The article discusses how SpaceX and the policies from the Trump administration have influenced NASA's operations. It focuses on SpaceX's role in NASA's current activities and how Elon Musk's Mars ambitions might affect NASA's traditional goals.
Key Facts
SpaceX is a private space company founded by Elon Musk.
NASA is the United States government agency responsible for the nation's civilian space program.
The Trump administration supported partnerships between NASA and private companies like SpaceX.
SpaceX has worked with NASA on missions like launching astronauts to the International Space Station.
Elon Musk aims to eventually send humans to Mars.
Some people question if Musk's Mars focus could change NASA's mission.
SpaceX's involvement with NASA has increased in recent years.
A ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia is mostly holding after both countries agreed to stop fighting at a meeting in Malaysia. The agreement came after hostilities that caused at least 38 deaths and displaced nearly 300,000 people. Some minor conflicts continued, but military leaders from both countries are coordinating to prevent further escalation.
Key Facts
Thailand and Cambodia agreed to a ceasefire at a meeting in Malaysia after a week of conflict.
The fighting resulted in at least 38 deaths, mostly civilians, and displaced nearly 300,000 people.
The ceasefire followed economic pressure from a potential 36% U.S. tariff on goods from both countries.
Thailand accused Cambodia of attacks after the ceasefire, but Cambodia denied these claims.
Sporadic gunfire occurred, though both countries' armies agreed to stop troop movements and avoid escalating the conflict.
A joint border committee meeting is scheduled in Cambodia on August 4 to discuss the situation further.
Many displaced people began returning home, but some remain in temporary shelters, waiting for safety assurances.
The conflict started after a landmine injured Thai soldiers, and tensions had been rising since a Cambodian soldier was killed during a confrontation.
Elon Musk has not made any formal moves to create a new political party called the "America Party," despite hints that he might. His past involvement with politics, such as the America PAC, remains active but not prominently engaged this year. Musk continues to focus on his business ventures like Tesla and SpaceX.
Key Facts
Elon Musk has not officially started a political party called the "America Party."
Analysts say Musk has not filed any documents or selected candidates for the party.
Musk's recent political activity included spending around $250 million through the America PAC during the 2024 campaign.
Tesla investor James Fishback mentioned Musk had a brief interest in electoral politics.
Tesla and SpaceX remain Musk's primary focus, with recent projects like integrating AI into Tesla cars.
Tensions with former President Trump appear to have lessened, as Trump posted a supportive message about Musk's success.
SpaceX warned that Musk might still invest time in political activities.
Musk's involvement with politics does not seem to affect his main business operations significantly.
A new study reveals that most U.S. cities are experiencing more episodes of extreme heat each year compared to 1970. These prolonged heat periods pose health risks, especially in areas with less cooling access, and strain energy resources.
Key Facts
A study analyzed 247 U.S. cities and found that about 80% are having more frequent heat streaks each year than in 1970.
An "extreme heat streak" means three or more days in a row with temperatures above normal highs for that area.
The study showed nearly 200 cities have about two more heat streaks annually on average now.
The data shows temperature thresholds vary widely, from 66°F in Alaska to 100°F in Arizona.
Some cities like Nashville and Raleigh have five more heat streaks each year compared to the past.
A few cities, such as Myrtle Beach and Sarasota, now experience fewer heat streaks than in 1970.
Climate change is linked to the increased intensity and frequency of extreme heat.
Urban areas often trap more heat due to the "urban heat island" effect, making them warmer than surrounding areas.
People in Hawaii are leaving coastal areas after a large earthquake near Russia caused a tsunami warning. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reported waves several feet high in parts of Hawaii, and local residents are moving to higher ground to stay safe. Other areas, like California and Alaska, are also preparing, although they have lower-level warnings.
Key Facts
A big earthquake near Russia's coast caused a tsunami warning for Hawaii and parts of the Pacific.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center recorded waves several feet high on Maui, Oahu, and Hawaii, including Honolulu.
The Governor of Hawaii advised people in low-lying areas to stay calm and move to higher ground.
Roads in Hawaii are busy as people evacuate to safer places.
The US west coast, including California and Alaska, has a lower-level tsunami advisory.
Tsunami warnings mean flooding is expected, while advisories suggest strong currents may occur.
Seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones warned that waves could damage harbors and waterfronts but do not expect large-scale loss of life.
Residents on Maui are being cautious, moving to higher ground and preparing for potential damage.
Adidas plans to raise prices for American shoppers due to US tariffs that will increase the company's costs by an additional €200 million. Most of Adidas's products are made in Asian countries like Vietnam and Indonesia, where US tariffs will now apply.
Key Facts
Adidas will face an additional cost of €200 million due to US tariffs.
These tariffs affect nearly half of Adidas's products, which are made in Asian countries.
Vietnam and Indonesia, where 46% of Adidas's products are made, are subject to these tariffs.
Tariffs include a 20% tax on goods from Vietnam and a 19% tax on goods from Indonesia.
Adidas cannot produce most of its products in the US.
The price increase aims to cover the added costs from the tariffs.
Other companies, like Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, are also affected by US tariffs.
