NASA creates space sustainability division to consolidate orbital debris activities

NASA has launched a Space Sustainability Division to consolidate its efforts on orbital debris and related issues. Announced by Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy at the AMOS Conference, the division aims to integrate operational, research, and policy functions that were previously spread across various offices. While not all organizations will be merged, the division will streamline those that can be, enhancing coordination and accountability. Led by … Continue reading NASA creates space sustainability division to consolidate orbital debris activities

China’s first-ever reusable kerosene rocket crashes during vertical landing

Chinese private rocket company Deep Blue Aerospace announced that its Nebula-1 rocket failed to complete a high-altitude recovery test. While the rocket met 10 out of 11 objectives during the vertical takeoff and landing trial, it crashed during the final landing phase due to a malfunction in the landing mechanism. The three engines initially performed well, but complications arose during descent, leading to a hard … Continue reading China’s first-ever reusable kerosene rocket crashes during vertical landing

2 Russians set record for longest single stay on the International Space Station

Two Russian astronauts, Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub, have set a new record for the longest continuous stay on the International Space Station (ISS), surpassing the previous record of 370 days, 21 hours, and 22 minutes set in September 2023. Kononenko, who will return to Earth on Monday, also holds the record for the most cumulative time in space, totaling 1,110 days over five missions. … Continue reading 2 Russians set record for longest single stay on the International Space Station

Busiest port on East Coast winds down operations ahead of looming strike

The Port of New York and New Jersey is bracing for a potential work stoppage by unionized dockworkers, which could trigger a significant supply chain crisis similar to the disruptions experienced during the COVID pandemic. The International Longshoremen’s Association, representing 85,000 workers at 36 ports, threatens to strike if a new contract isn’t reached by the September 30 deadline. Port operations are being adjusted to … Continue reading Busiest port on East Coast winds down operations ahead of looming strike

Boeing machinists on picket lines prepare for lengthy strike

Boeing is grappling with rising costs from a machinist strike in the Pacific Northwest, now in its second week, as workers demand higher pay. Striking machinists are considering side jobs to manage expenses amid high living costs in the Seattle area, where median home prices have surged 142% over the past decade. The strike’s duration could impact Boeing’s financial stability, with potential downgrades from ratings … Continue reading Boeing machinists on picket lines prepare for lengthy strike

GM recalling 450,000 trucks, SUVs over brake warning

General Motors has recalled nearly 450,000 trucks and SUVs due to a potentially faulty brake fluid warning light. The recall affects 2023 models of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Escalade ESV. The issue involves the electronic brake control module software, which may fail to alert drivers to brake fluid loss, risking brake performance. … Continue reading GM recalling 450,000 trucks, SUVs over brake warning

House Speaker Johnson axes Trump voting restrictions in new government funding bill

House Speaker Mike Johnson announced a new temporary government funding proposal that diverges from former President Trump’s wishes, making concessions to Democrats. The bill would fund the government through Dec. 20 and excludes the Trump-supported SAVE Act, which required proof of citizenship for voter registration. Johnson described the proposal as “very narrow” and focused on essential extensions to avoid a shutdown, which could occur if … Continue reading House Speaker Johnson axes Trump voting restrictions in new government funding bill

Liz Cheney Suggests New Political Party May Be Needed

Former Representative Liz Cheney, a prominent critic of Donald Trump, suggested that a new political party may be necessary if the Republican Party cannot recover from Trump’s influence. Speaking at the Cap Times Idea Fest, she expressed skepticism about the GOP’s viability, stating, “it’s hard for me to see how the Republican Party… can make the argument convincingly… until it really recognizes what it’s done.” … Continue reading Liz Cheney Suggests New Political Party May Be Needed

Zelensky arrives in USA to explain war ‘victory’ plan to Biden

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in the U.S. on Sunday to present his “victory plan” aimed at ending the ongoing war with Russia. He will meet with President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and former President Donald Trump during his visit. Zelensky’s proposals come after intense fighting this summer, with Russia making gains in eastern Ukraine. He hopes to persuade Biden to allow Ukraine … Continue reading Zelensky arrives in USA to explain war ‘victory’ plan to Biden

