A dream wedding for Jeff Bezos in Venice? No way, locals say.
She spoke under a large banner that read, 'No Space [an image of a spaceship] for Bezos,' playing on his ownership of Blue Origin, a spaceflight venture. 'We have to block Bezos; we have to block this idea of this city' as a tourist haven that has driven up housing costs so that most ordinary Venetians can no longer afford to live here, she said.
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Representatives for Bezos and Sánchez did not respond to a request for comment.
Their wedding coincides with peak season in Venice, as tens of thousands of visitors arrive in the city daily, prompting City Hall to impose a controversial entry fee on weekends and holidays. Protesters said they were also concerned that the logistics of the wedding, including security for some top-tier guests, will further disrupt the life of Venice's dwindling resident population.
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The guest list is not public, but Vogue reported that it could include Katy Perry, some of the Kardashians and Eva Longoria, all friends of the bride-to-be. And TMZ reported that Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King had been invited.
Reported estimates of what the wedding might cost have been as high as $21.5 million. Part of that cost involves taking a fleet of water taxis out of circulation.
One taxi driver who will be involved in transporting guests for the wedding said he had been booked to be on call June 25-30.
City hall officials said that only 30 of the city's 280 water taxis had been booked, and that since Venice was accustomed to hosting major events, citizens would not be inconvenienced. More than 600 couples marry each year in Venice, 'recognized as a city of love on an international level,' and this was just one wedding more, the statement said.
Some Venetians think it's one wedding too many. On Thursday, activists unfurled a large banner with a bold red X over Bezos' name from the steeple of the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore, on an island that will be another of the Bezos-Sánchez wedding venues.
'Let's make sure that Venice is not remembered as a postcard venue where Bezos had his wedding, but as the city that did not bend to oligarchs,' said Na Haby Stella Faye, another protester. 'We have a chance to disrupt a $10 million wedding; let's do it.'
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Vogue
3 hours ago
- Vogue
14 Best Korean Makeup Products to Know in 2025
While Korean skincare has taken the U.S. by storm, the best Korean makeup products deserve just as much of a spotlight. These cosmetics boast similarly innovative formulas as their skincare counterparts, acting as complexion multitaskers. Think lightweight, SPF-fueled foundations packaged for on-the-go application; velvety blushes infused with antioxidant fruit extracts, and balms brimming with peptides and hydration. 'In Korea, it's a given that makeup needs to make your skin look amazing,' expert and former Allure editor-in-chief Michelle Lee tells Vogue. 'Makeup products tend to be quite affordable and have skin-care benefits, too,' Lee adds. Another defining factor of Korean beauty products? Customization. 'There tends to be more emphasis on personal color in Korea, so people typically know if they have a cool or warm undertone and know the details about the colors that suit their skin tone best,' says Lee. It's a culture where hyper-awareness of tone, texture, and finish informs every product choice—making the payoff feel perfectly tailored. Vogue's Favorite Korean Makeup Products In This Story Even aesthetics are considered down to the last detail. These bestselling picks come wrapped in whimsical packaging and feature sensorial textures—from airy, pudding-like pots to silky melting balms. In short, Korean makeup is fun, functional, and endlessly thoughtful. Scroll on to discover 14 standout K-beauty products, from blushes and mascaras to lippies and beyond. From familiar picks you may recall from TikTok viral moments stateside to hand-picked expert favorites, all of which are cosmetics that are actually popular with the Seoul cool girls—plus, get expert insight on K beauty trends, Best Lip Gloss Balm: Rom&nd Glasting Melting Balm Why We Love It : 'Rom&nd is the number one lip color brand in South Korea. It's wildly popular, and their products are amazing,' says Lee, noting how moisturizing the brand's balmy lip tint is which wears beautifully on its own or layers over liner for the perfect lip combo. The formula delivers a translucent, high-gloss finish reminiscent of an oil with a non-greasy or sticky feel. That's thanks to a perfected oil-to-wax ratio from a blend of plant-based oils, including argan