**Summary:** Messaging on the Tea dating safety app has been paused after a hacking incident exposed members' images and messages. The app, which helps women check the backgrounds of men and share information about dates, is working on fixing security issues and offering identity protection to affected users.
**Key Facts:**
- Tea is a dating safety app for women that was hacked, exposing thousands of images, posts, and direct messages.
- The app allows women to do background checks on men and share information about past dates.
- Over 1.6 million users are on the app, which is based in the United States.
- The app helps users check if potential partners are married or have criminal records and helps prevent "catfishing."
- Tea paused messaging while investigating the hack and is strengthening its security measures.
- Affected users will receive free identity protection services.
- The hack accessed images that included some with photo identification, though Tea’s policy claims these are immediately deleted after verification.
- The breach affected members who joined the app before February 2024.
Beverly Priestman, the former coach of Canada's women's soccer team, left Canada after receiving a one-year ban due to a spying incident at the 2024 Olympics. She has now become the head coach for New Zealand's Wellington Phoenix women's team.
Key Facts
Beverly Priestman was banned from all football activities for one year by FIFA.
The ban resulted from a spying scandal where a drone was used to watch New Zealand's training session.
Canada's soccer organization fired Priestman before the ban due to previous similar incidents.
Priestman expressed not feeling safe in Canada after the ban and media attention.
During the Olympics, Canada advanced past the group stage despite a points penalty but lost in the quarter-finals to Germany.
Priestman previously helped the Canadian women's team win an Olympic gold medal in 2021.
A new executive order could allow fund managers to include private equity investments in 401(k) retirement plans. This change might offer legal protection to those managers, but it introduces both risks and benefits for people investing in these retirement accounts.
Key Facts
A 401(k) is a retirement savings plan typically investing in public companies.
Private equity involves investing in private companies, not listed on stock exchanges.
Private equity is considered high-risk, with potentially large gains or losses.
President Trump is expected to sign an executive order about private equity in 401(k) plans.
The order aims to offer legal protection to fund managers who add private equity to retirement portfolios.
The potential benefits and risks of including private equity need careful consideration.
The podcast episode discusses these issues and related topics like investment rules and financial strategies.
Some medications can increase the risk of overheating during hot weather. These medications can affect how the body manages heat, leading to a higher chance of heat-related health issues for people who use them.
Key Facts
Heat waves can be riskier for people taking certain medications like those for heart disease or high blood pressure.
Some medications change how the body cools itself, such as affecting thirst or sweating.
Beta blockers, diuretics, and ACE inhibitors are among drugs that might make it harder to manage heat.
People should not stop taking these medications, but they should find ways to stay cool during heat waves.
Overheating can lead to serious health problems like heart strain or kidney issues.
Finding a cool place and staying hydrated are important steps to prevent heat-related problems.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides information about medications that can affect heat management.
India announced that its security forces killed three gunmen responsible for an attack that killed 26 tourists in Kashmir in April. The attack, which India claims was backed by Pakistan, led to brief military conflict between India and Pakistan. India provided evidence linking the attackers to Pakistan, though Pakistan has not commented on the latest claims.
Key Facts
26 tourists were killed in an attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22.
Three gunmen responsible for the attack have been killed by Indian security forces.
India claims Pakistan supported the attackers, a claim Pakistan denies.
The attack led to a four-day military skirmish between India and Pakistan in May.
Indian Home Minister Amit Shah presented evidence, including voter ID cards, linking the gunmen to Pakistan.
Pakistan has previously stated it dismantled the group India blames for the attack.
The military confrontation between India and Pakistan resulted in multiple deaths and civilian displacement.
U.S. President Trump stated he helped stop the conflict through trade leverage.
A man is accused of killing four people in a Manhattan skyscraper. He suspected he had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain disease linked to repeated head injuries.
Key Facts
An incident occurred in a Manhattan skyscraper where four people were killed.
The accused gunman believed he had CTE.
CTE is a brain disease that often affects people with a history of repeated head injuries, such as football players.
The incident took place on Park Avenue in Manhattan.
The news was reported by journalists Sarah Ventre and Steve Inskeep.
An NPR Planet Money episode discusses the purpose of government regulations and whom they protect. The episode explores whether these rules help the general public or favor the wealthy and powerful.
Key Facts
The NPR Planet Money episode is titled "Who are all these regulations protecting?"
The episode examines how regulations can impact businesses and individuals.
It highlights concerns about whether regulations primarily benefit the public or wealthy groups.
The episode is hosted by Robert Smith and produced by Eric Mennel.
This discussion is part of Planet Money's Summer School series.
Listeners can access the episode on NPR's website and various podcast platforms.
Australia will include YouTube in its social media ban for children under 16, starting in December. The ban aims to protect children from harmful content by restricting them from having accounts on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, Snapchat, and now YouTube.
Key Facts
Australia will ban children under 16 from having accounts on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, and Snapchat.
YouTube's initial exclusion from the ban has been reversed.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated the ban is to reduce social harm to children.
YouTube argued it should not be included because it provides educational value.
eSafety Commissioner recommended including YouTube due to harmful content seen by young users.
