President Donald Trumpmoved Thursday to end collective bargaining with federal labor unions in agencies with national security missions across the federal government, citing authority granted him under a 1978 law.The order, signed without public fanfare and announced late Thursday, appears to touch most of the federal government. Affected agencies include the Departments of State, Defense, Veterans Affairs, Energy, Health and Human Services, Treasury, Justice and Commerce, and the part of Homeland Security responsible for border security.Police and firefighters will continue to collectively bargain.Trump said the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 gives him the authority to end collective bargaining with federal unions in these agencies because of their role in safeguarding national security.The American Federation of Government Employees, which represents 820,000 federal and D.C. government workers, said late Thursday that it is preparing immediate legal action and will fight relentlessly to protect our rights, our members, and all working Americans from these unprecedented attacks.President Trumps latest executive order is a disgraceful and retaliatory attack on the rights of hundreds of thousands of patriotic American civil servantsnearly one-third of whom are veteranssimply because they are members of a union that stands up to his harmful policies, AFGE National President Everett Kelley said.AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said in a statement, Its clear that this order is punishment for unions who are leading the fight against the administrations illegal actions in courtand a blatant attempt to silence us. She also vowed, We will fight this outrageous attack on our members with every fiber of our collective being.The announcement builds on previous moves by the Trump administration to erode collective bargaining rights in the government.Earlier this month, DHS said it wasending the collective bargaining agreementwith the tens of thousands of frontline employees at the Transportation Security Administration. The TSA union called it an unprovoked attack and vowed to fight it.A White House fact sheet on Thursdays announcement says that Certain Federal unions have declared war on President Trumps agenda and that Trump refuses to let union obstruction interfere with his efforts to protect Americans and our national interests.President Trump supports constructive partnerships with unions who work with him; he will not tolerate mass obstruction that jeopardizes his ability to manage agencies with vital national security missions, the White House said.Darlene Superville, Associated Press

After decades of partnership with the U.S. government, colleges are facing new doubts about the future of their federal funding.President Donald Trumps administration has been using the funding spigot to seek compliance with his agenda, cutting off money to schools including Columbia University and the University of Pennsylvania. All the while, universities across the country are navigating cuts to grants for research institutions.The squeeze on higher education underscores how much American colleges depend on the federal governmenta provider of grants and contracts that have amounted to close to half the total revenue of some research universities, according to an Associated Press analysis.It adds up to a crisis for universities, and a problem for the country as a whole, say school administrators and advocates for academic freedom. Americas scientific and medical research capabilities are tightly entwined with its universities as part of a compact that started after World War II to develop national expertise and knowledge.It feels like any day, any university could step out of line in some way and then have all of their funding pulled, said Jonathan Friedman, managing director of free expression programs at PEN America.Tens of billions of dollars are at stakeThe AP analysis looked at federal funding for nearly 100 colleges currently under investigation for programs the administration has deemed as illegally pushing diversity, equity, and inclusion, or for not doing enough to combat anti-Semitism. Those schools took in over $33 billion in federal revenue in the 20222023 academic year. Thats before taking into account federal student aid, which represents billions more in tuition and room-and-board payments.For most of the schools, around 10% to 13% of their revenue came from federal contracts or research funding, according to the analysis. For some prestigious research universities, however, federal money represented up to half of their revenue.The AP analyzed data from the National Center for Education Statistics and federal audit reports, with help from researchers Jason Cohn and James Carter at the Urban Institute.Perhaps no school is more vulnerable than Johns Hopkins University, which received $4 billion in federal funds, close to 40% of its revenue, according to the analysis. Much of that went to defense research, paying for projects like missile design, submarine technology, and precision tracking systems in outer space. Billions of dollars also went to medical research for topics such as immunology and transplants, aging, neuroscience, and mental health.Johns Hopkins is facing an anti-Semitism investigation, which threatens its federal money, but already it has been feeling the effects of cuts to research grants from the National Institutes of Health and other federal agencies. Earlier this month, it announced 2,200 layoffs.We face challenging times for the patients and families that rely on us for cures and treatments, and for the researchers dedicated to the pursuit of improving the health of all Americans, the university said in a statement.Trump extracted concessions from ColumbiaTrump has singled out Columbia University, making an example of the Ivy League school by withholding $400 million in federal money. The administration repeatedly accused Columbia of letting anti-Semitism go unchecked at protests against Israel that began at the New York City university last spring and quickly spread to other campusesa characterization disputed by those involved in the demonstrations.As a precondition for restoring that moneyalong with billions more in future grantsthe Republican administration demanded unprecedented changes in university policy. Columbias decision last week to bow to those demands, in part to salvage ongoing research projects at its labs and medical center, has been criticized by some faculty and free speech groups as capitulating to an intrusion on academic freedom.At the White House on Wednesday, Trump expressed satisfaction with the pressure campaign on colleges.You