oil, shea butter, and camellia seed oil. : 'Rom&nd is the number one lip color brand in South Korea. It's wildly popular, and their products are amazing,' says Lee, noting how moisturizing the brand's balmy lip tint is which wears beautifully on its own or layers over liner for the perfect lip combo. The formula delivers a translucent, high-gloss finish reminiscent of an oil with a non-greasy or sticky feel. That's thanks to a perfected oil-to-wax ratio from a blend of plant-based oils, including argan oil, shea butter, and camellia seed oil. Key Ingredients : Microcrystalline wax, jojoba seed oil, sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, evening primrose oil, shea butter, mango fruit extract, olive oil : Microcrystalline wax, jojoba seed oil, sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, evening primrose oil, shea butter, mango fruit extract, olive oil Finish : Glossy : Glossy Best For : Keeping lips hydrated with a flush of color : Keeping lips hydrated with a flush of color Size: 3.5g Best Mascara: Clio Kill Lash Superproof Mascara Why We Love It : Are you looking for a mascara that holds a curl exceptionally well? It's time to explore some high-performing K-beauty formulas. 'I have the stereotypical straight, short Asian lashes, so I prefer Korean and Japanese mascara formulas, which excel at holding a curl,' says Lee. She says the Clio mascara is her favorite for its buildable, volumizing formula. Additionally, it's a waterproof mascara that doesn't leave behind any flakes or clumps. To ensure even longer-lasting lash results on stubborn straight lashes, Lee recommends a couple of squeezes of a Korean lash curler. : Are you looking for a mascara that holds a curl exceptionally well? It's time to explore some high-performing K-beauty formulas. 'I have the stereotypical straight, short Asian lashes, so I prefer Korean and Japanese mascara formulas, which excel at holding a curl,' says Lee. She says the Clio mascara is her favorite for its buildable, volumizing formula. Additionally, it's a waterproof mascara that doesn't leave behind any flakes or clumps. To ensure even longer-lasting lash results on stubborn straight lashes, Lee recommends a couple of squeezes of a Korean lash curler. Key Ingredients : Bean extract, panthenol, silica, olive fruit oil, soy extract ferment filtrate, camellia seed oil, carnauba wax, hydrolyzed collagen, glycerin : Bean extract, panthenol, silica, olive fruit oil, soy extract ferment filtrate, camellia seed oil, carnauba wax, hydrolyzed collagen, glycerin Finish : N/A : N/A Best For : A volumizing mascara with skin-loving ingredients that provides maximum life and curl. : A volumizing mascara with skin-loving ingredients that provides maximum life and curl. Size: 0.24 fl oz Best Cushion Foundation: TirTir Mask Fit Red Cushion Why We Love It : 'Many people in Korea use cushion foundations which come in a variety of finishes and often have skin care ingredients. After a meal, it's quite common to see people pull out their cushion compact to reapply, so foundation formulas tend to be light and not cakey or heavy,' says Lee. Not to mention, the formula boasts up to 72 hours of wear, SPF 40 for sun protection, and full coverage results with a lightweight feel. The formula is enriched with anti-inflammatory ingredients like red propolis extract to nourish and soothe sensitive skin (and cover the most angry blemish)—and just one pump of product should do the trick. : 'Many people in Korea use cushion foundations which come in a variety of finishes and often have skin care ingredients. After a meal, it's quite common to see people pull out their cushion compact to reapply, so foundation formulas tend to be light and not cakey or heavy,' says Lee. Not to mention, the formula boasts up to 72 hours of wear, SPF 40 for sun protection, and full coverage results with a lightweight feel. The formula is enriched with anti-inflammatory ingredients like red propolis extract to nourish and soothe sensitive skin (and cover the most angry blemish)—and just one pump of product should do the trick. Key Ingredients : Water, iron oxides, dimethicone, titanium dioxide, propanediol, glycerin, hibiscus flower extract, red propolis extract : Water, iron oxides, dimethicone, titanium dioxide, propanediol, glycerin, hibiscus flower extract, red propolis extract Finish : Satin : Satin Best For : Lightweight complexion coverage : Lightweight complexion coverage Size: 0.63oz Best Multi-Purpose Color: Fwee Blurry Pudding Pot Fwee Blurry Pudding Pot in Ambitious $20 AMAZON Why We Love It : Imagine the texture of a perfectly whipped chocolate mousse, with the bounce of a pudding fresh out of the fridge—that's exactly what you can expect from this cream blush. 