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News from October 13, 2025

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University of the Pacific Joins Elite Ranks with Complete Shift to Renewable Energy
Technology

University of the Pacific Joins Elite Ranks with Complete Shift to Renewable Energy

In an impressive leap toward sustainability, the University of the Pacific has now completely switched to renewable energy for powering all of its campuses' electricity needs. According to ABC10, this achievement ranks them among just 16 colleges in the nation to fully embrace clean energy. The majority of Pacific's electricity is sourced from hydroelectric and solar power, with additional support from geothermal and wind energy. The final phase of this green transition took place at the Stockton Campus this month, coincidentally or perhaps fittingly, during Campus Sustainability Month. As President Christopher Callahan conveys, “Transitioning all three of our campuses to renewable electricity reflects Pacific’s deep and ongoing commitment to sustainability,” aligning with both environmental responsibility and economic practicality, as reported by ABC10. It's not just about lights and laptops either; Pacific's devotion to sustainability is comprehensive. A report by the University of the Pacific outlines their implementation of a Bachelor of Science in Sustainability degree, and a variety of electric transportation options, including bikes, cars, and campus shuttles. Pacific's commitment extends beyond just utility bill savings, however. Sustainability Director Jessica Bilecki, recognized as a driving force behind the achievement, expressed that this movement signifies a lasting investment in the long-term well-being of the university's community: “It demonstrates to current students, future students and alumni that Pacific is invested in their long-term well-being,” as noted by the University of the Pacific. Pacific's noteworthy sustainability profile also includes recognition in the Princeton Review Guide to Green Colleges and a claim to the second spot among private institutions for on-site electricity generation in the U.S. By using non-potable water for irrigation and generating nearly a third of its energy through solar panels, Pacific is setting an example in sustainability. The university’s green energy efforts have already saved over $1 million, showing how smart energy use can be both practical and responsible. This approach places the University of the Pacific at the forefront of environmental leadership, benefiting current and future generations.

2026 WCQ: Super Eagles’ playoff hopes diminish after Cameroon’s draw with Angola
Zelenskyy to visit Washington seeking long-range weapons and a Trump meeting
Technology

Zelenskyy to visit Washington seeking long-range weapons and a Trump meeting

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Monday he will travel to the United States this week for talks on the potential U.S. provision of long-range weapons, a day after U.S. President Donald Trump warned Russia he may send Kyiv long-range Tomahawk missiles A meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump could take place as early as Friday, the Ukrainian president said, adding that he also would meet with defense and energy companies and members of Congress. “The main topics will be air defense and our long-range capabilities, to maintain pressure on Russia,” Zelenskyy said. He spoke at a meeting with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas. He said he also would seek further U.S. assistance to protect Ukraine’s electricity and gas networks, which have faced relentless Russian bombardment. The U.S. visit follows what Zelenskyy described as a “very productive” phone call with Trump on Sunday. Trump later warned Russia that he may send Ukraine long-range Tomahawk missiles if Moscow doesn’t settle its war there soon. The missiles would allow Ukraine to strike deeper into Russian territory. Moscow has expressed “extreme concern” over the U.S. potentially providing Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin himself has previously suggested that the U.S. supplying long-range missiles to Ukraine would seriously damage relations between Moscow and Washington. Zelenskyy will join a Ukrainian delegation already in the U.S. for preliminary talks, led by Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. Russia has stepped up attacks in recent weeks targeting electricity and gas infrastructure ahead of winter, in an effort to cripple Ukraine’s power grid ahead of freezing temperatures to erode public morale. Ukraine’s State Emergency Service said the worst attacks early Monday using drones and missiles occurred around the Black Sea port of Odesa and in the northern Chernihiv region, where one person was killed. Kallas, the EU’s top diplomat, pledged continued pressure on Moscow. She also expressed confidence that objections led by Hungary to a new Russia sanctions package would be overcome, even if the process drags on past a meeting of EU leaders next week. “On funding, the needs are enormous. We must help Ukraine defend itself so we don’t later spend even more repairing destroyed infrastructure,” Kallas said. “We are 27 member states, and 27 democracies, so debates take time … I’m positive that, as before, we’ll achieve a decision.”

Pentagon hoarding rare earths amid China export curbs – FT
Technology

Pentagon hoarding rare earths amid China export curbs – FT

The US Department of Defense is scrambling to stock up on approximately $1 billion worth of rare earth minerals due to China’s new export controls covering materials that have a military use, Financial Times has reported. According to the US Geological Survey, China accounts for nearly 70% of the global production of critical minerals, which play a key role in the manufacturing of most modern technologies and weapons systems. In an article on Sunday, the outlet, citing public filings by the US Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), reported that Washington had considerably accelerated its efforts to stockpile rare earths in recent months. The publication quoted an anonymous former defense official as saying that the US is “definitely looking for more, and they’re doing it in a deliberate and expansive way, and looking for new sources of different ores needed for defense products.” According to the British newspaper, some of the materials the Pentagon is now seeking to purchase were previously absent from its wishlist. Financial Times reported that the US military is looking to buy up to $500 million worth of cobalt, up to $245 million of antimony, up to $100 million of tantalum, and up to $45 million of scandium, among other materials. ”Market participants have been taken aback by the volumes requested by the DLA,” Cristina Belda from Argus Media consultancy firm told FT, adding that “many consider the quantities to be unrealistic, especially within the proposed five-year timeframe.” Last Thursday, China announced new export controls on certain strategic minerals that have dual-use in military applications, citing national security considerations. Under the new rules, foreign companies are to obtain special approval before exporting goods containing even minimal amounts of Chinese-sourced rare earth elements. In a post on his Truth Social platform on Friday, US President Donald Trump wrote that Washington would “impose a Tariff of 100% on China, over and above any Tariff that they are currently paying,” starting November 1. He said it was in retaliation for Beijing’s “extraordinarily aggressive” export restrictions.

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