Latest News
-
Harvard's US funded defense projects have totaled $180 Million in recent years.
According to an analysis by a defense software firm, when the Trump administration cut federal funds to Harvard University it ended abruptly an estimated $180 millions that the federal government poured into U.S. Military projects at Harvard over the past few years. In April, the Trump administration announced that it would freeze $2.2 billion worth of grants and $60 millions in contracts for Harvard University. Donald Trump stated that he wanted to make changes at Harvard and other universities in the U.S. because, according to him, they had been taken over by "woke" leftist thinking and have become bastions for antisemitism. Among many other topics, the study found that some of the grants were paid to research into lasers and counter-weapons of mass destruction, as well as medical research. This abrupt stop ended projects that had been running for years and halted programs at several universities. Not just Harvard. According to an analysis done by Govini defense software, in 2025, approximately 103 grants worth $14 million will come to a grinding halt. U.S. officials, for example, ended a $6 million Pentagon-funded research project by Professor Katia Bertoldi at the Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, which developed shape-changing structures that could be used in military applications, two weeks ago. This was despite it being a critical point in its research cycle. Bertoldi explained, "We are now in the third year, we have all our tools set up, we're gaining momentum and it has stopped." She was funded through the Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative of the Department of Defense to develop technology based on origami, which would eventually lead to reconfigurable radio antennas and deployable shelters similar in function to field hospitals. According to an analysis by Govini, since 2020, the Pentagon, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, and all branches of the U.S. Military have awarded Harvard 418 grants worth $180 million. A Pentagon spokesperson said that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth had "directed the termination" of a number of programs, contracts, and grants which were not in line with the Department priorities. This was to reduce wasteful spending, to implement President Obama's orders, to reallocate the savings to mission critical priorities. Govini's findings revealed that the Army provided the majority of funding for military medical research as well as basic and applied scientific research. Trump complained on Truth Social about the federal grant freeze. He said that Harvard had hired "Democrats" and "radical left idiots". Trump announced on Monday that he was considering redirecting billions in grants for scientific and engineering research from Harvard to trade school. Harvard sued for the restoration of funding. It called the cuts unconstitutional attacks on its right to free speech. Research cancellations have a negative impact on extensive networks of collaboration. Bertoldi's research project involved researchers from Georgia Tech and the University of Pennsylvania. Scientists warn that these cuts could have strategic implications, as China has invested heavily in research. Bertoldi stated, "In China as far as I'm aware, this type of research is supported by colleagues who moved back to China." (Reporting from Mike Stone in Washington, Editing by Matthew Lewis.)
-
Harvard's US funded defense projects have totaled $180 Million in recent years.
According to an analysis by a defense software firm, when the Trump administration cut federal funds to Harvard University it ended abruptly an estimated $180 millions that the federal government poured into U.S. Military projects at Harvard over the past few years. In April, the Trump administration announced that it would freeze $2.2 billion worth of grants and $60 millions in contracts for Harvard University. Donald Trump stated that he wanted to make changes at Harvard and other universities in the U.S. because, according to him, they had been taken over by "woke" leftist thinking and have become bastions for antisemitism. Among many other topics, the study found that some of the grants were paid to research into lasers and counter-weapons of mass destruction, as well as medical research. This abrupt stop ended projects that had been running for years and halted programs at several universities. Not just Harvard. According to an analysis done by Govini defense software, in 2025, approximately 103 grants worth $14 million will come to a grinding halt. U.S. officials, for example, ended a $6 million Pentagon-funded research project by Professor Katia Bertoldi at the Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, which developed shape-changing structures that could be used in military applications, two weeks ago, despite it being at a critical point in its cycle of research. Bertoldi explained, "We are now in the third year, we have all our tools set up, we're gaining real momentum and it has stopped." She was funded through the Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative of the Department of Defense to develop technology based on origami, which would eventually lead to reconfigurable radio antennas and deployable shelters similar in function to field hospitals. According to an analysis by Govini, since 2020, the Pentagon, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, and all branches of the U.S. Military have awarded Harvard 418 grants worth $180 million. A Pentagon spokesperson said that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth had "directed the termination" of a number of programs, contracts, and grants which were not in line with the Department priorities. This was to reduce wasteful spending, to implement President Obama's orders, to reallocate the savings to mission critical priorities. Govini's findings revealed that the Army provided the majority of funding for military medical research as well as basic and applied scientific research. Trump complained on Truth Social about the federal grant freeze. He said that Harvard had hired "Democrats" and "radical left idiots". Trump announced on Monday that he was considering redirecting billions in grants for scientific and engineering research from Harvard to trade school. Harvard sued for the restoration of funding. It called the cuts unconstitutional attacks on its right to free speech. Research cancellations have a negative impact on extensive networks of collaboration. Bertoldi's research project involved researchers from Georgia Tech and the University of Pennsylvania. Scientists warn that these cuts could have strategic implications, as China has invested heavily in research. Bertoldi stated, "As far as I'm aware, Chinese colleagues who moved back to China have a lot of interest in this type of research." (Reporting from Mike Stone in Washington, Editing by Matthew Lewis.)
