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California rejects Elon Musk's rocket-launch proposal

California rejects Elon Musk's rocket-launch proposal

E&E News12 hours ago
California regulators on Thursday rejected a U.S. military plan to increase SpaceX launches from a Southern California base, amid an ongoing lawsuit from CEO Elon Musk related to a previous vote.
California Coastal Commission members voted unanimously to oppose the U.S. Space Force's application to increase SpaceX launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base from 50 to 100 annually. They said that military officials failed to provide data on potential impacts on local wildlife and neighboring towns, while avoiding the direct discussion of Musk that spurred a rebuke from Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) last year.
'There are a number of unanswered questions that make it really quite impossible for us to engage,' said Vice Chair Caryl Hart. 'We see no appearance by U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force or SpaceX to answer the questions.'
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It's the second time the commission, which has jurisdiction over development on 1,100 miles of California coastline, has opposed plans to increase the frequency of SpaceX launches in Santa Barbara County.
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New study finds coffee is good for you, but there's a catch
New study finds coffee is good for you, but there's a catch

Fast Company

time27 minutes ago

  • Fast Company

New study finds coffee is good for you, but there's a catch

Coffee drinking has been studied for decades as researchers have aimed to answer one burning question: Is it good for you? Or is it better to stick to joyless drinks like, you know, tap water and mint tea? While there have been cases for just about every argument, one recently published study in The Journal of Nutrition just added another check in the 'healthy' column. Of course, there's a catch. You have to drink your coffee in a specific way. For the study, researchers at Tufts University analyzed the coffee-drinking habits of 46,332 Americans from 1999 to 2018. They found that drinking a cup of coffee each day has some major effects in terms of lowering mortality rates. One cup of joe per day was linked to a 16% lower risk of death, not just related to cardiovascular disease, which has been well-documented, but from any cause. More coffee is better, too—but not too much more. Drinking two to three cups per day showed a 17% lower risk of mortality. More coffee than that didn't offer any additional health benefits. However, these benefits didn't apply to all coffee drinkers across the board. The benefits were most pronounced in those who drank theirs sans cream and sugar (or with a very little amount of sugar). The ones who added cream and sugar had the same rates of all-cause mortality as those who tended toward non-coffee drinks. Essentially, the more cream and sugar added, the lower the benefits. 'Coffee is among the most-consumed beverages in the world, and with nearly half of American adults reporting drinking at least one cup per day, it's important for us to know what it might mean for health,' said Fang Fang Zhang, senior author of the study and a professor at Tufts. 'The health benefits of coffee might be attributable to its bioactive compounds, but our results suggest that the addition of sugar and saturated fat may reduce the mortality benefits.' Given that there is so much research around coffee, we always have to take findings with a grain of salt (and sans sweetener), but the good news does seem to be adding up for regular coffee drinkers. A study earlier this year similarly found lower rates of premature death for morning coffee drinkers. Another published in June 2025 found that coffee drinking is linked to healthy aging, particularly in women.

Over 200 rallies are expected across the country to protest Trump-led redistricting plans
Over 200 rallies are expected across the country to protest Trump-led redistricting plans

CNN

time28 minutes ago

  • CNN

Over 200 rallies are expected across the country to protest Trump-led redistricting plans

Donald Trump Congressional newsFacebookTweetLink Follow At parks, coffee shops, churches and government buildings around the country, hundreds of people are expected to gather today with a simple message: 'Stop the Trump takeover.' The rallies are a bid to combat Republican-led plans to redraw congressional maps. The main event will take place in Texas, where a new congressional map backed by President Donald Trump that could net Republicans five additional seats in the 2026 midterm elections inspired the state's Democratic lawmakers to flee the state – preventing the quorum needed to vote. 'Trump is terrified of the American people,' said the Texas for All Coalition, which is helping organize the events, in a news release. 'He knows he can't win on his ideas, so he's trying to take Congress by hook or by crook – and he's doing it by silencing the voices of communities of color. We're not going to let that happen.' Organizers emphasized 'a commitment to nonviolence' at all events in event page descriptions. Over 200 events are planned in 34 states, according to the event's official website. The Democratic National Committee is helping organize events, it announced in a news release. 'From coast to coast, people will be showing up at their statehouses, city halls, and community spaces to make it clear – we see what Trump is doing, and we won't stand for it,' said the DNC. A swath of nonprofits and other organizations are also supporting the effort, including Planned Parenthood, the Working Families Party and Human Rights Campaign. Trump described the proposed Texas congressional map as a 'very simple redrawing' at the White House. 'We pick up five seats,' he added. But it doesn't end with Texas. Republican leaders in other states, too, have proposed changing their congressional maps ahead of next year's midterms. The White House is pushing Missouri legislators to consider a special session to redraw maps. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has floated the idea of changing his state's maps, and has said he thinks the Trump administration should give the state another seat. In Ohio, maps must be redrawn due to a quirk of state law – which may make the state's delegation even more Republican and carve up two Democratic seats, according to a report in June from CNN's Fredreka Schouten. Democratic lawmakers have announced their own plans to fight back, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who kicked off his own redistricting push on Thursday. Here's more on what we know about today's protests. Today's largest protest is slated to happen in Austin, Texas. Over 1,000 people have RSVPed for the event, which will start at the state's Capitol. 'Texas is being used as a testing ground for extremist policies and partisan games that don't reflect our values,' reads the event page. 'Thousands of Texans have shown up against the racially gerrymandered congressional map lawmakers are trying to force through in order to weaken the voting power of communities of color.' Former Congressman Beto O'Rourke, United Farm Workers cofounder Dolores Huerta, Democratic US Rep. Greg Casar and Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Texas are expected to speak, according to a news release from the Texas for All Coalition. Drag queen Brigitte Bandit and singer Gina Chavez are also expected to perform. Across Texas, events are also planned in Houston, Dallas, San Angelo, Tyler, McAllen, Conroe and Kingwood. Events and rallies are also scheduled in dozens of other states, both in Democratic strongholds and Republican-majority states. Local organizers are planning each city-specific event. In New York City, demonstrators are expected to gather in Central Park. In Washington, DC, where Trump has deployed the National Guard and declared a federal takeover of the local police department, organizers are painting banners and signs to place around the city. Protesters in Raleigh and Durham, North Carolina, plan to hold a 'bridge brigade,' holding signs on 16 different bridges. Demonstrations are also planned in Cincinnati, Ohio; Sarasota, Florida; and Jefferson City, Missouri, among other cities. The planned events include rallies, teach-ins, banner drops and art-making at locations that include a bookstore in Jacksonville, Florida, and a Tesla showroom in Palo Alto, California. The demonstrations follow a string of other protests organized since Trump took office for the second time in January, including the 'No Kings' protests in June and demonstrations against the president's deportation campaign in July. Drucilla Tigner, the executive director of statewide coalition Texas For All, said in a news release that the fight extends far past Texas. 'Across Texas, and across the country, communities are speaking out in a united voice to call for an end to the Trump takeover,' she said. 'Though this fight started in Texas, it doesn't end here. This isn't just about redistricting or one state's politics.' 'It's about the future of our democracy.'