see what were doing with the colleges, and theyre all bending and saying, Sir, thank you very much, we appreciate it,' Trump said during an event for Womens History Month.In the 20222023 academic year, Columbia got close to a fifth of its revenue from federal sources, around $1.2 billion. An audit shows that much of Columbias federal money went to research and development, including $166 million for global AIDS programs, $99 million to study aging, $28 million for cancer biology, and $24 million for drug abuse and addiction research.A new approach on enforcement of civil rights lawsFederal law allows the Education Department to terminate funding to colleges that violate civil rights laws, but only after taking certain steps. Title VI of the law says the department must first make a formal finding of noncompliance, offer a hearing, notify Congress, and then wait 30 days before pulling aid.But the Trump administration has a new strategy, moving quickly from demands to penalties with little room for negotiating, and little indication of due process, legal experts say.At Penn, the administration suspended $175 million in federal funding from the Defense Department and the Department of Health and Human Services over a transgender swimmer who last competed for the school in 2022. The White House said the action came out of a review of discretionary money going to universities.It looks like much of the playbook is intimidation, more so than actual substantiated legal findings, said Michael Pillera, director of educational equity issues at the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. I think all of this is designed as an attempt to intimidate all universities, not just the institutions under investigation.The cuts and the uncertainty have led some universities to accept fewer graduate students, cutting off pathways to careers. Many graduate students in science programs receive scholarships and stipends that come from federal research grants.Purdue University senior Alyssa Johnson had been planning to pursue graduate research on amphibian diseases, and she was accepted into one of three schools she applied to. She said one of the schools appeared to have limited their acceptances to preemptively avoid funding concerns. But given her application experience, the changing landscape of research, and her shifting interests, she decided to change her course of study to something she felt would help build trust between scientists and the public.I kind of went through a little bit of career crisis, which was definitely catalyzed by whats going on with the current administration and their attitudes toward science and science communication, Johnson said.AP writers Kasturi Pananjady, Cheyanne Mumphrey and Chris Megerian contributed to this report.The Associated Press education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.Sharon Lurye and Jocelyn Gecker, AP Education Writers

The exclusive chronometer once belonging to the initial lunar explorera luxurious commemorative creation gifted after mankinds monumental celestial journeywill soon change hands. This remarkable golden instrument symbolizes much more than exquisite craftsmanship. It exists as a physical link to arguably humanitys grandest achievement, when an individual first placed footprints upon another celestial body.Designer: OMEGAA specialized broker will present this extraordinary item during a live gathering planned for April 17, 2025, at an upscale establishment in Cambridge, Massachusetts.Celestial Achievement Memorialized Through HorologyFollowing humanitys triumphant voyage beyond Earth, craftsmen fashioned just 26 such commemorative golden instruments. Each was bestowed exclusively upon space program personnelboth alive and rememberedas personalized acknowledgments of their contributions toward cosmic exploration.The initial moonwalker received his during an elegant celebration at a Houston establishment on November 25, 1969, months after his revolutionary achievement. The timing of this ceremonial bestowal underscores the immediate recognition of this missions profound significance throughout civilization.What distinguishes this particular example beyond others remains its direct association with the pioneering individual who made that historic first step. While similar models accompanied all lunar missions, this golden variant celebrates the pinnacle accomplishment of the entire program. Its availability represents an exceptionally uncommon chance for enthusiasts and institutions alike.The timepiece awaiting acquisition transcends ordinary examples. It belongs within an exclusive collection created specifically to honor mankinds greatest exploratory triumph. Every piece carries immense cultural weight, yet this particular examplegiven its connection to the mission commanderoccupies a category entirely its own.Distinctive Design Elements of an Extraterrestrial HeirloomMarked as number 17 within the limited series, this chronograph showcases extraordinary aesthetic and structural characteristics distinguishing it from standard versions. The piece features a precious yellow metal housing mirroring the iconic shape and measurements of traditional steel models. Its distinctive burgundy circular marker contains the cherished placement of certain numerical indicators. The precious metal face subtly indicates its composition alongside geographic manufacturing origin, complemented by contrasting indicators with luminous central portions.The 18K gold case displays alternating brushed and polished surfacesa hallmark of fine watchmaking that creates visual interest through light reflection. The top surfaces of the lugs feature straight-grained brushing, while the sides exhibit mirror polishing, creating a sophisticated interplay of textures. This finishing technique requires considerable skill, with each surface transition precisely defined to create clean, sharp boundaries between different treatments.The visual language speaks of both luxury and functionalitya harmonious balance between ceremonial significance and the utilitarian heritage from which it derives. The warm glow of the gold case contrasts beautifully with the deep burgundy bezel, creating a visual warmth absent in the standard steel versions. This color combination became a signature aesthetic for commemorative pieces from this manufacturer.The gold dial features a subtle sunburst pattern that catches light differently depending on viewing angle. This surface treatment adds depth and dimension to what might otherwise be a flat expanse of precious metal. The applied hour markersfaceted onyx set in gold framescreate precise points of contrast against this background, enhancing