Here are the top stories for the week of July 27, 2020, straight from AWN News 6 Correspondent, Jolene McNutt:

DoD Bans Photographs from Officer and Enlisted Promotion Boards

Secretary of Defense, Mark Esper, has banned photographs from officer and enlisted promotion boards. This change “is one of the mid-term actions to address diversity and inclusion within the military,” reported Federal News Network. The Department of Defense has launched a three-pronged approach to addressing racism and racial bias. To begin tackling these issues, the Department of Defense has launched the Board on Diversity and Inclusion, which met at the Pentagon for the first time on July 15. To follow the issues that this newly appointed board will be tackling, which includes hairstyles and grooming practices, visit the Department of Defense at Defense.gov.

Defense Sec. bans photographs being used when considering promotions

Military Families Have Free Access to Digital Library

As the last weeks of summer play out and droves of parents are diving into virtual or homeschooling plans unexpectedly because of COVID-19 complications, Military OneSource has your six. Whether you’re looking for fresh ways to keep your children learning, or you’re desperate for a breezy summer read to enjoy on your patio, military families have access to the free Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Digital Library. Your children can learn through Explora Primary, or enjoy BookFlix, which pairs classic video storybooks with related nonfiction titles. Older children can use Gale in Context to complete assignments, Interactive: Science with up-to-date science subjects, and FreedomFlix which brings history to life. Adults have an endless list of opportunities from career exploration to audio books and eBooks, and even access to legal forms. Log on to your Military OneSource account today, and start exploring!

Recycling Innovation: Plastic Bottles Find New Life

Carbios, a French company, is leading the charge to transform the plastic recycling industry. Forbes reported on a bacterial enzyme which Carbios scientists have mutated to break down plastic bottles in a matter of hours. The new bottles can then be used to create high-quality, food grade bottles. Forbes reported that, “Existing technology only produces recycled plastic that can be used for certain items like sweaters, sleeping bags, jacket insulation, and even carpets.” The new technology would allow for the broken-down plastic to be turned into new, food-grade plastic. The company expects to transform the recycling industry in about five years. Currently, “Americans recycle less than 10 percent of the plastics they’ve used,” reported Forbes.

This Week in History

July 27, 1789: The United States Congress established the Department of Foreign Affairs, now called the Department of State. According to the State Department website, their mission is to lead “America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance.” There are 307 U.S. embassies or consulates in more than 190 countries around the world. Learn more about the State Department.