'Korean brands really excel at fun yet useful textures. You especially see this in the blush market right now, particularly with Fwee's bouncy textured pudding pots,' says Lee, noting the multi-purpose color product provides a smooth, velvety matte flush wherever applied—from cheeks to lips. : Imagine the texture of a perfectly whipped chocolate mousse, with the bounce of a pudding fresh out of the fridge—that's exactly what you can expect from this cream blush. 'Korean brands really excel at fun yet useful textures. You especially see this in the blush market right now, particularly with Fwee's bouncy textured pudding pots,' says Lee, noting the multi-purpose color product provides a smooth, velvety matte flush wherever applied—from cheeks to lips. Key Ingredients : Dimethicone, dimethicone crosspolymer, cocoa seed butter, agave leaf extract : Dimethicone, dimethicone crosspolymer, cocoa seed butter, agave leaf extract Finish : Blurred : Blurred Best For : A two-in-one lip and blush flush : A two-in-one lip and blush flush Size: 0.17 oz Best Lip Tint: Etude Dear Darling Water Tint Why We Love It : For a perfectly stained pout at a super affordable price point, this lightweight tint from popular K-beauty brand Etude is the answer. Its non-sticky formula stays on for hours and keeps your lips hydrated throughout the day with a vitamin and berry fruit complex. With just one swipe, the watery formula is near instantly absorbed into lips, leaving behind a pigmented, blurred stain. : For a perfectly stained pout at a super affordable price point, this lightweight tint from popular K-beauty brand Etude is the answer. Its non-sticky formula stays on for hours and keeps your lips hydrated throughout the day with a vitamin and berry fruit complex. With just one swipe, the watery formula is near instantly absorbed into lips, leaving behind a pigmented, blurred stain. Key Ingredients : Berry fruit complex : Berry fruit complex Finish : Glossy : Glossy Best For : A long lasting, lightweight lip tint : A long lasting, lightweight lip tint Size: 9 g Best Eyeliner: Merzy The First Pen Eyeliner Why We Love It : When it comes to eyeliner, precision and longevity are non-negotiable—this is especially true if you have hooded eyes, making formulas prone to transferring. Merzy's felt tip liquid liner pen delivers all of the above. Hailed as one of the most popular K-beauty liners on the market, it's earned its reputation with a formula that refuses to smudge, smear, or disappear halfway through the day—that's thanks to water-resistant polymers which ensures it grips the skin without budging. : When it comes to eyeliner, precision and longevity are non-negotiable—this is especially true if you have hooded eyes, making formulas prone to transferring. Merzy's felt tip liquid liner pen delivers all of the above. Hailed as one of the most popular K-beauty liners on the market, it's earned its reputation with a formula that refuses to smudge, smear, or disappear halfway through the day—that's thanks to water-resistant polymers which ensures it grips the skin without budging. Key Ingredients : Acrylates copolymer, anise fruit extract, : Acrylates copolymer, anise fruit extract, Finish : Matte : Matte Best For : A transfer-proof liquid liner that doesn't flake or smudge. Plus, the slim design makes it easy to achieve a sharp winged liner. : A transfer-proof liquid liner that doesn't flake or smudge. Plus, the slim design makes it easy to achieve a sharp winged liner. Size: 0.017 Best Setting Spray: Neogen All Day Locking Fixer Neogen All Day Locking Fixer $28 AMAZON Why We Love It : 'Neogen makes an incredible setting spray,' says Lee, noting that this pick is more than just a TikTok viral find—it's a best-kept secret in the kits of many makeup artist friends. Infused with soothing aloe leaf extract and nourishing panthenol, it keeps your complexion looking fresh and hydrated, letting your skin breathe while delivering that sought-after, glowy finish. Meanwhile, fixing polymers ensure your makeup won't be going anywhere and tea tree leaf extra keeps excess sebum production at bay. : 'Neogen makes an incredible setting spray,' says Lee, noting that this pick is more than just a TikTok viral find—it's a best-kept secret in the kits of many makeup artist friends. Infused with soothing aloe leaf extract and nourishing panthenol, it keeps your complexion looking fresh and hydrated, letting your skin breathe while delivering that sought-after, glowy finish. Meanwhile, fixing polymers ensure your makeup won't be going anywhere and tea tree leaf extra keeps excess sebum production at bay. Key Ingredients : Glycerin, aloe leaf extract, panthenol, chamomile extract, cotton extract, green tea extract, peppermint leaf extract, tea tree leaf extract : Glycerin, aloe leaf extract, panthenol, chamomile extract, cotton extract, green tea extract, peppermint leaf extract, tea tree leaf extract Finish : Natural : Natural Best For : Keeping your makeup look in place—no matter how hot it gets while navigating summer in the city. Plus, the dewy finish allows for you to fake glass skin. : Keeping your makeup look in place—no matter how hot it gets while navigating summer in the city. Plus, the dewy finish allows for you to fake glass skin. Size: 2.7 fl oz Best Contour: Too Cool for School Artclass By Rodin Shading Why We Love It : Another It girl brand, Too Cool For School's contour palette blends effortlessly into the skin with perfectly cool-toned shades that emulate the natural bone structure. With a trio of silky, buildable shades, it offers a variety of contouring options. Skin-conditioning agents like silica and a touch of mineral powder are infused in the formula, to glide on without clinging to dry patches. The micro-milled texture ensures a seamless, second-skin finish that layers beautifully over foundation or bare skin. : Another It girl brand, Too Cool For School's contour palette blends effortlessly into the skin with perfectly cool-toned shades that emulate the natural bone structure. With a trio of silky, buildable shades, it offers a variety of contouring options. Skin-conditioning agents like silica and a touch of mineral powder are infused in the formula, to glide on without clinging to dry patches. The micro-milled texture ensures a seamless, second-skin finish that layers beautifully over foundation or bare skin. Key Ingredients : Micro-milled powders, silica, mica : Micro-milled powders, silica, mica Finish : Natural : Natural Best For : Those with fair to light-medium skin tones looking for an everyday contour essential : Those with fair to light-medium skin tones looking for an everyday contour essential Size: 0.33 oz Best Eyeshadow: Unleashia Glitterpedia Eye Shadow Palette Why We Love It : If you're in the mood to take your makeup look from day to night, a bit of shimmer adds some eye-catching intrigue. Lee notes how even when it comes to a sparkling eyeshadow, sustainability remains top of mind. 'Unleashia is a Korean makeup brand known for its glitters, which are vegan, cruelty-free and biodegradable,' she explains. And if you're hesitant to go for a full sparkly lid—just one swipe of this eyeshadow on the inner corner of your lid works wonders for brightening eyes. : If you're in the mood to take your makeup look from day to night, a bit of shimmer adds some eye-catching intrigue. Lee notes how even when it comes to a sparkling eyeshadow, sustainability remains top of mind. 'Unleashia is a Korean makeup brand known for its glitters, which are vegan, cruelty-free and biodegradable,' she explains. And if you're hesitant to go for a full sparkly lid—just one swipe of this eyeshadow on the inner corner of your lid works wonders for brightening eyes. Key Ingredients : Glycerin crosspolymer, mica, tocopheryl acetate : Glycerin crosspolymer, mica, tocopheryl acetate Finish : Pearlescent, metallic, and shimmer : Pearlescent, metallic, and shimmer Best For : An eye-catching eyeshadow look, with nine shades per palette to pick from. : An eye-catching eyeshadow look, with nine shades per palette to pick from. Size: 2.89 oz Best Subtle Blush: House of Hur Moist Ampoule Blusher House of Hur Moist Ampoule Blusher $15 YESSTYLE Why We Love It : Another lip-to-cheek hybrid, House of Hur's liquid blush boasts a formulation with more than 50% skin-care ingredients and moisturizing essences for an easily blended matte-yet-blurred pop of color that also plumps your skin. Lee appreciates how this liquid blush provides a subtle, healthy glow while still letting natural skin peak through. : Another lip-to-cheek hybrid, House of Hur's liquid blush boasts a formulation with more than 50% skin-care ingredients and moisturizing essences for an easily blended matte-yet-blurred pop of color that also plumps your skin. Lee appreciates how this liquid blush provides a subtle, healthy glow while still letting natural skin peak through. Key Ingredients : Glycerin, chlorella vulgaris extract, strawberry fruit extract : Glycerin, chlorella vulgaris extract, strawberry fruit extract Finish : Soft matte : Soft matte Best For : Long-wear liquid blush with a soft-focus matte finish : Long-wear liquid blush with a soft-focus matte finish Size: 20 ml Best Lip Treatment: Sulwhasoo Perfecting Lip Color Why We Love It : Sulwhasoo is one of the most well-known Korean skin care brands stateside—but did you know they do color cosmetics, too? Its glowy lip balm, for starters, is a luxurious fusion of skincare and color. Packed with ginseng seed oil, the formula provides