Firefly wins contract to transport NASA satellites that track tropical storms
Firefly Aerospace has secured a contract for a dedicated Alpha launch that will transport satellites for NASA’s Investigation of Convective Updrafts mission, which studies how and why tropical storms form.
The Firefly rocket will launch out of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility and will be the Texas company’s third Alpha launch for NASA. The company’s first successful Alpha launch happened last summer and the second is scheduled to take off from Vandenberg Space Force Base next year.
Firefly noted that the company’s Alpha rocket series was specifically designed to support missions like INCUS.
“This allows our customers to place their satellites in the exact orbit they need and use their mission-critical resources to immediately begin conducting research and making advancements in science,” Firefly CEO Jason Kim said in a statement.
The INCUS mission will deploy three satellites, all of which will record data on how tropical storms form, evolve, and eventually dissipate. The satellites will also be equipped with highly sensitive precipitation radar systems that track cloud density and intensity.
NASA stated that the satellites will be flying in close coordination, allowing for more detailed readings as they monitor massive storms.
“By flying so closely together, the satellites will use the slight differences in when they make observations to apply a novel time-differencing approach to estimate the vertical transport of convective mass,” NASA wrote of the mission.
U.S. Army soldiers arrested, charged with selling sensitive military information to China
Two current U.S. Army soldiers, and one former soldier, were arrested this week and charged with conspiring to obtain and sell secret government information to China.
According to an indictment filed Wednesday with the U.S. District Court of Oregon, health services administrator 1st Lt. Li Tian conspired with former servicemember Ruoyu Duan to obtain information about U.S. military operations.
The indictment says Lt. Tian gathered information on military tactics and technology, before passing along the information to Mr. Duan in exchange for money. The information dealt with Army technical manuals and armored vehicles like the Bradley and Stryker.
The DOJ says the conspiracy went on for years, with Lt. Tian illegally passing on information from November 2021 to December 2024. Lt. Tian and Mr. Duan have been charged with theft of government property, conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States and bribery of a public official.
“The FBI and our partners will continue to work to uncover attempts by those in China to steal sensitive U.S. military information and hold all accountable who play a role in betraying our national defense,” FBI Director Kash Patel wrote of the arrests.
In a separate indictment on Wednesday, a supply sergeant for the 17th Field Artillery Brigade, Sgt. Jian Zhao, was charged with stealing government hard drives and selling them to buyers based in China. From July 2024, Sgt. Zhao sold nearly two dozen hard drives marked “SECRET” or “TOP SECRET,” bringing in just over $15,000.
Both Lt. Tian and Sgt. Zhao were stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington. Mr. Duan served in the U.S. Army from 2013 to 2017 and currently resides in Oregon.
The DOJ says that Sgt. Zhao passed along technical information about U.S. rocket systems and military procedures in the event of a kinetic war with China. The specific information allegedly sold by Sgt. Zhao was not revealed in the indictment. Sgt. Zhao’s co-conspirators in China went unnamed in the indictment. Sgt. Zhao has been charged with conspiracy to gather national defense information, bribery of a public official and theft of government property.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi praised the arrests Thursday, promising swift prosecution.
“The defendants arrested today are accused of betraying our country, actively working to weaken America’s defense capabilities and empowering our adversaries in China,” she wrote. “They will face swift, severe and comprehensive justice.”
Removing their security clearances makes it nearly impossible for attorneys with the firm to do federal government work. It’s unclear how much, if any, work the law firm does for the U.S. government.
“This is an absolute honor to sign, what they’ve done is just terrible,” Mr. Trump said. “It’s weaponization against a political opponent.”
The order states that the security clearances were revoked because the firm is engaging in illegal diversity, equity and inclusion practices. Perkins Coie was sued by a conservative group in 2023 because their diversity fellowships were only open to underrepresented groups. The lawsuit ended after the firm made changes to the criteria for acceptance into the fellowship.
Prosecutors said the meeting was part of a Clinton campaign scheme to pitch the story to news media outlets that the Trump campaign was under investigation by the FBI for ties to Russia, thus sabotaging his campaign.
A federal jury in Washington acquitted Mr. Sussman in May 2022. Mr. Sussmann resigned from the firm in September 2021 shortly after the criminal charges were filed.
