SpaceX Launches Rescue Mission for NASA Astronauts Stranded in Space

AP News,

SpaceX launched a rescue mission for two stranded astronauts at the International Space Station on Saturday, marking a critical operation to bring them back safely after technical issues delayed their initial return. The Falcon 9 rocket, carrying a crew of two, lifted off from launch pad 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on September 28, 2024. The mission is expected to bring NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Alexander Gorbunov back to Earth after they were left without a return vehicle when Boeing’s Starliner capsule malfunctioned earlier this month.

NASA had initially planned for the two astronauts to return using Boeing’s spacecraft, but technical issues, including thruster problems and helium leaks, made the vehicle unsafe for the return journey. The failure of Boeing’s Starliner meant that Wilmore and Williams, who had originally signed up for a brief week-long mission, were stranded at the space station. They will now remain in space for more than eight months by the time they return, extending their stay significantly longer than anticipated.

SpaceX’s Dragon capsule is expected to bring the two astronauts home, but their return won’t occur until February 2025. NASA opted to cut two astronauts from the SpaceX flight to make room for Wilmore and Williams on the return trip, ensuring that the mission could proceed without interrupting other scheduled missions. This marks a significant development in space rescue operations, as NASA and its international partners continue to navigate the challenges of maintaining safe and efficient crew rotations aboard the International Space Station.

80-Year-Old Contestant in Miss Universe Korea Breaks Barriers

CNN,

Choi Soon-hwa, an 80-year-old woman, is poised to make history as the oldest contestant to participate in the Miss Universe Korea pageant. Born nearly a decade before the first Miss Universe competition was held in 1952, Choi is set to challenge conventional beauty standards and redefine societal expectations surrounding aging. On Monday, she will compete against 31 other women for the crown in Seoul, South Korea, with the winner representing the country in the Miss Universe final in Mexico later this year.

Choi hopes to inspire others by showcasing her remarkable health and vitality, explaining in a pre-pageant interview that her participation is about more than just winning a crown. She aims to prove that age is no barrier to maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. “When you get old, you gain weight,” she remarked, noting that many assume older people cannot remain physically fit. Choi seeks to challenge that notion, demonstrating that it’s possible to lead a vibrant, healthy life well into old age.

The Miss Universe Organization, which had previously limited participation to women aged 18 to 28, removed the upper age limit in 2024 in response to growing calls to modernize the pageant’s rules. This change follows other updates, including removing bans on women who have been pregnant, mothers, or those who have previously been married. Choi’s participation symbolizes a broader effort by the pageant industry to embrace diversity and inclusivity, showcasing beauty and resilience at any age.

Trump Rallies Against Harris, Linking Her to Illegal Immigration

AP News,

Former President Donald Trump delivered a wide-ranging speech in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, on Saturday, using the opportunity to target Vice President Kamala Harris and link her policies to what he called an “invasion” of illegal migrants. In a bid to secure support from voters in key swing states like Wisconsin, Trump accused Harris of allowing mass illegal immigration and blamed her for crimes committed by migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border.

During his speech, Trump promised to “liberate Wisconsin from the mass migrant invasion” and vowed to implement the largest deportation operation in U.S. history if re-elected. He said that Harris, by failing to secure the border, was responsible for “erasing our border” and contributing to what he described as a national security crisis.

Despite the immigration focus, Trump’s speech veered off into other topics, making it difficult at times to follow his intended message. He talked about two assassination attempts made against him and criticized the U.S. Secret Service for not allowing a larger outdoor rally instead of the indoor event. Trump also digressed into various other subjects, ranging from climate change to Harris’ father and even compared his beach body to that of President Joe Biden. A fly buzzing around him during the event also became a topic of conversation.

Trump hopes his tough stance on immigration will resonate with voters in Wisconsin and other battleground states, with polls showing many Americans view him as better equipped than Harris to handle the immigration crisis. His remarks come just a day after Harris discussed border security during her visit to the U.S.-Mexico border.

Bitcoin Targets $70K Amid Stablecoin Inflows and China Stimulus

Cointelegraph,

Bitcoin’s value has surged past $65,000, driven by a combination of increased stablecoin inflows and China’s recent stimulus measures, according to a report from 10x Research. The cryptocurrency is now aiming for a new milestone of $70,000, with analysts predicting that Bitcoin could reach new all-time highs by the end of October.

The price rally is a significant recovery for Bitcoin, which had been stuck in a downtrend over recent weeks. The influx of stablecoins, which provide liquidity to the market, has played a critical role in this price breakout. Additionally, the broader cryptocurrency market is experiencing a global recovery, with investors responding positively to economic stimulus efforts in China.

Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, the founder and former CEO of Binance, was released from U.S. federal prison on September 27, which also contributed to the market’s upward momentum. Analysts are keeping a close eye on Bitcoin’s performance in the coming weeks, with some predicting that the cryptocurrency will surpass $70,000 as early as mid-October, setting the stage for further growth in the last quarter of 2024.

Zelensky’s US Visit Sparks Mixed Reactions Amid ‘Victory Plan’ Presentation

BBC,

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent visit to the U.S. has stirred a range of reactions as he sought to secure support for his country’s ongoing war effort against Russia. Zelensky presented his “victory plan” to top U.S. politicians, but his remarks about Donald Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, have caused friction with some Republicans. In an interview with the New Yorker, Zelensky questioned Trump’s ability to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, describing Vance as “too radical.”

These comments did not sit well with certain Republican leaders, leading to accusations of election interference, particularly when Zelensky’s visit included a stop at a munitions factory in Pennsylvania, a key swing state. Mariya Zolkina, a Ukrainian political analyst, commented that Zelensky’s team was surprised by the backlash, as they are typically known for their carefully managed public relations strategies.

Despite the mixed reception, Zelensky managed to meet with Trump in New York, though their encounter was notably awkward. Trump insisted he had a “very good relationship” with both Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, a statement that was painful to hear for many Ukrainians. Zelensky diplomatically interjected, expressing hope that his relationship with Trump was better than Trump’s relationship with Putin—a remark met with laughter from the former U.S. president.

Zelensky’s U.S. trip was intended to drum up critical support as Ukraine continues to defend itself against Russian aggression, but the political tightrope walk may have complicated his efforts.

China Holds Military Drills in South China Sea Following US Talks

Reuters,

China’s military is conducting large-scale exercises in the South China Sea, including routine patrols and reconnaissance operations near the contested Scarborough Shoal. The drills come just days after high-level talks between Chinese diplomats and their U.S. counterparts aimed at easing regional tensions. However, the exercises highlight the ongoing power struggle over one of the most disputed maritime areas in the world.

According to the Chinese military’s Southern Theatre Command, the maneuvers are part of a broader effort to protect national sovereignty and maritime rights. The South China Sea is a hotbed of geopolitical tension, with China, the Philippines, and other Southeast Asian nations all staking competing territorial claims. Australia, Japan, New Zealand, the Philippines, and the United States are also preparing for joint military drills in the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone, further adding to the complexities in the region.

The Scarborough Shoal is of particular importance as it lies just 200 kilometers off the coast of the Philippines, well within the country’s exclusive economic zone. Chinese forces have routinely conducted patrols in the area, which has led to heightened tensions with the Philippine government and its allies. The exercises mark a show of strength from Beijing, emphasizing its commitment to defending what it considers its rightful territorial claims, even as diplomatic efforts continue to address the growing conflict.