deep hydration while smoothing fine lines, leaving lips plump and radiant. Plus, the balm's elegant packaging, inspired by the iconic Moon Jar, adds a touch of sophistication to any vanity. : Sulwhasoo is one of the most well-known Korean skin care brands stateside—but did you know they do color cosmetics, too? Its glowy lip balm, for starters, is a luxurious fusion of skincare and color. Packed with ginseng seed oil, the formula provides deep hydration while smoothing fine lines, leaving lips plump and radiant. Plus, the balm's elegant packaging, inspired by the iconic Moon Jar, adds a touch of sophistication to any vanity. Key Ingredients : Ginseng seed oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, pomegranate seed oil, jojoba seed oil : Ginseng seed oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, pomegranate seed oil, jojoba seed oil Finish : Subtle glossy : Subtle glossy Best For : A non-sticky, tinted lip balm that adds a hint of flush to lips : A non-sticky, tinted lip balm that adds a hint of flush to lips Size: 0.1 oz Best Blurred Lip Liner: Rom&nd Lip Mate Pencil Why We Love It : Another beloved lip pick from Rom&nd, Lee became an instant fan after trying this two-in-one pencil, which features both a pen and brush on the opposite end. 'The pencil tip is bigger and rounder, with a more matte texture, and leaves leaving behind a softer, blurred outline rather than a harsh line,' she says. '[Going for a] subtle, blurred overline on the top lip makes lips look super plump [and round].' : Another beloved lip pick from Rom&nd, Lee became an instant fan after trying this two-in-one pencil, which features both a pen and brush on the opposite end. 'The pencil tip is bigger and rounder, with a more matte texture, and leaves leaving behind a softer, blurred outline rather than a harsh line,' she says. '[Going for a] subtle, blurred overline on the top lip makes lips look super plump [and round].' Key Ingredients : Synthetic wax, mica, candelilla wax : Synthetic wax, mica, candelilla wax Finish : Soft matte : Soft matte Best For : A diffused yet plump lip look : A diffused yet plump lip look Size: 0.5 g Best Water Blusher: A'pieu Juicy-Pang Water Blusher Why We Love It: No, this isn't a nail polish you're looking at—that tiny brush is for precision brush application (and a bit of whimsical packaging, no doubt). A'pieu Juicy-Pang's liquid blush is another cult-favorite K-beauty pick from Lee, which she cosigns for its lightweight, buildable formula packed with antioxidant-rich fruit extracts for a fresh, just-pinched look. No, this isn't a nail polish you're looking at—that tiny brush is for precision brush application (and a bit of whimsical packaging, no doubt). A'pieu Juicy-Pang's liquid blush is another cult-favorite K-beauty pick from Lee, which she cosigns for its lightweight, buildable formula packed with antioxidant-rich fruit extracts for a fresh, just-pinched look. Key Ingredients: Pomegranate seed oil, grape fruit extract, raspberry extract, blueberry extract, glycerin Pomegranate seed oil, grape fruit extract, raspberry extract, blueberry extract, glycerin Finish: Dewy Dewy Best For : A natural flush, with a lightweight non-greasy feel : A natural flush, with a lightweight non-greasy feel Size: 9 g Best Matte Lip: Peripera Ink the Velvet Lip Tint Peripera Ink the Velvet Lip Tint $11 $7 AMAZON A weightless, highly pignemted lip tint that smooths on easliy and doesn't budge all day—available in 45 shades. Why We Love It : Peripera's matte lip tint is a beauty staple in Seoul for it's non-cakey formula and velvety finish (think: a matte liquid lipstick that delivers a comfortable, lightweight wear that doesn't compromise on bold color payoff). Its mousse-like texture glides on effortlessly, providing a soft, blurred effect thanks to a double-layer elastomer that fills in the fine curves of the lips. The result? A smooth, emollient, and silky finish. : Peripera's matte lip tint is a beauty staple in Seoul for it's non-cakey formula and velvety finish (think: a matte liquid lipstick that delivers a comfortable, lightweight wear that doesn't compromise on bold color payoff). Its mousse-like texture glides on effortlessly, providing a soft, blurred effect thanks to a double-layer elastomer that fills in the fine curves of the lips. The result? A smooth, emollient, and silky finish. Key Ingredients : : Finish : Soft matte : Soft matte Best For : A velvety matte lip look that won't flake or cake : A velvety matte lip look that won't flake or cake Size: 0.14 fl oz Everything You Need To Know
Yahoo
18 hours ago
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Elon Musk finally gets some good news from Jeff Bezos