Last month, Mr. Trump revoked security clearances for attorneys at Covington & Burling, which assisted special counsel Jack Smith’s investigations into the president. Mr. Smith said he received $140,000 in free legal advice from the firm to help him with his probes into Mr. Trump and his allies.
Donald Trump meets with hostages, offers final warning to Hamas
President Trump met with eight released hostages from Gaza at the White House on Wednesday while giving Hamas a "last warning" about freeing the rest of the terrorists' prisoners.
President Trump met with eight released hostages from Gaza at the White House on Wednesday while giving Hamas a “last warning” about freeing the rest of the terrorists’ prisoners.
Mr. Trump met with Iair Horn, Omer Shem Tov, Eli Sharabi, Keith Siegel, Aviva Siegel, Naama Levy, Doron Steinbrecher and Noa Argamani. He listened to their stories of imprisonment.
“The President listened intently to their heartbreaking stories. The hostages thanked President Trump for his steadfast efforts to bring all of the hostages home,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt posted on X.
He added, “Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted! I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job, not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say.”
This is Hamas’ “last warning,” he wrote. “For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance. Also, to the People of Gaza: A beautiful Future awaits, but not if you hold Hostages. If you do, you are DEAD! Make a SMART decision. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER!”
At her press briefing Wednesday, Ms. Leavitt said negotiations are ongoing with Hamas, adding, “Israel was consulted on this matter. Dialogue and talking to people around the world to do what’s in the best interest of the American people is something that the president has proven, is what he believes is a good-faith effort to do what’s right for the American people.”
She said she wouldn’t discuss the content of the talks because “American lives are at stake.”
Beyond sustainability, timber also enhances the built environment in biophilic ways. “Leaving the timber exposed in a building creates a more natural, calming space. Studies show that timber-based buildings improve well-being, making them environmentally friendly and better places to live and work,” he added.
The growth of offsite timber
One of the most significant innovations in the sector is offsite timber construction, where large sections of buildings (such as walls, floors, and entire rooms) are pre-manufactured in a controlled factory environment before being assembled on-site. This approach offers several advantages over traditional building methods.
“We have to move towards productive approaches,” says Hairstans. “Offsite construction allows us to do more in a factory-controlled environment, which improves quality, speeds up building times, and reduces material waste,” he added.
Another common concern is deforestation, but Hairstans argues that properly managed forestry is part of the solution. “It’s funny—people don’t question the environmental cost of mining for concrete or steel, but when it comes to timber, suddenly there’s concern about sustainability. The truth is, we can grow more trees than we cut down—and in some countries like Sweden, three are planted for every tree cut down,” he told us.
Cutting-edge technology in timber
Integrating digital tools, AI, and automation significantly makes offsite timber construction more efficient and scalable. “There’s a huge data and traceability element in modern construction,” says Hairstans.
“From tracking trees in forestry to cutting and processing timber, to assembling buildings and monitoring their performance—we need digital interoperability to ensure everything is managed efficiently,” he added.
He acknowledges that timber won’t entirely replace concrete and steel but predicts their use will become more selective and sustainable. “We’ll still need some concrete and steel, but ideally, we’ll use less and focus on reclaimed or low-carbon alternatives,” he added.
At its core, Hairstans argues, the shift isn’t just about materials, it’s about a cultural change in how we think about construction. “For too long, we’ve approached construction as a consumption-driven industry without considering the long-term impact. We need to be more responsible, more regenerative, and more innovative in building,” he said.
As the Pioneer of the YIf offsite timber construction continues to scale up, it has the potential to solve housing shortages, cut carbon emissions, and reshape the built environment for the better. The question now is not whether timber construction can succeed, but how quickly we can embrace it to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
The FIM-92 Stinger has long been a key U.S. short-range air defense system. As threats evolve, the U.S. Army is now seeking a next-generation replacement.
For decades, the FIM-92 Stinger has been a cornerstone of U.S. short-range air defense, providing infantry units with a powerful man-portable air defense system (MANPADS). However, as threats evolve and technology advances, the U.S. Army is actively seeking a next-generation replacement.
Col. Amanda Okeson, the Sentinel system program manager, highlighted the team’s dedication to working on this program, noting that “the entire Sentinel team is laser-focused on ensuring the program delivers on its promise of providing an unmatched strategic deterrent.”
