“Yesterday’s report that the Air Force’s plans to take on the challenge of transforming a Qatari plane into Air Force One (known as the VC-25B) for President Trump’s travel this year, there is little more the Air Force can do besides a paint job and installation of an updated communications suite—both of which would fall dangerous short of the known communications, security, and survivability requirements of a presidential jet.

Even the painting scheme (known as livery) serves a purpose, as dark blue color of Trump preferred livery was assessed to absorb added heat compared to the traditional Air Force One colors, and that such heat could disrupt certain commercial components and thus require additional certification and testing.

For normal presidents, such an aircraft would be retrofitted to provide similar capabilities to the White House situation room, along with an aerial refueling capability, hardened communications, and equipment designed to resist nuclear radiation and transmit classified information at the highest possible level. That doesn’t even include defensive countermeasure modifications not needed for a commercial aircraft. Given the regular maintenance costs, it seems like the Qataris couldn’t afford to keep the plane themselves and thus gifting it to Trump was a way to get it off their hands.

Given this administration’s cavalier treatment of security protocols surrounding highly classified information as evidenced by the Signal fiasco, it’s likely that the Air Force will be asked to cut corners and modify security and survivability requirements to allow Trump to fly in the garish gold-plated luxury he so desperately seeks. But Americans are going to have to foot the bill to provide even these minimal upgrades to Trump’s “Bribery Class” airlift requirements while he’s in office. And with reports that the jet will be gifted to a Trump presidential library potentially before he leaves, it sure seems like he’s planning to stiff taxpayers the same way he ripped off plumbers, painters, and bartenders at his clubs when he was in business.

What makes this saga even more inexplicable is that the VC-25B Boeing replacement contract is the one Trump personally intervened in to negotiate in his first term and that earlier this year, an Air Force official noted that with some modifications to requirements, the VC-25B presential jet could be delivered by 2027.”

V-E Day celebration photo: Soldiers hold up the Stars and Stripes newspaper in celebration of the end of WWII in Europe May 8, 1945. (Photo by Spc. Tyrell Boyd)

This week marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (V-E) Day, when Nazi Germany formally surrendered to Allied forces on May 8, 1945, bringing an end to World War II in Europe. While it signaled the collapse of Hitler’s regime and a hard-won victory across the European continent, it did not mark the end of the war globally—fighting in the Pacific would continue for several more months.

Still, V-E Day was a moment of profound relief, reflection and celebration, and it laid the foundation for the post-war world order.

To better understand the meaning and legacy of V-E Day, Professor , the Dr. Walter Montgomery and Marian Gruber Professor of History in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, offers his insight on what the day represented then, why it still matters today and how its impact continues to shape modern global affairs.

For any media who wish to schedule an interview with Allport, please reach out to Vanessa Marquette, media relations specialist, at vrmarque@syr.edu.

In honor of this special day, SU News shares a few adoption stories from the University community:

Christina M. Papaleo, Learning and Development Specialist, Office of Diversity and Inclusion

Aslan

During the 2020 lockdown, Papaleo was newly employed at the University and isolated away from family and friends, so she decided she needed a companion. Although she considered herself more of a dog person, encouragement from colleagues led her to adopt a cat.

When she met Aslan (formerly “Hobo”), he immediately climbed into her lap, and she knew he was meant to be hers. Named after the noble lion from “The Chronicles of Narnia,” Aslan has been Papaleo’s steady source of love and support ever since.

Elisabeth Dwyer�� ’06

Elisabeth Dwyer and her dog Zoey inside the JMA Wireless Dome

Dwyer and her husband Benjamin Taylor adopted Zoey, a 7-year-old lab mix, from Helping Hounds in 2018. Despite her age and anxiety, Zoey quickly became a beloved part of their family. One of their favorite memories was taking her to �鶹Ƶ��Women’s Basketball’s Dog Day, where she proudly wore her Orange gear among fellow fans. Now 14, Zoey continues to bring joy to their home, traveling with them to Long Island, the Adirondacks and beyond.

“Adopting gives animals a second chance at the life they deserve. When you adopt, you’re not only changing their life, but they often end up changing yours too,” Dwyer says. “We decided to adopt an older dog as they are not always a first choice for families and wanted to help a dog that was still looking for a home.”

Jessica Youngman, Content Manager, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs

Ruby

Youngman’s family welcomed Buddy, a rescue pup from Cypress Lucky Mutt Rescue in Texas, in August 2023. After the heartbreaking loss of their elderly dog, Youngman secretly arranged Buddy’s adoption as a surprise for her son Max, just before he left for his freshman year at Syracuse. Meeting Buddy—handed straight out of the transport van—was an unforgettable moment filled with happy tears.

Buddy has since grown into a giant but remains Max’s loyal companion whenever he returns home.

Youngman also shared the story of Ruby, their 12-year-old coonhound adopted in 2016 after surviving a cruelty investigation. Ruby’s story of resilience is a reminder us how powerful second chances can be.

Buddy making the transport up from Texas with Cypress Lucky Mutt Rescue

Adoption Transforms Lives

Then 13-year-old Eli enjoying the sun. Rescue life is good!

Coming from a family of lifelong rescue pet owners and owning three rescue dogs now, I’ve seen firsthand how adoption transforms lives (these are just some of the stories):

• Toby, once terrified after abuse at a kill shelter, learned to trust again—especially with help from our next rescue, Scrappy, a pit bull mix.
• Eli, a senior dog with just four teeth, brought us three and a half wonderful years of love and reminded us that older pets have so much life to give.
• Magic, a black cat from an overcrowded shelter, was a beloved pet, shattering myths about black cats being “unlucky.”
• In 2009, my sister rescued Bob, a dachshund left untreated after being hit by a car. After surgery, he lived a legendary life with my brother—traveling cross-country and inspiring everyone he met until nearly 20 years old.
• Today, my rescue dog Nola—blind in one eye—has become a, proving that rescue pets have an unmatched zest for life.
  

  Nothing could hold Bob back—not even a disability—from experiencing the magic of Canyonlands National Park in Utah.

Finding a Second Chance Pet

Rescue pets may come from tough beginnings, but with a second chance, they often become the most loyal companions. It’s also important to remember that shelters and rescues often have purebred pets, puppies and kittens. So, if you’re looking for a specific breed, check local adoption services—you might find exactly what you’re hoping for.

Rescues play a vital role, often pulling animals from shelters just before their time runs out. According to Animal Shelters Count, over 5.7 million dogs and cats entered shelters and rescues nationwide, with 748,000 of those having non-live outcomes (euthanasia or died in care).

, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters, says if just 6% more people chose adoption over buying their pets, we could end the euthanasia of dogs and cats in shelters across the country.

There is a misconception that “kill shelters” should not be supported, but these open-admission shelters need help the most. They often take in every animal regardless of space, funding or resources, making adoptions essential. Certain groups—like seniors, black cats and dogs, bully breeds, animals with special needs or illnesses, and scared and abused pets—face even steeper odds of adoption, making it even more challenging to find them homes.

Vanessa Marquette G’19, media relations specialist with University Communications, is a volunteer with the Best Friends Animal Society and advocates for rescue animals through digital platforms highlighting her rescue dog Nola.

Father Gerry writes: “What a sad day for the holy Roman Catholic Church, and indeed for the whole world… the passing into eternity of our beloved Holy Father Pope Francis! A Jesuit by profession, but a Franciscan at heart (he chose his name Francis after St Francis of Assisi) he was a kind and gentle giant as he advocated for the poor and the disenfranchised, the migrants, and for our planet and environment (Laudato Si). He was an agent of change and fought tirelessly for a more inclusive Catholic Church (“who am I to judge?”). In my opinion, he was the epitome of Jesus himself, especially as he told us, his priests, that we should “smell like our sheep,” meaning that our work is with and among the people, not behind desks. Like Jesus, he modeled that exact behavior, visiting prisons, washing the feet of the poorest of the poor, caring for he least among us. There are some big shoes to fill in the Vatican, for the Chief Shepherd of the Catholic Church. Come, Holy Spirit, we seek your guidance, wisdom, and power as we move forward into the future!”

Brian Konkol writes: “The passing of Pope Francis marks the loss of a global leader whose example transcends borders and beliefs. Through his Jesuit commitment to finding God in all things, he reminded the Catholic community and beyond that love for others is a shared and sacred responsibility. While historians will surely debate his legacy, the bold voice and humble presence of Pope Francis will surely be missed, and the influence of his devout life will endure.”

Adoptable cat at Best Friends Animal Society in Kanab, Utah (Photo by Vanessa Marquette)

In celebration of National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, observed annually on April 30, we are gathering stories of your beloved pets who were rescued and have found their forever home.

National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day serves as an important reminder of the need for pet adoption—particularly from overcrowded shelters, where animals face the highest risk of euthanasia. Choosing to adopt from these shelters not only provides a pet with a second chance but also frees up space for other animals in need.

Adopting a pet from any type of shelter isn’t just an act of kindness—it’s a direct way to save lives and support the open-admission shelters that need it the most.

To highlight the incredible impact of adoption, we’d love to feature rescue pet stories from our students, faculty, staff and alumni. If you have a photo and story to share, please submit it to Vanessa Marquette at vrmarque@syr.edu for a chance to be featured! Deadline for submissions is Wednesday, April 23.

is an adjunct professor at �鶹Ƶ��University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. She has conducted research on myriad topics and issues related to the criminal legal system. As the founder of the Center for Community Alternatives, she led efforts to develop alternative-to-incarceration programs and conducted influential research on the impact of criminal history screening in college admissions. She writes:

“The wildcat strike by prison guards spread quickly across the system, leaving incarcerated people without food, medicine and access to their families and loved ones.�� Governor Hochul was forced to call in the national guard to take care of the basic necessities. Incarcerated persons have in fact welcomed the guard, finding them to be respectful and polite, with one person calling them ‘sweethearts.’

While working conditions inside prisons need to be improved, they are the pretextual for the walkout.�� The strike began on February 17, a mere three days after the guards involved in the beating of Robert Brooks were indicted on murder. Moreover, second only to amnesty, the key demand made by the guards’ union is the suspension of the Halt Solitary Confinement law, action which can only be taken by the state legislature as part of their lawmaking function.”

