First US moon landing mission in decades launches into space
The first U.S. moon landing mission in decades was launched Monday morning, Jan. 8, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The Vulcan rocket lifted into space at 2:18 a.m. carrying a robotic spacecraft, hoping to be the first lunar lander by a private company.
It was also the first flight for Vulcan, which has been under development for a decade by United Launch Alliance, a joint venture of Boeing and Lockheed Martin. The lunar lander called Peregrine was developed by the Pittsburgh-based company Astrobotic Technology.
“There’s a lot riding here,” said John Thornton, the chief executive of Astrobotic. “It’s a mix of emotions. There’s thrill and excitement, but I’m also a bit terrified because there’s a lot on the line.”
The lander was carrying multiple scientific deliveries on board, including five experiments from NASA, as well as cremated remains on behalf of two space burial companies. If successful, Peregrine would be the first American spacecraft to land on the moon since the final Apollo mission in 1972, and if all goes right, it is set to touch down on the Moon on Feb. 23, after takes on loop around Earth and launches into lunar orbit. Still, the successful launch does not guarantee mission success.
“This whole task is not easy,” Nasa’s CLP program manger Chris Culbert said. “Landing on the moon is extremely difficult. The surface of the Moon holds many robotic spacecraft that were not able to land softly and complete their mission.”
Missing panel from Alaska Airlines flight found in man’s backyard: The Morning Rundown, Jan. 8, 2024
The missing piece of an Alaska Airlines plane that blew off in midflight is found in a backyard. And the first U.S. moon landing mission in decades lifts off. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Monday, Jan. 8, 2024.
Missing panel from Alaska Airlines flight found
As the National Transportation Safety Board continues investigating what caused a panel to detach from an Alaska Airlines plane midflight over the weekend, officials said they found that missing piece. The panel, called a door plug, was recovered in a teacher’s backyard in Portland, Oregon.
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The incident occurred Friday evening, Jan. 5, on an Alaska Airlines flight from Portland to Ontario, California, moments after it took off with 171 passengers and six crew members on board. No one was sitting in the window seat next to the missing panel, but passengers said they heard an extremely loud pop when the piece blew out 16,000 feet in the air.
The plane landed safely back in Portland. The FAA said it would examine how the door plug was fastened before it detached. The FAA grounded some “Boeing 737 Max 9” airplanes, which was the model of the Alaska Airlines flight. The grounding impacted more than 170 planes. The planes will remain grounded until the FAA is satisfied with its safety check.
Congressional leaders reach overarching deal to potentially avert shutdown
With a government shutdown on the horizon, Congressional leaders say they have found a middle ground to move forward with drafting individual spending bills. On Sunday, Jan. 7, Senate and House leaders announced an overarching agreement on government funding totaling nearly $1.66 trillion. A number in line with 2023’s agreement between President Biden and then-speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif. An agreement that, in part, led to McCarthy’s ousting.
It is unclear whether this year’s agreement will get the support needed to pass spending bills to avert a partial shutdown in less than two weeks. The deal allows for an increase in Pentagon spending to $886 billion and $772.7 billion in non-defense funding.
We have made clear to Speaker Mike Johnson that Democrats will not support including poison pill policy changes in any of the twelve appropriations bills put before the Congress. pic.twitter.com/vDVWQYNqVu
Now, lawmakers will work on individual spending bills, work that has stalled in the past as Republicans and Democrats couldn’t agree on a middle ground. In a letter to Republicans, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., said there were victories for the GOP in the overarching agreement.
The deal includes a $10 billion cut to IRS funding and a $6 billion claw-back in unspent COVID-19 relief funding. Congress faces a first deadline of Jan. 19 to pass four individual spending bills to avoid a shutdown and a second deadline of Feb. 2 to pass eight remaining appropriation bills.
White House kept in dark about Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s medical condition
But the lack of transparency concerns Congress members, as even the president was kept in the dark about what happened. Though the Department of Defense released a statement on Friday, Jan. 5, details of what has been going on were still unclear. The statement read that Austin was taken to the ICU “due to his medical needs, but then remained in that location in part due to hospital space considerations and privacy.”
According to reports, the White House was kept in the dark for three days following Lloyd’s hospitalization on Jan. 1. News that raised concerns as the U.S. juggles multiple conflicts, one of which is risking to spread in the Middle East. On Saturday, Jan. 6, Austin released a statement.
“I recognize I could have done a better job ensuring the public was appropriately informed,” Austin said. “I commit to doing better.”
