- Greenland’s center-right Demokraatit Party wins parliamentary elections, unseating the left-wing Inuit Ataqatigiit party and shifting the country’s political landscape. The election outcome impacts Greenland’s approach to independence from Denmark amid growing U.S. interest.
- The Demokraatit Party, led by Jens-Frederik Nielsen, more than tripled its seats, becoming the dominant party in parliament.
- The election raised questions about Greenland’s sovereignty, natural resources and geopolitical position, with implications for U.S., Danish and Arctic interests.
Full Story
Greenland’s political landscape shifted dramatically following parliamentary elections Tuesday, March 11. The center-right Demokraatit Party secured an unexpected victory.
Media Landscape
See how news outlets across the political spectrum are covering this story. Learn more
Left 33%
Center 50%
Right 18%
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The pro-business party, which supports a gradual approach to independence from Denmark, unseated the left-wing Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA) party, which had governed for years.
Point phone camera here
The election occurred amid growing calls for independence and renewed U.S. interest in Greenland. President Donald Trump reiterated his desire for the Arctic territory, stating last week that the U.S. would “get it one way or another.”
Trump’s comments, along with Washington’s broader Arctic strategy, have drawn international attention to Greenland’s political future.
What does the election outcome mean for Greenland?
The Demokraatit Party, led by Jens-Frederik Nielsen, more than tripled its seats, becoming the dominant party in Greenland’s 31-seat parliament, the Inatsisartut.
Naleraq, the most aggressively pro-independence party, also made significant gains, finishing second. IA lost nearly half its seats, dropping to third place.
No party won an outright majority, setting the stage for coalition negotiations.
The new government will shape Greenland’s approach to independence, a longstanding issue that has gained momentum due to tensions with Denmark and increased geopolitical interest in the region.
Why does the US care about Greenland?
Greenland, a self-governing region of Denmark, occupies a strategic position in the Arctic, controlling key air and sea routes in the North Atlantic. The island also holds vast reserves of rare earth minerals essential for renewable energy technologies and military applications.
Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in acquiring Greenland. His recent statement about the U.S. “getting it one way or another” has renewed speculation about Washington’s long-term goals for the region.
How does Denmark fit into this?
Denmark, which ruled Greenland as a colony until 1953, still controls its foreign and security policy.
While the Danish government recognizes Greenland’s right to self-determination, it has emphasized that any decision on independence must reflect the will of Greenland’s 57,000 residents.
The election comes amid rising criticism of Denmark’s historical treatment of Greenlanders, including past cases of forced contraception and family separations.
Many Greenlanders seek greater autonomy over natural resources and governance, fueling the independence movement.
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What happens next?
The incoming government will need to navigate complex international pressures while addressing domestic concerns, including healthcare, education and economic development.
The pace of independence remains a key debate, with Naleraq pushing for a swift break from Denmark while Demokraatit favors a measured transition.
The election results mark a turning point for Greenland, as the new leadership balances calls for sovereignty with the economic and geopolitical realities of the region.
With growing interest from the U.S. and shifting Arctic dynamics, Greenland’s next steps could have far-reaching consequences beyond its borders.
[karah rucker]
A POLITICAL SHAKE-UP IN GREENLAND AFTER ITS PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS — AS THE CENTER-RIGHT “PRO-BUSINESS” OPPOSITION PARTY WON ON TUESDAY.
ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS —
THE “DEMOKRAATIT PARTY” OVERTOOK THE RULING LEFT-WING “DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST” PARTY —
IN AN ELECTION CYCLE LARGELY DOMINATED BY DISCUSSIONS OVER PRESIDENT TRUMP’S RENEWED INTEREST IN GREENLAND —
AND CALLS FROM RESIDENTS FOR INDEPENDENCE FROM DENMARK.
THE WINNING PARTY ADVOCATED FOR “A SLOWER APPROACH TO GREENLAND’S INDEPENDENCE” —
WHILE THE PARTY THAT CAME IN SECOND — GREENLAND’S “INDEPENDENCE PARTY” — HAD CAMPAIGNED TO SEVER TIES WITH DENMARK MORE QUICKLY.
PRESIDENT TRUMP POSTED ON TRUTH SOCIAL THIS WEEK THE U.S. SUPPORTS GREENLAND’S RIGHT TO DETERMINE its OWN FUTURE —
WHILE STILL EXPRESSING INTEREST IN “WELCOMING GREENLAND” TO BECOME PART OF THE UNITED STATES.
Media Landscape
See how news outlets across the political spectrum are covering this story. Learn more
Left 33%
Center 50%
Right 18%
Bias Summary
Bias Comparison
Media outlets on the left
highlight the Demokraatit Party’s surprising victory amid Trump’s control ambitions, emphasizing a complex political landscape.
Media outlets on the right
present the election results while indicating distrust in Trump’s approach, emphasizing public engagement and ongoing independence discussions.
Report an issue with this comparison
Bias Distribution
183 other sources covering this story
Total News Sources
183
Leaning Left
33
Center
50
Leaning Right
18
Last Updated
3 weeks ago
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European Union hits back after US’ 25% tariffs take effect
Listen
With President Donald Trump’s increased tariffs now in effect, the European Union retaliates with its own tariffs. And U.S. and Ukrainian leaders agree on terms for a ceasefire with Russia. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Wednesday, March 12, 2025.
European Union hits back at US with 25% tariffs
The European Union increased taxes in response to President Donald Trump’s 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports, which took effect Wednesday, March 12.
And it’s not just steel and aluminum that will be impacted.
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The EU’s retaliatory tariffs extend to textiles, home appliances and agricultural products. Its countermeasures will impact about $28 billion worth of U.S. goods.
Meanwhile, Australia’s prime minister said that while the U.S. tariffs on Australian steel and aluminum are unjustified, his government will not retaliate with its own tariffs.
This all comes as Canada reverses its position on threats to implement a 25% price hike on electricity exports to Michigan, New York and Minnesota.
That reversal from Ontario’s premier, Doug Ford, came as Trump threatened to double tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum to 50% in response.
Ford will meet with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Thursday, March 13, to discuss a renewed trade agreement.
Markets remain reactive to the tariff turmoil, with the S&P 500 stock index reaching its lowest level since September 2024.
On Monday, March 10, the Nasdaq posted its worst day since 2022 after the president declined to rule out the possibility of a recession.
Trump was asked about a possible recession by reporters about this again on Tuesday, March 11.
“I don’t see it at all. I think this country is going to boom,” Trump said. “But as I said, I can do it the easy way or the hard way. The hard way to do it is exactly what I’m doing. But the results are going to be 20 times greater”
US lifts pause on Ukraine aid, intel sharing amid possible ceasefire
The U.S. will lift its suspension of military aid to Ukraine after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy agreed to a 30-day ceasefire in the war with Russia following talks with American officials in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, March 11.
The U.S. will also resume intelligence sharing with Ukraine, which the Trump administration paused as part of its effort to resolve the war.
Straight Arrow News reporter Lauren Taylor noted that while Ukraine has agreed to a ceasefire, attention now turns to Russia.
Trump announced that he will invite Zelenskyy back to the White House as part of the ceasefire deal, which includes an agreement for the U.S. and Ukraine to reach a “comprehensive agreement for developing Ukraine’s critical mineral resources.”
It comes less than two weeks after a tense exchange in the Oval Office between the two presidents.
They were supposed to sign a mineral agreement on Feb. 28, but it concluded with Zelenskyy escorted from the White House earlier than expected, without a deal being finalized.
Senate to vote on GOP bill, aim to prevent government shutdown
The U.S. Senate will vote on a bill Wednesday, March 12, to prevent the government from shutting down Friday, March 14, following the House’s narrow passage of a stopgap on Tuesday night, March 11.
The 217 to 213 vote saw only one GOP lawmaker oppose it — Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie.
Now, Senate Democrats are under pressure to decide whether to support a continuing resolution, which extends government funding at current levels.
Republicans control 53 Senate seats, and Kentucky Republican Sen. Rand Paul has confirmed he is firmly against the measure.
That means at least eight Democrats would have to support the bill to pass the Senate’s 60-vote threshold and reach Trump’s desk.
If the measure passes the House and the Senate, it would keep the government funded until at least September 2025.
Federal agency proposes ‘urgent’ changes after DC plane crash
Immediate changes are in the works for Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, D.C., after the NTSB released a report on the midair collision of an American Airlines passenger jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter that killed 67 people in January 2025.
While the NTSB’s report provided some insight into what may have contributed to January’s deadly crash, the exact cause has yet to be determined.
Straight Arrow News reporter Kalé Carey breaks down what’s changing here.
Greenland’s opposition party wins most votes in election
There was a political shake-up in Greenland after its parliamentary elections, which the center-right “Pro-business” opposition party won on Tuesday, March 11.
According to the results, the nation’s Demokraatit Party has surpassed the ruling left-wing Democratic Socialist Party in an election cycle largely dominated by discussions of Trump’s renewed interest in Greenland and calls from residents for independence from Denmark.
The winning party advocated for a “slower approach to Greenland’s independence.” Greenland’s “Independence Party,” which placed second, had campaigned for a quicker severance of ties with Denmark.
Trump posted on Truth Social this week that the U.S. supports Greenland’s right to determine its own future. He continued to express interest in “welcoming Greenland” to become part of the U.S.
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NCAA tournament: Teams earn automatic bids with conference upsets
Selection Sunday is just days away, meaning March Madness approaches.
It is Championship Week in men’s college basketball, and teams winning their conference championships are earning automatic bids to the NCAA tournament.
On Tuesday, March 11, four more teams punched their tickets. The total number of automatic bids has reached eleven.
Straight Arrow News sports reporter Chris Francis has more on the latest teams that have made it to the big dance here.