Lynne Vincent

is an assistant professor of management in �鶹Ƶ��University’s Whitman School of Management with an expertise in labor and industrial relations. She wrote the following:

“This situation is really interesting as the Taylor Law restricts the ability of employees in critical positions such as prison guards to go on strike. The Taylor Law allows public employees to organize the join unions, and it requires public employers to negotiate with unions. It also established procedures for resolving contract disputes. However, the restriction of strikes has been seen as controversial. The penalties for going on strike are steep.��

The prison guards wouldn’t be the first public employee group to go on strike. In 1968, the United Federation of Teachers went on strike as did the Buffalo Teachers Federation in 2000. New York City Transit Authority went on strike in 1980 and 2005. While this is rare, it is not unheard of.”

is a military spouse and research associate at �鶹Ƶ��University’s D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF). She can speak to the impacts on service members and families of the National Guard when instances like this happen. Specifically, she can go into detail about IVMF’s latest research report with Blue Star Families which states approximately 50% of surveyors said the amount of time away from family as a result of military service is a top concern for them, with military pay and impacts of deployment on family being the next top issues ().

If you’re covering the heightened security in New Orleans for the Super Bowl with President Trump attending, you may want to consider speaking with of �鶹Ƶ��University’s Forensic and National Security Sciences Institute (FNSSI). She shared her insights below. To schedule an interview, please email Vanessa Marquette, media relations specialist, at vrmarque@syr.edu.

Dr. Zoli writes: “A well-known sports fan, President Trump reportedly will be the first sitting president to attend a Super Bowl. Public sentiment is predictably polarized, but some of the issues raised define both our historical moment and reveal the priorities of a still-new Administration: this includes Trump’s intention to present himself as a public leader in the style of Andrew Jackson who looks out for and participates in the ordinary and economic interests of regular Americans, distancing himself from cosmopolitan political elites. It also includes his attempts to restore public confidence in law enforcement and security institutions, like the FBI, the Secret Service, and the military, which has just recently seen a recruitment jump of over 10%, after several slim years. Voters had expressed concerns about government security overreach both at home in politicized federal agencies and abroad with US involvement in too many countries, conflicts, and wars. While security coordination at the venue will be challenging, the president’s attendance may also signal confidence in local and federal law enforcement partnerships, from the New Orleans police to the federal Secret Service, given the recent terrorist attack on New Year’s Day by ISIS supporter Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who drove a truck into crowds on Bourbon Street, killing 14 people and injuring over 50. New Orleans conducted an after action review addressing problems in communication and preparedness, noting that some officials left their posts early for the holiday. Critics have decried Trump’s divisiveness and thoughtlessness in creating security challenges by his presence at the Super Bowl, but Trump will likely use the opportunity in his characteristic way of claiming a very large public stage for his agenda.”

Professor Geuorguiev writes: “While this rumored proposal remains entirely speculative, the possibility should not be dismissed outright. President-elect Trump has indicated a desire for a political resolution to the TikTok dispute, and Elon Musk is uniquely positioned to facilitate such an outcome. His significant financial resources, established business ties in China through Tesla, and prominence in the social media industry via X make him a potential candidate for brokering a deal acceptable to multiple stakeholders. Additionally, Musk’s recognition and favorability in China could render the arrangement more appealing to Beijing. However, such a move would inevitably raise serious concerns among the American public and the U.S. national security establishment. Musk’s growing web of business and political influence, especially as he gains prominence in the incoming Trump administration, could create significant conflicts of interest that warrant close scrutiny.”

What was the Battle of the Bulge?
‘The Battle of the Bulge’ is the name given in the English-speaking world to the last great German offensive in western Europe in World War II, which took place from December 16, 1944 to January 28, 1945. The Germans launched a surprise attack on the American front line in the forested Ardennes region of Belgium. Their aim was to break through the line, reach the English Channel coast at the important port of Antwerp, and split the Americans from the British and Canadian forces to their north. Hitler hoped that such a devastating blow would cause friction between the western Allies and persuade them to make peace on terms favorable to the Third Reich (allowing him to then concentrate his remaining military forces against the Soviets in the east).

Thanks to total strategic surprise, bad weather which kept the Allied air forces grounded, and the use of Germany’s last heavy tank units, the offensive was initially very successful and caused the ‘bulge’ in the front line which gives the battle its name. But unexpectedly stubborn resistance in key locations like the crossroads town of Bastogne, and a fast and effective Allied response once the initial shock had worn off, prevented the Germans from breaking through as they had hoped. By Christmas Day, the advance had halted, the skies had cleared, and the American ground forces, aided by devastating Allied air power, were pushing back against Hitler’s tanks, which had anyway mostly run short of gasoline. The German gamble had failed, and they were never again in a position to launch a major attack in the west. The war ended five months later with Hitler’s suicide and Germany’s total defeat.

Why is the Battle of the Bulge important?
‘The Bulge’ was one of the biggest battles of the war and the largest and bloodiest single engagement fought by the United States between Pearl Harbor and V-J Day. The Germans employed 410,000 troops and over 1,400 tanks, including the infamous 70-ton ‘King Tiger’ with its massive 88-mm gun and almost impenetrably thick armor. Almost 700,000 Allied troops took part in the battle, most of them American, and over 8,600 soldiers and airmen were killed in action. It was the last occasion in the war in which the western Allies could have suffered a major defeat at the hands of the Germans, and if this had happened it might have forced Roosevelt and Churchill to consider negotiating with Hitler to end the fighting with less than unconditional German surrender. As it was, the German Army and Air Force was so badly mauled in the Battle of the Bulge that it probably ended up hastening the war’s end, because they were in no position to defend their homeland once the Allies began advancing again in 1945.

How did the battle influence Allied strategy and relationships?
Hitler’s intention was, among other things, to cause friction between the western Allies, and it’s true that the crisis in the Ardennes did at least temporarily intensify disagreements between the British and American high commands which had existed for months. It was an open secret by December 1944 that the supreme Allied commander-in-chief, US general Dwight D. Eisenhower, did not get along well with the senior British commander in Europe, Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery. ‘Monty’ did not have a high opinion of ‘Ike,’ nor any of the other American generals he was serving alongside, and after his own Anglo-Canadian forces advanced to support the Americans in Belgium, he gave a press conference which tactlessly suggested that he had rescued ‘the Yanks’ from their own ineptitude. Eisenhower was tempted to sack Montgomery for this tactless insubordination, and it was only thanks to the intervention of cooler heads that a major breakdown in the Allied high command was avoided. Eventually, Monty himself realized he had overstepped the line, and he personally apologized to Eisenhower.

What leadership lessons remain relevant today?
The Battle of the Bulge was ultimately a victory for the Allies, but it also represented a major intelligence failure. The Germans had been able to achieve total strategic surprise despite the ability of the British and Americans to read many of their top-secret communications. The evidence was there for those who wanted to see it that the Germans might be planning something. But a combination of hubris and bad luck (the poor weather preventing proper aerial reconnaissance of the enemy front line) meant the Allies had no idea a crisis was imminent in December 1944. The Bulge reminds us that even the best intelligence sources are useless if the people receiving them have built up a false impression in their minds about what is occurring.

The Bulge also shows how important it is to respond to a crisis with a cool head, flexibility, and creativity. In the first few days following the German attack all was chaos and panic on the Allied side, and it appeared as though Hitler’s troops would be able to break through the Allied line completely. But in fact, the confusion was temporary and once the American commanders had a better appreciation of what was happening, they could see that the advantage still lay with their own side – the bad weather grounding the Allied air forces would not last forever, and the Germans were critically short of the gasoline their tanks would need to get to Antwerp. By remaining calm in the midst of seeming defeat they were able to reestablish control of the battlefield and ultimately deliver a critical blow to the enemy.

Another little-remembered detail about the Bulge is the key role played by African American soldiers in the racially segregated US Army. Black GIs were normally forbidden to serve in front-line combat units in 1944 and relegated to unglamorous support tasks. But African American drivers in the ‘Red Ball Express’ truck convoy system kept Allied forces supplied with the ammunition and food they needed to fight; and Eisenhower even decided to temporarily suspend segregation and allow Black soldiers to fight alongside their white comrades. Over 2,000 African American GIs volunteered to go to the front and 708 of them were killed in action. This incident helped to establish the groundwork for the complete desegregation of the US military after the war.

Goodman writes: “France’s political crisis can be captured by the title of the famous Sartre play – ‘No Exit’. After President Macron’s speech tonight, there appears no escape from the impasse created after he dissolved the National Assembly in June and called for new elections.��Essentially, Macron said tonight that he would not resign – in doing so, acknowledging that this was in fact an open question – and that he would try again to name a prime minister that could set up a government. If you don’t succeed at first, try again …

In the meantime, he tried to reassure the French, saying that, regardless of the political situation, the 2024 budget would be rolled over into 2025, and a new budget adopted in January 2025. In essence, Christmas will be saved, salaries will be paid (but may not get increases for inflation).

Macron reminded viewers of all that the country had faced under his leadership, including COVID, the war in Ukraine, the Paris Olympics, and the rebuilding of Notre-Dame cathedral. But also repeated again and again that he had “30 months” left in his term, as if he himself were counting the days.

France’s crisis is for now still a political crisis. There is no larger unrest. Politics will most likely painfully limp along in the months to come – unless a new variable is introduced and takes the current situation in an even more serious direction.”

Osamah F. Khalil

Khalil writes: “Even before the dramatic pictures of Germans taking down the Berlin Wall thirty five years ago, there were significant movements toward ending the Cold War. Almost a year earlier, Mikhail Gorbachev, General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, addressed the United Nations in December 1988 about finding a way ‘towards a new world order.’ This was part of a broader effort by Gorbachev to reduce Cold War tensions and eliminate nuclear weapons. However, he encountered skepticism in the Reagan administration that was also mirrored in the U.S. press. Gorbachev’s attempts to reach an international audience was matched by his efforts to institute reforms within the Soviet Union and Soviet-bloc states.

Gorbachev’s economic reforms had intended and unintended consequences. Within the Soviet Union, they were accompanied by calls for greater political reforms and liberalization. Gorbachev also worked to install reformers within the leadership of the Soviet-bloc states. This included forcing East Germany’s hard-line Erich Honecker to step down. In addition, Gorbachev was adamant that unlike previous Soviet leaders, he would not attempt to suppress protests by force or deploy the Soviet military to secure the rule of communist governments in the Warsaw Pact nations. This was brought into stark relief by the Tiananmen Square protests in China in May 1989. Gorbachev was on a state visit to China when the protests occurred, and the harsh crackdown on the protests was only launched after he left. Gorbachev vowed that he would not repeat these actions.

Gorbachev’s determination was tested throughout the summer and fall by protests and a migration crisis in East Germany. In October, Soviet Foreign Minister Edward Shevardnadze declared that Warsaw Pact countries would be allowed to determine their own domestic affairs and ‘go their own way,’ which he referred to as the ‘Sinatra Doctrine.’ By early November, an unfolding economic and political crisis in East Germany as well as Gorbachev’s unwillingness to intervene, helped set the stage for the remarkable events at the Berlin Wall.