A U.S. official reported that President Biden and Austin spoke via telephone on Saturday, Jan. 5, and the president was happy to hear Austin was recovering. Another official added that Biden has complete confidence in Austin’s ability to continue to uphold his oath.
Poll: Nearly half of Americans believe situation at border is a crisis
Nearly half of Americans surveyed in a new poll said the situation at the U.S.-Mexico border is a crisis, and the percentage who believe the Biden administration should be tougher on immigrants trying to cross the border is the highest yet.
The results of the CBS News poll were released Sunday, Jan. 7, and show that 45% of Americans believe the migrant situation is a crisis, up from 38% in May. Meanwhile, 63% said the Biden administration should be tougher on immigrants attempting to cross the border, 16% said the administration should be easier on migrants, and 21% believe the president is handling the situation just right.
In May, the poll found that Americans were evenly divided about southern border states sending migrants to northern cities. But now, it is facing growing disapproval, with 57% disapproving. CBS said more than 2,100 Americans were interviewed for this survey.
First U.S. Moon landing mission in decades launches into space
It was also the first flight for Vulcan, which has been under development for a decade by United Launch Alliance, a joint venture of Boeing and Lockheed Martin. The lunar lander called Peregrine was developed by the Pittsburgh-based company Astrobotic Technology.
The lander was carrying multiple scientific deliveries on board, including five experiments from NASA. If successful, Peregrine would be the first American spacecraft to land on the moon since the final Apollo mission in 1972, and if all goes right, it is set to touch down on the Moon on Feb. 23.
‘Oppenheimer,’ ‘Succession’ win big at Golden Globes
After 2023 saw two Hollywood strikes, it was time to celebrate the year in film and television at the 81st annual Golden Globes Sunday night, Jan. 7. It was a big night for the movie “Oppenheimer,” not only did Christopher Nolan win for best director and Cillian Murphy win for best actor, but the film itself took home the Golden Globe for best picture for a drama. The movie “Poor Things” won for best comedy or musical.
As for the top-grossing film of the year, “Barbie,” it was the winner of the first-ever Golden Globe for cinematic or box office achievement, an award recognizing blockbuster movies.
Meanwhile, over on the TV side, it proved to be a successful night for “Succession,” which won four categories, including best drama series. Meanwhile, “The Bear” took home the award for best comedy series.
Tropical Storm Hilary hits California: The Rundown Aug. 21, 2023
Tropical Storm Hilary left thousands without power in California, and Russia’s lunar mission ended with a crash. These stories and more highlight The Rundown for Monday, Aug. 21, 2023.
Tropical Storm Hilary hits southern California
The first tropical storm to hit southern California in 84 years brought heavy rains to the region, with forecasters telling residents to brace for more flash flooding and mudslides. More than 7 million people were placed under a flash flood warning through the morning of Monday, Aug. 21, as Tropical Storm Hilary, once a category four hurricane, flooded roadways and left thousands without power. The storm was blamed for at least one death in Mexico.
Hilary triggered California’s first ever tropical storm warning. Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) declared a state emergency on Saturday, Aug. 19 for much of the area.
Schools were closed Monday for the Los Angeles Unified School District, the second largest school district in the nation.
Just as the tropical storm came ashore on Sunday, Aug. 20, Southern California was hit with a 5.1 magnitude earthquake. Los Angeles Police Chief Kristin Crowley gave an update on the earthquake’s effects.
“As many of you are aware, in addition to our storm, we have experienced an earthquake at 2:41 pm centered in the city of Ojai in Ventura County,” Crowley said. “Our fire department did initiate our earthquake mode which prompts all of our fire station resources to conduct a survey by land, air and sea, in which they will look at their individual districts to identify any potential threats or infrastructure issues. As of now, we have received no reports of any significant damage.”
Trump reportedly to participate in interview instead of debate
Seven contenders are expected to take part in the first GOP presidential debate on Wednesday, Aug. 23. However, the party’s frontrunner will be missing from center stage. Former President Donald Trump confirmed on Truth Social on Aug. 20 that he is skipping the debate.
Those familiar with the matter say a pre-recorded interview between Trump and former Fox News host Tucker Carlson will be released on debate night in lieu of him appearing at the debate. The former president has a healthy lead over his contenders, with a new CBS poll finding more than 60% of Republicans pledging their support. The next closest contender is Gov. Ron DeSantis at 16%.