Tags: Basketball, Canada, ceasefire, China, College basketball, Government funding, Government funding bill, Government Shutdown, Greenland, House of Representatives, Mexico, plane crash, Russia, Russia-Ukraine War, Sports, Tariff, Tariffs, U.S. Senate, Ukraine, Washington DC
GOOD MORNING
I’M KARAH RUCKER.
IT’S WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 2025 AND THESE ARE YOUR UNBIASED UPDATES:
WITH PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP’S increased TARIFFS in effect, EUROPE is NOW HITTING BACK ON MORE THAN JUST STEEL AND ALUMINUM.
AND U-S AND UKRAINE LEADERS HAVE AGREED ON TERMS FOR A CEASEFIRE WITH RUSSIA… BUT THE DEAL REQUIRES ONE IMPORTANT STEP — THAT’S STILL NOT GUARANTEED.
THE EUROPEAN UNION IS RESPONDING TO PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP’S 25 PERCENT TARIFFS ON ALL STEEL AND ALUMINUM IMPORTS THAT JUST TOOK EFFECT TODAY…
WITH INCREASED TAXES OF ITS OWN.
AND IT’S NOT JUST STEEL AND ALUMINUM THAT WILL BE IMPACTED.
THE E-U’S RETALIATORY TARIFFS ALSO INCLUDE TEXTILES, HOME APPLIANCES AND AGRICULTURAL GOODS.
ALTOGETHER, THE E-U SAYS ITS COUNTERMEASURES WILL IMPACT ABOUT 28 BILLION DOLLARS WORTH OF U-S GOODS.
MEANWHILE, AUSTRALIA’S PRIME MINISTER SAYS THAT WHILE THE U-S’ TARIFFS ON AUSTRALIAN STEEL AND ALUMINUM ARE UNJUSTIFIED — HIS GOVERNMENT WILL NOT RETALIATE WITH ITS OWN TARIFFS.
THIS ALL COMES AS CANADA REVERSES COURSE ON THREATS TO IMPLEMENT A 25 PERCENT PRICE HIKE ON EXPORTS OF ELECTRICITY TO MICHIGAN, NEW YORK, AND MINNESOTA.
THAT REVERSAL FROM ONTARIO’S PREMIER DOUG FORD CAME AS PRESIDENT TRUMP THREATENED TO DOUBLE TARIFFS ON CANADIAN STEEL AND ALUMINUM TO 50 PERCENT IN RESPONSE.
FORD WILL BE MEETING WITH U-S COMMERCE SECRETARY HOWARD LUTNICK THURSDAY — TO DISCUSS A RENEWED TRADE AGREEMENT.
MARKETS ARE STILL REACTIVE TO THE TARIFF TURMOIL — WITH THE S&P 500 STOCK INDEX AT ITS LOWEST POINT SINCE SEPTEMBER OF LAST YEAR.
WE STARTED THE WEEK MONDAY WITH THE NASDAQ POSTING ITS WORST DAY SINCE 2022 AFTER THE PRESIDENT DECLINED TO RULE OUT THE POSSIBILITY OF A RECESSION.
TRUMP WAS ASKED BY REPORTERS ABOUT THIS AGAIN ON TUESDAY.
“Do you think there will be a recession?”
“I don’t see it at all. I think this country is going to boom. But as I said, I can do it the easy way or the hard way. The hard way to do it is exactly what I’m doing. But the results are going to be 20 times greater”
THE U-S IS LIFTING ITS SUSPENSION OF MILITARY AID TO UKRAINE — AFTER Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his COUNTRY AGREED TO A 30-DAY CEASEFIRE IN THE WAR WITH RUSSIA FOLLOWING TALKS with American officials IN SAUDI ARABIA TUESDAY.
THE U-S WILL ALSO RESUME INTELLIGENCE SHARING WITH UKRAINE, WHICH THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION PAUSED LAST WEEK AS PART OF ITS PUSH TO BROKER AN END TO THE WAR BETWEEN RUSSIA AND UKRAINE.
BUT — AS STRAIGHT ARROW NEWS REPORTER LAUREN TAYLOR EXPLAINS — WHILE UKRAINE HAS AGREED TO A CEASEFIRE…ATTENTION NOW TURNS TO RUSSIA.
PRESIDENT TRUMP SAID HE’LL BE INVITING ZELENSKYY BACK TO THE WHITE HOUSE AS PART OF THE CEASEFIRE DEAL, which INCLUDES AN AGREEMENT FOR THE U-S AND UKRAINE TO COME TO A “COMPREHENSIVE AGREEMENT FOR DEVELOPING UKRAINE’S CRITICAL MINERAL RESOURCES”.
IT COMES LESS THAN TWO WEEKS AFTER A TENSE OVAL OFFICE EXCHANGE BETWEEN THE TWO PRESIDENTS.
THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO SIGN A MINERAL AGREEMENT THAT DAY — BUT IT ENDED WITH ZELENSKYY LEAVING THE WHITE HOUSE EARLIER THAN EXPECTED WITH NO DEAL SIGNED.
THE U-S SENATE IS SET TO VOTE ON A BILL TO KEEP THE GOVERNMENT FROM SHUTTING DOWN COME FRIDAY… AFTER THE HOUSE JUST BARELY PASSED A STOPGAP TUESDAY NIGHT.
THE 217 TO 213 VOTE SAW JUST ONE G-O-P LAWMAKER VOTE AGAINST IT — KENTUCKY CONGRESSMAN THOMAS MASSIE OF KENTUCKY.
NOW, THE PRESSURE IS ON SENATE DEMOCRATS TO DECIDE WHETHER TO BACK THE MEASURE KNOWN AS A CONTINUING RESOLUTION — WHICH EXTENDS GOVERNMENT FUNDING AT CURRENT LEVELS.
REPUBLICANS CONTROL 53 SENATE SEATS AND KENTUCKY SENATOR RAND PAUL HAS MADE CLEAR HE’S FIRMLY AGAINST THE MEASURE.
THAT MEANS AT LEAST EIGHT DEMOCRATS WOULD HAVE TO SUPPORT THE BILL TO CROSS THE SENATE’S 60-VOTE THRESHOLD AND SEND IT TO PRESIDENT TRUMP’S DESK.
IF THE MEASURE PASSES BOTH THE HOUSE AND SENATE IT WOULD KEEP THE GOVERNMENT FUNDED UNTIL AT LEAST SEPTEMBER.
IMMEDIATE CHANGES ARE IN THE WORKS FOR REAGAN WASHINGTON NATIONAL AIRPORT IN WASHINGTON D-C AFTER THE N-T-S-B RELEASED A REPORT ON THE MIDAIR COLLISION OF AN AMERICAN AIRLINES PASSENGER JET AND A U-S ARMY BLACK HAWK HELICOPTER THAT KILLED 67 PEOPLE IN JANUARY.
STRAIGHT ARROW NEWS REPORTER KALÉ CAREY BREAKS DOWN WHAT’S CHANGING.
WHILE THE N-T-S-B’S REPORT DID GIVE US AN IDEA OF WHAT MIGHT HAVE PLAYED A FACTOR IN JANUARY’S DEADLY CRASH — THE EXACT CAUSE HAS NOT YET BEEN DETERMINED.
A POLITICAL SHAKE-UP IN GREENLAND AFTER ITS PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS, AS THE CENTER-RIGHT “PRO-BUSINESS” OPPOSITION PARTY WON ON TUESDAY.
ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS —
THE “DEMOKRATTIK PARTY” OVERTOOK THE RULING LEFT-WING “DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST” PARTY —
IN AN ELECTION CYCLE LARGELY DOMINATED BY DISCUSSIONS OVER PRESIDENT TRUMP’S RENEWED INTEREST IN GREENLAND —
AND CALLS FROM RESIDENTS FOR INDEPENDENCE FROM DENMARK.
THE WINNING PARTY ADVOCATED FOR “A SLOWER APPROACH TO GREENLAND’S INDEPENDENCE” —
WHILE THE PARTY THAT CAME IN SECOND — GREENLAND’S “INDEPENDENCE PARTY” — HAD CAMPAIGNED TO SEVER TIES WITH DENMARK MORE QUICKLY.
PRESIDENT TRUMP POSTED ON TRUTH SOCIAL THIS WEEK THE U.S. SUPPORTS GREENLAND’S RIGHT TO DETERMINE its OWN FUTURE —
WHILE STILL EXPRESSING INTEREST IN “WELCOMING GREENLAND” TO BECOME PART OF THE UNITED STATES.
FINALLY THIS MORNING — SELECTION SUNDAY IS JUST DAYS AWAY AND THAT MEANS MARCH MADNESS IS HEATING UP. HERE’S STRAIGHT ARROW NEWS SPORTS REPORTER CHRIS FRANCIS WITH THE LATEST TEAMS THAT HAVE EARNED THEIR WAY TO THE BIG DANCE.
CHRIS FRANCIS WILL HAVE MORE MARCH MADNESS UPDATES LATER TODAY ON SAN DOT COM.
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- Lockheed Martin introduced the CMMT, a low-cost cruise missile designed to be easily reproducible and affordable, especially for large-scale conflicts. It was developed alongside the Rapid Dragon program, which involves launching palletized cruise missiles from cargo planes.
- The CMMT is simpler than other advanced missiles like JASSM or LRASM, featuring a basic engine, basic warhead, and additive manufacturing to reduce production costs.
- The CMMT, combined with the Rapid Dragon delivery system, offers a cost-effective and versatile solution for the U.S. military, enhancing its capabilities in future conflicts.
Full Story
For this week’s weapon of the week, the crew visited with Lockheed Martin to discuss the company’s new low-cost cruise missile called the CMMT, or the Comet. Lockheed’s vice president of strategy and requirements, air weapons and sensors, Mike Rothstein, met with the team to discuss this innovative missile.
What is the CMMT?
