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Kenneth Flakes

@kennethflakes.bsky.social
297 followers 839 following 870 posts

Building a brighter future through engineering, exploration, and empowering the next generation of leaders. Discover more ways to connect, learn, and grow at kennethflakes.com/subscribe. Let's connect! 🔗 #ProfessionalPlus #STEM #Travel #Sports

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Kenneth Flakes @kennethflakes.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
"A study from the Urban Institute found that homicides with a Black shooter and a white victim were ruled justified self-defense in a little more than 1 percent of cases. "For a white shooter and Black victim, the figure jumps to 11.4 percent." www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
motherjones.com
Karmelo Anthony and the futility of claiming self-defense while Black
Black defendants' “Stand Your Ground” claims against white assailants are denied more than 99 percent of the time.
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Kenneth Flakes @kennethflakes.bsky.social · 18/12/2025
Over 70 interns. This administration ain't even trying to hide it. Disgraceful.
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Kenneth Flakes @kennethflakes.bsky.social · 25/11/2025
Rep. Wasserman Schultz was pressured to straighten her curls, reflecting a wider bias. This same bias is systemic and disproportionately targets Black men and women, whose natural hair is often deemed 'unprofessional.' The CROWN Act could help right this wrong.
businessinsider.com
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz says pressure to straighten her curly hair followed her throughout her career
The Florida Congresswoman said she has been ridiculed for her ringlets, but takes pride in her curly hair.
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Kenneth Flakes @kennethflakes.bsky.social · 24/11/2025
Forcing fans to subscribe to streaming services to watch their local professional team is so upsetting. The @nba.com should put the fans first and restore simple viewing. #NBAsky
houstonchronicle.com
Monday's Rockets-Suns game isn't on regular TV carrier. Here's how to watch it.
Monday will be the second consecutive Rockets game that is a streaming exclusive. Here's how to watch it.
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Kenneth Flakes @kennethflakes.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
Found this article insightful: Hybrid work isn’t the issue — poor leadership is. MIT Sloan research shows that results-driven teams thrive when leaders focus on outcomes, not badge swipes. #Leadership #work #FutureOfWork
sloanreview.mit.edu
Hybrid Work Is Not the Problem — Poor Leadership Is
Workplace transformation isn’t about where people work — it’s about how they work together to drive outcomes.
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Kenneth Flakes @kennethflakes.bsky.social · 29/09/2025
Aaron Judge didn’t just bet on himself. He made history in 2025. 🔹 3rd player ever with 50+ HR and a batting title 🔹 Tallest batting champ at 6'7" His 2022 story is a masterclass in discipline and belief. Read how Judge turned excellence into $150M and how you can, too. #MLBSky #baseball
kennethflakes.com
Aaron Judge Bet on Himself and Gained $150M. You Too Can Win Big Like Judge with These 4 Tips.
Aaron Judge bet big on himself this season, and his huge gamble paid off greatly. In Judge’s “walk year,” the year immediately before becoming a free agent in baseball, he declined a seven-year, $213....
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Kenneth Flakes @kennethflakes.bsky.social · 23/09/2025
This is a 14-minute read, but a great read. #HistorySky
yahoo.com
Are We Witnessing the Fall of the American Empire?
Mike Duncan has covered the rise and fall of empires on his podcasts The History of Rome and Revolutions, and he knows what it looks like when things fall apart
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Kenneth Flakes @kennethflakes.bsky.social · 20/09/2025
What is mind-boggling to me is that people want to hold regular Americans to a higher standard than the President of the United States. Can someone please make it make sense❓️
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Kenneth Flakes @kennethflakes.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
We need to eliminate the stereotypes about being labeled a "STEM person." Especially in the Black community, we need more examples of Blacks in STEM regularly on television shows. #BlackSky #STEM #BlackInSTEM
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Kenneth Flakes @kennethflakes.bsky.social · 08/09/2025
This Wall Street Journal story stood out to me today: Big Oil has leaned heavily into Trump-era policy wins, but the market hasn’t exactly followed suit. Is this energy dominance, or a strategic gamble with uncertain returns❓ #EnergySky #BusinessSky #OilandGas
wsj.com
Oil Tycoons Bet Big on Trump. It’s Paying Off.
The Trump administration has opened land to drilling and is moving to roll back environmental restrictions and hobble renewable energy. But crude prices have dropped.