legibility while adding visual sophistication.The caseback features a specially engraved inscription honoring the astronaut by name, listing both his earlier mission and the historic lunar landing. Accompanying this personalization is a profound inscription that reads: To mark humanitys conquest of space with time, through time, on time. This thoughtfully crafted phrase captures how precision timekeeping intersected with humanitys greatest exploratory achievement.The bracelet construction demonstrates equal attention to detail, with each link individually finished before assembly. The hollow link design, while period-correct for the era, required precise manufacturing to maintain structural integrity while minimizing weight. The clasp mechanism incorporates a hidden locking system that maintains security while preserving aesthetic cleanliness.The housing contains a renowned mechanical heartthe same fundamental mechanism that powered standard models worn during actual missions. Even the movement finishing, though largely hidden behind the solid caseback, received meticulous attention. The copper-colored surface of the caliber 861 features circular graining on plates and bridges, with polished screw heads and chamfered edges on functional components. This level of finishing, while invisible during normal wear, speaks to the manufacturers commitment to comprehensive quality.The chronograph measures 42mm across its golden case, housing this mechanical powerhouse known for exceptional reliability. This particular movement represents the evolution of the manufacturers chronograph technology, refined through years of development and actual space testing. The burgundy bezel features precise markings for calculating elapsed time, while onyx hour markers set in gold frames provide a striking contrast against the metallic dial.Examining the bracelet reveals meticulous craftsmanship with hollow links characteristic of the era, culminating in a 14mm clasp decorated with subtle brand insignia. The overall aesthetic balances luxurious materials with functional design elements that maintain continuity with its steel counterparts, actually worn during missions.The Artistic Language of CommemorationThe design vocabulary of this chronograph tells a fascinating story about how utilitarian instruments transform into cultural artifacts. The manufacturer maintained the exact proportions and ergonomics of the flight-qualified versions, including the characteristic asymmetrical case shape with protective shoulders around the crown and pushers. This design element proved crucial during spacewalks, protecting against accidental activation or damage.What makes this design approach particularly noteworthy is how it honors function while transforming materials. The transition from stainless steel to precious metal changes nothing about the forma testament to the original designs integrity and significance. The chronograph retains its professional timing scales, its legible dial arrangement, and its robust construction principles.The dial layout maintains the tri-compax arrangement of subdials at 3, 6, and 9 oclock positionsdisplaying running seconds, chronograph minutes, and chronograph hours respectively. This familiar layout ensured operational consistency between commemorative and functional versions. The hands retain their distinctive shapesstraight chronograph seconds hand with counterbalance, broad arrow hour hand, and slender minute handall executed in gold with black accents for legibility.The bezel insert, crafted from burgundy aluminum rather than the black found on standard models, features the coveted dot over ninety configurationa detail cherished by enthusiasts for its connection to early production examples. This subtle variation adds both visual warmth and collector significance to the piece.Authentication and ProvenanceEstablishing legitimacy remains crucial for items carrying such historical importance. The chronograph includes official documentation from its creator, confirming its authenticity and significance as a Special numbered edition celebrating the lunar landing. This certification provides the essential background necessary for collectors seeking museum-quality treasures.The son of the famed explorer has confirmed that his father wore this chronograph during important occasions, adding personal context to this already significant piece. His involvement in the current process further validates the items authenticity and importance. This personal connection transforms the object from a rare artifact into a personal belonging of one of historys most consequential individuals.The ownership history has been carefully documented, addressing critical concerns accompanying all valuable historical items. The broker handling this transaction has specialized in space memorabilia for decades, bringing particular expertise to verification processes for treasures of this caliber.Philanthropic Legacy and Historical SignificanceThis chronographs significance transcends its physical attributes, connecting directly to one of humanitys defining moments. While the explorer wore a standard instrument during the actual mission (that piece remains in a national museum), this golden commemorative version represents the manufacturers official recognition of his achievement. It bridges the functional tool that accompanied astronauts to the moon and the celebration of their triumphant return.Reflecting the character of its original owner, this transaction will benefit causes aligned with his values. Half the final amount will support charitable organizations chosen by his son. This chronograph, which my father enjoyed wearing during significant gatherings, represents one of humanitys most extraordinary achievements, his son stated. A substantial portion of proceeds will benefit charitable organizations my father valued, extending the impact that he and fellow citizens made toward humanity over half a century ago. The current guardian has also chosen to direct a portion of their proceeds toward an educational foundation in Wisconsin.For collectors, historians, and space enthusiasts alike, this represents a rare chance to possess a tangible connection to humanitys greatest exploratory journey. The chronograph not only commemorates those historic first steps on another world but also captures the optimism and technological triumph of an era when impossible dreams became reality. The relationship between this manufacturer and the space program remains among the most celebrated partnerships in both timekeeping and aerospace history.The post Armstrongs Gold Chronograph: Lunar Legacy Timekeeper Awaits New Guardian first appeared on Yanko Design.