The CMMT was introduced around the same time as Rapid Dragon, a program involving palletized cruise missiles launched from the back of a cargo plane.
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The following is an excerpt of Weapons and Warfare Host Ryan Robertson’s conversation with Rothstein. It has been edited for length and clarity.
Ryan Robertson: How did CMMT come about, with Rapid Dragon around that same time?
Mike Rothstein: Yeah, that’s a great question. We understand that the U.S. Air Force and the Department of Defense need not only the exquisite weapons we are known for but also more affordable options. These need to be easier to develop and produce, especially for large-scale conflicts. The combination of CMMT, designed to be lower cost and easily producible, with Rapid Dragon’s delivery system from cargo aircraft, creates a powerful deterrent.
Robertson: How was Lockheed Martin able to produce something at a lower price point?
Rothstein: Well, you know, keep in mind they’re different missiles. CMMT isn’t designed to do everything that a JASSM or a LRASM does. It doesn’t have the same exquisite sensors, large warhead, or advanced survivability techniques. We’ve made it very simple, using a basic engine, basic warhead, and additive manufacturing to reduce production costs. We’re focusing on manufacturing efficiency to create a weapon that is good enough for many operational needs.
Robertson: What kind of target sets are we imaging for the CMMT?
Rothstein: I think it will be a range of target sets. In tomorrow’s war, targets won’t stay still. Our baseline capability is to hit moving or movable targets. It may be sea-based or land-based. While it won’t have a huge warhead for the biggest, hardest targets, it will be able to hit a variety of targets effectively.
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Conclusion
The CMMT represents a significant advancement in cruise missile technology, offering a cost-effective solution for the U.S. military. Its simplicity and ease of production make it a valuable addition to the arsenal, especially when combined with the Rapid Dragon delivery system. As the U.S. continues to innovate in defense technology, the CMMT stands out as a versatile and affordable option for future conflicts.
Access the full Weapons and Warfare episode here.
Access all Weapons and Warfare podcast episodes here.
[RYAN ROBERTSON]
ALL RIGHT, FOLKS, FOR OUR WEAPON OF THE WEEK, WHERE YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT LOCKHEED MARTIN’S NEW LOW COST CRUISE MISSILE CALLED THE COMET. AND WITH ME NOW IS MIKE ROTHSTEIN WITH LOCKHEED MARTIN TO TALK TO ME ABOUT THIS BAD BOY. THIS CAME OUT AROUND THE SAME TIME AS RAPID DRAGON. THAT’S THE PROGRAM OF PALLETIZED CRUISE MISSILES AT THE BACK OF A CARGO PLANE. HOW DID COMET COME ABOUT WITH RAPID DRAGON AROUND THAT SAME TIME?
[MICHAEL ROTHSTEIN, VP STRATEGY & REQUIREMENTS, AIR WEAPONS & SENSORS LOCKHEED MARTIN]
“Yeah, that’s a great question. So we understand that the US Air Force, our US Department of Defense, has a need to not only have the exquisite weapons that we make that are so well known and do a great job, but also to be able to come in at a place that’s more affordable, that’s easier to develop and produce and go after a lot of targets if we get into a serious fighting war. And so the combination of comet, which is really designed to be lower cost, more easily producible, more easily scaled in production, as well as be modular and updated along the way, you put that together with rapid Dragon, where you’re now delivering out of a cargo aircraft. And those two things become a really powerful deterrent.”
[RYAN ROBERTSON]
YOU BET. AND ONE OF THE THINGS THAT COMET DOES FOR THEIR FOR THE US DOD, IS LOWER THEIR PRICE POINT TO GET ONE OF THESE, RIGHT? HOW? HOW WAS LOCKHEED MARTIN ABLE TO DO THAT TO PRODUCE SOMETHING THAT’S WITH THAT LOWER PRICE POINT?
[MICHAEL ROTHSTEIN, VP STRATEGY & REQUIREMENTS, AIR WEAPONS & SENSORS LOCKHEED MARTIN]
“Well, you know, keep in mind it’s they’re different missiles, right? It’s not going to do everything that a jasmine or a Loram does. It’s designed to be right. So it’s not going to have some of the exquisite sensors that we have in this. It’s not going to have as big a warhead and some of the survivability techniques that we use. So we’ve made this very, very simple, right? So you’re taking basic engine, basic warhead, a basic additive manufacturing which can reduce some of your production costs. And you’re getting really down to the basics, and you’re focusing on, how do I start from manufacturing? Is the going in premise and get a weapon that is good, but good enough, as opposed to exquisite, as opposed to, how do I solve the hardest operational problems there are.”
[RYAN ROBERTSON]
YOU BET, YOU BET. AND WHAT KIND OF TARGET SETS ARE WE IMAGINING FOR THE COMET?
[MICHAEL ROTHSTEIN, VP STRATEGY & REQUIREMENTS, AIR WEAPONS & SENSORS LOCKHEED MARTIN]
“I think it will be a range of target sets. You know, we certainly understand that in tomorrow’s war, the idea that targets are going to stay still and allowed to be shot is probably not going to happen. So we’re really focused on as a baseline capability is the ability to hit a moving target, or movable target, and from that, I think it can expand. It may be sea based, it may be land based, right? And it’s not going to have a huge warhead, so it’s not going to go after your biggest, hardest targets, but it’ll be able to hit a variety of things through there, absolutely.”
[RYAN ROBERTSON]
MIKE, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR JOINING US TODAY. REALLY APPRECIATE IT.
[MICHAEL ROTHSTEIN, VP STRATEGY & REQUIREMENTS, AIR WEAPONS & SENSORS LOCKHEED MARTIN]
“You bet my pleasure. Thanks.”
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- This year’s Air Force Association Warfare Symposium saw reduced participation from policymakers, defense contractors and members of the armed forces. Uncertainty and uneasiness over the future may be a contributing factor.
- With Troy Meink nominated as the new secretary of the Air Force and awaiting Senate confirmation, efforts to adapt to current threats are on hold.
- The Space Force is seeking to expand its abilities, introducing two new initiatives during the meeting.
Full Story
The atmosphere at this year’s Air Force Association (AFA) Warfare Symposium mirrored how many are feeling at the current moment in time. In a significant shift from 13 months ago, participation from policymakers, defense contractors and Air and Space Force leadership was noticeably reduced. Current events have left many attendees feeling uneasy and uncertain about the future.
Gens. David Allvin and Chance Saltzman, who publicly expressed confidence in their mission and the direction they want their airmen and guardians to take, kicked off this year’s event with messages about staying the course and doing whatever it takes.
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A new administration presents new challenges and opportunities
A little more than a year ago, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin addressed a packed house at the AFA’s annual Warfare Symposium in Aurora, Colorado. Fast forward 13 months, and one presidential election, and the room was half-full, signaling that Air Force leadership is closely monitoring developments from the White House.
Despite the smaller crowd, General Allvin acknowledged the presence of a new commander-in-chief and the tough decisions about the Air Force’s future that will fall on President Donald Trump’s desk. Allvin aims to ensure that Trump’s decisions are well-informed.
“I think we need more options for the president, and that’s what air power provides — more options for the president, everything from rapid response all the way to decisive victory,” Allvin said. “That is what air power anytime, anywhere, means. It’s not just an aspiration. It’s a promise that we have to hold.”
What is the status of the Air Force?
Allvin said he believes the nation’s security depends on reshaping the Air Force to address emerging threats, although the path to achieving such a goal is still taking shape. With Troy Meink nominated as the new secretary of the Air Force and awaiting Senate confirmation, efforts to adapt to current threats are on hold.
Despite this, Allvin emphazised the importance of reviewing past actions and future plans to align with the secretary of defense’s priorities. He also said he hopes that proposed changes, especially those improving lethality and capabilities, will be embraced.
“So I’m confident, and I actually look forward to when we get a confirmed secretary and undersecretary, because I have a hunch that when they see some of these things we’re doing, we’re going to be told to go faster,” Allvin said.
What is the Space Force doing to maintain superiority?
On the first day of the symposium, U.S. Space Force Chief of Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman outlined the Space Force’s priorities for ensuring space superiority. He stressed that the job is to control the space domain while denying it to adversaries.
“Doing so under stressing conditions of crisis and conflict requires a purpose-built organization tailor-made with the institutions, the equipment, the tactics, the training, the warrior ethos required to use military force to control the space domain. In other words, it requires a Space Force,” Saltzman said.
Is space really that disconnected from what happens on Earth?
Saltzman reminded attendees that the U.S. economy, infrastructure, banking and communication all rely on space. He believes the U.S. and its allies must be confident they can operate successfully in an increasingly crowded and adversarial space environment. He stated that the Space Force should be seen as a warfighting domain, not just a support function.
“We must think of space as a warfighting domain, rather than just a collection of support activities,” Saltzman said. “The Space Force must organize, train, equip and conduct warfighting operations as an integral part of the joint and combined force. For this reason, guardians are the warfighters with the unique education, training and experience required to achieve space superiority.”
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New space force initiatives
Saltzman also announced two new initiatives during this year’s AFA Warfare Symposium. First, he announced a new officer training course, which will be a 12-month program designed to give new officers a solid foundation in all aspects of space power. He also announced the creation of “Space Futures Command,” which will maintain the U.S.’s technical advantage by envisioning and planning for the future force needed to win wars in space.
Access the full Weapons and Warfare episode here.
Access all Weapons and Warfare podcast episodes here.
[Ryan Robertson]
THE VIBE OF THIS YEAR’S AFA WARFARE SYMPOSIUM REFLECTED THIS CURRENT MOMENT IN TIME. IN A MARKED SHIFT FROM 13 MONTHS AGO, THE LEVEL OF REDUCED PARTICIPATION FROM POLICY MAKERS AND DEFENSE CONTRACTORS, AS WELL AS AIR AND SPACE FORCE LEADERSHIP, WAS NOTICEABLY DOWN. CURRENT EVENTS HAVE LEFT MANY OF THE PEOPLE WE SPOKE WITH FEELING UNEASY AND UNSURE OF WHAT’S AHEAD.
