White House announces more aggressive review of Smithsonian museums
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
9 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Atlas Air Worldwide Expands Commitment to Workforce Development with University of Alaska Anchorage
Company Affirms Support of Efforts by President Trump and Secretary Duffy to Modernize U.S. Airspace Atlas Air Worldwide Expands Commitment to Workforce Development with University of Alaska Anchorage WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Aug. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. ('Atlas'), the leading global provider of outsourced aviation logistics solutions, today reaffirmed its partnership with the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA). Leaders from Atlas and UAA, along with faculty and students, were joined by United States Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy at Merrill Field in Anchorage. The Secretary is spearheading the Trump Administration's efforts to invest in the aviation workforce, modernize the air traffic control system, enhance safety, and address nationwide shortages of pilots, controllers, and mechanics. 'President Trump and I are on a mission to make our airspace the envy of the world. We will build a brand-new air traffic control system and address a chronic shortage of controllers and pilots,' said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. 'President Trump's One Big, Beautiful Bill delivered over $100 million into the Don Young Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative to deploy state of the art technology and train the next generation of aviation talent. I applaud Atlas Air Worldwide for doing their part to contribute to this mission.' Aviation is essential to Alaska's economy, with Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) ranking among the world's top five busiest cargo hubs. The University of Alaska Anchorage is widely recognized for its top-tier aerospace program, which ensures students are equipped with the expertise needed to fill these critical roles. To further support Alaska's aviation workforce development, Atlas has also announced the renewal of its scholarship program, which helps students offset educational costs as they prepare for careers in aviation. 'We are proud to continue our partnership with the University of Alaska Anchorage by creating opportunities to advance aviation education,' said Michael Steen, Atlas Air Worldwide Chief Executive Officer. 'By investing in workforce development locally, we are advancing our commitment to aviation in Alaska, and to the resilience of the broader aerospace industry. We are fully dedicated to supporting the efforts led by President Trump and Secretary Duffy to make our airspace the global gold standard.' The new round of funding builds on Atlas-sponsored scholarships announced in 2024—four for maintenance technician students and three for aspiring pilots—and aims to develop a robust pipeline of talent for the sector. 'We are grateful to Atlas Air Worldwide for its continued investment in UAA and our students,' said Ray Weber, Dean of UAA's Community & Technical College. 'This generous donation is transformative, helping us build a more qualified workforce that is vital to Alaska's economic future and the broader industry. Thanks to Atlas, our students are gaining the training and credentials needed to pursue fulfilling careers, securing brighter prospects for the state's workforce and beyond.' Atlas Air Worldwide in Alaska Anchorage's proximity, within 9.5 hours by plane of 90% of the industrial world, positions it as a vital hub for global commerce, training and talent development, and it plays a key role in Atlas' operations. Annual Atlas departures at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) have grown to more than 7,500 in 2024, supported by over 700 Anchorage based Pilots and ground staff. About Atlas Air Worldwide Atlas Air Worldwide is a leading global provider of outsourced aircraft and aviation operating services. It is the parent company of Atlas Air, Inc., Titan Aviation Holdings, Inc., and Polar Air Cargo Worldwide, Inc. Our companies operate the world's largest fleet of 747 freighter aircraft and provide customers the broadest array of Boeing 747, 777, and 767 aircraft for domestic, regional and international cargo and passenger operations. About The University of Alaska Anchorage The University of Alaska Anchorage is Alaska's largest university, educating nearly 12,000 students annually. UAA transforms lives through teaching, research, community engagement and creative expression in a diverse and inclusive environment. As the state's largest university, UAA is a driving force in Alaska's economy, producing over 1,600 graduates each year, with a large percentage entering the Alaska workforce. UAA has programs in professional piloting, aviation management, aviation maintenance technology and air traffic control. In 2022, UAA graduated 273 students to the aviation sector. Learn more at Contacts: Media: CorpCommunications@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
Axios
10 minutes ago
- Axios
Read: White House launches "comprehensive" review of Smithsonian exhibits
The Trump administration told the Smithsonian Institution it's launching a "comprehensive internal review" of the world's biggest museum and research complex, per a letter the White House released Tuesday. The big picture: "As we prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our Nation's founding, it is more important than ever that our national museums reflect the unity, progress, and enduring values that define the American story," states the letter to Smithsonian secretary Lonnie Bunch, signed by White House officials Lindsey Halligan, Vince Haley and Russell Vought. "This initiative aims to ensure alignment with the President's directive to celebrate American exceptionalism, remove divisive or partisan narratives, and restore confidence in our shared cultural institutions." The letter says the action is in accordance with President Trump's March executive order on reshaping the Smithsonian and removing what he deems "improper ideology" from the institution. Of note: The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History in July removed mentions of Trump's two impeachments from an exhibit, before restoring his name to an impeachment display with revisions. What to expect: The review will initially focus on the following museums before shifting focus to others: National Museum of American History. National Museum of Natural History. National Museum of African American History and Culture. National Museum of the American Indian. National Air and Space Museum. Smithsonian American Art Museum National Portrait Gallery. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. Zoom in: Each museum must submit within 30 days all requested materials, including current exhibition descriptions and draft plans for upcoming shows, according to the letter. An inventory of all permanent holdings must be submitted within 75 days and each museum "should finalize and submit its updated plan to commemorate America's 250th anniversary," among other requirements. Within 120 days, museums "should begin implementing content corrections where necessary, replacing divisive or ideologically driven language with unifying, historically accurate, and constructive descriptions across placards, wall didactics, digital displays, and other public-facing materials," per the letter. What they're saying: "The Smithsonian's work is grounded in a deep commitment to scholarly excellence, rigorous research, and the accurate, factual presentation of history," the institution said in a media statement Tuesday.
CBS News
10 minutes ago
- CBS News
Judge set to decide on Alligator Alcatraz, groups argue irreparable harm to Everglades
The third day of a federal court hearing over environmental groups' attempt to halt the Alligator Alcatraz detention center ended Tuesday without a ruling. The groups are suing the state of Florida and the U.S. government, alleging the facility could cause "irreparable harm" to the Florida Everglades. "What we heard in (federal) court today really confirms the need for the public to see what's going on out there, to see the environmental disaster that is unfolding," said Eve Samples, executive director of Friends for the Everglades, one of the organizations that filed the lawsuit against the state of Florida, Miami-Dade County and the U.S. government. The groups are trying to convince U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams that the facility is a threat to the wildlife and wetlands of the Everglades. "She's heard all of our witnesses. She heard the state's one witness, who admitted on the stand that they only looked at one site, and there are plenty of sites with runways and facilities and with wells in the ground that could have supported something like Alligator Alcatraz," said Curtis Osceola from the Miccosukee Tribe. Environmentalists sued the Trump and DeSantis administrations for what they consider dodging a federal law that requires environmental review before initiating any construction in the Everglades. Attorneys for the U.S. government left federal court without making any comments about the hearing. According to Samples, Judge Williams made an announcement that left many stunned in the courtroom. "We heard Judge Williams, for the first time, that Judge Williams was apparently extended an invitation by Attorney General James Uthmeier for a site visit. However, the attorneys for the defense did not agree to comply with that invitation," Samples said. The hearing continues Wednesday, with closing arguments from both the plaintiffs and the defense scheduled to start at 10:30 a.m. A decision about halting construction and operation at Alligator Alcatraz is expected before the end of the day.
