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NASA's Retired Astronauts Launch Campaign to Encourage Youth Voting

NASA's Retired Astronauts Launch Campaign to Encourage Youth Voting

A group of retired NASA astronauts has initiated a campaign to encourage young people to vote in the upcoming U.S. midterm elections. The campaign, named 'Vote for Freedom,' involves a nationwide tour of colleges and community events to inspire first-time voters. The astronauts, part of the non-profit Astronauts for America, emphasize the importance of voting as a civic duty and a means to uphold democratic values. The initiative aims to address current challenges to voting rights and promote participation in the democratic process.

Young Voters Could Sway Maine's Senate Race Amid Democratic Nominee Change

Young Voters Could Sway Maine's Senate Race Amid Democratic Nominee Change

In Maine's upcoming Senate race, young voters under the age of 35 are emerging as a crucial demographic. With Democrats seeking to replace their nominee, Graham Platner, new polling indicates that this age group could significantly influence the outcome against Republican incumbent Susan Collins. Troy Jackson, the likely Democratic nominee, is currently in a statistical tie with Collins, with strong support from young voters. Maine's election laws, which include same-day registration and no voter ID requirement, facilitate high youth turnout, historically surpassing national averages.

House Introduces Space Ready 2.0 Act to Modernize NASA Infrastructure

House Introduces Space Ready 2.0 Act to Modernize NASA Infrastructure

Rep. Mike Haridopolos and Sen. Ashley Moody have introduced the Space Ready 2.0 Act, aimed at modernizing NASA's infrastructure to support its missions and the expanding commercial space industry. The legislation, introduced on July 15, allows NASA to partner with public and private entities to upgrade roads, utilities, and other shared facilities at NASA centers. The bill is designed to help NASA's aging facilities keep pace with the increasing demand for launches while ensuring taxpayer dollars are safeguarded through cost estimates, project timelines, and annual reports to Congress. The pilot program under this act will allow voluntary participation from private partners, with unused contributions being refunded or redirected to eligible projects. The contribution authority for this program is set to sunset on December 31, 2031.

UVA Study Links Housing Affordability Policies to Increased Voter Turnout

UVA Study Links Housing Affordability Policies to Increased Voter Turnout

A study conducted by a University of Virginia professor explores the connection between housing affordability policies and civic engagement. The research, titled 'Mortgage Refinancing and Political Participation,' examines how federal programs like the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) have influenced voter turnout. The study found that homeowners who refinanced their mortgages during the 2008 recession were more likely to vote in the 2012 presidential election. This suggests that financial relief from government policies can lead to greater political participation, particularly among independent and unaffiliated voters.

FACT FOCUS: Posts falsely claim Obama urged noncitizens to vote in 2016

FACT FOCUS: Posts falsely claim Obama urged noncitizens to vote in 2016

As President Donald Trump continues to push for stricter proof of citizenship laws ahead of the midterm elections, social media users are falsely alleging that an old clip shows former President Barack Obama telling people in the U.S. illegally to vote in the 2016 election

NASA Supports Launch of Robotic Servicing Mission to Extend Satellite Lifespan

NASA Supports Launch of Robotic Servicing Mission to Extend Satellite Lifespan

NASA has supported the launch of the Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV) carrying the Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites (RSGS) payload. Launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, the MRV is en route to geosynchronous orbit to service satellites using advanced robotics. The RSGS program, funded by DARPA, employs twin robotic arms developed by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory to inspect and upgrade satellites, extending their operational life. This mission represents a collaboration between government and industry to enhance in-space servicing capabilities.

Nearly 150,000 mail ballots rejected in California' primary despite efforts to count every vote

Nearly 150,000 mail ballots rejected in California' primary despite efforts to count every vote

Nearly 150,000 voters have had their mail-in ballots rejected for California’s June primary election, a sharp spike from previous primaries

Partisan Redistricting Prompts Retirement of Seven House Incumbents, More Expected

Partisan Redistricting Prompts Retirement of Seven House Incumbents, More Expected

Redistricting efforts across the United States have led to the retirement of seven House incumbents, with more expected to follow. The latest to announce retirement is Rep. Cleo Fields, D-La., who cited the increased competitiveness of his district following partisan redistricting. This trend is part of a broader pattern where lawmakers are leaving at the fastest rate in decades due to changes in district boundaries. The redistricting process, controlled by state legislatures, has resulted in more competitive districts, prompting some incumbents to step down rather than face challenging re-election campaigns. Notably, Republican-controlled states like Florida and Texas are expected to gain seats, while Democratic efforts in states like California have also influenced district boundaries.

NASA Supports Robotic Servicing Mission to Extend Satellite Lifespan

NASA Supports Robotic Servicing Mission to Extend Satellite Lifespan

NASA is supporting the Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites (RSGS) mission, which launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral on July 21. The mission involves the Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV) developed by Northrop Grumman, which will use advanced robotics to service spacecraft in geosynchronous Earth orbit. The RSGS program, funded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), utilizes twin robotic arms developed by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory. These arms will enable the MRV to inspect and upgrade satellites by installing mission extension pods, thereby extending their operational life. NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center has been involved in the mission since 2024, providing dynamic simulation and analysis tools, software analysis, and a team of flight robot operators.

Alaska sends 3,000 letters asking voters to verify their citizenship ahead of this year's elections

Alaska sends 3,000 letters asking voters to verify their citizenship ahead of this year's elections

Alaska has sent more than 3,000 letters to residents asking them to verify their citizenship ahead of this year's elections

NASA Announces $2 Billion Nuclear Mars Mission with Potential Budget Challenges

NASA Announces $2 Billion Nuclear Mars Mission with Potential Budget Challenges

NASA has announced a $2 billion budget for its upcoming nuclear-powered Mars mission, known as Space Reactor-1 (SR-1) Freedom. Scheduled for launch in late 2028, this mission aims to be the first fission-powered interplanetary spacecraft. It will also carry SkyFall, a new Mars helicopter mission designed to scout landing sites for future crewed exploration on Mars. The funding for this mission will be drawn from NASA's fiscal year 2027 budget request and the 2025 Working Families Tax Cut Act, which had allocated $2.6 billion for the now-paused Gateway lunar orbiting space station. The proposed budget includes allocations of $640 million in FY26, $890 million in FY27, $415 million in FY28, and $180 million in FY29. However, the budget does not cover the SkyFall project, raising concerns about potential funding reallocations and impacts on NASA's science budget.

Analysis: Have progressives peaked? The next few weeks will be crucial in Democrats' tug-of-war

Analysis: Have progressives peaked? The next few weeks will be crucial in Democrats' tug-of-war

The progressive movement may already have hit its high point in the 2026 midterms