During a land speed record attempt at Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats, driver Chris Raschke lost control of the Speed Demon, a rocket-like vehicle, and died from injuries. The Southern California Timing Association, organizer of the event, confirmed the incident approximately two and a half miles into the run. The event, which has occurred for decades, draws drivers and spectators seeking to set new land speed records. The cause of the accident is under investigation by the association and the Tooele County Sheriff’s Office.
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Scientists have finally identified the bacteria, *Vibrio pectenicida*, as the cause of the devastating sea star wasting disease that has killed billions of sea stars along the Pacific coast since 2013. After years of research, the bacteria was found in the sea stars’ coelomic fluid. This discovery offers the opportunity to intervene and aid in the recovery of sea star populations, which are vital for maintaining healthy ecosystems, particularly in kelp forests. Researchers are now exploring methods like relocating healthy sea stars, captive breeding, and assessing potential immunity or treatments like probiotics.
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A United Airlines Boeing 787, Flight 108, experienced a suspected engine failure shortly after takeoff from Washington Dulles International Airport, prompting the pilot to declare a mayday. The flight, carrying 219 passengers and 11 crew members, was en route to Munich, Germany when the pilot reported the left engine failure. The plane then circled back and safely landed at Dulles approximately 30 minutes later, with all passengers deplaning normally. The flight was subsequently canceled and passengers were rebooked on alternative travel arrangements.
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On Sunday, nine individuals, including an Irish missionary and a three-year-old child, were abducted from the Sainte-Hélène orphanage in Kenscoff, Haiti, a facility that houses over 240 children. The attackers, believed to be gang members, entered the property by breaching a wall and then targeted the building where the orphanage director, Gena Heraty, was staying. Irish authorities have confirmed they are actively working to secure the release of Heraty and the others, while no ransom demands have been made public. This incident highlights the ongoing violence and kidnapping crisis plaguing Haiti, where armed gangs control a significant portion of the country, including the capital city.
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The Gates Foundation has announced a $2.5 billion commitment to women’s health initiatives by 2030, representing a significant increase over previous investments. This funding, a core part of Bill Gates’ plan to donate his $200 billion fortune, will target under-researched areas impacting millions globally, including conditions such as preeclampsia, endometriosis, and menopause. The investment will focus on five key areas, aiming to spur research, product development, and equitable access to healthcare solutions worldwide, while also calling for increased contributions from other sectors to address the substantial funding gap.
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On Thursday, four Bay Area locations of Blue Bottle coffee voted to unionize, joining the growing trend of barista organizing across the U.S. The workers, who voted 22 to 5 in favor of joining the Blue Bottle Independent Union, aim to secure better benefits and higher wages to address the high cost of living. This independent union, which previously unionized six locations in the Boston area, is focused on maintaining flexibility and control. The union drive, announced in June, highlights concerns regarding benefits, wages, and transparency in coffee sourcing.
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A recent expert review has warned that plastics pose a “grave, growing and under-recognized danger” to both human and planetary health, deeming the situation a “plastics crisis.” The rapid acceleration of plastic production, primarily single-use plastics, has led to a surge in plastic pollution, impacting the entire planet and costing at least $1.5tn annually in health-related damages. Plastics endanger people and the environment at every stage, from production to disposal, with exposure to toxic chemicals and microplastics posing significant risks. The review emphasizes the urgent need for a global plastics treaty with measures to protect human and planetary health, as recycling alone cannot solve the crisis.
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Tesla’s board has approved a new compensation package for CEO Elon Musk, potentially worth $29 billion, despite ongoing legal challenges to his 2018 performance award. The package, consisting of 96 million shares at a discounted price, acknowledges Musk’s contributions despite his not receiving meaningful compensation in years. This decision comes as Tesla navigates challenges including falling sales, political backlash due to Musk’s involvement in politics, and a shift towards AI and robotics under his leadership. While Tesla shares have declined this year, the board believes Musk’s focus on AI and robotics will drive future growth.
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Las Vegas saw a significant decrease in visitors during June, with approximately 400,000 fewer people traveling to the city compared to the previous year, a decline of 11.3% attributed to economic factors and a slower convention month. Hotel occupancy rates on the Strip and domestic and international travel through Harry Reid International Airport also saw decreases. Despite the drop in visitation, gaming revenue remained steady, though average room prices fell. Democrats have pointed to policies of the current administration as contributing to the downturn in tourism.
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John Q. Hosedrinker