This latest achievement follows other successful static fire tests conducted for the second and third stages of the Sentinel missile, indicating consistent momentum in the program’s advancement.
Experts from the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center and Northrop Grumman are currently analyzing the results of this test to confirm its effectiveness and accuracy, further solidifying the technical foundation needed for the subsequent phases of the program.
Importantly, the modernization effort will not affect the overall nuclear posture of the United States. The number of land-based nuclear missiles on alert within the continental U.S. will remain unchanged throughout the transition to the new system.
The ongoing development of the Sentinel ICBM highlights the Air Force’s commitment to maintaining a credible nuclear deterrent as a cornerstone of national security.
As the program moves forward, careful attention to detail and a focus on successful outcomes will be crucial for ensuring the effectiveness of America’s nuclear capabilities for years to come.
Im a dentist and let me tell you, a lot of them have gotten their positions for simply being a woman and they don't deserve this position based off of their work and quality they put out. Not to mention half of the women that enter the workforce or Healthcare then take off so many hours, work only 3-4 days and then took up a slot that a man could have used to be more efficient, effective and work longer hours. You also have to act differently and watch every little thing you say now too because they're so emotionally destructive that they'll report you or say the smallest thing which can affect your career. None of these women should be in these positions, NONE
Firefly wins contract to transport NASA satellites that track tropical storms
Firefly Aerospace has secured a contract for a dedicated Alpha launch that will transport satellites for NASA’s Investigation of Convective Updrafts mission, which studies how and why tropical storms form.
The Firefly rocket will launch out of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility and will be the Texas company’s third Alpha launch for NASA. The company’s first successful Alpha launch happened last summer and the second is scheduled to take off from Vandenberg Space Force Base next year.
Firefly noted that the company’s Alpha rocket series was specifically designed to support missions like INCUS.
“This allows our customers to place their satellites in the exact orbit they need and use their mission-critical resources to immediately begin conducting research and making advancements in science,” Firefly CEO Jason Kim said in a statement.
The INCUS mission will deploy three satellites, all of which will record data on how tropical storms form, evolve, and eventually dissipate. The satellites will also be equipped with highly sensitive precipitation radar systems that track cloud density and intensity.
!summarize #rachelzegler #snowwhite #hollywood
!summarize #elonmusk #midterms #politics #doge #trump
NASA stated that the satellites will be flying in close coordination, allowing for more detailed readings as they monitor massive storms.
“By flying so closely together, the satellites will use the slight differences in when they make observations to apply a novel time-differencing approach to estimate the vertical transport of convective mass,” NASA wrote of the mission.
!summarize #lasvegas #athletics #mlb #stadium #sacramento
U.S. Army soldiers arrested, charged with selling sensitive military information to China
Two current U.S. Army soldiers, and one former soldier, were arrested this week and charged with conspiring to obtain and sell secret government information to China.
According to an indictment filed Wednesday with the U.S. District Court of Oregon, health services administrator 1st Lt. Li Tian conspired with former servicemember Ruoyu Duan to obtain information about U.S. military operations.
The indictment says Lt. Tian gathered information on military tactics and technology, before passing along the information to Mr. Duan in exchange for money. The information dealt with Army technical manuals and armored vehicles like the Bradley and Stryker.
The DOJ says the conspiracy went on for years, with Lt. Tian illegally passing on information from November 2021 to December 2024. Lt. Tian and Mr. Duan have been charged with theft of government property, conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States and bribery of a public official.
“The FBI and our partners will continue to work to uncover attempts by those in China to steal sensitive U.S. military information and hold all accountable who play a role in betraying our national defense,” FBI Director Kash Patel wrote of the arrests.
In a separate indictment on Wednesday, a supply sergeant for the 17th Field Artillery Brigade, Sgt. Jian Zhao, was charged with stealing government hard drives and selling them to buyers based in China. From July 2024, Sgt. Zhao sold nearly two dozen hard drives marked “SECRET” or “TOP SECRET,” bringing in just over $15,000.
!summarize #tylormegill #americanspork #jeremyhefner #nymets #mlb
Both Lt. Tian and Sgt. Zhao were stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington. Mr. Duan served in the U.S. Army from 2013 to 2017 and currently resides in Oregon.