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Kenneth Flakes @kennethflakes.bsky.social · 07/09/2025
First Sunday of the NFL season — A perfect moment to reflect on leadership beyond the gootball field. From C.J. Stroud’s quiet grit to Russell Wilson’s empathy, the game teaches resilience, bold choices, and legacy. I unpack six lessons in this Professional Plus edition. #NFL #NFLSky #SkyNFL
linkedin.com
Kickoff to Success: Leadership Lessons from the NFL
The NFL season is here, bringing with it not just thrilling games but also powerful lessons in leadership and personal growth. From the gridiron to the boardroom, the qualities that define great athle...
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Kenneth Flakes @kennethflakes.bsky.social · 06/09/2025
Amid continued volatility in the oil and gas sector, Halliburton has executed a series of layoffs over several weeks per sources directly involved but not authorized to speak publicly. The sources reported that at least 3 business units experienced workforce reductions ranging from 20% to 40%.
reuters.com
Halliburton reduces workforce as oil activity slumps, sources say
U.S. oilfield services provider Halliburton has been cutting staff in recent weeks, according to two sources familiar with the matter, marking the latest workforce reduction in the U.S. oil industry as it faces rising costs and a period of lower prices and volatility.
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Kenneth Flakes @kennethflakes.bsky.social · 06/09/2025
Disappointing news here in Houston: ConocoPhillips has confirmed plans to lay off up to 25% of its workforce, potentially affecting over 3K roles. ConocoPhillips cites operational efficiency as a driver, with automation and AI increasingly replacing traditional roles. www.khou.com/article/news...
khou.com
Houston-based ConocoPhillips to lay off up to 25% of its workforce, impacting thousands of jobs
JUST IN: Houston-based oil giant ConocoPhillips is planning to lay off up to a quarter of its workforce.
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Kenneth Flakes @kennethflakes.bsky.social · 04/09/2025
In 2023, Black unemployment hit a historic low (4.8%), and the gap with white unemployment was the smallest on record. The reversal to 7.2% — the highest since 2021 — threatens to erase progress in wage growth, representation, and economic mobility. #jobs #BlackSky #economy
wsj.com
Black Americans Are Losing Jobs in a Warning for the Economy
Unemployment among Black people reaches highest level since 2021. “I am in the fight of my life.”
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Kenneth Flakes @kennethflakes.bsky.social · 03/09/2025
This insightful WSJ piece explores how China’s vision for AI diverges from Western models: prioritizing state-led integration and long-term planning, as compared to the more decentralized, market-driven approaches often seen in the West #AI #artificialintelligence #STEM #SkySTEM #SkyScience #science
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Kenneth Flakes @kennethflakes.bsky.social · 03/09/2025
The Wall Street Journal just published a piece on the quiet disappearance of middle management and it resonated with me because it confirms what many of us have been sensing in real time. If Peter Drucker were alive today, he'd be greatly disappointed in management theory today. #jobs #management
wsj.com
Your Boss Doesn’t Have Time to Talk to You
Amazon wants bigger teams. Bank of America is flattening. Corporate America is shedding managers, and the workplace is changing radically.
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Kenneth Flakes @kennethflakes.bsky.social · 03/09/2025
Disappointing news here in Houston: ConocoPhillips has confirmed plans to lay off up to 25% of its global workforce, potentially affecting over 3,000 roles. This move follows its merger with Marathon Oil and signals deeper shifts across the energy sector. #energy #oilandgas #jobs #business
khou.com
Houston-based ConocoPhillips to lay off up to 25% of its workforce, impacting thousands of jobs
Estimated cuts would impact between 2,600 and 3,250 workers.
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Kenneth Flakes @kennethflakes.bsky.social · 03/09/2025
Initially, I thought this was a joke, but then I did a quick Google search.... Why It Happens: The process is driven by a focus on corporate greed and a lack of competition or regulation, which allow platforms to worsen the user experience and increase profits without fear of losing customers.
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Kenneth Flakes @kennethflakes.bsky.social · 25/08/2025
A quick search confirms: WWII ended with the unconditional surrender of Germany and Japan. The troubling part? Misinformation and disinformation spread faster than truth, and correcting it is often harder than spotting it.
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Kenneth Flakes @kennethflakes.bsky.social · 25/08/2025
Elections have consequences. Some more costly than others. If the current administration continues to stall solar and wind development, I hope they have a serious plan to address the rising cost of electricity. #solar #wind #renewables #energy #electricity
cnbc.com
Solar executives warn that Trump attack on renewables will lead to power crunch that spikes electricity prices
Renewable power executives say difficulty getting permits, rising costs due to tariffs and the end of key tax credits are making it tough to plan.