For millions of people with visual impairments, daily navigation presents constant challenges that most of us take for granted. Simple tasks like walking down a street, identifying objects, or finding specific locations can become frustrating experiences that diminish independence and self-assurance. While asking for assistance is a natural solution for many, it often comes with a psychological cost for visually impaired individuals who value their autonomy and wish to move through the world on their own terms.The Vision Aid smart visor concept represents a thoughtful application of cutting-edge technology to address these challenges in a way that respects dignity and enhances independence. By reimagining how visually impaired people interact with their surroundings, this innovative device transforms existing technologies from mere conveniences into powerful tools for accessibility. Rather than developing entirely new systems, the concept cleverly repurposes established technologies to create a wearable solution that feels both familiar and revolutionary.Designer: Mauli RaiWhile various assistive technologies exist for the visually impaired, from smart canes to body-mounted cameras, many require additional components like earpieces that create a fragmented user experience. The Vision Aid concept takes inspiration from the most natural form factor for visual assistance: glasses. By building upon an accessory that visually impaired individuals already wear daily, the design creates a seamless integration into existing habits without adding stigmatizing or cumbersome equipment.The technical heart of the Vision Aid concept lies in its sophisticated Time of Flight (ToF) cameras positioned at the top near the forehead. These specialized sensors create accurate three-dimensional maps of the surrounding environment, providing precise spatial awareness that traditional visual aids cannot match. This mapping capability works in conjunction with RFID sensors that identify specific objects and locations, creating a comprehensive understanding of the wearers surroundings that can be communicated through non-visual means.User feedback is delivered through bone conduction technology and subtle vibration patterns, eliminating the need for earpieces that might block important ambient sounds. The sensory feedback preserves the wearers ability to hear traffic, conversations, and environmental cues while simultaneously receiving navigational guidance. The dual-channel feedback system allows users to process directional information and object identification simultaneously, creating a richer understanding of their surroundings.The design incorporates several quality-of-life features that demonstrate deep consideration for real-world usability. A thermal sensor automatically activates the device when worn, eliminating fumbling with power buttons or switches. The recording mode creates a spatial memory of routes traveled, allowing users to confidently retrace familiar paths or avoid problematic areas in future journeys.The Vision Aid concept represents a powerful shift in how we think about assistive technology. Rather than treating visual impairment as a condition requiring compensation, the design approaches navigation as a universal challenge that can be addressed through innovative interfaces. This perspective moves beyond mere accessibility to embrace the principle that good design should empower all users to navigate their world with dignity, independence, and confidence.The post Smart Visor Concept Helps the Visually Challenged Navigate the World with Confidence first appeared on Yanko Design.

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MacworldApples all-in-one iMac is a great value for what your geta fast computer with a fantastic screen, but todays deal makes it a must-haveB&H Photo has slashed the price of the M3 iMac to an amazing $999 right now, a jaw-dropping savings of $700 and the best price weve ever seen. Really nothing even comes closethe catch is that youll have to place your order soon because this deal ends on March 31.This iMac has last years M3 chip, but its still a great machine with a gorgeous 24-inch Retina display with a 44802520 resolution that promises to deliver gorgeous colors and deep contrast. Its built around a stunning minimal designbut youll have to settle for blue to get this price. The M3 chip comes paired with 8GB of RAM, which is enough for Apple Intelligence but still pretty stingy, but its still great for streaming, everyday work, and so on. We reviewed the M3 iMac and found it to be a great addition to any office, but we admittedly had the model with 24GB memory, considerably more than what the one on sale has. Thankfully, it has 512GB of storage, double the entry-level model.Plus, its not just the iMac that youre getting, but also the Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and a color-matched Magic Mouse, as well as a nifty power adapter with a built-in gigabit ethernet port. Unbox it and its literally plug in and start playing.This deal is set to expire just before midnight on March 31, but if you want one its best to hurry up because if supply runs out itll be gone forever.Save $700 on the M3 iMacBuy now at B&H