The DOJ says that Sgt. Zhao passed along technical information about U.S. rocket systems and military procedures in the event of a kinetic war with China. The specific information allegedly sold by Sgt. Zhao was not revealed in the indictment. Sgt. Zhao’s co-conspirators in China went unnamed in the indictment. Sgt. Zhao has been charged with conspiracy to gather national defense information, bribery of a public official and theft of government property.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi praised the arrests Thursday, promising swift prosecution.
“The defendants arrested today are accused of betraying our country, actively working to weaken America’s defense capabilities and empowering our adversaries in China,” she wrote. “They will face swift, severe and comprehensive justice.”
!summarize #sambankmanfried #diddy #prison #tuckercarlson #fraud #crime
Removing their security clearances makes it nearly impossible for attorneys with the firm to do federal government work. It’s unclear how much, if any, work the law firm does for the U.S. government.
“This is an absolute honor to sign, what they’ve done is just terrible,” Mr. Trump said. “It’s weaponization against a political opponent.”
The order states that the security clearances were revoked because the firm is engaging in illegal diversity, equity and inclusion practices. Perkins Coie was sued by a conservative group in 2023 because their diversity fellowships were only open to underrepresented groups. The lawsuit ended after the firm made changes to the criteria for acceptance into the fellowship.
!summarize #tnt #nba #sports #value #espn
Prosecutors said the meeting was part of a Clinton campaign scheme to pitch the story to news media outlets that the Trump campaign was under investigation by the FBI for ties to Russia, thus sabotaging his campaign.
A federal jury in Washington acquitted Mr. Sussman in May 2022. Mr. Sussmann resigned from the firm in September 2021 shortly after the criminal charges were filed.
Last month, Mr. Trump revoked security clearances for attorneys at Covington & Burling, which assisted special counsel Jack Smith’s investigations into the president. Mr. Smith said he received $140,000 in free legal advice from the firm to help him with his probes into Mr. Trump and his allies.
!summarize #elonmusk #astronauts #biden #politics #spacex
Donald Trump meets with hostages, offers final warning to Hamas
President Trump met with eight released hostages from Gaza at the White House on Wednesday while giving Hamas a "last warning" about freeing the rest of the terrorists' prisoners.
President Trump met with eight released hostages from Gaza at the White House on Wednesday while giving Hamas a “last warning” about freeing the rest of the terrorists’ prisoners.
Mr. Trump met with Iair Horn, Omer Shem Tov, Eli Sharabi, Keith Siegel, Aviva Siegel, Naama Levy, Doron Steinbrecher and Noa Argamani. He listened to their stories of imprisonment.
“The President listened intently to their heartbreaking stories. The hostages thanked President Trump for his steadfast efforts to bring all of the hostages home,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt posted on X.
He added, “Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted! I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job, not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say.”
This is Hamas’ “last warning,” he wrote. “For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance. Also, to the People of Gaza: A beautiful Future awaits, but not if you hold Hostages. If you do, you are DEAD! Make a SMART decision. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER!”
At her press briefing Wednesday, Ms. Leavitt said negotiations are ongoing with Hamas, adding, “Israel was consulted on this matter. Dialogue and talking to people around the world to do what’s in the best interest of the American people is something that the president has proven, is what he believes is a good-faith effort to do what’s right for the American people.”
She said she wouldn’t discuss the content of the talks because “American lives are at stake.”
!summarize #theview #trump #hollywood #disney #politics
!summarize #nyknicks #nba #jalenbrunson
!summarize #stupid #society #civilization #crime
!summarize #kendrickperkins #espn #charlesbarkley #nba
!summarize #fossilfuels #iea #forecast #energy #transportation
!summarize #vernonmaxwell #nba #toughest
!summarize #ichiro #miami #marlins #Mlb #pitching
!summarize #uk #electric #vehicles #ev
!summarize #newyorkcity #migrants #crimes
!summarize #politics #gabbard #rfkjr #musk #trump
!summarize #lebronjames #nba
!summarize #economics #miltonfriedman #chiacgoschool #trade #tariffs
!summarize #trudeau #trump #canada
!summarize #warrensapp #therocks #universityofmiami #football
!summarize #uofmiami #therock #football #warrensapp
!summarize #nygiants #draft #camward #nfl
!summarize #jujuwatkins #espn #stephenasmith
!summarize #china #japan #war
!summarize #meghanmarkle #netflix #show
!summarize #meghahmarkle #netflix #drewbarrymore #hollywood
!summarize #tesla #stock #models #fsd
Beyond sustainability, timber also enhances the built environment in biophilic ways. “Leaving the timber exposed in a building creates a more natural, calming space. Studies show that timber-based buildings improve well-being, making them environmentally friendly and better places to live and work,” he added.