Elon Musk finally gets some good news from Jeff Bezos originally appeared on TheStreet. The future of space transportation is looking increasingly complicated, as the falling-out between SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and U.S. President Donald Trump drags on. After Musk levied strong accusations against Trump and publicly stated he would not have been elected without his support, the president struck back with threats to cancel several SpaceX contracts. This leaves the company's short-term future in a precarious position, jeopardizing Musk's ambitions of colonizing Mars. 💵💰💰💵 Multiple space stocks responded to news of this conflict by surging, as investors looked to capitalize on SpaceX's questionable future. But one of Musk's primary rivals, a fellow privately held space exploration company, also recently revealed some less-than-positive news. Blue Origin, owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, recently made an announcement regarding its plans for the future, which could be regarded as good news for SpaceX and Musk. While they both rose to fame founding companies that aren't direct competitors, Musk and Bezos are clear rivals in the space race. SpaceX and Blue Origin are both privately held and focused on space exploration and rocket is intended to be Musk's vehicle for colonizing Mars, while Bezos seems intent on cornering the space tourism market, which also includes rivals such as Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic. However, the two private companies are considered the leaders in the space exploration field. Blue Origin, though, recently reported what seems to be a setback. The company had been targeting Spring 2025 for the launch of its New Glenn rocket, a 320-foot-tall (98 meters) spacecraft with a reusable first stage, but now it has announced that the new launch will be held no earlier than (NET) August 15, 2025. CEO David Limp posted about to the delayed launch on X, revealing that one of the mission's key objectives would be to land and recover its booster. 'This will take a little bit of luck and a lot of excellent execution,' he states, adding that the company is on track to produce GS2s, referring to the second stage of the rocket. Following New Glenn's mostly successful January 2025 mission, the company hasn't indicated more progress toward further launches, even after its leaders initially set high expectations for its rocket launches. Now, as Ars Technica speculates, the August launch may be the only one Blue Origin completes this year. 'It is telling that Limp commented on the company tracking toward producing eight second stages, which would match the original launch cadence planned for this year,' the outlet notes. 'This likely is a fig leaf offered to Bezos, who, two sources said, was rather upset that Blue Origin would not meet (or even approach) its original target of eight launches this year.' More Elon Musk News: Elon Musk company reveals major leap forward The 'anti-Tesla' gives American buyers more good news Elon Musk's DOGE made huge mistakes with veterans' programs While Bezos may not be happy about this launch delay, it is excellent news for Musk, whose own company has seen three rockets explode so far this year. Even before the company's third mission spiraled out of control mid-flight, regulators had expressed concern about possible safety risks for people on the ground. There's no denying that both companies have faced challenges this year, as both race to outmaneuver each other and establish themselves as the leader of the space exploration market. Recent projections show that the space economy is expected to reach a $944 billion valuation by 2033, revealing a lot of room to run for problems plaguing both companies, though, raise the question of which one is better positioned to keep growing. SpaceX has launched several rockets this year, but its track record hasn't been encouraging, given the trend of explosions. And while Blue Origin has delayed its launch, that doesn't mean it will go well when it happens. On top of that, SpaceX still faces the possibility that it may lose out on lucrative federal contracts, unless Musk and Trump's feud is resolved soon. The zero-sum nature of financial markets means that for as long as its prospects appear uncertain, rivals will likely continue to gain. In this case, the list of companies that may benefit from SpaceX's uncertain future includes Blue Musk finally gets some good news from Jeff Bezos first appeared on TheStreet on Jun 11, 2025 This story was originally reported by TheStreet on Jun 11, 2025, where it first appeared. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
18 hours ago
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Brevard rocketing to recovery: Space Coast is one of fastest-growing economies in U.S.