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Kenneth Flakes @kennethflakes.bsky.social · 22/08/2025
Grateful to stand alongside two rising stars from the University of Houston's Black Male Engineering Mentoring Network (BMEN) and their dedicated advisor. BMEN was founded to confront a powerful truth: fewer than 3% of engineering graduates are Black men. #BlackInSTEM #STEMsky
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Kenneth Flakes @kennethflakes.bsky.social · 22/08/2025
Great read. Target scrapped what made people stick around, and it backfired, cost the CEO, and hit their stock price hard.
forbes.com
The Quiet Part Out Loud: Target Ditching DEI Cost The CEO His Job And Investors $12 Billion
It’s time to say the quiet part out loud. Eliminating DEI was very bad for Target's business - costing investors billions and the CEO his job. Here is how it happened.
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Kenneth Flakes @kennethflakes.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
Stepping back into the world of Bridgerton at the 2025 NSBE Annual Fundraising Gala this past July. What an incredible night at the Crystal Ballroom at The Rice, surrounded by amazing people — and what an honor to be recognized among such amazing company! #NSBE #ProfessionalPlus #STEM #Excellence
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Kenneth Flakes @kennethflakes.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
Grateful for thoughtful exchanges and familiar faces at the UH Engineering Alumni Association Annual Meeting. @uhengineering.bsky.social #GoCoogs #STEM #leadership #networking #EngineeredForWhatsNext
Kenneth Flakes stands with folded arms, attentively listening to a fellow UH Engineering alum during the Annual Meeting & Networking Social. Both are engaged in conversation, surrounded by the warm atmosphere of the event.
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Kenneth Flakes @kennethflakes.bsky.social · 17/08/2025
Is work-life balance a myth❓ From President Obama’s family dinners to Mark Cuban’s “no balance” stance, five high achievers share how they navigate ambition vs. fulfillment. Read our latest newsletter📰 #worklife #success #career #leadership #ProfessionalPlus
linkedin.com
Is Work-Life Balance a Myth? What 5 High Achievers Say
Discover how President Obama, Mark Cuban and other high achievers define work-life balance—and the trade-offs that fuel success and fulfillment.
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Kenneth Flakes @kennethflakes.bsky.social · 10/08/2025
I just watched Fareed Zakaria’s opening monologue on CNN about his recent Washington Post article. He laid it out clearly: 1. The world doesn't get why Americans feel like victims of free trade. 2. Trump and MAGA's narrative of American decline is false. (1/2)
washingtonpost.com
Opinion | Don’t believe the MAGA doomers on trade
America has flourished under free trade. Don’t upend the world based on exaggerations and lies.
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Kenneth Flakes @kennethflakes.bsky.social · 09/08/2025
I am proud to share that I was honored as Advisor of the Year at the NSBE Houston Professionals Gala, joined by our phenomenal chapter president and vice president. Grateful and humbled doesn’t even begin to express how honored I truly feel. #ProfessionalPlus #NSBE #Leadership #Community #Purpose
Kenneth stands center holding his Advisor of the Year award at the NSBE Houston Professionals Gala. To his left is the chapter president, and to his right is the vice president. All three are dressed in formal attire, smiling proudly.
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Kenneth Flakes @kennethflakes.bsky.social · 08/08/2025
What big, beautiful bill❓️ www.houstonchronicle.com/business/ene...
houstonchronicle.com
Texas power projects lose over $400 million as EPA kills Solar for All program
EPA officials terminated the program for good on Thursday, after the One Big Beautiful Bill eliminated the IRA's Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.
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Kenneth Flakes @kennethflakes.bsky.social · 03/08/2025
Social media can help—or hurt—your career. Use these 10 smart habits to stay sharp, protect your reputation, and keep your professional image intact. Follow kennethflakes.com for more career insights and professional tips. #SocialMediaTips #CareerAdvice #ProfessionalBrand
Infographic titled “Smart Social Media Habits to Protect Your Career” featuring 10 professional tips in two columns. Tips include: assume all is public, google yourself, think before posting, check grammar, don’t complain online, limit personal shares, and review privacy settings.