FOR GENERALS DAVID ALLVIN AND CHANCE SALTZMAN, TWO MEN WHO, AT LEAST PUBLICALLY, ARE SURE OF THE MISSION AHEAD, AND THE DIRECTION THEY WANT THEIR AIRMEN AND GUARDIANS POINTED IN, KICKED-OFF THIS YEAR’S EVENT WITH MESSAGES ABOUT STAYING THE COURSE AND DOING WHATEVER IT TAKES.
AND THAT’S THE SUBJECT OF THIS WEEK’S DEBRIEF.
A LITTLE MORE THAN A YEAR AGO AIR FORCE CHIEF OF STAFF, GENERAL DAVID ALLVIN, SPOKE TO A JAM PACKED HOUSE AT THE AFA’S ANNUAL WARFARE SYMPOSIUM IN AUROA, COLORADO. FAST FORWARD 13 MONTHS AND ONE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION LATER, AND THE ROOM WAS HALF-FULL. AN OBVIOUS SIGNAL THAT AIR FORCE LEADERSHIP IS DIALED IN ON WHAT’S COMING OUT OF THE WHITE HOUSE.
CROWD-SIZE ASIDE, GENERAL ALLVIN, IS VERY AWARE THERE IS A NEW COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, AND HE ACKNOWLEDGES, SOME VERY TOUGH DECISIONS ABOUT THE FUTURE OF THE AIR FORCE WILL BE FALLING ON THE DESK OF PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP. FOR HIS PART ALLVIN WANTS TO MAKE TRUMP’S DECISION IS AN INFORMED ONE.
[Gen. David Allvin, Chief of Staff, USAF]
“I think we need more options for the President, and that’s what air power provides more options for the President, everything from rapid response all the way to decisive victory. That is. What air power anytime, anywhere means it’s not just an aspiration. It’s a promise that we have to hold.”
[Ryan Robertson]
ALLVIN BELIEVES THE NATION’S SECURITY DEPENDS ON RESHAPING THE AIR FORCE TO ADDRESS EMERGING THREATS, ALTHOUGH THE PATH TO ACHIEVING THIS IS STILL TAKING SHAPE.
AT THE SAME TIME, WITH TROY MEINK NOMINATED AS THE NEW SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE AND AWAITING SENATE CONFIRMATION, EFFORTS TO ADAPT TO CURRENT THREATS ARE ON HOLD. DESPITE THAT, ALLVIN EMPHASIZES THE IMPORTANCE OF REVIEWING PAST ACTIONS AND FUTURE PLANS TO ALIGN WITH THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE’S PRIORITIES AND HOPES THAT PROPOSED CHANGES, ESPECIALLY THOSE IMPROVING LETHALITY AND CAPABILITIES, WILL BE EMBRACED.
[Gen. David Allvin, Chief of Staff, USAF]
“So I’m confident, and I actually look forward to when we get a confirmed Secretary and Under Secretary, because I have a hunch that when they see some of these things we’re doing, we’re going to be told to go faster. ”
[Ryan Robertson]
THE OTHER HALF OF THE BILL ON DAY ONE OF THE SYMPOSIUM FEATURED, U.S. SPACE FORCE CHIEF OF OPERATIONS GENERAL CHANCE SALTZMAN, WHO OUTLINED THE SPACE FORCE’S PRIORITIES FOR ENSURING SPACE SUPERIORITY. HE STRESSED THAT THE JOB IS TO CONTROL THE SPACE DOMAIN WHILE DENYING IT TO ADVERSARIES.
[Gen. Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations, USSF]
“Doing so under stressing conditions of crisis and conflict, requires a purpose built organization tailor made with the institutions, the equipment, the tactics, the training, the warrior ethos required to use military force to control the space domain. In other words, it requires a Space Force.”
[Ryan Robertson]
SALTZMAN ALSO REMINDED ATTENDEES THE U.S. ECONOMY, INFRASTRUCTURE, BANKING, AND COMMUNICATION ALL RELY ON SPACE, AND HE BELIEVES THE U.S. AND ITS ALLIES MUST BE CONFIDENT THEY CAN OPERATE SUCCESSFULLY IN AN INCREASINGLY CROWDED AND ADVERSARIAL SPACE ENVIRONMENT. STATING THE SPACE FORCE SHOULD BE SEEN AS A WARFIGHTING DOMAIN, NOT JUST A SUPPORT FUNCTION.
[Gen. Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations, USSF]
“We must think of space as a war fighting domain, rather than just a collection of support activities that the Space Force must organize, train, equip and conduct war fighting operations as an integral part of the joint and combined force, and for this reason, guardians are the war fighters with the unique education, training and experience required to achieve space superiority.”
[Ryan Robertson]
GENERAL SALTZMAN ALSO USED THE OPPORTUNITY TO ANNOUNCE TWO NEW INITIATIVES. FIRST, A NEW OFFICER TRAINING COURSE, IT WILL BE A 12-MONTH PROGRAM DESIGNED TO GIVE NEW OFFICERS A SOLID FOUNDATION IN ALL ASPECTS OF SPACEPOWER. HE ALSO ANNOUNCED THE CREATION OF SPACE FUTURES COMMAND, WHICH WILL MAINTAIN THE U.S.’S TECHNICAL ADVANTAGE BY ENVISIONING AND PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE FORCE NEEDED TO WIN WARS IN SPACE.
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This week on Weapons and Warfare, host Ryan Robertson took a trip inside the 2025 AFA Warfare Symposium in Aurora, Colorado. Join him as he explores cutting-edge military technologies, groundbreaking strategies and the future of defense.
With interviews from top military leaders and industry experts, the team delves into the innovations shaping modern warfare. Don’t miss this in-depth look at how the Air and Space Forces are preparing for the challenges of tomorrow.
Point phone camera here
Also featured in this episode:
- The new defense secretary calls for pause on Russian cyber efforts.
- KC-46 tanker deliveries put on hold.
- The Army changes patching practices.
- Weapon of the Week: Take a look at Lockheed Martin’s newly announced CMMT missile. With enhanced precision and versatility, the CMMT also touts a cost-friendly price tag.
You can subscribe to the Weapons & Warfare podcast on the platform of your choosing here.
Tags: Air and Space Force, Air Force, Military Defense, U.S. Air Force, U.S. military, U.S. Space Force
[RYAN ROBERTSON]
HELLO AND WELCOME TO WEAPONS AND WARFARE. FOR STRAIGHT ARROW NEWS I’M YOUR HOST RYAN ROBERTSON. AND AS YOU CAN TELL WE ARE ON THE ROAD, COMING TO YOU FROM THE AIR AND SPACE FORCE’S ANNUAL WARFARE SYMPOSIUM IN AURORA COLORADO.
OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS WE’LL BE BRINGING YOU STORIES ABOUT THE CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY AND STRATEGIC INNOVATION ON DISPLAY HERE, AS WELL AS HEARING FROM AIR AND SPACE FORCE LEADERSHIP AS THEY FACE THE CHALLENGES OF MODERNIZATION AND A NEW PRESIDENTIAL ADMINISTRATION.
JUST AHEAD ON THIS EPISODE, WE HEAR FROM GENERALS ALLVIN AND SALTZMAN THE CHIEFS OF STAFF FOR THE AIR AND SPACE FORCES RESPECTIVELY, AS THEY WORK TO SET THEIR BRANCHES ON A COURSE FOR SUCCESS IN THE GREAT POWER COMPETITION.
AND IN OUR WEAPON OF THE WEEK, LOCKHEED MARTIN UNVEILS A NEW CRUISE MISSILE DESIGNED TO STRENGTHEN U.S. DEFENSES IN THE PACIFIC. WE GET THE 4-1-1 ON THE C-M-M-T.
BUT FIRST, SOME HEADLINES YOU MAY HAVE MISSED.
IN WHAT CAN BEST BE CALLED A SURPRISING MOVE, DEFENSE SECRETARY PETE HEGSETH TOLD U.S. CYBER COMMAND LEADERSHIP TO PAUSE ALL PLANNING AGAINST RUSSIA, INCLUDING ANY OFFENSIVE DIGITAL ACTIONS. WHILE THE FULL DETAILS OF HEGSETH’S ORDER ARE STILL A BIT HAZY, IT’S ANOTHER SIGNAL OF A SHIFT IN THE WHITE HOUSE’S APPROACH TO RUSSIA, LIKELY AIMED AT NORMALIZING RELATIONS AFTER THE U.S. AND ITS ALLIES HAD LARGELY ISOLATED THE KREMLIN FOLLOWING ITS 2022 INVASION OF UKRAINE. THE DURATION OF HEGSETH’S ORDER IS STILL UNCLEAR, WHAT IS KNOWN IS THAT CYBER COMMAND IS WORKING ON A “RISK ASSESSMENT” FOR HEGSETH, WHICH WILL OUTLINE HOW HIS ORDER IMPACTS ONGOING ACTIONS AND WHAT POTENTIAL THREATS FROM RUSSIA STILL EXIST.
ANOTHER BUMP IN THE ROAD FOR BOEING AFTER THE AIR FORCE PUT A PAUSE ON DELIVERIES OF THE KC-46 TANKER. THAT’S AFTER CRACKS WERE DISCOVERED IN TWO PLANES THAT WERE SET TO BE HANDED OVER.