The building and the deconstruction of the Berlin Wall represented two symbols. In constructing the wall in August 1961, the Soviet Union and East Germany hoped to stem the ‘brain drain’ to West Germany and beyond while deescalating tensions with the United States. Instead, it became a symbol of repressive authoritarian rule to be challenged and dismantled. Even if the wall’s destruction wasn’t inevitable – or the way that it occurred – it provided indelible images of the desire for freedom globally that remain more than three decades later.

The end of the Cold War provided an impetus for German unification and European integration. There was movement towards this since the end of the Second World War, including the creation of the Council of Europe (1949) and the European Economic Community (1957). In addition, there were economic ties between East and West Germany that predated the end of the Cold War and unification. Although the establishment of the European Union in 1993 appeared to offer a more hopeful future, the past decade has witnessed tensions within the EU that threaten economic and political stability in Europe. With the election of Donald Trump in the United States and the rising popularity of right-wing parties in Germany and France, those trends may become more pronounced over the next four years. Indeed, the fortieth anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall may see a different Europe and increasingly strained Euro-American relations.”

 
Wilson writes: “Pets are a cultural category not a biological one. We single them out from other types of animals for special care, we give them individual names, and we allow them to live in our homes. We consider them to be friends or nonhuman members of our families.

So it’s not surprising many Americans were outraged when the New York Department of Conservation confiscated and killed “P’Nut” the squirrel. In the years since his owner, Mark Longo, adopted the squirrel, P’Nut had become a social media sensation, garnering thousands of followers on Instagram and TikTok. The confiscation and death even become an issue in the presidential campaign, with Republican vice-presidential candidate J. D. Vance criticized the government’s actions.

Given their personal and cultural importance, politicians and others can also use the specter of pet abuse as a way to antagonize voters. Earlier this year, Vance and former president Donald Trump spread baseless claims about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, claiming they were killing and eating dogs and cats. There’s no evidence that Haitian residents were eating these animals. But Vance and Trump knew the mere suggestion of Haitians eating people’s beloved pets would foster animosity against immigrants and bolster their view that they did not belong in the country.”

Margarita Estevez-Abe

She writes: “Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has suffered its worst electoral losses since its defeat in 2009. While much of the news coverage has focused on the LDP’s unpopularity in the face of corruption and the inflation and now will focus on whether Prime Minister Ishiba will be able to hold onto his power, Sunday’s election marks a fundamental change in Japanese society. For much of the postwar period, Japan has been ruled by a small class of male conservative politicians. This ‘Old Japan’ has prevented a ‘New Japan’ from emerging.

The LDP’s defeat brought hopeful news to those who had been wishing for greater political representation of women.�� The record number of female candidates were fielded (342) and elected (73) mostly thanks to the progressive opposition party, the Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP), which emerged as a formidable opposition force winning 148 seats relative to the LDP’s 191. The CDP has been promoting female candidates in local elections and has been playing a critical role in making more conservative parties like the LDP field more women in response.

The CDP is one of the successor parties of the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), the only opposition party every to unseat the LDP in a general election since its founding in 1955. The breakup of the DPJ in 2017 had paved the way for the LDP’s electoral dominance. Most Lower House seats are allocated by a winner-takes-all rule, which has benefitted the LDP, the only large party, facing a fragmented opposition

There was, however, a silver lining.�� Since the breakup, CDP has shared the support from the organized labor with another successor party to DPJ, the Democratic Party for the People (DPP). CDP has pursued a strategy to cultivate women’s talent becoming much more women-friendly party than its predecessor, DPJ. In this process, it has morphed into a party that resembles European center-left parties—a kind of party that did not exist in Japan before. The CDP has been fielding women in local elections and recruiting competitive female local politicians. It represents the values of a ‘New Japan’ that the long rule by the LDP stifled. In urban Japan, many Japanese voters and politicians are eager to legalize same sex marriage, to let women retain their maiden names after marriage, and to allow Princess Aiko to succeed her father. The local councils in Tokyo reveal the character of this New Japan: women, transgender, and naturalized citizens all serve as elected representatives. The LDP has been like a heavy chain wrapped around the neck of this New Japan not letting it assert itself. The CDP still does not have a majority in the 465-person Lower House, which has the prerogative to elect the next Prime Minister. However, a New Japan finally has a chance to challenge the Old Japan.”

, assistant professor at �鶹Ƶ��University’s Falk College, has studied the intake of added sugar and sugar-sweetened beverage in rural adults and adolescents in southwest Virginia. You can read more about her work by . In regards to the Halloween candy this year, Yuhas writes: “ soaring cocoa prices, which could mean smaller chocolate bars and pricier candy this Halloween. As parents opt for fewer chocolates and more non-chocolate sweets, the risk of high consumption of added sugars remains. To keep things balanced this Halloween, parents can set limits on candy, encourage moderation, and fuel up with a healthy meal before trick-or-treating. For a fun twist, try the “Switch Witch” trick: let kids keep a few favorites, then leave the rest outside their door overnight. In exchange, the witch delivers a small toy or prize. For older kids, you can also try the “Candy Buyback” method. Offer your child the opportunity to “sell” their candy back to you. Set a rate like 10 pieces of candy in exchange for a small toy, book, or special outing. You might also opt to hand out glow sticks or other small, fun trinkets to replace candy when trick-or-treaters come to your door. This not only cuts down on sugar but adds an extra level of fun and safety to Halloween night. These are a few sweet ways to promote healthy habits this Halloween!”��

, professor of supply chain practice at �鶹Ƶ��University, can speak to the supply chain issues and prices of Halloween candy. Recently, he did interviews with , , , and many other outlets about recent supply chain matters. .

Tetiana Hranchak, Ph.D. is a visiting assistant teaching professor in the Moynihan Institute of Global Affairs at �鶹Ƶ��University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs. Hranchak’s research interests include issues related to political and cultural communication, libraries’ participation in the implementation of the politics of memory, preservation and transmission of historical memory, formation of critical media literacy and countering information manipulation and propaganda. She writes: “North Korean troops in Ukraine would be another confirmation that the Russian war in Ukraine is not a local or regional conflict. Along with the intensification of military operations in the Middle East using the terrorist group Hamas, this is an additional confirmation of the anti-Western axis formed by Russia, which includes China and Iran in addition to North Korea. For now. The rhetoric of the heads of government of Slovakia Robert Fico and of Hungary Viktor Orban, the strengthening of pro-Russian right-wing radical sentiments in a number of European countries and the visit of the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to Russia do not add confidence in the impossibility of extending this axis to the European space in the future. This is an evidence of the ineffectiveness of the chosen by the West strategy to delay the solution of the ‘Russian problem,’ which increasingly opens up space for the corrosion of the entire security system established after the Second World War. In the current conditions, the acceptance of Ukraine into NATO and thus the strict limitation of Russian expectations regarding Ukraine could become a safeguard against the further destruction of the world order.”

, political science professor at Syacuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs, studies Russia politics. Much of his research has focused on the development of the Russian state, with particular attention to state coercive organizations, such as the military and the police. He is the author of the book The Code of Putinism. He did an interview with about this topic.

, adjunct professor at �鶹Ƶ��University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs, is an expert on 21st century war and changing international relations. McFate is one of the world’s leading expert on mercenaries.��He wrote the book The New Rules of War: How America Can Win—Against Russia, China, and Other Threats. Yesterday, McFate talked about and said “This is a worrisome development, if true, because it would internationalize the Korean conflict and lower the threshold for direct conflict between the two Koreans in Ukraine, which could go nuclear. A problem of war is unintended consequences. This seems like an unnecessary risk by South Korea.”

, retired Vice Admiral and currently a professor of practice at �鶹Ƶ��University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs, has expertise in national security, international relations, and military and defense strategy. He is also the deputy director of the Institute for Security Policy and Law at �鶹Ƶ��University. Murrett was a guest on and about this story.

Elizabeth Carter

, assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering at �鶹Ƶ��University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science, and her research team have received a water resource grant from the U.S. Geological Survey to develop a sensor network that measures flooding. This sensor network will help predict different types of flooding caused by natural disasters, particularly flooding in areas where people live, which is referred to as urban flooding. This project is known as the Urban Flood Observing Network, and you can learn more about it here.

Related to Hurricane Milton specifically, she writes: “We design flood control infrastructure, like storm sewers, reservoirs, floodwalls, and levees, to handle a storm that we think has a 1% chance of happening every year. The primary physical driver of these 1% flood events in the eastern and central United States are tropical cyclones (tropical depressions, storms, and hurricanes). More hurricanes directly translates to more frequent infrastructure failure. More intense hurricanes means more catastrophic infrastructure failure. In 1970, the most intense storm we’d see in an average year was a category 3. In 2010, it was a category 4. If these trends continue into 2050, we could expect at least one category 5 storm annually. We are not prepared.��Flood control infrastructure upgrades in the eastern United States are urgently required, and a critical public health and equity issue.”

Sarah Pralle

, associate professor of political science at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at �鶹Ƶ��University, specializes in environmental politics and policy, climate change and energy, flood mapping, flood insurance, and more. Pralle also serves as a senior research associate for the Campbell Public Affairs Institute. She was recently quoted in The Atlantic story ““:

“Many people assume that they face little risk if they aren’t living in an area included in high-risk zones on FEMA’s flood maps, Sarah Pralle, a political-science professor at the Maxwell School at �鶹Ƶ��University, told me. But FEMA’s maps don’t capture the full picture of flood risk. They are drawn ‘based on the assumption that the past will help us predict the future. In a rapidly changing climate, that’s not the case.’ The maps can quickly become outdated as climate risks evolve, she noted, and don’t take into account pluvial flooding, or flooding from heavy-rain events, which is what North Carolina saw last week. Even people who have personally experienced flooding sometimes drop their policies, Pralle said, adding that ‘if people have lived in a place where it hasn’t flooded in decades, they lose that memory of what can happen and what kind of losses they might suffer. Those who do buy flood insurance usually live in areas prone to flooding. The result is a system in which the risk is not evenly spread out, making flood-insurance premiums hugely pricey—Pralle likened it to a health-insurance system in which only the sick buy coverage.'”

And then: “So much of the response following disasters can feel piecemeal and reactive, Pralle said. Insurance is important—but not the full story. ‘Every dollar we put into prevention is going to be a lot more efficiently spent,’ she explained. In a world reshaped by climate change, ‘this idea that there’s safe places you can go hide is unrealistic.’”

Robert Wilson

, associate professor at �鶹Ƶ��University’s Maxwell School, studies animals and society, climate change, geography, and more. He can speak to human-pet relationships and the need to prepare for your pets ahead of natural disasters.