Trump tells supporters he will not run again if he loses

In a recent interview, Donald Trump stated he will not run for president again if he loses the upcoming election on November 5, declaring, “that will be it.” The 78-year-old former president is in a tight race against Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, with polls showing them close in key battleground states. Trump, who continues to claim his 2020 loss was due to voter fraud, … Continue reading Trump tells supporters he will not run again if he loses

World leaders are gathering for the UN General Assembly

At this week’s U.N. gathering, leaders are urged to collaborate on urgent global issues and modernize post-World War II international institutions. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the need for a “Summit of the Future” to enhance multilateralism and address challenges like geopolitical tensions, climate change, and emerging technologies. The summit, which opened before the General Assembly’s high-level meeting, produced a consensus document, the “Pact of … Continue reading World leaders are gathering for the UN General Assembly

Giant sinkholes in a South Dakota neighborhood make families fear for their safety

Stuart and Tonya Junker, along with 150 neighbors in South Dakota’s Hideaway Hills, are suing the state for $45 million after sinkholes began appearing around their homes, which were built over an old mine. The Junkers blame the state for selling land despite knowing its unstable condition. Since 2020, numerous sinkholes have formed, affecting 158 homes and infrastructure. Residents feel trapped, unable to leave due … Continue reading Giant sinkholes in a South Dakota neighborhood make families fear for their safety

Feds execute search warrant on new NYPD commissioner just over a week after he was appointed

Federal authorities executed a search warrant at the homes of NYPD interim commissioner Thomas Donlon on September 20, just over a week after he assumed the role. Donlon stated that the search involved materials unrelated to his NYPD work, dating back 20 years from his time as an FBI official. The search is not connected to the ongoing corruption probes at City Hall, CNN has … Continue reading Feds execute search warrant on new NYPD commissioner just over a week after he was appointed

Rescuers search for Yellowstone concession worker missing after backcountry hike

Rescuers in Yellowstone National Park are searching for Austin King, 22, a park concession worker who went missing after failing to check in following a weeklong trek around Eagle Peak. King was last heard from on Sept. 16 after he reached Eagle Peak’s summit, where he described difficult weather conditions. He was supposed to be picked up by boat on Sept. 20 at Yellowstone Lake, … Continue reading Rescuers search for Yellowstone concession worker missing after backcountry hike

Kentucky judge had lunch with the sheriff now arrested in his killing, court clerk says

In a tragic incident that shocked the small community of Letcher County, Kentucky, Sheriff Shawn M. Stines allegedly shot and killed District Judge Kevin Mullins inside the courthouse on Thursday. The two had eaten lunch together earlier that day before a reported argument in the judge’s chambers. Mullins, a judge for 15 years, was found with multiple gunshot wounds and pronounced dead. Stines, now charged … Continue reading Kentucky judge had lunch with the sheriff now arrested in his killing, court clerk says

4 dead and 17 injured after gunfire erupts at popular nightlife area in Birmingham, Alabama

Four people were killed, and 17 others injured in a targeted shooting in Birmingham, Alabama’s Five Points South entertainment district on Saturday night. Multiple shooters arrived, opened fire, and fled, with police believing the attack was a paid hit on one person, with others caught in the crossfire. Over 100 shell casings were found, and machine gun conversion devices may have been used, CNN has … Continue reading 4 dead and 17 injured after gunfire erupts at popular nightlife area in Birmingham, Alabama

Sunken superyacht believed to contain watertight safes with sensitive intelligence data

Specialist divers surveying the wreck of the superyacht Bayesian, which sank off Sicily in August, killing seven people, including British tech tycoon Mike Lynch, have requested heightened security. Concerns have arisen over sensitive data possibly stored in encrypted hard drives on board, which may interest foreign governments. Lynch, linked to British and American intelligence services, founded the cybersecurity company Darktrace. Italian prosecutors are investigating manslaughter … Continue reading Sunken superyacht believed to contain watertight safes with sensitive intelligence data

A New Zealand pilot is freed after 19 months in rebel captivity in Indonesia’s Papua region