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Kenneth Flakes @kennethflakes.bsky.social · 29/07/2025
Main Street behind me, legacy ahead. #ProfessionalPlus
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Kenneth Flakes @kennethflakes.bsky.social · 28/07/2025
Playing it safe isn’t always safe. Denis Waitley challenges us to take bold action — because standing still is the greatest risk of all. #ProfessionalPlus #QOTD #GrowthMindset
A rectangular image with a light orange background showcasing a motivational quote by Denis Waitley: "Life is inherently risky. There is only one big risk you should avoid at all costs, and that is the risk of doing nothing." The quote appears centered in the image, written in Cormorant Garamond Bold font with solid black lettering, giving it a classic and assertive tone. The background’s soft orange hue evokes energy and encouragement, while the serif font adds elegance and clarity. The image includes the Professional Plus logo at the top and the LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky handles of Kenneth Flakes and the Professional Plus Pinterest handle at the bottom.
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Kenneth Flakes @kennethflakes.bsky.social · 27/07/2025
This weekend, I had the privilege of attending the NSBE Houston Professionals Annual Fundraising Gala. The evening was filled with connection, celebration, and community impact. I am grateful to be part of a network that uplifts and empowers. #STEM #BlackEngineers #NSBE
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Kenneth Flakes @kennethflakes.bsky.social · 26/07/2025
Gandhi reminds us: urgency and curiosity are a powerful pair. Live boldly today, but never stop learning. That’s how legacy is built. #ProfessionalPlus #QOTD #Learning #Mindset
A rectangular image displaying an inspirational quote by Mahatma Gandhi: "Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever." The background features a soft light red hue, conveying warmth and introspection. The quote is centered in a muted gray Yeseva One font, known for its refined, serif elegance that gives the message a timeless feel. The image includes the Professional Plus logo at the top and the LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky handles of Kenneth Flakes and the Professional Plus Pinterest handle at the bottom.
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Kenneth Flakes @kennethflakes.bsky.social · 26/07/2025
🍬 After watching Movie Theater Munchies on The Food That Built America (History Channel), I dug into the Blumenthal story. Turns out their sweet innovations came from immigrant roots—they were German. Just another reminder: immigrants don’t just contribute—they shape legacies. #HistorySky #FoodSky
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Kenneth Flakes @kennethflakes.bsky.social · 26/07/2025
Happiness fuels success — not the other way around. When you love what you do, success flows naturally. Choose joy, not just accolades. #ProfessionalPlus #QOTD #PurposeDriven #AuthenticLiving #SuccessReframed
A rectangular image featuring an inspirational quote by Albert Schweitzer: "Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful." The background is a vibrant turquoise with a smooth gradient, evoking clarity and calm. The quote is centered in a bold white Norwester font, giving it a clean and modern feel. The image includes the Professional Plus logo at the top and the LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky handles of Kenneth Flakes and the Professional Plus Pinterest handle at the bottom.
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Kenneth Flakes @kennethflakes.bsky.social · 25/07/2025
I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to speak their truth —though that doesn’t necessarily make it the truth.
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Kenneth Flakes @kennethflakes.bsky.social · 21/07/2025
This is an inappropriate use of executive power.
frontofficesports.com
Trump to Commanders: Lose the Name or Lose the Stadium Deal
Washington and Cleveland have both used their current nicknames since 2022. From 2020–21, the NFL frenchise was the Washington Football Team.
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Kenneth Flakes @kennethflakes.bsky.social · 19/07/2025
The “diamonds are forever” narrative was a brilliant campaign, but it created a cultural expectation that is now outdated. Further, mining has been linked to ecological damage and human rights abuses in some regions.
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Kenneth Flakes @kennethflakes.bsky.social · 15/07/2025
I've just started watching History Channel's "Life After People" and caught the S3 premiere, "Water World"! I'm so glad I found this series. I am instantly hooked! #LifeAfterPeople #HistorySky @historychannel.bsky.social
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Kenneth Flakes @kennethflakes.bsky.social · 13/07/2025
Last month, I had the pleasure of connecting with Rice College of Engineering Leadership students and fellow NSBE advisors at the scholarship reception. Honored to stand beside future STEM leaders—including one of our amazing scholarship winners! #STEM #Leadership #InvestInSTEM #ProfessionalPlus
Kenneth stands with three others at a scholarship reception—two Rice Engineering Leadership students on his left and right, and a NSBE advisor at the far right. The student to Kenneth’s left is a scholarship winner. All are dressed professionally and smiling.