Wilson writes: “As Hurricane Milton barrels ashore in Florida, we’re reminded of how owning pets can complicate evacuations during natural disasters. When asked, most pet owners say they consider their cats and dogs to be like family. This affection for pets can complicate evacuation decisions during emergencies.

Pet owners often face a difficult choice. They can evacuate to a hotel or shelter that doesn’t accept pets, potentially leaving their animals behind. Or they can remain in place, facing the worst of a hurricane to stay with their pets. This dilemma underscores the need for emergency planning that considers the needs of pets as well as people.

In areas prone to hurricanes, wildfires, or other natural disasters, pet owners should develop evacuation plans that include their animals. This could involve plans that identify hotels and shelters that accept pets, preparing an emergency kit with supplies for people and animals, and making sure pets have proper identification. Being prepared can help save the lives of people and the pets they love.”

Patrick Penfield

, professor of supply chain practice at �鶹Ƶ��Univeristy’s Whitman School of Management, can speak to supply chain issues related to Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton.

Penfield writes: “Hurricane Helene and Milton will adversely impact US supply chains. Unfortunately, we have a high concentration of critical manufacturing facilities in the South such as IV plants (North Carolina and Florida) and quartz factories (used in the electronics industry) which could be shut down for several months because of the hurricanes. In addition to southern manufacturing plant and distribution centers being closed, we will see a significant loss of vegetable and fruits which will impact availability and drive-up prices. Penfield further stated that significant infrastructure will need to also be rebuilt such as roads, bridges and ports which could further impact the ability of other companies in the South to function.”

Derek Seward

is an associate professor at �鶹Ƶ��University’s School of Education. Dr. Seward’s scholarly interests focus primarily on the multicultural and social justice development of mental health professionals, with a particular interest in professionals of color.

Seward writes: “Repeated exposure to hurricane disasters can be devasting as the opportunity for hurricane survivors to have sustained psychological recovery time is disrupted. Hurricane survivors can experience a range of short-term psychological struggles including immense anxiety as their lives are threatened, intense feelings of helplessness as they deal with uncertainty regarding potential loss of life (i.e., family, friends, pets) and belongings, and increased stress from physical displacement. The impact on families can be particularly profound as children may lack psychological preparedness and resilience to handle acute unexpected adversities. Physical clinginess, refusal to be separated from parents or guardians, and nightmares or other sleep disruptions are behavioral responses children may display. During disasters, children struggle with experiencing that their world is not stable, secure, and safe. To protect their children, parents may withhold expressing their fears and anxieties which can be problematic as they are not attending to their own mental health needs. Parents and guardians should reassure their children they are being protected. Limiting children’s exposure to media coverage of hurricanes can help to avoid elevating their anxiety. Parents should consider seeking mental health support to deal with any symptoms of stress and anxiety they experience. Longer-term psychological struggles for hurricane survivors include increased substance use and post-traumatic stress symptoms such as having intrusive and distressing thoughts that interfere with concentration mood, irritability, avoidant behavior, and depression.”

Jennifer Genovese

is an assistant teaching professor in the School of Social Work at �鶹Ƶ��University’s Falk College. She can speak to mental health and trauma related to natural disasters; and, specifically in this case, back-to-back hurricanes. She was recently interviewed for the ABC News story “

Murrett

If you need an expert to discuss U.S. military presence in the Middle East, you may want to consider retired Vice Admiral . Murrett is currently a professor of practice at �鶹Ƶ��University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and deputy director of �鶹Ƶ��University’s Institute for Security Policy and Law. He’s recently been interviewed by , , , and others on the news.

McFate

Additionally, , adjunct professor at �鶹Ƶ��University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs in D.C., is also available for interviews. McFate is an expert in international relations, military warfare, national security, and more. He was recently interviewed by () on the subject.

Professor Ueda-Ballmer writes: “Suicide has traditionally been viewed as solely a mental health issue. However, it’s crucial to shift this narrative – social factors significantly influence an individual’s decision to contemplate suicide. These factors include poverty, addiction, discrimination, social isolation, and the impact of media. The findings from , developed by the world’s leading suicide prevention experts, emphasize the need to promote upstream measures that address these social determinants alongside clinical treatment for mental illness. The Series suggests potential interventions such as economic policies to reduce poverty and regulations on alcohol consumption and social media platforms.”

Tetiana Hranchak��became a visiting assistant teaching professor at �鶹Ƶ��University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs after she fled Ukraine in 2022.

Hranchak writes: “The Kursk operation showed the effectiveness of a proactive approach and strategic initiative. The Russians turned out to be unprepared for the Ukrainians’ non-standard actions and unable to react effectively to them. We can confidently talk about a certain political, informational, and military ‘spinning wheel’ in response to the challenge created by the Ukrainian side and the Kremlin’s image losses. Additional lessons are the conclusions regarding the ability of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to conduct successful military operations and win under the conditions of the necessary military support and planning, as well as regarding the conventionality of the so called “red lines” declared by the Kremlin. Unconditional bonuses became strengthening the fighting spirit of Ukrainians and improving Ukraine’s potential negotiating position.”

Retired Vice Admiral��is a professor of practice at �鶹Ƶ��University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and deputy director of �鶹Ƶ��University’s Institute for Security Policy and Law.

Murrett writes: “The Ukrainian operations across the border in the Kursk and (possibly) Belgorod regions have been of longer duration and reach than either the Russians or Ukrainians initially expected. Moreover, there is reporting today that Russia has had to divert units fighting in southern Ukraine to deal with the offensive operations in Russia. This latter dynamic is likely the stretch goal of Kyiv; that is, to diminish Russian capability inside Ukraine by resetting conditions across the border in Russia.

The situation is still highly fluid, but with clear signs that the Russian command and control of responding units is still coming together, with all-important unity of command not yet achieved. The next 2-3 days will be critical for both sides as this “Battle of Kursk” takes on additional significance.”

You can view previous video interviews of both Hranchak and Murrett by��clicking here.

If you are looking for an expert to discuss about the War in Ukraine, Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs professors and are available for interviews. Please see their comments below regarding NATO and China. If you’d like to schedule an interview, you can reach out to Vanessa Marquette, media relations specialist, at vrmarque@syr.edu.

Robert Murrett

Murrett writes: “The Chinese Foreign Ministry provided a statement in response to actions at the NATO Summit Meeting this week that probably overstated their concerns over resistance to Chinese support for Russia’s war in Ukraine.�� At the same time, the reaction was likely spurred as much by the high-level participation of Japan, the R.O.K., Australia and New Zealand at the NATO meeting, cementing the Alliance’s role as a player in East Asia.�� In any event, we can say with certainty that Beijing is paying close attention as the Alliance, as it marked it’s 75^th��year of impact across the globe.”

Sean McFate

McFate writes: “One of Biden’s chief jobs at NATO is to make them care more about China. For Washington, the US’s #1 adversary is China. For NATO, it’s Russia. It’s been a tug-of-war across the Atlantic for years, and will not be resolved this July beyond rhetoric.”

, professor of geography and the environment at �鶹Ƶ��University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, shared his thoughts below. If you’d like to schedule an interview with him, please reach out to Vanessa Marquette, media relations specialist, at vrmarque@syr.edu.

Huber writes: “As long as well-meaning ‘green’ policies continue to foreground taking away modern comforts, they will generate angry backlash (and in this case the opposite effect of more emissions as countries inefficiently seek to keep their athletes cool in a uncoordinated fashion). This is not unrelated to the electoral losses Greens endured in the recent EU elections (and could hit France itself soon).”

In the video, �鶹Ƶ��University Vice Chancellor , who is also the executive director and founder of the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families, speaks about the GI Bill’s origins and the University’s role in its inception. He also discusses the importance of other universities welcoming veterans, highlighting the positive impact they have on campuses.

If you’d like to schedule an interview with him, please reach out to Vanessa Marquette, media relations specialist, at .

McConville writes: “Frequent military moves often place financial hardships on service members (SM) and their families. For a spouse like me, 23 moves over my SM’s 42-year Army career, caused many challenging pivots in my own career. The new policy authorizing reimbursement of moving costs – up to $1,000 – associated with a spouse’s business is crucial in helping mitigate those financial hardships, in encouraging career sustainment and growth, and in enhancing SM retention.” Also, please view her .

Maury writes: “The new policy reimbursing military spouses up to $1,000 for business costs during moves addresses significant challenges highlighted in our latest data brief on . Our research shows that 46% of military spouses feel their status negatively affects their career prospects, driving many toward entrepreneurship. Despite 74% of military spouse entrepreneurs reporting that entrepreneurship positively impacts their professional lives, only 28% can fully support themselves or their families through their businesses. This reimbursement provides essential financial relief, supporting their resilience and entrepreneurial spirit, and helping them sustain and grow their ventures.”

, is an associate professor in the Department of Public Administration and International Affairs at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, and a senior research associate in the Center for Policy Research. Her expertise includes suicide prevention, and she is currently conducting multiple studies aimed at identifying and mitigating the barriers to mental health help-seeking. She writes: “As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s crucial to recognize that individuals with severe mental health conditions may not seek help or treatment, even among college students who typically exhibit lower levels of stigma associated with mental health treatment. Our recent survey of �鶹Ƶ��University students suggests that approximately 33% are experiencing moderate to severe depressive symptoms, with about 13%��reporting suicidal ideation. However, only slightly more than half of those with these serious conditions sought treatment, either on- or off-campus, in the past 12 months. Given that our students have full health insurance coverage and good access to care, the low rate could be attributed to perceived stigma; quite a few of our students responded that others would think less of someone who has received mental health treatment. Mental Health Awareness Month provides an excellent opportunity to reach out to those struggling with mental health issues and assure them that seeking help is entirely acceptable.”

, is an assistant teaching professor at �鶹Ƶ��University’s Falk College. He teaches courses in human sexuality, cultural diversity, and relationship therapy with LGBTQ clients. . He writes: “Mental health is a conversation that we all should be having; this month gives us a moment to reflect on those around us who may need additional support. For example, the LGBTQ community experiences higher rates of mental health needs. This is driven from the compounded impact of minority stress, or external discrimination which leads to psychological distress. This year a record number of anti-lgbt bills () have been introduced across the nation. This disheartening statistic highlights the overt discrimination and resulting fear for many. As the need for support increases, therapists should increase their accessibility to this community through LGBTQ-affirming therapy, offering support and validation of their lived experiences.”