THE PAUSE, FIRST REPORTED BY THE WAR ZONE, WAS ORDERED IN LATE FEBRUARY FROM THE KC-46A PROGRAM OFFICE, WHICH NOTED THAT THE CRACKS WERE FOUND IN THE “OUTBOARD FIXED-TRAILING-EDGE SUPPORT STRUCTURE” OF THE AIRCRAFT. BOEING, ALONG WITH THE PROGRAM OFFICE AND AIR MOBILITY COMMAND, IS WORKING TO QUICKLY FIGURE OUT WHAT CAUSED THE ISSUE AS WELL AS FIND SHORT AND LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS. THE AIR FORCE AND BOEING HAVE KNOWN SINCE 2018 THAT THE KC-46, WHICH IS BASED ON THE COMMERCIAL 767, COULD POTENTIALLY DEVELOP CRACKS IN THE AILERON HINGES OVER TIME. HOWEVER, FINDING CRACKS ON BRAND-NEW PLANES WAS A SURPRISE, LEADING TO THE DECISION TO HALT THE DELIVERIES.
FINALLY, A NEW ORDER IN THE ARMY THAT’S SHAKING THINGS UP A BIT. NOW, SOLDIERS WILL BE WEARING THE INSIGNIA PATCH OF THEIR GARRISON COMMANDER OR THEIR HOME BASE INSTEAD OF THEIR UNIT PATCHES. TO MARK THE CHANGE, UNITS ACROSS THE ARMY ARE HOLDING “PATCHING CEREMONIES.”
[MG CURTIS TAYLOR, COMMANDING GENERAL 1ST AD, FORT BLISS]
“It’s in many ways, coming full circle. The garrisons that supported our soldiers in Europe for 40 years all wore the first Armored Division patch, and it’s great to see us returning to that historical tradition.”
[COL BRENDAN GALLAGHER, COMMANDER, FORT BLISS GARRISON]
“It’s exciting. It is very honorable occasion to be now part of this storied patch, this storied division with this tremendous history, going back through World War Two.”
[RYAN ROBERTSON]
THE CHANGE COMES FROM A DIRECTIVE GIVEN IN JANUARY, WHICH SHIFTS THE COMMAND STRUCTURE FOR THE GARRISON AND HEADQUARTERS STAFF THAT HANDLE THE DAY-TO-DAY FUNCTIONS OF ARMY BASES. PREVIOUSLY, THESE STAFF MEMBERS REPORTED TO ARMY MATERIEL COMMAND, BUT NOW THEY’LL ANSWER DIRECTLY TO THEIR BASE COMMANDER OR THE LEADER OF THE BIGGEST UNIT ON BASE FOR TACTICAL DECISIONS.
[RYAN ROBERTSON]
THE VIBE OF THIS YEAR’S AFA WARFARE SYMPOSIUM REFLECTED THIS CURRENT MOMENT IN TIME. IN A MARKED SHIFT FROM 13 MONTHS AGO, THE LEVEL OF REDUCED PARTICIPATION FROM POLICY MAKERS AND DEFENSE CONTRACTORS, AS WELL AS AIR AND SPACE FORCE LEADERSHIP, WAS NOTICEABLY DOWN. CURRENT EVENTS HAVE LEFT MANY OF THE PEOPLE WE SPOKE WITH FEELING UNEASY AND UNSURE OF WHAT’S AHEAD.
FOR GENERALS DAVID ALLVIN AND CHANCE SALTZMAN, TWO MEN WHO, AT LEAST PUBLICALLY, ARE SURE OF THE MISSION AHEAD, AND THE DIRECTION THEY WANT THEIR AIRMEN AND GUARDIANS POINTED IN, KICKED-OFF THIS YEAR’S EVENT WITH MESSAGES ABOUT STAYING THE COURSE AND DOING WHATEVER IT TAKES.
AND THAT’S THE SUBJECT OF THIS WEEK’S DEBRIEF.
A LITTLE MORE THAN A YEAR AGO AIR FORCE CHIEF OF STAFF, GENERAL DAVID ALLVIN, SPOKE TO A JAM PACKED HOUSE AT THE AFA’S ANNUAL WARFARE SYMPOSIUM IN AUROA, COLORADO. FAST FORWARD 13 MONTHS AND ONE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION LATER, AND THE ROOM WAS HALF-FULL. AN OBVIOUS SIGNAL THAT AIR FORCE LEADERSHIP IS DIALED IN ON WHAT’S COMING OUT OF THE WHITE HOUSE.
CROWD-SIZE ASIDE, GENERAL ALLVIN, IS VERY AWARE THERE IS A NEW COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, AND HE ACKNOWLEDGES, SOME VERY TOUGH DECISIONS ABOUT THE FUTURE OF THE AIR FORCE WILL BE FALLING ON THE DESK OF PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP. FOR HIS PART ALLVIN WANTS TO MAKE TRUMP’S DECISION IS AN INFORMED ONE.
[GEN. DAVID ALLVIN, CHIEF OF STAFF, USAF]
“I think we need more options for the President, and that’s what air power provides more options for the President, everything from rapid response all the way to decisive victory. That is. What air power anytime, anywhere means it’s not just an aspiration. It’s a promise that we have to hold.”
[RYAN ROBERTSON]
ALLVIN BELIEVES THE NATION’S SECURITY DEPENDS ON RESHAPING THE AIR FORCE TO ADDRESS EMERGING THREATS, ALTHOUGH THE PATH TO ACHIEVING THIS IS STILL TAKING SHAPE. AT THE SAME TIME, WITH TROY MEINK NOMINATED AS THE NEW SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE AND AWAITING SENATE CONFIRMATION, EFFORTS TO ADAPT TO CURRENT THREATS ARE ON HOLD. DESPITE THAT, ALLVIN EMPHASIZES THE IMPORTANCE OF REVIEWING PAST ACTIONS AND FUTURE PLANS TO ALIGN WITH THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE’S PRIORITIES AND HOPES THAT PROPOSED CHANGES, ESPECIALLY THOSE IMPROVING LETHALITY AND CAPABILITIES, WILL BE EMBRACED.
[GEN. DAVID ALLVIN, CHIEF OF STAFF, USAF]
“So I’m confident, and I actually look forward to when we get a confirmed Secretary and Under Secretary, because I have a hunch that when they see some of these things we’re doing, we’re going to be told to go faster.”
[RYAN ROBERTSON]
THE OTHER HALF OF THE BILL ON DAY ONE OF THE SYMPOSIUM FEATURED, U.S. SPACE FORCE CHIEF OF OPERATIONS GENERAL CHANCE SALTZMAN, WHO OUTLINED THE SPACE FORCE’S PRIORITIES FOR ENSURING SPACE SUPERIORITY. HE STRESSED THAT THE JOB IS TO CONTROL THE SPACE DOMAIN WHILE DENYING IT TO ADVERSARIES.
[GEN. CHANCE SALTZMAN, CHIEF OF SPACE OPERATIONS, USSF]
“Doing so under stressing conditions of crisis and conflict, requires a purpose built organization tailor made with the institutions, the equipment, the tactics, the training, the warrior ethos required to use military force to control the space domain. In other words, it requires a Space Force.”
[RYAN ROBERTSON]
SALTZMAN ALSO REMINDED ATTENDEES THE U.S. ECONOMY, INFRASTRUCTURE, BANKING, AND COMMUNICATION ALL RELY ON SPACE, AND HE BELIEVES THE U.S. AND ITS ALLIES MUST BE CONFIDENT THEY CAN OPERATE SUCCESSFULLY IN AN INCREASINGLY CROWDED AND ADVERSARIAL SPACE ENVIRONMENT. STATING THE SPACE FORCE SHOULD BE SEEN AS A WARFIGHTING DOMAIN, NOT JUST A SUPPORT FUNCTION.
[GEN. CHANCE SALTZMAN, CHIEF OF SPACE OPERATIONS, USSF]
“We must think of space as a war fighting domain, rather than just a collection of support activities that the Space Force must organize, train, equip and conduct war fighting operations as an integral part of the joint and combined force, and for this reason, guardians are the war fighters with the unique education, training and experience required to achieve space superiority.”
[RYAN ROBERTSON]
GENERAL SALTZMAN ALSO USED THE OPPORTUNITY TO ANNOUNCE TWO NEW INITIATIVES. FIRST, A NEW OFFICER TRAINING COURSE, IT WILL BE A 12-MONTH PROGRAM DESIGNED TO GIVE NEW OFFICERS A SOLID FOUNDATION IN ALL ASPECTS OF SPACEPOWER. HE ALSO ANNOUNCED THE CREATION OF SPACE FUTURES COMMAND, WHICH WILL MAINTAIN THE U.S.’S TECHNICAL ADVANTAGE BY ENVISIONING AND PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE FORCE NEEDED TO WIN WARS IN SPACE.
[RYAN ROBERTSON]
ALL RIGHT, FOLKS, FOR OUR WEAPON OF THE WEEK, WHERE YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT LOCKHEED MARTIN’S NEW LOW COST CRUISE MISSILE CALLED THE COMET. AND WITH ME NOW IS MIKE ROTHSTEIN WITH LOCKHEED MARTIN TO TALK TO ME ABOUT THIS BAD BOY. THIS CAME OUT AROUND THE SAME TIME AS RAPID DRAGON. THAT’S THE PROGRAM OF PALLETIZED CRUISE MISSILES AT THE BACK OF A CARGO PLANE. HOW DID COMET COME ABOUT WITH RAPID DRAGON AROUND THAT SAME TIME?
[MICHAEL ROTHSTEIN, VP STRATEGY & REQUIREMENTS, AIR WEAPONS & SENSORS LOCKHEED MARTIN]
“Yeah, that’s a great question. So we understand that the US Air Force, our US Department of Defense, has a need to not only have the exquisite weapons that we make that are so well known and do a great job, but also to be able to come in at a place that’s more affordable, that’s easier to develop and produce and go after a lot of targets if we get into a serious fighting war. And so the combination of comet, which is really designed to be lower cost, more easily producible, more easily scaled in production, as well as be modular and updated along the way, you put that together with rapid Dragon, where you’re now delivering out of a cargo aircraft. And those two things become a really powerful deterrent.”