This story is part of America's Evolving Cities, a USA TODAY Network project that takes a close look at four regions across the country and their unique paths to success — and how residents have benefited or suffered along the way. Robin Fisher recalls the gloomy times Brevard County went through in 2010, as the space shuttle program was a year away from ending — a time when the county's nickname of "The Space Coast" was not necessarily a positive thing. Fisher then was a Brevard County commissioner, representing a North Brevard district that includes Titusville — once known as "Space City USA" and "Miracle City," in nods to the space program that grew over decades at nearby Cape Canaveral. He helped organize a "Save Space" community rally that featured a lineup of elected officials, former astronauts and other local leaders aimed at getting the community mobilized for economic tumult amid the loss of 8,000 Kennedy Space Center jobs. The attitude at the time, Fisher recalled, is that "nobody was coming from Washington to save us. We've got to save ourselves." As it turned out, what came in the ensuing years was not as bad as some had feared — at least in the longer term. The end of the space shuttle program after the final flight of Atlantis in July 2011 did trigger extensive layoffs. But, in the ensuing years, commercial space companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin helped fill the vacuum. Largely thanks to SpaceX, Brevard County had a record 93 launches in 2024 — and the Space Force projects this year's total may reach 107 launches. Looking ahead, SpaceX seeks Federal Aviation Administration approval to boost annual Falcon rocket launches to 120 launches a year. And the company is bringing the mighty Starship to the Space Coast, generating at least $1.8 billion in estimated capital investment and 600 new full-time jobs by 2030. Additionally, aerospace and defense companies expanded, as did the health care sector and tourism, with Port Canaveral cementing its place as the world's second-busiest cruise port. "The economy is quite more diverse" now, said Fisher, who owns a State Farm insurance agency and is an investor in small office buildings in Titusville. "No doubt about it. We've put ourselves in a good position." So much so that a new national study puts Brevard County's economy as one of the fastest-growing in the country for midsized communities, and Brevard is projected to continue to have a high ranking in the future. The recently released study by the Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise at the University of North Carolina and Fifth Third Bank found that Brevard had the highest growth rate among 100 midsized communities during the past five years, as measured by gross domestic product, as well as the second-highest growth rate over the last 10 years. For the coming year, the study ranks Brevard's projected growth at No. 10 in the country among 100 midsized areas, although the study's co-author says Brevard has the potential to rank even higher when the final numbers come in. Gross domestic product is a measure of the aggregate value of an area's goods and services, and is considered a comprehensive indicator of economic activity. Brevard was the only Florida community to be ranked in the Top 10 on either of the separate lists of projected growth for the 50 largest areas or the 100 midsized areas in the country. Two Texas communities topped those lists — Austin for largest areas and Amarillo for midsized areas. Brevard County "has really outperformed" other areas of the country, said the study's co-author, Gerald Cohen, a research professor of finance and chief economist of the Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise. "This is an economy that is growing quite rapidly." Cohen said Brevard benefited from its science, technology and manufacturing sectors, as well as the presence of Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and Patrick Space Force Base. Cohen said, although Brevard is ranked as No. 10 out of 100 midsized communities in the study for projected growth this year, he sees the area as having the potential to be in the Top 3 when all is said and done. Although Cohen cautions that there is increasing uncertainty overall in the U.S. economy because of the national economic policy on tariffs and other factors, he added that, for Brevard, "the future looks very bright." Anne Conroy-Baiter, president and CEO of the Melbourne Regional Chamber, said Brevard's more diverse business sectors are helping the community be insulated from national economic ups and downs. She cited, for example, the growth of aerospace and defense companies in the Melbourne and Palm Bay areas, as well as the highly rated higher-education institutions like Florida Institute of Technology and Eastern Florida State College. A wild card is the potential move of NASA headquarters from Washington to the Space Coast, something that is being suggested by state and local officials. Conroy-Baiter said the health care industry also is strong in Brevard — and growing. Although Orlando Health in April closed the run-down, 298-bed Rockledge Hospital just six months after purchasing it in October as part of Steward Health Care's bankruptcy proceedings, Orlando Health plans a $750 million expansion in Brevard County. That includes $600 million on a new hospital; $30 million each for three new stand-alone emergency departments in north, central and south Brevard; and $60 million on new medical pavilions, physician practices, and other facilities and services — all at still-to-be-announced locations. Meanwhile, Suntree-based Health First is building a new $410 million, 120-bed hospital off State Road 520 on Merritt Island that is scheduled to open in early-2027 to replace its Cape Canaveral Hospital in Cocoa Beach. Health First also plans to open two new free-standing emergency departments, including one in Rockledge, as well as expand facilities at its existing full-service hospitals. "Health First continues to thrive" in Brevard, Conroy-Baiter said, while