, is an associate teaching professor of social work at �鶹Ƶ��University’s Falk College. He served in the U.S. Air Force as a mental health therapist, family advocacy officer in charge, and as manager of the alcohol and drug prevention and treatment program. . He writes: “Addressing the mental health challenges and suicide risks within the military demands a multi-pronged and proactive strategy. This approach should include enhancing mental health services, bolstering support for families, and advocating for a sustainable work-life balance. Such a balance would help soldiers understand the significance and impact of their work on the lives of American civilians, underscoring its meaningfulness. Confronting systemic issues is a critical step towards fostering a healthier, more resilient, and operationally effective military force. By committing to these measures, we can offer robust support to our soldiers, contributing significantly to the establishment of a fortified and capable military entity.”

, associate professor at the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, is a��parenting researcher who joined the Falk College in 2012 following a series of faculty appointments, including a Fulbright fellowship in Cyprus. In both teaching and research, he seeks to understand the principles by which parents and families support optimal child development. He has a broad interest in working to enhance teaching in the developmental sciences. He writes: “In terms of parenting and mental health, one of the most current topics is the work outlined by Jonathan Haidt in his newly-released book ‘The Anxious Generation’ In that work he is basically arguing that an over controlling, overprotective approach to parenting that also encompasses funneling kids into using phones and other media is what is responsible for the growth in mental health challenges. The idea is that parents are overly concerned about the physical harms that might happen to their children so they keep them away from free unsupervised play. Through free unsupervised play, children learn to feel more confident and less anxious- and also spend less time with phones. So this overprotectiveness based on anxiety about potential harms leads them to actually experience high rates of anxiety because they are less prepared to deal with the challenges of adolescence.”

1. Tetiana Hranchak, who fled Ukraine after the invasion and is now a visiting assistant teaching professor at �鶹Ƶ��University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, writes: “The current decision regarding aid to Ukraine – if it is adopted – is important, although it does not allow to solve the problem of Russian aggression and terror systematically. I hope that the change in the rhetoric of Speaker Mike Johnson will become the first step in a rethinking of the Russian threat by American politicians and will make it possible to withdraw the defense of liberal values and the interests of the country beyond the outlined by a Kremlin tyrant limits.”
2. , the author of��and an expert in Russian politics at �鶹Ƶ��University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, says the delay in aid to Ukraine has benefited Russia and President Vladimir Putin. Back in January, he specifically said “Vladimir Putin has some of his swagger back, despite the fact that a war that was supposed to last one week has already lasted two years, because he thinks that time is on Russia’s side. Key to his confidence is the months-long failure in Congress to pass another assistance package for Ukraine. If the Congress cannot pass more aid for Ukraine, this will undoubtedly be a win for Putin and a loss for not only Ukraine but U.S. standing in Europe and around the world.”
3. , director of the Campbell Public Affairs Institute and a professor of political science at �鶹Ƶ��University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, says “This is a moment where the pressure is rightfully on Democrats as well as Republicans. Aid for Ukraine is supported broadly in the entire House of Representatives and is viewed by many as existentially needed by that country.�� If a small fringe of Republicans tries to stop it by deposing the Speaker, then Democrats need to come to the aid of Ukraine by propping up the Speaker, even though they disagree with them on most issues.�� Some Democrats like Tom Suozzi in New York have made this intention to help the Speaker clear, but more need to do so in order to push this aid through a closely divided House.”

Kubala writes: “Here at �鶹Ƶ��University, we pride ourselves on being the “Best Place for Veterans,” especially when it comes to Syracuse’s support to veterans who utilize their VA Education Benefits to pursue their educational goals.�� Today, the Supreme Court ruled that an Army Veteran may use educational benefits that he earned under both the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill.�� The decision is a win for Veterans and allows them to receive the full extent of the benefits they earned.�� No veteran should be penalized for their continued service by having to choose one benefit when they earned two.�� Here at the Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal clinic we have cases involving education benefits and I’m thrilled to see the Court find that service members who accrue these benefits may use them as they choose.”

, a professor at �鶹Ƶ��University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, specializes in energy and capitalism, climate politics, and resource geography. He writes: “Our political leaders continue to say we can trust the green transition to the private sector, and time and time again they prove they’re not up to the task. Tesla should be expanding employment and investment in more affordable EVs and they’re doing the opposite because they prioritize their stock price and profits over responding to climate change.”

, associate professor at �鶹Ƶ��University’s Whitman School of Management, studies industrial and labor relations and organizational behavior. She writes: “Given the changes in the electric vehicle market and the increased viability of competitors, the strain that Tesla is feeling is not surprising. Tesla might have been an early mover in the electric vehicle market, but they are not the only mover now. Other organizations are on their tail now. Tesla is facing external threats from competitors and internal challenges such as Rohan Patel, senior global director of public policy and business development, and Andrew Baglino, senior vice president of powertrain and energy engineering, leaving the organization. Tesla will have to make some choices about how to manage these changes and support their remaining workforce. The remaining employees will be experiencing significant anxiety and concern right now regarding their futures at the organization and how their work processes will be changing. Replacing Baglino and Patel also will be challenging. If Tesla is lucky, their exits were planned, and Tesla has a leadership succession plan in place.”

Robert Murrett

Retired Vice Admiral currently is a professor of practice and serves as the deputy director of �鶹Ƶ��University’s Institute for Security Policy and Law. Murrett writes: “In the wake of the last week’s devastating Israeli airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, the upcoming retaliatory action by Iran is likely to represent a significant response and a departure in character from previous such actions. Tehran will have to walk a fine line as they will want to send a strong signal to the Israelis, and at the same time not jeopardize their stated goal of not raising tensions in the region dramatically. Another key dynamic to watch in the weeks and months ahead will be the magnitude of attacks by Iran and their regional surrogates throughout the Middle East. The Israeli strike on the Damascus consulate may result in some level of additional latitude for the proxies, and lead to a range of actions in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, the Red Sea and elsewhere.”

Sean McFate

,��professor at �鶹Ƶ��University’s Maxwell School��of Citizenship & Public Affairs and author of��The New Rules of War: How America Can Win — Against Russia, China, and Other Threats. McFate writes: “Israel and Iran have been fighting a shadow war across Syria for over ten years. Now it risks coming into the light, and could ignite the region into broader conflict — exactly what the White House is trying to prevent. However, unlike previous White House’s, the Israeli don’t issue fake ‘red lines.’ For them, it’s existential, and that’s why everyone should take it seriously. If it happens, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf States will be in an odd position: triaging enemies. Before the October 7 attacks, they were all aligned against Iran. Hamas sought to end that alliance, and did.”

McKnight writes: “The Northeast, fresh from experiencing a snowy April Nor’easter pummeling especially New Hampshire and Maine, and causing close to half a million to lose power, had a next shock with the 4.8 earthquake earlier today. Centered in New Jersey, but reportedly felt from Baltimore to Massachusetts, today’s minor rumble was far from the deadly threat Taiwan’s 7.2 quake a few days ago was. The impressive thing in the Taiwan quake was actually how well-built Taiwanese buildings are. Since while more than a thousand people were injured and there were deaths, without Taiwan’s now-strict building codes, the effects would have been far worse.

Which brings us back to the Tewksbury (N.J.) quake. Thankfully New York City, 45 miles away, reported no injuries.

What was noticeable, and alarming from an emergency communications perspective, was how slow authorities were to sound an alarm or send an alert. New York City’s ‘automated’ alert did not come out for more than 30 minutes after the quake, while New York State’s was even slower.

If the situation had been a tornado, or a more extreme quake, the slow official response could have had fatal consequences. Just a few days ago, for example, the Midwest experienced tornadoes and storms – while the National Weather Service itself was knocked off-line; not by the storm but by a hardware failure. The NWS ‘promptly’ restored operations 4 hours later; and announced they hoped to move to the cloud, Congress permitting, in coming years.

There is 1 common lesson: whether it is earthquakes shaking unexpected – or expected- places, Nor’easters, tornadoes.. the list goes on: resilient emergency communication matters. Not just for formal public safety authorities, but for all of us.

If we lost power while feet of snow fell (New Hampshire and Maine, today): how long could we maintain communication? (Never mind staying warm; ok that matters too).

If the Jersey quake was 7.3 and not 4.8…how bad would that have been? For buildings, and for emergency communication? (I shudder to imagine)

Whether we are worrying about emergency communication in a live emergency, or preparing for the future, considering our own vulnerabilities to disruptions, and the digital public infrastructure that we rely on today, whether National Weather Service, or state or city emergency services, or for our own daily digital needs: of you are not concerned, you are not paying attention.

We at �鶹Ƶ��University have been paying attention.

We developed and evolved the Internet Backpack, which sustainably maintains connectivity anywhere on the planet, indefinitely; one way or another.

That matters to the 2.6 billion still off the Internet, even on a good day; and�� to all of us, who might experience a need to receive or send emergency communications and obtain emergency connectivity, at any time; anywhere.”

Dr. Terrell writes:

“On the place of the Nazi past:��While Germany has made great efforts to confront its Nazi past, Nazism is not a past that can simply be gotten over or definitively conquered. The politics of memory remain active and contested, as the rhetoric of AfD leaders like Björn Höcke makes clear. It is dangerously self-congratulatory to think that prior memory work inoculates against the dangers of historical reframing and perversion.

On the AfD as an eastern German problem:��The article ties the electoral successes of the AfD in eastern Germany to GDR-era narratives of the Nazi past. But they are also a product of the ongoing sense of internal otherness felt by many eastern Germans within their own country since reunification. This is a sentiment often dismissed by western Germans, and one that the AfD strategically capitalizes on. We might fruitfully consider not just the Nazi past then, but the incomplete ways that Germany has confronted its cold war and immediate post-cold war past.

Also on the AfD and the former East Germany:��The AfD is not limited to the former East. Protests against the AfD have not been confined to the former West. In the first wave of demonstrations, for example, protests in eastern cities including Jena, Erfurt, and Halle were perhaps even bigger than those in the former West when adjusted for the relative populations.“

is an associate professor in the iSchool at �鶹Ƶ��University, faculty advisor to the Worldwide Innovation Technology and Entrepreneurship Club (WiTec), and an affiliate of the Institute for National Security and Counterterrorism (INSTC).��Regarding today’s cellular outage, he writes:

“The dirty secret of telecom networks these days is they are just a bunch of wires & towers connected to the cloud like everything else in modern life, whether Netflix or your grocery store.��

With little information released on the cause of ATT’s cross-country outages, the most likely cause is a cloud misconfiguration. Which is a fancy word for saying human error. I was reviewing this exact issue in class yesterday. (IST 615 Cloud Management) which is all too common.��

A possible but far less likely outcome is an intentional malicious hack of ATT’s network, but the diffuse pattern of outages across the country suggests something more fundamental.”��

Now two years later, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs professors Tetiana Hranchak and Robert Murrett, along with IVMF staff member Linh Nguyen G’21, offer their reflections on the lessons learned and the road ahead. Access their videos below.