[RYAN ROBERTSON]
YOU BET. AND ONE OF THE THINGS THAT COMET DOES FOR THEIR FOR THE US DOD, IS LOWER THEIR PRICE POINT TO GET ONE OF THESE, RIGHT? HOW? HOW WAS LOCKHEED MARTIN ABLE TO DO THAT TO PRODUCE SOMETHING THAT’S WITH THAT LOWER PRICE POINT?
[MICHAEL ROTHSTEIN, VP STRATEGY & REQUIREMENTS, AIR WEAPONS & SENSORS LOCKHEED MARTIN]
“Well, you know, keep in mind it’s they’re different missiles, right? It’s not going to do everything that a jasmine or a Loram does. It’s designed to be right. So it’s not going to have some of the exquisite sensors that we have in this. It’s not going to have as big a warhead and some of the survivability techniques that we use. So we’ve made this very, very simple, right? So you’re taking basic engine, basic warhead, a basic additive manufacturing which can reduce some of your production costs. And you’re getting really down to the basics, and you’re focusing on, how do I start from manufacturing? Is the going in premise and get a weapon that is good, but good enough, as opposed to exquisite, as opposed to, how do I solve the hardest operational problems there are.”
[RYAN ROBERTSON]
YOU BET, YOU BET. AND WHAT KIND OF TARGET SETS ARE WE IMAGINING FOR THE COMET?
[MICHAEL ROTHSTEIN, VP STRATEGY & REQUIREMENTS, AIR WEAPONS & SENSORS LOCKHEED MARTIN]
“I think it will be a range of target sets. You know, we certainly understand that in tomorrow’s war, the idea that targets are going to stay still and allowed to be shot is probably not going to happen. So we’re really focused on as a baseline capability is the ability to hit a moving target, or movable target, and from that, I think it can expand. It may be sea based, it may be land based, right? And it’s not going to have a huge warhead, so it’s not going to go after your biggest, hardest targets, but it’ll be able to hit a variety of things through there, absolutely.”
[RYAN ROBERTSON]
MIKE, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR JOINING US TODAY. REALLY APPRECIATE IT.
[MICHAEL ROTHSTEIN, VP STRATEGY & REQUIREMENTS, AIR WEAPONS & SENSORS LOCKHEED MARTIN]
“You bet my pleasure. Thanks.”
[RYAN ROBERTSON]
FOLKS FOR COM CHECK THIS WEEK WE HAVE AN UPDATE WITH THE VP OF STRATEGY, WITH SHIELD. AI HEATH. NAOMI, DID I SAY THAT? RIGHT? HEATH, YOU DID, ALL RIGHT. PERFECT HEATH. WE’RE TALKING TODAY ABOUT THE VBAT DRONE. THIS IS AN UPDATE FOR OUR AUDIENCE. WE TALKED ABOUT THIS COUPLE YEARS AGO, BUT THERE’S SOME UPDATES TO THE VBAT. KIND OF WALK ME THROUGH WHAT’S WHAT’S CHANGED, WHAT’S NEW?
[HEATH NIEMI, VP OF GROWTH, SHIELD AI]
“Sure, the new, revised VBAT is a different sort of propulsion system. You can now fly using JP five heavy fuel, which is a big requirement, especially for the maritime forces. We also have a new landing gear set up for unassisted launch and recovery. We have Additionally, we have more fuel in this particular V bat. So we’re getting 12 plus hours of endurance, getting which is, which is really critical for ISR missions, especially for strategic targeting. And that’s one of the niches that the V bat is, is filling the gaps, especially overseas.”
[RYAN ROBERTSON]
WHEN WE TALK ABOUT THAT DIFFERENT FUEL, THAT’S ALSO A SAFETY COMPONENT AS WELL ON SOME OF THESE SHIPS, RIGHT?
[HEATH NIEMI, VP OF GROWTH, SHIELD AI]
“Correct. That is a navy requirement for JP five on board the ships.”
[RYAN ROBERTSON]
AND OBVIOUSLY, OTHER COUNTRIES OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES HAVE V BATS. THEY’RE FLYING IN UKRAINE RIGHT NOW. JAPAN JUST BOUGHT SOME. WHAT DOES THAT SAY ABOUT THE V BATS ABILITY TO FLY IN CONTESTED ENVIRONMENTS THAT IT’S STILL BEING USED IN UKRAINE.
[HEATH NIEMI, VP OF GROWTH, SHIELD AI]
“Sure. It’s filling a gap right now in Ukraine for the contested environment, for ISR targeting and battle damage assessment, which is crucial. Other countries are noticing this fact, because this is kind of the wave of the future. Additionally, there’s other countries are very, very trusting in the V bats technology to launch and recover unassisted, to to meet their nation’s different strategic goals.”
[RYAN ROBERTSON]
AND LAST QUESTION I HAD FOR YOU THE HIVE MIND, THE BRAINS OF THE OPERATION. THAT’S SOMETHING THAT CAN BE TAKEN OUT OF THE V BAT AND PUT IN OTHER OTHER DEVICES.
[HEATH NIEMI, VP OF GROWTH, SHIELD AI]
“Correct, correct. Shield. AI is an AI company in hive mind. We are providing hive mind to other airframes and other providers as well.”
[RYAN ROBERTSON]
HEATH. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR JOINING US TODAY.
[HEATH NIEMI, VP OF GROWTH, SHIELD AI]
“Absolutely thank you.”
[RYAN ROBERTSON]
ALL RIGHT, FOLKS, THAT’S GOING TO JUST ABOUT DO IT FOR US ON THIS WEEK OF WEAPONS AND WARFARE AS ALWAYS, PLEASE LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE TO OUR SOCIAL MEDIA FEEDS. WE REALLY NEED YOUR HELP GROWING THE CHANNEL AND SPREADING THE MESSAGE. THIS WEEK’S WRAP IS GOING TO BE A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENT. INSTEAD OF GIVING YOU MY THOUGHTS ON ONE TOPIC IN PARTICULAR, I THOUGHT THIS WOULD BE A GOOD OPPORTUNITY TO BRING IN SUPER PRODUCER, BRETT BAKER AND KIND OF TALK ABOUT OUR REACTION TO THE SHOW THIS YEAR BECAUSE BRETT, THIS SHOW IS A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENT THAN THE ONES WE WENT TO LAST YEAR.
[BRETT BAKER]
“That’s yeah, absolutely the case, fewer people, less participation, the contractors, probably not as enthusiastic as they have been in some of the past shows we’ve been to, sure and just kind of the mood. There’s an uneasiness or an uncertainty. I wouldn’t call it, you know, fear or anything like that, but just No, just nobody knows which way it’s really going to go.”
[RYAN ROBERTSON]
YEAH, THERE’S, THIS IS THE FIRST MAJOR DEFENSE EXPO THAT WE’VE BEEN TO SINCE, OBVIOUSLY, PRESIDENT TRUMP WAS ELECTED BACK INTO OFFICE. SECRETARY OF DEFENSE, PETE HEXAF HAD MADE A BUNCH OF SWEEPING CHANGES IN THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, AND ALSO PRESIDENT TRUMP HAD KIND OF CHANGED THE AMERICAN TUNE, IF YOU WILL, ON BACKING FOR UKRAINE. A LOT OF THE OFFICERS HERE, A LOT OF THE GENERALS THAT WE HEARD FROM THIS WEEK, THEIR CAREERS STARTED BACK BEFORE THE BUDAPEST MEMORANDUM, WHICH WAS UKRAINE’S PEACE AGREEMENT TO GIVE UP NUCLEAR WEAPONS IN EXCHANGE FOR THE US, THE UK AND RUSSIA, GUARANTEEING ITS PEACE. A LOT OF THESE OFFICERS, THEY WERE AROUND WHEN THAT, WHEN THAT MEMORANDUM WAS SIGNED. AND FAST FORWARD TO NOW, AND THE AMERICAN CHANGE IN POSTURE TOWARDS A AN ALLY. YOU KNOW THAT THAT’S LEAVING SOME, LIKE YOU SAID, SOME UNEASE AND SOME TREPIDATION WITHIN BOTH THE VENDORS AND AND THE MILITARY TO BE HONEST.
[BRETT BAKER]
“Yeah, it’s interesting. I think everybody wants to talk, but I think they may not be too sure about what they want to say, because I think nobody wants to step over any boundaries, real or imagined. So I think everyone’s, you know, just kind of taking a wait and see approach and playing it close to the vest.”
[RYAN ROBERTSON]
RIGHT. WE JUST CAME OUT OF A PANEL DISCUSSION CALLED NATO IN ACTION, AND ONE OF THE FIRST THINGS THE MODERATOR SAID IS, WE’RE NOT GOING TO TALK ABOUT DEFENSE SPENDING. WE’RE NOT GOING TO TALK ABOUT, YOU KNOW ANYTHING OVERTLY POLITICAL? BECAUSE WE’RE NOT HERE TO MAKE HEADLINES THIS MORNING, WHICH TO ME, IS KIND OF THE THAT’S KIND OF THE PHRASE OF OF THE WEEK. PEOPLE ARE HERE TO MAKE DEALS, BUT NOT NECESSARILY TO MAKE HEADLINES. THERE’S A LOT OF AT THESE SHOWS. THERE’S ROUND TABLES WHERE A LOT OF THE UPPER TIER OFFICERS ARE MADE AVAILABLE TO MEDIA, AND THERE WAS ROUND TABLES SCHEDULED TO TALK ABOUT INDO PAYCOM, TO TALK ABOUT COLLABORATIVE COMBAT AIRCRAFT, TO TALK ABOUT UKRAINE, TO TALK ABOUT NATO. AND THOSE WERE ALL CANCELED, THAT ACCESS TO MEDIA…
[BRETT BAKER]
“Canceled or cameras were not invited in, which was not the case last year. Last year, we pretty much went to everything that we wanted to. And yeah, definitely a different tone coming out of those folks this week. And you can understand why.”