New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens, held hostage by separatist rebels in Indonesia’s Papua region for over a year, was freed on Saturday. Mehrtens, who worked for Susi Air, was abducted in February 2023. His release followed extensive negotiations involving local leaders and church officials. No demands were made in return. Mehrtens’ family expressed gratitude to the Indonesian government for prioritizing peaceful negotiations, the Associated Press … Continue reading A New Zealand pilot is freed after 19 months in rebel captivity in Indonesia’s Papua region

Explosion at coal mine in eastern Iran kills dozens of workers

An explosion at a coal mine in eastern Iran killed at least 33 workers and injured 17 others, with several still missing. The blast occurred at the Tabas mine, likely caused by a methane gas leak, and trapped workers deep underground. Rescue efforts are ongoing. Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian ordered an investigation and support for victims’ families. This disaster is one of the deadliest in … Continue reading Explosion at coal mine in eastern Iran kills dozens of workers

Attack on foreign diplomats’ convoy kills police officer in Pakistan

A roadside bomb hit a convoy of foreign diplomats in Pakistan’s Swat valley, killing a police officer and injuring three others. The diplomats, who were unharmed, were on a visit organized by the local chamber of commerce. Ambassadors from several countries, including Indonesia and Russia, were in the convoy. Pakistan’s government condemned the attack, with no group claiming responsibility. Security forces imposed a curfew and … Continue reading Attack on foreign diplomats’ convoy kills police officer in Pakistan

Israel issues evacuation warning as it launches ‘extensive’ strikes in Lebanon

The Israeli military warned civilians in southern Lebanon to evacuate areas near Hezbollah positions as it intensified airstrikes. Israel aims to destroy Hezbollah’s infrastructure and create safer conditions for its citizens in the north. The warning follows ongoing clashes between Israel and Hezbollah since Hamas’ October 7 attack. Israel launched over 80 airstrikes, targeting Hezbollah, which has used civilian infrastructure for military purposes. Hezbollah retaliated … Continue reading Israel issues evacuation warning as it launches ‘extensive’ strikes in Lebanon

Sword with markings of ancient pharaoh Ramses II unearthed in Egypt

Egyptian archaeologists recently discovered a bronze sword marked with the cartouche of Pharaoh Ramses II, buried for over 3,000 years at the Tell Al-Abqain military fort in the Beheira Governorate. Ramses II, known as Ramses the Great, ruled from 1279 B.C. to 1213 B.C. and expanded Egypt’s territory significantly. The excavation site, which included barracks and warehouses, also revealed pottery, personal items, and a cow, … Continue reading Sword with markings of ancient pharaoh Ramses II unearthed in Egypt

Message in a bottle, written 200 years ago by an archaeologist, found on a French clifftop

Volunteers at an archaeological dig in northern France discovered a small glass vial containing a 200-year-old message from archaeologist P.J. Féret, who conducted a dig at the site in January 1825. The note described his work and membership in scientific societies, possibly intended as inspiration for future archaeologists. Guillaume Blondel, head of the local archaeological service, called the find “an absolutely magic moment,” CBS News … Continue reading Message in a bottle, written 200 years ago by an archaeologist, found on a French clifftop

SpaceX launches 20 Starlink satellites, lands rocket at sea

SpaceX launched 20 more Starlink satellites to orbit on September 20 aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base. The rocket’s first stage successfully landed on the SpaceX drone ship, marking its 13th reuse. SpaceX has now launched over 7,000 Starlink satellites, with more than 6,300 currently active. Thirteen of the new satellites can provide direct-to-cell service, expanding this capability in low … Continue reading SpaceX launches 20 Starlink satellites, lands rocket at sea

NASA, SpaceX plan to launch new crewed mission next week

NASA and SpaceX are targeting September 26 for the launch of the Crew-9 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov will lift off aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft from Cape Canaveral. Crew-9, the ninth crew rotation mission under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, will focus on scientific research to support future human exploration beyond low Earth orbit, … Continue reading NASA, SpaceX plan to launch new crewed mission next week