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Kenneth Flakes @kennethflakes.bsky.social · 13/07/2025
This was a thoughtful opinion piece. The author argues that Trump's approach lacked diplomatic tact and appeared to prioritize resource access over genuine partnerships with the five African countries mentioned.
aljazeera.com
Trump’s African summit was a masterclass in modern colonial theatre
To dodge Trump’s tariffs and wrath, five African presidents played colonial subject, and left their dignity behind.
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Kenneth Flakes @kennethflakes.bsky.social · 11/07/2025
This guy broke the picket line. Sigh. SMH
hotnewhiphop.com
Kai Cenat Faces Social Media Backlash For Collaborating With Target Despite Cutback On DEI Initiatives
Many shoppers have been boycotting Target in response to the company's decision to cutback it's DEI programs.
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Kenneth Flakes @kennethflakes.bsky.social · 06/07/2025
"When the American empire finally collapses, historians won’t be stunned by the greed of the elite; They’ll be stunned by the loyalty of the poor. "The working class didn’t just vote against their own interests. They worshipped the billionaires robbing them."-Brian Allen @allenanalysis.bsky.social
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Kenneth Flakes @kennethflakes.bsky.social · 06/07/2025
Confidence isn’t just a trait—it’s your starting block in life’s race. Without it, you’ve already lost ground. Believe in yourself, or risk being beaten before you begin. #QOTD #SelfBelief #ProfessionalPlus #MindsetMatters #Leadership
The image features a quote by Marcus Garvey centered on a soft pastel gray background with a subtle hint of azure blue, creating a calm and professional tone. The text is written in the elegant Hatton font, using a rich dark brown color that contrasts clearly against the background. The quote reads: “If you have no confidence in self, you are twice defeated in the race of life.” The image includes the Professional Plus logo at the top and the LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky handles of Kenneth Flakes and the Professional Plus Pinterest handle at the bottom.
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Kenneth Flakes @kennethflakes.bsky.social · 05/07/2025
I grew up when Herschiser was pitching for the Dodgers. I have great admiration for him. But here is simply being a hater!
houstonchronicle.com
As Astros pounded Dodgers, Orel Hershiser brought up Houston's cheating scandal
This is the second time Dodgers broadcaster Orel Hershiser has slyly brought up the Astros' sign-stealing scandal during a game between the two teams.
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Kenneth Flakes @kennethflakes.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
The real losers here are the American citizens $16M from Paramount $15M from ABC $25M from Meta $10M from Twitter
npr.org
Paramount agrees to pay $16 million to settle Trump's CBS lawsuit
Paramount Global will pay $16 million to settle President Trump's lawsuit over 60 Minutes' interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris — a lawsuit that many legal experts considered spurious.
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Reposted by Kenneth Flakes
ProfKFH @profkfh.bsky.social · 28/06/2025
“Of course, this is racially motivated," one senior noncommissioned officer familiar with the plans told Military.com on the condition of anonymity to avoid retaliation. "There's no tactical reason; you can look professional with facial hair." www.military.com/daily-news/2...
military.com
New Army Shaving Policy Will Allow Soldiers with Skin Condition that Affects Mostly Black Men to Be Kicked Out
The Army is preparing to roll out a new policy that could lead to soldiers diagnosed with a chronic skin condition that causes painful razor bumps and scarring to be kicked out of the service -- an is...
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Kenneth Flakes @kennethflakes.bsky.social · 28/06/2025
Last night, I attended the NSBE Houston Professionals Scholarship Reception and connected with three inspiring UH engineering students. We talked about communication, responsibility, and representation. The future is bright! #NSBE #STEM #FutureEngineers @uhengineering.bsky.social
Kenneth Flakes standing with three University of Houston NSBE students at the NSBE Houston Professionals Scholarship Reception. All are smiling and dressed in business or business-casual attire, representing the next generation of engineering leaders.
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Kenneth Flakes @kennethflakes.bsky.social · 23/06/2025
Why not continue funding the Job Corps program, which provides low-income youth with vital training and support to enter the workforce? Investing in opportunity pays dividends! #education #workforce #futureofwork
nytimes.com
Trump Says He Wants to Fund More Trade Schools. Just Not These.
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Kenneth Flakes @kennethflakes.bsky.social · 19/06/2025
Elections have consequences. In this instance, it's your health. #environment #EPA #cancer #health
nytimes.com
E.P.A. Plans to Reconsider a Ban on Cancer-Causing Asbestos
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