tool (FIRST) — found that reckless driving was responsible for 6.4% of motor vehicle deaths from 2018 to 2022, totaling more than 12,600 fatalities. In 2021, it led to more than 3,000 deaths, making up 7.1% of that year's motor vehicle deaths.