[RYAN ROBERTSON]
ABSOLUTELY. BRETT REALLY WANT TO THANK YOU FOR JOINING US AND JOINING ME ON THE TRIP. FOR THOSE OF YOU AT HOME, BRETT COMES WITH ME ON THESE THINGS AS A TEAM. WE, YOU KNOW, KIND OF TACKLE EVERYTHING WE CAN. WE HAVE CHRIS BEHIND THE CAMERA WITH US. SO THANK YOU, CHRIS, AND FOR ALL YOU FOLKS AT HOME ONCE AGAIN, THANKS FOR WATCHING. MAKE SURE YOU KEEP IT TUNED TO WEAPONS AND WARFARE IN THE WEEKS AHEAD.
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- YouTube is updating its gambling content policies by banning unapproved gambling promotions and age-restricting certain videos, effective March 19. This move aims to limit exposure to potentially harmful content.
- On X, formerly Twitter, gambling-related ads are causing controversy with unrelated promotions and community notes prohibiting such ads.
- Connecticut and Nebraska lawmakers are debating changes to online betting laws, with proposals to limit wagers and consider legalizing online sports betting.
Full Story
YouTube is tightening its gambling content policies, restricting unapproved gambling promotions and age-restricting certain videos. The new rules take effect on March 19, potentially raising concerns among content creators and industry experts.
The platform announced it would ban links, embedded images and verbal references to gambling services that Google did not approve. While the restrictions do not apply to online sports betting or in-person gambling depictions, content that features gambling may face age restrictions. Videos with gambling-related topics could also be hidden from users who are signed out.
Point phone camera here
“YouTube wants to limit exposure to potentially harmful content,” the company stated in its policy update.
This is not YouTube’s first attempt to regulate gambling content. In 2021, the company banned certain gambling-related ads to protect younger viewers.
Gambling ads spark controversy on X
Meanwhile, gambling-related ads have flooded X, formerly Twitter. Many users report seeing random gambling promotions attached to unrelated posts. Some tweets now include community notes, reminding users that gambling advertisements are prohibited on the platform.
States push for online betting changes
As YouTube restricts gambling content, lawmakers in Connecticut and Nebraska are debating changes to online betting laws.
In Connecticut, a new bill proposes limiting the amount users can wager on online sports betting. The state is also considering joining a multi-state agreement to allow interstate online poker.
Nebraska legislators are taking a different approach. They are reviewing a constitutional amendment that would allow voters to decide whether to legalize online sports betting. Supporters argue it could generate millions in state revenue, while opponents warn of potential gambling addiction issues.
[KENNEDY FELTON]
New changes are coming to your YouTube feed, especially if you’re a fan of gambling content. From poker streams to online betting tips, YouTube is about to deal a new hand – and for some creators – it’s a losing bet.
The platform recently announced a crackdown on gambling content to protect viewers from what it calls “potentially harmful” material. The new policy – which takes effect March 19th – targets gambling services *not approved by Google, which are sites that meet local legal requirements. While online sports betting and depictions of in-person casino content are *not affected, the restrictions apply to embedded links, logos, and even verbal references to unapproved gambling sites. YouTube also says content that doesn’t violate the new rules but still features gambling may be age-restricted and hidden from signed-out users.
This isn’t YouTube’s first gambling policy update. In 2021, the platform banned certain gambling ads, aiming to limit exposure to younger viewers.
Gambling content isn’t just limited to YouTube. If you’ve scrolled on X recently, you may have noticed ads popping up on unrelated viral posts, prompting community notes to remind viewers that gambling promotions are prohibited on the platform. As for Meta, gambling ads are only allowed with prior written permission.
YouTube’s gambling crackdown comes as lawmakers in Connecticut and Nebraska look to tighten or expand online betting laws. In Connecticut, a new bill could limit online sports betting, while in Nebraska, legislators are considering a ballot initiative that would let voters decide on full online sports betting legalization.
All of these developments reflect a growing trend across the U.S. to legalize and regulate online sports betting, aiming to balance economic benefits with responsible gambling measures.
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- A senior official at USAID instructed employees to shred and burn documents, prompting legal action from Democracy Forward and Public Citizen Litigation Group. They filed a motion for an emergency restraining order to preserve the documents under the Federal Records Act.
- The directive came after Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced cuts to USAID programs.
- Thousands of USAID staff have been laid off, and concerns are raised over the destruction of potentially important documents. A judge set a Wednesday morning deadline for briefs on the issue.
Full Story
A senior official with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) instructed employees via email to shred and burn documents, according to court documents. USAID’s Acting Executive Secretary, Erica Carr, appointed under the Biden administration in January 2021, sent the email.
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Carr thanked workers for their “assistance in clearing our classified safes and personnel documents.”
“Shred as many documents first, and reserve the burn bags for when the shredder becomes unavailable or needs a break,” Carr’s email states.
Point phone camera here
“Democracy Forward” and “Public Citizen Litigation Group” filed a motion for an emergency temporary restraining order to stop the agency from destroying documents.
“Federal records belong to the American people, not to any administration looking to cover its tracks. We are taking immediate legal action to stop this reckless purge before irreparable damage is done to an institution that plays a critical role in global stability and humanitarian aid,” Skye Perryman, president and CEO of Democracy Forward, said in a statement.
The motion seeks to preserve the documents under the Federal Records Act. “Defendants are destroying these records as this document is being written. Immediate relief from the court to maintain the status quo is required to prevent irreparable harm,” the motion states.
The directive came on Monday afternoon—the same day U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that, after a six-week review, the Trump administration would cancel 83% of USAID’s programs.
“In consultation with Congress, we intend for the remaining 18% of programs we are keeping (approximately 1,000) to now be administered more effectively under the State Department,” Rubio said in a post on X.
In February, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency identified areas where USAID was spending taxpayer dollars.
“Through USAID over the past several years, these are some of the insane priorities that that organization has been spending money on. $1.5 million to advance DEI in Serbia’s workplaces. $70,000 for a production of a DEI musical in Ireland. $47,000 for a transgender opera in Colombia. $32,000 for a transgender comic book in Peru,” Leavitt told reporters on February 3. “I don’t know about you, but as an American taxpayer, I don’t want my dollars going toward this crap, and I know the American people don’t either. That’s exactly what Elon Musk has been tasked by President Trump to do.”
Proponents of the organization argue that USAID serves a vital role in combating deadly diseases, alleviating poverty, promoting democracy, and addressing humanitarian needs while advancing U.S. interests abroad.
Thousands of USAID staffers have been laid off.
The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA), a union representing some USAID workers, expressed concern that USAID has ordered the destruction of classified and sensitive documents potentially relevant to ongoing legal cases.
Judge Carl Nichols set a Wednesday morning deadline for the plaintiffs and government to submit briefs on the issue.
Tags: DOGE, Elon Musk, Karoline Leavitt, Marco Rubio, Secretary of State, State Department, U.S. Congress, USAID
A SENIOR OFFICIAL WITH THE US AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (USAID) INSTRUCTED EMPLOYEES THROUGH AN EMAIL TO SHRED AND BURN DOCUMENTS, ACCORDING TO COURT DOCUMENTS.
USAID’S ACTING EXECUTIVE SECRETARY ERICA CARR, BROUGHT ON AS AN AGENCY LEADER UNDER THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION IN JANUARY 2021, SENT THE EMAIL. SHE THANKED WORKERS FOR THEIR “ASSISTANCE IN CLEARING OUR CLASSIFIED SAFES AND PERSONNEL DOCUMENTS.”
“SHRED AS MANY DOCUMENTS FIRST, AND RESERVE THE BURN BAGS FOR WHEN THE SHREDDER BECOMES UNAVAILABLE OR NEEDS A BREAK,” CARR’S EMAIL STATES.
“DEMOCRACY FORWARD” AND “PUBLIC CITIZEN LITIGATION GROUP” FILED A MOTION FOR AN EMERGENCY TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER – TO STOP THE AGENCY FROM DESTROYING DOCUMENTS.
“FEDERAL RECORDS BELONG TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, NOT TO ANY ADMINISTRATION LOOKING TO COVER ITS TRACKS. WE ARE TAKING IMMEDIATE LEGAL ACTION TO STOP THIS RECKLESS PURGE BEFORE IRREPARABLE DAMAGE IS DONE TO AN INSTITUTION THAT PLAYS A CRITICAL ROLE IN GLOBAL STABILITY AND HUMANITARIAN AID,” SKYE PERRYMAN, PRESIDENT & CEO OF DEMOCRACY FORWARD SAID IN A STATEMENT.
THE MOTION SEEKS TO PRESERVE THE DOCUMENTS UNDER THE FEDERAL RECORDS ACT. “DEFENDANTS ARE DESTROYING THESE RECORDS AS THIS DOCUMENT IS BEING WRITTEN. IMMEDIATE RELIEF FROM THE COURT TO MAINTAIN THE STATUS QUO IS REQUIRED TO PREVENT IRREPARABLE HARM,” THE MOTION STATES.
THE DIRECTIVE CAME ON MONDAY AFTERNOON – THE SAME DAY US SECRETARY OF STATE MARCO RUBIO ANNOUNCED THAT AFTER A 6-WEEK REVIEW, THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION WOULD BE CANCELING 83% OF THE PROGRAMS AT USAID.
“IN CONSULTATION WITH CONGRESS, WE INTEND FOR THE REMAINING 18% OF PROGRAMS WE ARE KEEPING (APPROXIMATELY 1000) TO NOW BE ADMINISTERED MORE EFFECTIVELY UNDER THE STATE DEPARTMENT,” RUBIO SAID IN A POST ON X.