The growth of offsite timber
One of the most significant innovations in the sector is offsite timber construction, where large sections of buildings (such as walls, floors, and entire rooms) are pre-manufactured in a controlled factory environment before being assembled on-site. This approach offers several advantages over traditional building methods.
“We have to move towards productive approaches,” says Hairstans. “Offsite construction allows us to do more in a factory-controlled environment, which improves quality, speeds up building times, and reduces material waste,” he added.
Another common concern is deforestation, but Hairstans argues that properly managed forestry is part of the solution. “It’s funny—people don’t question the environmental cost of mining for concrete or steel, but when it comes to timber, suddenly there’s concern about sustainability. The truth is, we can grow more trees than we cut down—and in some countries like Sweden, three are planted for every tree cut down,” he told us.
Cutting-edge technology in timber
Integrating digital tools, AI, and automation significantly makes offsite timber construction more efficient and scalable. “There’s a huge data and traceability element in modern construction,” says Hairstans.
“From tracking trees in forestry to cutting and processing timber, to assembling buildings and monitoring their performance—we need digital interoperability to ensure everything is managed efficiently,” he added.
He acknowledges that timber won’t entirely replace concrete and steel but predicts their use will become more selective and sustainable. “We’ll still need some concrete and steel, but ideally, we’ll use less and focus on reclaimed or low-carbon alternatives,” he added.
At its core, Hairstans argues, the shift isn’t just about materials, it’s about a cultural change in how we think about construction. “For too long, we’ve approached construction as a consumption-driven industry without considering the long-term impact. We need to be more responsible, more regenerative, and more innovative in building,” he said.
As the Pioneer of the YIf offsite timber construction continues to scale up, it has the potential to solve housing shortages, cut carbon emissions, and reshape the built environment for the better. The question now is not whether timber construction can succeed, but how quickly we can embrace it to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
!summarize #tesla #stocks #markets #investing
What will Replace the Iconic Stinger Missile
The FIM-92 Stinger has long been a key U.S. short-range air defense system. As threats evolve, the U.S. Army is now seeking a next-generation replacement.
For decades, the FIM-92 Stinger has been a cornerstone of U.S. short-range air defense, providing infantry units with a powerful man-portable air defense system (MANPADS). However, as threats evolve and technology advances, the U.S. Army is actively seeking a next-generation replacement.
Col. Amanda Okeson, the Sentinel system program manager, highlighted the team’s dedication to working on this program, noting that “the entire Sentinel team is laser-focused on ensuring the program delivers on its promise of providing an unmatched strategic deterrent.”
This latest achievement follows other successful static fire tests conducted for the second and third stages of the Sentinel missile, indicating consistent momentum in the program’s advancement.
Experts from the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center and Northrop Grumman are currently analyzing the results of this test to confirm its effectiveness and accuracy, further solidifying the technical foundation needed for the subsequent phases of the program.
Importantly, the modernization effort will not affect the overall nuclear posture of the United States. The number of land-based nuclear missiles on alert within the continental U.S. will remain unchanged throughout the transition to the new system.
The ongoing development of the Sentinel ICBM highlights the Air Force’s commitment to maintaining a credible nuclear deterrent as a cornerstone of national security.
As the program moves forward, careful attention to detail and a focus on successful outcomes will be crucial for ensuring the effectiveness of America’s nuclear capabilities for years to come.
Im a dentist and let me tell you, a lot of them have gotten their positions for simply being a woman and they don't deserve this position based off of their work and quality they put out. Not to mention half of the women that enter the workforce or Healthcare then take off so many hours, work only 3-4 days and then took up a slot that a man could have used to be more efficient, effective and work longer hours. You also have to act differently and watch every little thing you say now too because they're so emotionally destructive that they'll report you or say the smallest thing which can affect your career. None of these women should be in these positions, NONE
!summarize #trump #brexit #liberals #mattabbi
!summarize #ukraine #war #russia