-
Newark Airport runway to reopen after construction on Monday
The runway at Newark Liberty International Airport is scheduled to reopen Monday, nearly two weeks before schedule, following several weeks of chaos caused by equipment failures, runway construction, and a shortage of air traffic control personnel that led to flight cancellations, delays, and diversions, U.S. Transport Secretary Sean Duffy announced. Manhattan is located about 14.5 km (9 miles) away from Newark Liberty Airport, which is one of New York City's main airports. Duffy announced Friday that the runway would reopen two weeks earlier than the original June 15 deadline. The Federal Aviation Administration reduced flights last week to 28 arrivals and 28 departures an hour maximum until runway construction was completed. The maximum rate of arrivals and departures will then increase to 34 per minute until October 25, after which it will be increased again. Duffy, who spoke this week, said that operations at Newark had improved after the federal government implemented flight cuts in response to a series major disruptions. Newark can handle up to 77 passengers in normal circumstances Flights per hour Duffy stated, "If you book I think you will fly to Newark -- You won't see what you saw two weeks ago." Newark Airport is the hub of United Airlines. The airline operates almost 70% of all flights at this airport. United Airlines has dramatically increased its flights. Cut flights at the airport Last year, the FAA relocated Newark's control airspace. Philadelphia addresses staffing issues and congestion in New York City-area traffic. Newark's airspace is monitored by a facility in Philadelphia. The facility has had numerous technological issues. Newark has often experienced delays of 5 or more minutes in the last few weeks. More hours and daily dozens of canceled or delayed flight. The FAA employs approximately 3,500 air traffic control officers nationwide Below target staffing levels Duffy explained that the area in charge of Newark had a target staffing level for certified controllers of 38, but only 22 are currently on duty, with six of them on medical or stress leave. David Shepardson, Chizu Nomiyama, and David Gregorio edited the report.
-
Cheniere Energy announces maintenance work has begun at Sabine Pass LNG Plant
Cheniere Energy announced on Friday that it had begun the annual maintenance on its largest U.S. LNG facility, Sabine Pass in Texas. Sabine Pass's annual capacity is 30 million metric tons per annum. It has been a key factor in the United States becoming the largest LNG exporter in the world. A Cheniere spokesperson informed by email that "planned maintenance activities are underway at Sabine Pass." Prices tend to rise when U.S. LNG production declines. It is anticipated that the annual maintenance work will reduce U.S. LNG output for a few weeks. Cheniere's Sabine Pass plant, which produces 4.5 bcfd of gas per day, is on course to fall from 3.9 bcfd last Thursday to a 11-month-low of 3.7 bcfd this Friday. Meanwhile, feedgas for the 3.9 bcfd Corpus Christi plant in Texas will drop from 2 bcfd Thursday to a 2-week-low of 1.6bcfd Friday. Energy traders expect the total LNG feedgas in June to be below April's record-high, with Cheniere planning maintenance for about three weeks on Sabine's liquefaction train around June 223rd. Reporting by Curtis Williams, Scott DiSavino and David Gregorio from Houston; editing by Chris Reese & David Gregorio).
-
Brazil wind energy company receives approval for data center with TikTok's interest
Casa dos Ventos, a wind farm developer in Brazil's northeast, has received regulatory approval for a 300 megawatt project. The company had been in discussions with TikTok owner about a large data center investment. Casa dos Ventos reported on Friday that Brazil's national grid operator has given the green light for the project to be connected at the Pecem Port complex in Ceara. The company said that the total investment for infrastructure and equipment in the data centers will be 50 billion reais (8.7 billion dollars). A person with knowledge of the negotiations said that the regulatory approval would speed up the talks with major technology firms, including ByteDance the Chinese parent company for TikTok. First reported last month, the Chinese company is eyeing a major Brazilian investment in data centers with Casa dos Ventos. Casa dos Ventos has partnered with TotalEnergies for its wind energy portfolio by 2022. After an initial rejection, a technical reassessment was conducted by the Brazilian Ministry of Mines and Energy and the national grid operator. This cleared the way for the project to be approved. Casa dos Ventos has announced that it will now start construction during the second half of the year, and begin operation in the second semester 2027. The company stated that its project would use closed-loop cooling systems to reduce water consumption, addressing concerns raised by some data center projects. Casa dos Ventos estimated that the water consumption for the first phase will be about 0.045% the demand of residential housing in the nearby city of Caucaia.