Tech companies could face fines up to A$50 million if they don't follow the rules.
The ban does not include online gaming, messaging, education, and health apps.
More details on how the ban will be enforced are expected in parliament soon.
A zoo in Nuremberg, Germany, killed 12 healthy Guinea baboons due to overcrowding in their enclosure. This decision led to protests from animal rights activists, with some being arrested for trespassing. The zoo stated that it could not relocate the baboons or control their population growth through other means.
Key Facts
The zoo killed 12 Guinea baboons because their enclosure was overcrowded.
The baboons were fed to predators after being killed.
Seven animal rights activists were arrested for protesting at the zoo.
Overcrowding caused conflicts among the baboons, and no rehousing options were found.
The zoo had planned this culling since last year due to population size exceeding acceptable levels.
Other zoos could not take in more baboons and contraceptive methods failed.
The zoo closed for a day, during which the culling took place.
The European Association of Zoos and Aquaria's guidelines were followed, according to the zoo's director.
Animal rights groups have filed a complaint against the zoo, calling the culling illegal.
The UK government plans to build up to 40,000 new homes on unused railway land over the next ten years, beginning with sites in Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, and Cambridge. This initiative aims to create new communities and address housing shortages by attracting private investment. Challenges include planning delays and infrastructure demands.
Key Facts
The government plans to construct 40,000 homes on disused railway land in the next decade.
Initial developments will include projects in Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, and Cambridge.
The plan is part of a "brownfield first" approach, focusing on previously used land.
The government seeks £350 million in private investment to help develop these sites.
A new company, Platform4, will oversee the developments by combining existing organizations.
Industry groups warn of delays due to planning and regulatory challenges.
Current planning delays are impacting at least 40,000 homes, with many projects awaiting regulatory approval.
The Building Safety Regulator is rejecting a significant number of applications for not meeting legal standards.
Greece is holding migrants on the island of Crete before moving them to other facilities on the mainland. The country has temporarily stopped allowing new arrivals to apply for asylum, citing an emergency situation, and plans to detain and send back anyone arriving illegally.
Key Facts
Migrants arriving in Crete from North Africa, including Libya, cannot apply for asylum and are moved to closed facilities on the mainland.
The right to apply for asylum is part of EU and international law, as well as Greek law, but Greece has suspended this right for at least three months.
Greek Migration Minister Thanos Plevris has declared a state of emergency, describing the situation as an "invasion."
Over 7,000 migrants have arrived in Crete from January to late June 2023, which is more than three times the number compared to 2024.
The migration route from Libya to Crete has become the main path in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The Greek government has announced that all migrants entering the country illegally will be detained.
Migrants in detention facilities report poor living conditions, such as inadequate access to water, clothing, and hygiene supplies.
Turbulence during flights is becoming more frequent and severe. Experts say climate change is causing changes in the atmosphere that may make air travel bumpier in the future. Severe turbulence already accounts for a significant portion of injuries in air travel.
Key Facts
Severe turbulence on a flight can cause the plane to drop suddenly, leading to injuries.
There have been four reported deaths from turbulence since 1981.
In the United States, 207 people have been severely injured by turbulence since 2009.
Climate change is affecting atmospheric conditions, increasing turbulence frequency and severity.
Severe turbulence affects around 5,000 flights each year out of over 35 million global flights.
Nearly 40% of serious injuries to passengers in 2023 were caused by turbulence.
The North Atlantic route has experienced a 55% increase in severe turbulence over the last 40 years.
Different types of turbulence include convective (from thunderstorms), orographic (near mountains), and clear-air (sudden wind changes).
Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to stop fighting on their disputed border, an area with old temples and a long history of disagreements. Their conflict involves political issues and changing relationships, with China's presence being important.
Key Facts
Thailand and Cambodia have a disputed border area.
The border has ancient temples, which are part of the conflict.
They have agreed to a ceasefire, which means they will stop fighting.
The conflict involves political dynasties, or family-based political power.
Changing alliances have affected the situation.
China's role and influence in the region are significant.
A State Department spokesperson in the United States was questioned about the death of Palestinian activist Awdah Hathaleen, allegedly caused by an Israeli settler, Yinon Levi. This incident has renewed focus on policies related to Israeli settlements in occupied territories. Levi has been charged with manslaughter and is under house arrest.
Key Facts
Awdah Hathaleen, a Palestinian activist, was reportedly shot and killed by Israeli settler Yinon Levi.
Levi is on house arrest and faces charges of manslaughter and unlawful firearm use.
Levi had been previously sanctioned under the Biden administration for violence against Palestinians; the Trump administration later reversed these sanctions.
A State Department spokesperson declined to comment on Levi's accountability but mentioned that Israel is conducting an investigation.
Hathaleen helped produce a documentary highlighting the impact of Israeli settlements on Palestinians.
Israeli settlements in the West Bank are widely considered illegal under international law and are a key obstacle to peace.
The reversal of sanctions on settlers by the Trump administration has been scrutinized amid ongoing violence.
The incident provoked discussions on US policies regarding Israeli settlements and their impact on Palestinian territories.