IN FEBRUARY, WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY KAROLINE LEAVITT SAID ELON MUSK’S DEPARTMENT OF GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY FOUND AREAS WHERE USAID WAS SPENDING TAXPAYER DOLLARS.
“THROUGH USAID OVER THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS, THESE ARE SOME OF THE INSANE PRIORITIES THAT THAT ORGANIZATION HAS BEEN SPENDING MONEY ON. $1.5 MILLION DOLLARS TO ADVANCE DEI IN SERBIA’S WORKPLACES. $70,000 FOR A PRODUCTION OF A DEI MUSICAL IN IRELAND. $47,000 FOR A TRANSGENDER OPERA IN COLOMBIA. $32,000 FOR A TRANSGENDER COMIC BOOK IN PERU,” Leavitt said to reporters on Februry 3. “I DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU BUT AS AN AMERICAN TAXPAYER, I DON’T WANT MY DOLLARS GOING TOWARDS THIS CRAP AND I KNOW THE AMERICAN PEOPLE DON’T EITHER AND THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT ELON MUSK HAS BEEN TASKED BY PRESIDENT TRUMP TO DO.”
PROPONENTS OF THE ORGANIZATION SAY IT SERVES A VITAL ROLE IN COMBATTING DEADLY DISEASES, ALLEVIATING POVERTY, PROMOTING DEMOCRACY AND ADDRESSING HUMANITARIAN NEEDS WHILE TOUTING US INTERESTS ABROAD.
THOUSANDS OF USAID STAFFERS HAVE BEEN LAID OFF.
THE AMERICAN FOREIGN SERVICE ASSOCIATION (AFSA) – A UNION REPRESENTING SOME OF THE USAID WORKERS – SAID IT’S CONCERNED THAT USAID HAS ORDERED THE DESTRUCTION OF CLASSIFIED AND SENSITIVE DOCUMENTS POTENTIALLY RELEVANT TO ONGOING LEGAL CASES.
JUDGE CARL NICHOLS SET A WEDNESDAY MORNING DEADLINE FOR THE PLAINTIFFS AND GOVERNMENT TO SUBMIT BRIEFS ON THE ISSUE.
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Left 24%
Center 40%
Right 36%
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The Left
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The Center
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The Right
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88 other sources covering this story
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Leaning Left
15
Center
25
Leaning Right
22
Last Updated
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Left 27%
Center 36%
Right 36%
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Media outlets on the left
emphasize a significant ruling on transparency, highlighting the judge’s remarks about DOGE’s “unusual secrecy,” which frames a narrative favoring accountability.
Media outlets on the right
discuss the same ruling but emphasizes procedural aspects, including its implications for DOGE’s operations and the ongoing public interest.
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43 other sources covering this story
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43
Leaning Left
9
Center
12
Leaning Right
12
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- Cinderella is making plans for the Big Dance! Several conference champions have earned spots in the upcoming NCAA tournament.
- Teams like St. Francis (PA), UNC Wilmington, High Point University and others are celebrating. They’ll find out their seed on Sunday, March 16.
- The NCAA tournament top seeds are also almost set, with Auburn, Duke and Houston nearly locked in.
Full Story
It is Championship Week in men’s college basketball, and teams winning their conference championships are earning automatic bids to the NCAA tournament. On Tuesday, March 11, four more teams punched their tickets.
The total number of automatic bids has reached eleven. Three teams, Omaha, Southern Illinois-Edwardsville and High Point University, will make their NCAA tournament debuts next week. High Point Head Coach Alan Huss explained what it meant to his team after the Panthers won the Big South title.
Point phone camera here
“Other than the birth of my kids, my wife will probably get mad if I don’t say my wedding day, so I’ll say that too; other than those moments, I don’t know if there’s anything better than the NCAA tournament,” Huss said. “Being a part of it, it’s the greatest sporting event on planet earth.”
Who earned automatic bids Tuesday, March 11?
He might be right. What other sport can send a team with a losing record, like St. Francis of Pennsylvania, to the dance? Tuesday night, March 11, they pulled the upset over top seed Central Connecticut 46-43 to win the Northeast Conference championship and punch their first-ever ticket to the tournament.
Also Tuesday night, the second seed in the Colonial Athletic Association, UNC Wilmington, fought off a tough challenge from 12-seed Delaware to win the conference championship and earn the right to play in the field of 68. It’s the Seahawks’ seventh appearance but their first in eight years.
What’s the latest on the number one seeds?
The tournament’s projected top seeds remain much the same as they have for the last month. Auburn, Duke and Houston are as close to locks as you can get. The third number one will likely be decided in the SEC tournament, which tips off Wednesday, March 12. Florida, Tennessee and Alabama are each hoping to impress the committee. The Crimson Tide also took down Auburn Saturday, March 8, in overtime. After the win, Head Coach Nate Oates made the case for his team.
“I think with our quality wins, we’ve got certainly to be in the mix. It’s just, you know, do we have too many losses? We lost four of these ones here in the last seven, which wasn’t ideal, but I also don’t think anybody in the country’s played a seven-game stretch like we’ve played either,” Oates said. “So, you know, we’ve fought, battled, come up with a big win. We’ll see. And if we’re not a one seed, we’re a two seed; that’s not the worst thing either.”
We’ll find out on Selection Sunday, March 16, but there are still some very meaningful conference tournament games to play in the next five days.
Tags: Alabama, Basketball, College basketball, Connecticut, Delaware, Duke, Florida, Houston, NCAA, Omaha, Pennsylvania, Tennessee
It’s championship week in college hoops, the prelude to March Madness and automatic bids to the Big Dance are being earned every night. 7 teams are already in and Tuesday night four more teams punched their tickets.
Three teams Omaha, Southern Illinois-Edwardsville and High Point University will be making their NCAA tournament debuts next week after winning their conference championships. Coach Alan Huss explains what it means in no uncertain terms.
“Other than the birth of my kids, my wife will probably get mad if I don’t say my wedding day, so I’ll say that too, other than those moments I don’t know if there’s anything better than the NCAA tournament. Being a part of it, it’s the greatest sporting event on planet earth.”
He might be right. What other sport can send a team with a losing record like St. Francis of Pennsylvania to the dance. Tuesday night they pulled the upset over top seed Central Connecticut to win the Northeast conference and punch their ticket.
Also Tuesday night the second seed in the Colonial Athletic Association UNC Wilmington fought off a tough challenge from the 12 seed Delaware to win the championship and earn the right to play in the field of 68. It’s the Seahawks 7th appearance but their first in 8 years.
The tournament’s projected top seeds remain much the same as they have for the last month. Auburn, Duke and Houston are as close to locks as you can get. The third number one will likely be decided in the SEC tournament which tips off Wednesday. Florida, Tennessee and Alabama are each hoping to impress the committee. The Crimson Tide took down Auburn Saturday in overtime. After the win Nate Oates made the case for his team.
“I think with our quality wins we’ve got certainly to be in the mix. It’s just you know, do we have too many losses? We lost four of these ones here in the last seven which wasn’t ideal, but I also don’t think anybody in the country’s played a seven game stretch like we’ve played either. So, you know, we’ve fought battled, come up with a big win. We’ll see. And if we’re not a one seed, we’re a two seed, that’s not the worst thing either”
We’ll find out on Selection Sunday but there are still some very meaningful conference tournament games to play in the next five days. Wednesday, we’ll take another look at how some of the “bubble teams” are faring.
For Straight Arrow News I’m Chris Francis.
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- President Donald Trump is being accused of violating the Hatch Act by showcasing Tesla vehicles with Elon Musk at the White House Tuesday afternoon. The event featured multiple Tesla models that the president was checking out with the intention of buying one.
- Critics called it a commercial and corrupt. They also said he violated the Hatch Act, so much so that “Hatch Act” was trending for hours on X.
- The reality is that the Hatch Act does not apply to presidents; it only applies to federal employees.
Full Story
President Donald Trump is being accused of violating the Hatch Act by showcasing Tesla vehicles with Elon Musk at the White House Tuesday afternoon. The event featured multiple Tesla models, and the president was checking them out with the intention of buying one.
During the event, the president said he bought a Cybertruck for his granddaughter, Kai. Trump also discussed features like full self-driving and noted that people can purchase the Model 3 for as low as $35,000.
Point phone camera here
Critics called it a commercial and corrupt. They also said he violated the Hatch Act, so much so that “Hatch Act” was trending for hours on X.
The reality is that the Hatch Act does not apply to presidents; it only applies to federal employees.
The law was passed in 1939 to ensure federal programs are administered in a nonpartisan fashion. It also ensures that federal employees advance on merit, not political affiliation.
According to the Office of the Special Counsel, it applies to federal employees on duty, in the federal workplace or acting in their official capacity. Political activity is considered a violation if it advocates for the success or failure of a partisan candidate, political party or political group.
The Hatch Act also contains regulations that apply to specific government positions. The law bans making or accepting certain contributions and prohibits managing political campaigns.
The Office of Special Counsel (OSC) investigates allegations of Hatch Act violations. Up until recently, if the OSC determined a federal employee violated the law, they made a referral to the president. At that point, the president could choose what action to take, if any, and presidents rarely punished their own employees.
Last May, the OSC began referring violations to the Merit Systems Protection Board. Advocates for ethics in government say the change will bring real consequences to violations of the Hatch Act.
During the first Trump Administration, Kellyanne Conway repeatedly violated the Hatch Act while speaking out against Democratic candidates or in support of President Trump’s campaign. During the Biden Administration, Press Secretary Jen Psaki violated the law when she promoted a Democratic gubernatorial candidate during a White House press briefing. The OSC informed the president of its determination and called for disciplinary action or, in Conway’s case, removal.
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