-
Brazilian airline Azul plans to exit Chapter 11 by early 2026
Fabio Campos said in a Friday press conference that the Brazilian airline Azul hopes to end Chapter 11 proceedings by early next year. Campos responded that Azul would now concentrate on its financial restructuring. Azul filed for Chapter 11 in the United States this week. Abra, Gol's majority shareholder, and Colombian Avianca announced to Azul in January that they had signed an non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with the intention of merging their businesses in Brazil. Campos noted also that the MoU between Azul and Gol remains valid, even though it is not Azul's priority at this time. Azul finished this week its first Chapter 11 hearing. The court approved the carrier's access to $250 million from its $1.6 billion in debtor-in possession financing. The company stated that the amount combined with other judicial approbations and revenue generated by ongoing operations will provide sufficient liquidity to sustain uninterrupted operations. Campos said that Azul does not plan to lay off massive numbers of employees in light of its financial restructuring. Sales and operations will remain unaffected. Before filing for Chapter 11 protection Azul had agreements with key stakeholders including existing bondholders and aircraft lessor AerCap. It also entered into agreements United Airlines and American Airlines. The executive also noted that other lessors are in talks, besides AerCap. Azul is the latest Latin American airline to declare bankruptcy. It joins a long list of airlines that have been affected by the COVID-19 epidemic.
-
Brazil Power Co gets approval for data center with TikTok interested
Casa dos Ventos, a wind farm developer in Brazil's northeast, has received regulatory approval for a 300 megawatt project. The company had been discussing an investment of a large data center with TikTok owner. Casa dos Ventos reported on Friday that the Brazilian national grid operator (ONS), has given the green light for the project to be connected at the Pecem Port Complex in Ceara. Casa dos Ventos said that the total investment for infrastructure and equipment in the data centers will be 50 billion reais (8.7 billion dollars). A person with knowledge of the negotiations stated that the ONS approval would speed up the talks with major tech companies, including ByteDance - the Chinese parent company for TikTok. First reported last month, the Chinese company is eyeing a major Brazilian investment with Casa dos Ventos. Casa dos Ventos has partnered with TotalEnergies in 2022 on its wind energy portfolio.
-
Cuba warns top U.S. diplomats in Havana over 'disrespectful behavior'
Cuba's Foreign Ministry said that it issued a verbal caution to the top U.S. Diplomat in Havana on Friday, complaining about behavior it called "intervenionist." This is the latest escalation of tensions between the long-time enemies. Cuba claimed that U.S. Chief Mission Mike Hammer incited "Cubans to commit serious crimes, attack the constitution order, or encourage" them to act against authorities. His actions were a violation to the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations. The statement stated that "the immunity he enjoys in his capacity as a representative for his country, Cuba, cannot be used to cover acts which are contrary to the sovereignty and internal order of the nation to which he has been accredited." The U.S. State Department didn't immediately respond to an inquiry for comment. Hammer, a career diplomat from the United States who arrived in Cuba about six months ago, traveled widely around the island to meet political dissidents. This has raised the ire of Cuban authorities, who accuse him of trying to foment unrest. Cuba's decision to officially chastise Hammer is just days after a U.S. diplomatic said at a Miami press conference that the Trump Administration was preparing additional sanctions against the communist nation. Cubans are facing the worst economic crisis in decades. The Cuban government attributes this to the Cold War U.S. embargo and a complex web of restrictions which impedes financial transactions, tourism, trade and fuel imports. Cuba has repeatedly criticised Hammer for months, but it hasn't obstructed his travels around the island. (Reporting and editing by Alistair Bell; Dave Sherwood)
Slovakia rejects EU plans to phase out Russian Gas by 2027
Robert Fico, the Prime Minister of Slovakia, said that the Slovak government rejects the European Commission's plans to phase-out Russian gas and other imports.
The EU executive announced on Tuesday that it would introduce legal measures in the next month, to gradually phase out EU imports from Russia of gas and liquefied gas by 2027.
These plans include measures that target Russian uranium enriched for nuclear power, which would be equivalent to a tax on imports.
This move is part and parcel of the EU's commitment to ending its decades-old relations with Russia, its former largest gas supplier after its full-scale attack on Ukraine in February 2022.
Fico said that he admired efforts to reduce the EU's energy dependency on third-country sources, but that the Commission’s proposals would hurt the EU by raising prices and reducing its competitiveness.
Fico stated that it was "economic suicide" to stop using gas, nuclear energy, oil and all other forms of energy just because a new Iron Curtain between the West and Russia or perhaps other countries is being constructed.
He said that Slovakia would strive to change the legislative process.
The Commission will submit its legal proposals in June. These must be approved by the European Parliament, and the qualified majority of the member states. This means that one or two countries can't block the plans.
Slovakia has received Russian oil and gas supplies. It also argued with Ukraine about its decision to stop gas flowing from the east across its territory at the end last year.
Fico stated that there are questions about what would happen to Slovakia if it canceled its long term contract with Russian supplier Gazprom.
About 19% of Europe’s gas is still imported from Russia through the TurkStream pipeline, and via LNG shipments. This is down from 45% in 2022.
The Slovakian ministry reports that 10 of the 27 member states imported Russian gas in 2013.
Due to the opposition of Slovakia and Hungary who receive Russian pipeline supplies, and maintain close ties with Russia, the EU has imposed sanctions against most Russian oil imports.
(source: Reuters)