Suze Orman Breaks Down Big Beautiful Bill Act Perks: $10K Car Loan Deductions, $25K Tip Exemptions, And A $1K Gift For Every Baby
Suze Orman Breaks Down Big Beautiful Bill Act Perks: $10K Car Loan Deductions, $25K Tip Exemptions, And A $1K Gift For Every Baby

Yahoo

time34 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Suze Orman Breaks Down Big Beautiful Bill Act Perks: $10K Car Loan Deductions, $25K Tip Exemptions, And A $1K Gift For Every Baby

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act has stirred up plenty of conversation. Financial expert Suze Orman recently detailed some of its key benefits on her "Women & Money" podcast. While she acknowledges there are many parts of the bill she hates, she encourages her listeners to focus on the practical perks that can help you keep more of your money or save on taxes. Here's a breakdown of some important highlights. Don't Miss: Would You Have Invested in eBay or Uber Early? The Same Backers Are Betting on 'Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. You can Expanded Child Tax Credit One of the standout features of the bill is the expanded child tax credit, which Orman highlights as a vital lifeline for parents raising children under 17. "Right now, the child tax credit gives you up to $2,200 per child," she explains. Even if you owe no taxes, up to $1,700 of that amount is refundable — meaning if your tax bill is zero, the IRS will still send you a check for that portion, rather than just reducing what you owe. The credit phases out for higher earners — starting at $200,000 modified adjusted gross income for singles and $400,000 for married couples filing jointly. Importantly, the child must be a U.S. citizen living with you for more than half the year. "Do not leave money on the table," Orman advises, encouraging parents to claim this benefit if eligible. Trending: Named a TIME Best Invention and Backed by 5,000+ Users, Kara's Air-to-Water Pod Cuts Plastic and Costs — Up to $10,000 Deductible on Personal Car Loans Another notable perk is the new deduction for interest on personal auto loans. "You can now deduct up to $10,000 per year in interest on a personal auto loan as long as – there's always a catch, isn't there — the car is assembled in the United States," Suze notes. This deduction applies only if the loan is in your name and the vehicle isn't leased or used for business purposes. This benefit is good through 2028, giving car buyers a significant tax break if they finance a qualifying vehicle. Orman cautions, "Just ask, does this car qualify or not," to make sure you're taking advantage of this Tips: Up to $25,000 Exempt From Federal Income Tax For workers relying on tips, such as servers or hairdressers, the bill offers a new exemption on tip income. Up to $25,000 in tips can now be excluded from federal income taxes annually. Orman calls this "one of the biggest tax breaks you're gonna ever see," but stresses the importance of accurate record-keeping. "This really is a gift," Orman says, but reminds tip earners to track their tips, report everything honestly, and file taxes carefully. This exemption phases out for singles earning more than $150,000 and married couples filing jointly above $300,000. Note that this only applies to federal income tax; some states are considering similar exemptions, while others still tax tip income. What This Means for You Orman isn't the first to say she dislikes this new legislation, but if it's happening, she says you might as well take advantage of it. "You first have to be able to take advantage of the things that you can take advantage of and not waste money," she says. The bill's various benefits mostly expire in 2028, coinciding with a new presidential term, but until then, Orman says there are several smart moves taxpayers can make to boost their bottom line. Read Next: Kevin O'Leary Says Real Estate's Been a Smart Bet for 200 Years — Image: Shutterstock Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? APPLE (AAPL): Free Stock Analysis Report TESLA (TSLA): Free Stock Analysis Report This article Suze Orman Breaks Down Big Beautiful Bill Act Perks: $10K Car Loan Deductions, $25K Tip Exemptions, And A $1K Gift For Every Baby originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data

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