Tetiana Hranchak is a visiting assistant teaching professor, supported by �鶹Ƶ��University’s participation in the Scholars at Risk Network. She shares her thoughts on the two-year anniversary of the war in her homeland. Having fled her country when the invasion commenced, she offers a unique perspective on the ongoing conflict. Learn more about her.

Retired U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Robert Murrett discusses how the military and defensive landscape of both Russia and Ukraine has developed over these last two years, along with what it’ll take for this war to come to an end. Murrett is a professor of practice and serves as the deputy director of �鶹Ƶ��University’s Institute for Security Policy and Law. .

If you are with the media and would like to schedule an interview with either of these faculty/staff members, please reach out to Vanessa Marquette, media relations specialist, at vrmarque@syr.edu.

Sean McFate

, adjunct professor at �鶹Ƶ��University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs, said “The specifics on this remain unclear. However, it is a reminder of how challenging it can be to maintain confidentiality among members of Congress. I hope the Congress member in question doesn’t wrongly use sensitive U.S. sources and methods. They take years to develop and could all be wasted by a single thoughtless statement.” McFate is an expert on 21st century war and changing international relations, and is the author of T.��

Brian Taylor writes: “Two American journalists are currently in Russian jails for trying to conduct independent journalism in Russia. Russian journalists have been killed for trying to practice independent journalism, some are in jail, and many others have had to flee the country. Many Western journalists who work on and in Russia have sought an interview with Putin since his full-scale invasion of Ukraine two years ago, to no avail.��The fact that Putin is willing to talk to Tucker Carlson now means that Putin is looking for an opportunity to influence American domestic politics and he thinks Carlson will be a useful conduit for his message.”

Tetiana Hranchak writes: “This war is hybrid, and its informational component might be considered as a weapon. By using the media, in particular, the Tucker Carlson’s interview, Putin is trying to achieve at least three goals:

1. Spread distorted narratives about the war among western audience,
2. To create a picture of the disagreement of a conditional public, which still “have no idea” about the reasons of the war, with the official position of Washington, to fuel internal contradictions in American society, which could lead to a weakening or complete cessation of the aid for Ukraine,
3. To strengthen his own legitimacy in the western political discourse with the help of western mass media.

The question is how these goals are aligned with the interests of the American community.”

Robert Murrett

Murrett writes: “The lethal attack yesterday by Kataib Hezbollah on the Syria/Jordan border, which killed three Americans and wounded more than 30 others, is the latest in a series of mounting attacks by Iranian proxy forces throughout the region.��The White House has made it clear that there will be retaliation for the attack, and it is likely that response options are already available to the President for execution at any time.

The larger issue here is a policy of strong deterrence without causing escalation.��We continue to witness a wide range and increasing number of Iranian-backed attacks in the Red Sea, from Lebanon, in Syria, Iraq, and the Gulf of Aden.��Difficult choices will be required in the days and weeks ahead as military operations continue a policy of strong deterrence without seeking widespread escalation that could harm our interests and those of our allies.��While a retaliatory attack against proxy groups such as Kataib Hezbollah would not necessarily constitute a major inflection point, a decision to strike actual Iranian target(s) could do so.”

, visiting assistant teaching professor in the Moynihan Institute of Global Affairs in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at �鶹Ƶ��University, writes: “President Zelenskyy’s visit is taking place in complicated circumstances. U.S. support for Ukraine is crucial. Ukraine is infinitely grateful for the help received, but, unfortunately, the war continues. The blocking of the ‘Ukrainian’ issue in Congress is a cause for concern, especially against the background of information about the efforts of allies of the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, well-known for his sympathy for Putin, to influence representatives of the Republican Party to end aid to Ukraine. However, the aid to Ukraine today is the U.S.’ investment in its own calm and predictable tomorrow. I’d like to believe that routine issues, short-term purposes and political conjuncture will not interfere with the American legislators’ vision of the strategic perspective. Once upon a time, in the 13th century during the Mongol invasion of Europe, the Rus’-Ukrainian prince Danylo Halytskyi tried to organize European countries for a crusade against the Horde. He asked the Pope for the army, but got the title of King and crown instead. I’d like to think that history teaches and this time the hopes of the people of Ukraine will come true.”

��

Retired Vice Admiral , professor of practice at �鶹Ƶ��University’s Maxwell School and deputy director of the Institute for Security Policy and Law, writes: “The visit by President Zelenskyy to Washington represents another inflection point for U.S. support to Ukraine. While the Congressional outlook for additional aid is challenging, there is no question that the Ukrainian armed forces are in need of additional support, particularly as Russian is currently poised for further offensive actions along the line of engagement. Moscow has a strategy of attempting to outlast the west as a means of cementing their territorial gains in Ukraine, and waning support from the U.S. and our allies would certainly advance their goals.”

Robert Nassau

Regarding the case, he writes: “On one level, the Supreme Court case of Moore v. United States,��oral argument for which was heard today. considers the constitutionality of the narrow and esoteric Mandatory Repatriation Tax.��But on another level, it potentially considers the constitutionality of vast swaths of the Internal Revenue Code, such as the tax treatment of partnerships, S corporations, foreign corporations controlled by Americans — and even the simple holding of stocks and bonds.��The Court’s holding is the most anticipated holding in a tax case in many decades.” ]]> /blog/2023/12/06/leadership-lessons-from-time-person-of-the-year-taylor-swift/ Wed, 06 Dec 2023 19:08:14 +0000 /?p=194786 Today, we found out Taylor Swift has been named the . There is no doubt Taylor has made a huge impact for her fans and the economy this past year – we can all learn a lot from her. One thing in particular we can learn from her, that is not often spoken about, is how she treats others – especially her employees.

, assistant professor of management at �鶹Ƶ��University’s Whitman School of Management, agrees with this statement. She writes:

Lynne Vincent

“Great managers have the ability to enrich employees’ inner work lives- to create and sustain employees’ positive emotions about work, to keep employees motivated and engaged at work, and to support employees’ positive perceptions of the organization and the manager. Recognizing employee contributions and work is a significant part of that. Showing appreciation for their contributions can increase moral, motivation, and overall job satisfaction. We spend so much of our lives at work. We want that to mean something and for our efforts to be recognized and appreciated.

More than one in seven veterans discharged between 2002 and 2013 received a less than “Honorable” discharge, according to new research out of �鶹Ƶ��University. The “” research brief describes how service members with behavioral or mental health challenges, ethnoracial minorities, members of the LGBTQ community, and women are at the greatest risk for receiving a less than “Honorable” discharge—which, in turn, has veterans experiencing lifelong negative consequences associated with their discharge status

Mariah Brennan and Emily Graham, the authors of this brief, said, “It is critical that we raise awareness surrounding the challenges that veterans face when they leave military service with a discharge that is less than ‘Honorable’. Transitioning from service can be challenging enough, but the added consequences associated with less than ‘Honorable’ discharges are severe, lifelong, and put this group of veterans at greater risk for poor health outcomes and homelessness. It’s important that resources and support upon separation are available to those in greatest need.”

If you’d like to learn more about this research and/or schedule an interview with the authors, please reach out to Vanessa Marquette, media relations specialist, at vrmarque@syr.edu.

, professor of geography and the environment at �鶹Ƶ��University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs, shared his thoughts below. If you’d like to schedule an interview with Professor Huber, please contact Vanessa Marquette, media relations specialist, at vrmarque@syr.edu.

He writes: “President Biden promised a ‘whole of government’ approach to the climate crisis upon taking office. But his absence at the COP 28 summit signals a dangerous lack of interest in the unfolding climate crisis. Given the United States is the world’s largest historic emitter this should be an international scandal.”

Professor Gueorguiev writes:

• Xi is widely seen as coming into the meeting with the goal of buying China time by presenting a more friendly and cooperative face in the midst of growing mistrust and anxiety within the USG and the American public over China’s ambitions.��One concrete action Xi could take to demonstrate good faith is committing to more thoroughly police chemical precursors coming out of China and feeding fentanyl production. This is something Beijing could easily do but has been holding back on, presumably as leverage. Now might be the time to use it. Xi will also use his opportunity to meet with American business leaders and make the case that China is still an attractive and welcoming market. This will be a hard sell.
• Biden has an interest in demonstrating that the US and China can sit down and communicate in a responsible and professional manner. He has no interest in offering concessions. If Xi is hoping to get some carve-outs on US tech sanctions and export controls, he is going to be disappointed. What the US will want out of these discussions will be some kind of statement about resuming mil-to-mil communications, a nod to mutual interests in upcoming climate negotiations in Dubai, and an indirect agreement not to let sensitive upcoming events on the political calendar, like Taiwan’s presidential election, become weaponized through escalatory language. Biden also has no interest in having the face-to-face meeting turn into a public spectacle. The choice of the secluded Filoli estate, far away from the APEC action, is part of this thinking.

• , assistant professor of management at the Whitman School, was quoted in a article about 7,000 Stellantis factory workers joining the UAW strike.
  
• , media professor at the Newhouse School, spoke with about female celebrities and the questionable future success of their memoirs, and with about the Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour movie.
• , adjunct professor from Falk College, shared his expertise with The Zoe Report for the story ““

• , a history professor at the Maxwell School, spoke with Al Jazeera for the story “.”

• , a professor in the political science department at Maxwell, was quoted in a article about the beauty of Africa.

• , Crandall Melvin Professor of Law at the College of Law, is in the IPWatchDog story “.”
• , professor of communications at the Newhouse School, was referenced in an piece about missing white woman syndrome.

• , assistant professor in the College of Arts & Sciences, was interviewed on the Academic Minute on the topic “.”
• , a sports management professor at Falk College, was quoted in the Spectrum News article “.”
• and , both professors at Falk College, were guest columnists in a article about gender affirming care saving the lives of transgender people.

• associate professor at the Maxwell School, was quoted Foreign Policy article��“” and The New York Times article “.”

• , Professor Emeritus at the Maxwell School, was featured in The Economist article “.”
• , the vice president of research, was interviewed for the Spectrum News story “.”

Professor Arnold writes: “My new book “” (�鶹Ƶ��University Press) helps us all to better understand the significance of the shift from Columbus to Indigenous Peoples Day. The enduring values of Indigenous Peoples all over the world, but particularly those of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois), have had a profound influence on US culture through democratic principles, women’s rights, lacrosse and foodways. However, these connections have been obscured by the legacy of domination of Indigenous Peoples and their lands by settler-colonialism, which is symbolized by Columbus. Concern for our future has led immigrant people back to those who originally welcomed them. Moving to Indigenous Peoples Day signals a respect that has been sorely lacking throughout our history.”