The CBS poll also asked voters what they want to hear from other GOP candidates during the debate. More than 90% of likely Republican voters said they do not want to hear the candidates criticize Trump, instead wanting the candidates to focus on a case for themselves.
North Korea fires missiles in response to U.S./South Korea military drills
North Korea tested a series of cruise missiles to display its capabilities to defend itself from the sea and carry out an “attack mission” against South Korea in an actual war. The North’s missile launches by ship Monday were largely seen as retaliation, as the United States and South Korea began conducting its annual joint military drills.
South Korea said 2023’s demonstrations would be held on the largest scale ever. Tens of thousands of U.S. troops were set to assist tens of thousands of South Korean troops in a display of defense against any nuclear or missile threat from the North.
Russia rocket crashes into moon; India to attempt landing
Russia’s first mission to the moon in nearly 50 years ended after the rocket crashed into the moon while attempting a historic landing this past weekend. The launch from was highly anticipated, as Russia races with India to become the first nation to land a rover on the south pole of the moon.
Russian officials said there was an abnormal situation that occurred as the rocket prepared to enter a pre-landing orbit that caused the space craft to lose communication with its home base. India is projected to make the same landing attempt on Wednesday, Aug. 23.
Canada asks Meta to reinstate news access during wildfires
The dispute between Meta and Canada that led to the tech giant disabling domestic news access on its platforms has impacted Canadian communities ravaged by wildfires. Residents who used to get news, alerts and information from Facebook or Instagram no longer had access as historic wildfires swept through.
The Canadian government demanded Meta lift its access ban in the country, saying the social media platforms were needed to help provide vital information to people threatened by fast-moving fires. Meta reinstated limited access, with users once again able to use the safety check feature to mark themselves as safe in the wake of a natural disaster. Users can also access official government agency pages for the latest emergency updates on evacuations and wildfire containment.
Meta released a statement standing by its decision to disable access to its social media platforms in response to a law Canada passed that requires social media companies to pay for news content shared on its sites. Meta said being forced to pay for content is not sustainable for its business.
Spain wins Women’s World Cup for the first time
A new champion has been crowned as Spain won its first Women’s World Cup title Sunday. Spain defeated England in the final, 1-nil.
The victory came at a tumultuous time for a Spanish team that saw 15 players step away in 2022 after calling for a more professional environment. Three of those players returned to play in the World Cup.
It was also a range of emotions for 23-year-old Olga Carmona, who scored the winning goal for Spain. The Royal Spanish Football Federation confirmed the star player learned of her father’s passing just after the match.
“I know you have given me the strength to achieve something unique,” Carmona said on social media. “I know you have been watching me tonight and that you are proud of me. Rest in peace, dad.”
Carmona also scored in semifinals, becoming the first player since the U.S.’ Carli Lloyd to score in a World Cup semifinal and final.
Taliban take down ISIS leader behind attack on US troops: April 26 rundown
The Taliban has killed the ISIS leader responsible for leading an attack that killed 13 U.S. troops in Afghanistan. And the U.S. House is taking action to address the U.S. debt limit. These stories and more highlight the daily rundown for Wednesday, April 26, 2023.
ISIS leader responsible for Kabul attack killed
Almost two years since the deadly blast that killed 13 Americans and more than 100 civilians at Kabul’s International Airport, the ISIS leader who orchestrated the suicide bombing during the chaotic final days of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan has been killed by the Taliban. It’s something the Department of Defense has now confirmed.
American forces were not involved in the Taliban’s operation that took the ISIS leader out. U.S. officials learned of the ISIS leader’s death weeks ago, though not from the Taliban. Instead, officials made the determination from their own intelligence gathering.
The Pentagon is not releasing the name of the ISIS leader.
Roberts said testimony by the chief justice of the United States is exceedingly rare due to concerns over the separation of powers and the importance of preserving judicial independence.
All nine justices signed off on the letter in which Roberts declined to testify. The Supreme Court ethics hearing is set for May 2.
The request came in the wake of a Propublica report that found Justice Clarence Thomas went on luxury trips at the invitation of a GOP mega donor. The trips were not disclosed on Thomas’ public financial filings.
House debt ceiling package
The House is expected to vote, as soon as Wednesday, April 26, on its debt ceiling package. But with Democrats and Republicans not agreeing, there’s a risk the country could default on its debt as early as June.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy told reporters he believes the Republican-controlled House will pass a bill to raise the nation’s debt limit by $1.5 trillion for one year.