Titusville-based Parrish Healthcare is planning its own expansions in North Brevard. Education and health care combined account for 16% of the jobs in Brevard, making that one of the top job-creating sectors, according to the Kenan Institute/Fifth Third study. Other large employment sectors include trade and transportation, including retailing (16%); business services, including scientific and technical services (15%); manufacturing (13%); and leisure and hospitality (12%). Conroy-Baiter said Brevard County also is being helped by a trend sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic. As more workers are finding that they can work remotely, some are opting to move to Brevard while continuing to work for a company whose operations are elsewhere. Conroy-Baiter said Viera seems to be "the place of choice" for many newcomers to the area, with its more urban feel, while being not far from the beaches. Eva Rey, senior vice president for community management and communications at The Viera Co., one of Florida's larger master-planned communities, describes Brevard County as being in "a great economic bubble" — in a positive way. She says the Space Coast is insulated from downturns by its relatively diverse components, encompassing such sectors as space, aerospace, defense, health and tourism. That helps keep the county somewhat protected from national and regional economic concerns like interest rates, inflation and rising property-insurance rates. "Overall, we do have a positive outlook," Rey said, with Viera itself projected to double in population from the current figure of about 38,700 to about 77,400 by 2045. That would rank the unincorporated community of Viera — if it were a city — as among the largest of Brevard's 16 cities and towns, based on population. The largest currently are Palm Bay (2024 population estimated at 140,199), Melbourne (87,846) and Titusville (50,462). Keith Winsten, CEO of the Brevard Zoo in Viera, moved to Viera more than 20 years ago from suburban Chicago to take a job at the zoo. He said he's not surprised by the growth in the area and by the strong economy. "I think we rose from the ashes, really," after the end of the space shuttle program, Winsten said. "Our community has a thriving economy. People are coming here from all over the country. I'm bullish on Brevard County." But Winsten cautions that, with the growth, community leaders also must concentrate on maintaining the area's qualify of life. That includes investing in such things as improving conditions in the Indian River Lagoon; finding ways to make housing more affordable; protecting wild natural spaces; and making sure roads, sewage systems and other infrastructure are able to handle the growing population counts. "If we stop investing" in quality-of-life issues, Winsten said, "then I will have really big concerns." Florida has been investing in Brevard, with recent installments toward the Indian River Lagoon. In March, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced $100 million in state grants for 25 projects to improve water quality in the lagoon, including improvements to sewer plants and converting neighborhoods on septic tanks to central-sewer hookups. That money is meant, in part, to bolster local efforts to heal the lagoon as decades of pollution from septic tanks, sewage and runoff from fertilizer-fueled toxic algal blooms that killed most of the lagoon's seagrass and resulted in mass manatee die-offs in recent years. Brevard voters approved a half-percent sales tax in 2016 to help pay for lagoon cleanups. Voters also have chosen by wide margins to tax themselves multiple times over the years to buy environmentally endangered lands along the mainland and beachside. Recalling the end of the space shuttle program and reflecting of what the Space Coast economy is now, Micah Loyd, owner of Titusville-based Loyd Contracting, said: "We've kind of come back a long ways, and we're an area of innovation and growth." The commercial space companies have "put us back on the map," said Loyd, who also is a Canaveral Port Authority commissioner and a former member of the North Brevard Economic Development Zone Special District Board. "We're in that sweet spot. The economic outlook is very good. We're in a much better place than we were in 2011." Lynda Weatherman is president and CEO of the Economic Development Commission of Florida's Space Coast, whose marketing campaign for the Space Coast has the theme of "Tomorrow Launches Here." Weatherman cited the rapid growth of space and aerospace manufacturing and assembly since Atlantis' final flight as a "paradigm shift," as Brevard evolved from its former, simpler role as merely America's rocket launch site. As landmark economic events that helped set Brevard on its growth trajectory, she pointed to the EDC's efforts to recruit Embraer, which built its North American jet-building campus at Melbourne Orlando International Airport, and Lockheed Martin, which landed NASA's Orion crewed spacecraft program for assembly and checkout services. 'This is one of the most profound things about this community of many things that are profound: We have the intellectual business infrastructure of a major metropolis. Yet we do it in a small, scalable community. So that makes us unique," Weatherman said. 'Everything that you point to that a bigger metropolis would have: Fortune 500 companies. A port — much less a spaceport. Airports. It's right here. I don't think there's many places that have that combination," Weatherman said. Dave Berman is business editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Berman at dberman@ on X at @bydaveberman and on Facebook at Rick Neale is a space reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Neale at Rneale@ Twitter/X: @RickNeale1 Jim Waymer is an environmental reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact him at 321-261-5903 or at jwaymer@ This article originally appeared on Florida Today: How Brevard rocketed to recovery to become national economic powerhouse Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