• , director of the Goldring Arts Journalism and Communications program at Newhouse, was quoted in the Associated Press story “.”
• , associate professor of law, was interviewed for The New York Times story ““
• , a professor in the history department at Maxwell, was featured in the Al Jazeera article “‘.”
• , chief operating officer at the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families, was for the 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
• , professor of environmental systems in the College of Engineering, spoke with Salon for the story ““
• , an assistant professor of biology in the College of Arts and Sciences, was in the EcoWatch article “.”
• , professor at the College of Law and director of the �鶹Ƶ��Intellectual Property Law Institute, was interviewed for the Bloomberg Law story “.”
• , professor of practice & chair, music industry & technologies at the Setnor School of Music, was quoted in the Lifewire story “.”
• , vice president of community engagement and government relations, was on discussing Syracuse’s partnership with the Salvation Army.
• , teaching professor at the College of Law, was in the Fortune story “”
  
• , Esther M. Larsen faculty fellow in the humanities and assistant professor, was quoted in and
• , head of digital stewardship and the digital library program at the Libraries, was featured in Yahoo Finance’s story “.”
• , associate teaching professor in Falk College, was quoted in the Better Homes and Gardens story “”
• Carrie Mae Weems, �鶹Ƶ��University artist in residence, was featured in the New York Times for the article “.”
• , professor of political science in the Maxwell School was interviewed by Inside Higher Ed for the article
• , Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion, was quoted in the in Senior Executive story “ ”
• , associate professor in the iSchool, was interviewed by Agence France-Presse for the story “.”
• , founding director of the Bleier Center for Television and Popular Culture and a Trustee Professor of Television and Popular Culture at Newhouse, was quoted in , , , , , , (Dallas), and (Los Angeles).

To get in touch and learn more about �鶹Ƶ��University faculty members available for interviews, please contact��media@syr.edu.

• , professor of geography and the environment at �鶹Ƶ��University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs
• , assistant professor of management at �鶹Ƶ��University’s Whitman School of Management
• , professor of geography and the environment at �鶹Ƶ��University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs

Matthew Huber

He wrote this ahead of the strike: “The UAW potential strike action is ultimately trying to realize one of the Biden Administration’s core policy goals and political selling points: you can have good, family-sustaining union jobs alongside climate action. The problem is the automakers see EV production as a way to trim labor costs and shift production to non-union plants. The UAW’s ultimate proposal is that if it takes less labor to produce EVs, why not shorten working hours and maintain pay with the cost of living? This would certainly lend credence to the Biden Administration’s claim that climate action can improve working and middle class lives.”

If you’d like to schedule an interview with Professor Huber, please reach out to Vanessa Marquette, media relations specialist, at vrmarque@syr.edu.

Lynne Vincent

Professor Vincent, recently spoke with and about the auto industry strikes.

Professor Vincent, who specializes in industrial and labor relations, wrote this ahead of the strike: “What I appreciate about their issues is the clear communication of their values and interests. Their concerns are represented well in the range of issues, and, as an outsider, it appears that they are open to achieving their goals in different ways. Underlying their requests is the need for job security, financial security, and work/life balance. Employees working more hours does not always mean more productivity or more efficiency. Organizations should think analytically and creatively about what work arrangements best support all of the stakeholders.”

Tod Rutherford

Professor Rutherford specializes in the area of economic restructuring and labor and the automobile industry. He spoke with on Sept. 18, 2023 about the ongoing labor struggle between the UAW and automakers and remains available for interviews.��

If you’d like to schedule an interview with Professors Vincent or Rutherford, please reach out to Daryl Lovell, assistant director of media relations at dalovell@syr.edu.

Sean McFate

As the , , a professor at �鶹Ƶ��University’s Maxwell School and author of The New Rules of War: How America Can Win — Against Russia, China, and Other Threats, is available to discuss Niger’s coup. He says:

• “Niger’s coup fits perfectly with Prigozhin and the Wagner Group’s business model, so we should expect a possible play there” (He can explain more on the business model).
• “What Niger and Prigozhin do or don’t do will provide insight into what’s going on with Putin and Prigozhin.”

If you’d like to speak with Professor McFate, please reach out to Vanessa Marquette, media relations specialist, at .

�鶹Ƶ��University Law Professor , who specializes in antitrust law, shared his thoughts on Ticketmaster. If you’d like to speak with Professor Ghosh on this issue, please email Vanessa Marquette, Media Relations Specialist, at to schedule an interview.��He writes:

Shubha Ghosh

“Ticketmaster is a poorly run company and its bad practices come in part from its position as a monopolist in the space of concert ticket distribution … Some of Ticketmaster’s bad choices stem from an understandable concern with ticket counterfeiting – which is confounded by its overbooking in order to ensure capacity for the promoters. Perhaps antitrust intervention on the monopoly side could help, but monopolies are hard to avoid for these intermediaries, or perhaps consumer protection intervention.”

Please contact Ellen James Mbuqe at ��or Vanessa Marquette at to schedule an interview with either professor.

��is a professor of practice at �鶹Ƶ��University’s Maxwell School and deputy director of the Institute for Security Policy and Law. He writes:��“The latest incident with the missing submersible near the Titanic datum reminds us of the significant hazards attendant to operating in dangerous environments.��In spite of advances in technology, extreme ocean depths, and for that matter outer space, are hazardous and unforgiving places.��We certainly hold out hope for a rescue of the personnel aboard the Titan submersible, and at the same time, need to acknowledge the dangers that are part of highly adventurous “recreational” missions.”

Professor Emeritus of Earth and Environmental Sciences��at �鶹Ƶ��University, researches volcanoes and tectonics, and is the co-author of the book “.” He has conducted numerous trips to the ocean floor in submersibles.

Karson said there are multiple issues with the location and rescue of the submersible. “This is a needle in a haystack situation. Even if they know it is around the wreckage of the Titanic, the debris down there is spread out over a kilometer and with debris as big as the submarine. So to the sonar, the sub is another lump down there.”

He points out that the sound, believed to be from the submersible, is a good sign, but now it is a case of triangulating the sound and pinpointing where it is. But he cautions that there are a lot of sounds in the ocean, such as whale songs, large shipping vessels or even other submarines, and sound can travel very far.

Karson offers insight one how the sub can be rescued. He points out that submersibles dive to extreme depths with weights attached to them. When the vessel is ready to surface, the weights are discharged, and it naturally rises to the surface. “Rescuers can use a remotely operated, sophisticated robot on a fiber optic cable. The robot can assist with freeing the submersible,” he said.

He also cautions that the vessel is too deep for human divers to get to it. The conditions of deep ocean will be challenging. “I am sure it is horrible down there. The temperature is just above freezing. It is like being in a snow cave and hypothermia is a real danger.”

is a parenting researcher who joined the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics in 2012 following a series of faculty appointments, including a Fulbright fellowship in Cyprus. In both teaching and research, he seeks to understand the principles by which parents and families support optimal child development. He has a broad interest in working to enhance teaching in the developmental sciences.

As we head into summer break and since May is Mental Health Awareness Month, Professor Mulvaney answers some questions on the topic. He is available for additional questions and interviews, and you can reach out to Vanessa Marquette, media relations specialist, at vrmarque@syr.edu to schedule.

Q: It’s Mental Health Awareness Month. ��how parenting style can significantly influence a child’s mental health. What would you encourage parents to think about when they read articles like these?

A: Certainly, parental hostility is an important determinant of child mental health and that has been shown in the strongest longitudinal research designs available to us. I think the challenge of communicating that harm is that many of the parenting behaviors described here are still very normative parental behaviors and as such parents don’t consider the potential harm to their kids.

In particular, the physical discipline that is described in this article is one of the most relevant components—many parents were spanked growing up and do not think it has any negative impact on kids. Indeed, many parents view it favorably. It is safe to say though that this type of hostile parenting can have long-lasting impacts. Parents should note that the research is clear—hostility, even culturally sanctioned hostility, impacts kids and leads to a host of negative mental health outcomes.

Probably a key mechanism is in its impact on the parent-child relationship, which has cascading effects in both being a direct impact on child well-being but also reducing the ability of parents to serve as resource or support to help manage other stressors that might impact mental health. I think the more that parents can be mindful of their actions and put themselves in the shoes of their kids in order to think about how their kids might be receiving the parenting behaviors is the best thing they can do to try to minimize the hostility in their encounters.

Try to remember what it felt like to be hit or yelled at when they were kids. One additional key point is that hostility doesn’t even need to be as overt as the behaviors described here to be damaging—an eyeroll or a scowl at the wrong time can also really impact children.

Q: Suicide rates in young adults and children are increasing. What should parents be doing to promote the mental health of their children? What signs should they look for since many say those who commit suicide may not show any signs?

A: I think that since I am not a clinician, I would be wary of communicating direct markers for suicide risk. It would be safe to say though that the more parents can be attuned to their children’s mental health and changes in mental health the better for a whole host of reasons, including with respect to suicide prevention.

I would also note there is growing evidence that the increased suicide rates are linked to increased exposure to social media. The numbers spiked after 2012, which was the turning point when the majority of kids began to have smartphones and there is a strong correlation between time spent on devices and risk for suicide ideation.

While I think the risks for social media and teen’s well-being is beginning to become more broadly known, I am not sure parents still know just how striking the research is regarding time on social media and risk for suicide ideation.

Q: How do you have a conversation about suicide with a child?

A: As with all difficult conversations, it is important to be proactive with kids, particularly as they enter adolescence. Most parents just adopt an approach where they tackle difficult topics when/if they come up. It is important to have conversations if there is a suicide attempt in the community or if prominent figures experience something like that but it is also important to have conversations along the way.

However, as the signs for suicide may not be particularly evident, it is important to begin to talk with kids early in their adolescent years. It also needs to be ongoing, with periodic check-ins and building up the information over time as children age. As kids get older, their awareness and perceptions of suicide will change significantly, so it is important to continue to build off their growing awareness of the topic and the direct or indirect experiences that they have.

So it’s not just about the initial content or introducing it, but about opening up the lines of communication to have ongoing conversations about this difficult topic.

Q: Could parents posting their kids online at a young age impact their children’s mental health in the future if they were go back and see posts? Is this something parents should begin to worry about and be conscious of?��

A: This is an interesting phenomenon that certainly seems to be important; but, it is also an understudied phenomenon. Certainly, I don’t think the sharing of media is all negative and I think a lot of kids would feel happy that their parents were proud of them to share their children’s experiences online.

However, I would pull on other work to note how this could have implications for children’s perceived autonomy and voice in actions that impact them. Children should have a say in things that directly impact them and this is an area where that might be particularly true. I think that children should be part of the conversation from an early age about what they feel comfortable having shared online. It’s really about their integrity and wishes.