McCarthy’s legislation also calls for $4.5 trillion in federal spending cuts. The White House has threatened a veto, should the bill make it that far.
GM cuts Chevy Bolt, shifts focus to EV trucks
Those looking to buy an electric vehicle are about to lose one of its most popular and affordable models. General Motors announced they are ending production of its best-selling EV, the Chevrolet Bolt, by the end of this year.
GM says it needs the capacity at its Michigan facility to build electric trucks starting in 2024. The trucks are likely to be a more expensive EV model. The bolt is one of the cheapest electric vehicles currently on the market with a starting price of around $24,000.
Japanese moon lander attempts landing, loses connection
A Japanese moon lander attempted to find its footing on the moon’s surface on April 25, but lost connection just about 33 feet from hailing success. It would have marked the world’s first lunar landing for a commercially developed spacecraft.
The lander, created by Japanese firm ispace, had been on a three-month trek to the moon’s orbit. The spacecraft had traveled 870,000 miles through space. All it needed to do was stick the landing.
First Barbie with Down syndrome unveiled
Toy company Mattel has released its first-ever Barbie doll to represent people with Down syndrome. The company collaborated with the National Down Syndrome Society to ensure the doll is accurate in its design features.
The barbie comes with an ankle-foot orthotic, which many children with down syndrome use for support.
The blue and yellow on the doll’s dress, accompanied by butterflies, represent symbols and colors associated with down syndrome awareness. And the three chevrons on the Barbie’s necklace represent how people with down syndrome have three copies of their 21st chromosome.
We have an update on Brittney Griner since her return to the U.S. three days ago; a bombing suspect finally in custody; and a winter storm warning. These stories and more highlight your morning rundown for Monday, Dec. 12, 2022.
Update on Griner return, Whelan detainment
“She’s at SA getting appropriate mental and physical healthcare to make sure she’s ready to reintegrate back into American society. Our initial reports are that she is in very good spirits and in good health,” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Sunday.
Kirby announced Griner is in good health as she recovers from Russian detainment before going home.
When she will be released from the medical center is still unknown. Kirby says the family and doctors will work through those details.
Kirby also clued America in on why American Marine Paul Whelan wasn’t on the plane ride home with Griner but said their work to bring wrongfully detained Americans home will continue. One report has as many as 60 Americans in prisons abroad.
“They were treating Paul very separately because of these sham espionage charges they levied against him and it kind of came together last week in the end game just a bout for Griner deal,” Kirby said. “We’re better informed with where the Russians’ expectations are and we’re just going to keep working at it.”
Zelenskyy, Biden phone call on U.S. support
On Sunday, President Joe Biden had a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The phone call revolved around the amount of support the U.S. has provided Ukraine since the invasion.
President Zelenskyy thanked Biden for the “unprecedented support.”
The U.S. has sent $20 billion to Ukraine since the start of the war. Last week the White House announced another $275 million will go toward Ukraine’s air defense. And an additional $53 million toward their power grid battered by Russian air strikes.
Winter storms stretch across the U.S.
Five feet of snow in just 48 hours. That’s what a winter storm has produced for some parts of California. New video shows some of the snowfall in nearby Reno, Nevada.
Blizzard conditions reported across the Sierras and is expected to continue today and into tomorrow.
The system is on the move, from Arizona to Montana over to Minnesota. Fourteen states, including 15 million people, are under some sort of winter weather alert today.
Snowy, windy, and icy conditions are expected for the next several days in the south and central U.S.
Suspect in Lockerbie bombing in U.S. custody
In 1988, a plane exploded over Scotland in a terrorist attack, killing all 259 people on board the flight to America, along with 11 people on the ground.
Thirty-four years later, the man suspected of making the bomb used in the explosion is now in U.S. custody.
The U.S. Justice Department confirmed his arrest. It remains the deadliest terror attack on British soil.
While just three mannequins were on board this one, the Artemis program is aimed at putting more astronauts on the moon, which could come as early as 2024.
“The spacecraft performed so well that we were able to start looking at Artemis 2 and thinking through how else we can push the boundaries on this flight,” NASA chief flight director Emily Nelson said.
“I think we’ve learned a lot from one, TBD if there’s changes. so that some of the work will be going through and then kind of get that final assessment on a date for two,” NASA Associate Administrator Jim Free said.
The landing of Orion comes 50 years after Apollo 17’s moon landing. The last time people walked on the moon.