Without their consent or in worse cases where parents go against the wishes of their children to post information online, it would be my sense that the children would feel violated and powerless. These feelings of control are important for mental health—there is a long literature that shows how increased perceptions of control are positively associated with mental health outcomes for adolescents. As these posts may be available for a long time, it is also important to note that the experiences might bring up complicated feelings in the future, maybe in the same way that social media does now for kids.

If children are self-conscious about their own social media posts and others’ reactions to the information, that may also be true when looking back on the posts of their parents. As just one of many examples, children might compare differences in the frequency and tone of posts across siblings which could potentially produce complicated feelings. The frequency with which parents are posting this information this does make it an important topic for parents to consider in how they communicate about their children and in thinking about how/when to get consent from their children when they are posting information.

This blog post is featured by the international educational publisher ��in their blog about children’s mental health and its impact on learning. You can read more��.

, an assistant teaching professor at �鶹Ƶ��University’s Falk College who studies veterinary social work, says we need to do prioritize the well-being of horses. Please see her comments below. If you’d like to schedule an interview with her, please reach out to Vanessa Marquette, media relations specialist, at vrmarque@syr.edu.

Professor Aviva Vincent

Professor Vincent writes: “Yes, there should be outrage about the equine deaths. And, equestrians should be questioning the humane and welfare considerations for competing at elite levels.

The tragedies that have occurred at Churchill Downs leading up to the race is not unique to racing, or unfortunately, equestrian sports. Too often the public learns about post-mortem tragedies of horses competing at the most elite level of competition. Yes, this season death was on the race track, but we learned of equine deaths during the last Olympics (eventing) and other widely viewed, elite competitions.

Riding horses, physically getting on their back, goes against the very nature of their prey instinct.����And yet, horses and humans have found a unique way to achieve partnership and connection. In this regard, the core attributes of a successful, bi-directional interspecies relationship are trust, respect, and acceptance. Equine welfare is at the core of understanding the bond between humans and animals. There should be a bond, especially in high-stakes competition. Riders, therefore, have a responsibility to their horses to ensure that the work they do is harmonious, promoting physical and mental relaxation of the horse. This is achieved through trust and respect for the rider by the horse, and a rider’s attitude of an empathetic leader and partner who does not hinder the horse physically or mentally.

This is not to say that trust, respect, and love were not present between the rider and horse in each tragedy. But, at what point does trust, respect, and love reshape the desire to compete at such extremes, or change the expectations of competition (i.e., those beyond the rider engaged in the sport- owners, trainers, course developers, investors…). Perhaps there is space to reposition the value of the horse on love and life, rather than a vehicle for competition.

Yes, I too am angry. But I am not surprised. The horse needs to be an equal competitor, not just a vehicle in competition. Then we can prioritize welfare in sport.”

, is an assistant teaching professor at �鶹Ƶ��University’s Falk College. He teaches courses in human sexuality, cultural diversity, and relationship therapy with LGBTQ clients. . He writes:
“Mental health is a conversation that we all should be having; this month gives us a moment to reflect on those around us who may need additional support. For example, the LGBTQ community experiences higher rates of mental health needs. This is driven from the compounded impact of minority stress, or external discrimination which leads to psychological distress. This year a record number of anti-lgbt bills (417) have been introduced across the nation. This disheartening statistic highlights the overt discrimination and resulting fear for many. As the need for support increases, therapists should increase their accessibility to this community through LGBTQ-affirming therapy, offering support and validation of their lived experiences.”

, is an associate teaching professor of social work at �鶹Ƶ��University’s Falk College. He served in the U.S. Air Force as a mental health therapist, family advocacy officer in charge, and as manager of the alcohol and drug prevention and treatment program. . He writes:
“As we enter May, we are reminded that this month is not only Mental Health Awareness Month but also National Military Appreciation Month. These two themes are connected, as the military community faces unique challenges that can have an impact on their mental health. In addition, the month of May provides us with the opportunity to observe Military Spouse Day, Armed Forces Day, and Memorial Day. Throughout the month of May and every day, our military service members, veterans, and their families deserve our support. Prioritizing the mental health of our military communities strengthens the overall public health and well-being of our nation.

Military members and their families face a range of unique challenges that differ from civilian society, such as deployments, exposure to certain traumatic events, extended periods of separation from loved ones, and more. It’s important to recognize that these challenges are not just at the individual level but rooted in the culture of military life. To support the mental health and well-being of our military populations, we must advocate for specific resources and funding initiatives. This includes increased funding for mental health services, improved mental health screening and assessment, training for qualified mental health professionals, and continued support for military families.

According to the 2022 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, “In 2020, there were 6,146 Veteran suicides. This was on average 16.8 per day. In 2020, there were 343 fewer Veteran suicides than in 2019, and the number of Veteran suicides was lower than each prior year since 2006.” The military and veteran communities have certainly made strides in recent years, but there is always more work to be done. Civilians play a critical role as well. By educating themselves on military culture and mental health, advocating for resources, and actively listening, civilians can make a difference in the lives of those who serve our country. Significant change can and does occur at the community level. Veterans and military families are highly active in our local communities across the nation and strengthen our social fabric. Having the right services in place at the community level, such as job trainings, access to quality education, parent support programs, and mental health services, allows our military communities to thrive and not just survive.

Veterans looking for help can find information on their local facility’s website or call the Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1, or text 838255 to connect with a VA responder. You don’t have to be enrolled in VA benefits or healthcare to connect.”

, an assistant teaching professor at �鶹Ƶ��University’s Falk College, studies veterinary social work and currently teaches classes in the online master of social work degree program. . She recently wrote about the burnout and mental health challenges veterinarians experience, sadly with many leading to suicide. She writes:
“A common assumption about the day-to-day experience of veterinary professionals is that they play with animals all day. While this assumption has elements of truth, it’s not the full picture of what happens on a daily basis behind closed doors. Veterinary teams are challenged with routine care of small and large animals to challenging cases, terminal diagnoses, and euthanasias. From working with pets to production animals, veterinary professionals often experience a rollercoaster of emotions. Unsurprisingly, there are many challenges facing the veterinary community causing a workforce shortage from individuals leaving the field due to burnout or financial reasons, retirement, and sadly death by suicide.” Read her full commentary here.

Aviva Vincent, Ph.D., an assistant teaching professor at �鶹Ƶ��University’s Falk College, studies veterinary social work, and she has some thoughts ahead of World Veterinary Day (see below). If you’d to schedule an interview with her, you can reach out to Vanessa Marquette, media relations specialist, at vrmarque@syr.edu.

�鶹Ƶ��University’s Aviva Vincent, Ph.D, writes:
“Not One More Vet is an organization with the mission of ending Veterinarian Suicide. A common assumption about the day-to-day experience of veterinary professionals is that they play with animals all day. While this assumption has elements of truth, it’s not the full picture of what happens on a daily basis behind closed doors. Veterinary teams are challenged with routine care of small and large animals to challenging cases, terminal diagnoses, and euthanasias. From working with pets to production animals, veterinary professionals often experience a rollercoaster of emotions. Unsurprisingly, there are many challenges facing the veterinary community causing a workforce shortage from individuals leaving the field due to burnout or financial reasons, retirement, and sadly death by suicide.

The International Association of Veterinary Social Work��noted that The field of Veterinary Medicine has been in high demand with the increase of domesticated pets throughout the pandemic. Yet, there are not enough professionals entering the field to meet the demand and sustain the professional industry. Compounding this challenge, Veterinarians are leaving following burnout, verbal abuse, and threats from clients. With the increase in stressors and increased insight into the mental health needs of the field, IAVSW and NOMV are creating resources and initiatives to support the mental health of Veterinarians and intentionally partnering with social workers. Vets, support staff, mental health providers, pet parents, and others are realizing how essential, compassionate, and strong veterinarians are. A list of some initiatives are:
1. International Association of Veterinary Social Work
2. Veterinary Social Work Certificate at the University of Tennessee- Knoxville
3. Not One More Vet
4. Shanti Project
5. PrideVMC
6. Veterinary Hope Foundation
7. MentorVet”

It’s also worth nothing that April 30th is Adopt a Shelter Pet Day. If more people adopted pets, rather than buying them, could this aid the mental health of our veterinarians? , “These high-volume breeding operations add more animals to the national pet population each year than are killed in shelters annually and are one of the most significant contributing factors to shelter populations.” This also does not help the veterinarians who are already short-staffed.

Robert Murrett

“The Administration’s report on the Afghanistan withdrawal provides some insight into factors leading to the tragic events of August 2021.�� Most of the report itself – and the discussion which followed release of the report – centered around responsibility for the near and long-term circumstances in the weeks leading up the final departure on August 30th, all of which certainly could have been handled better.

Having said that, we should focus on the future, and what the U.S. and our allies can do to alleviate the humanitarian needs and repression that we witness every day in Afghanistan.�� The human rights violations (particularly against women), rampant poverty and regional insurgency impact are all factors that cry for continued involvement there.�� Aside from all the individuals that we left behind and the good of the overall population, we cannot ignore the instability and lack of governance that presents a human cost – and a security threat to the entire region.�� While it is a difficult mission for the U.S. and other western nations to address these issues while the Taliban is in power, ignoring the persistent challenges in Afghanistan will not make the task easier as time goes on.”

If you’d like to schedule an interview with retired Vice Adm. Robert Murrett, please reach out to Vanessa Marquette, media relations specialist, at vrmarque@syr.edu.

, assistant teaching professor at �鶹Ƶ��University’s Falk College, focuses on bi-directional physiological impact of human-animal interaction. She has published over 15 peer-reviewed publications, of which she is the first author of nine. Her message about Heartworm Awareness Month is below.

Professor Aviva Vincent

“In the United States, more than 69 million dogs and 45.3 million cats are homed (70% of homes) throughout the US. Fourteen percent of these pets are newly homed since the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority (83%) of people refer to their pets as family members. In 2022, the US Pet Industry exceeded $136.8 billion dollars in expenditure. Of that total, $35.9 billon was allocated to Veterinary Care and Product Sales. Pet owners budget roughly $1,480 annually for their pet, including vet care. Heartworm is a serious and preventable health issue affecting dogs (65.1 million) and cats (46.5 million). Domesticated animals deserve preventative healthcare, especially as they are considered family members. This month, advocate and care for pets to ensure they are protected from heartworm. If you cannot afford veterinary care, connect with your local shelter system as they often provide care, have relationships for reduced cost care, and can connect with resources throughout the community.” Resource: American Pet Products Survey (2021) Retrieved from:��

If you’d like to schedule an interview with Professor Vincent, please reach out to Vanessa Marquette, media relations specialist, at vrmarque@syr.edu.