John Cena announced Saturday night that he will retire from professional wrestling next year after two decades in the ring.
The wrestler-turned-actor delivered a heartfelt speech to a stadium of World Wrestling Entertainment fans in Toronto, who booed in disappointment as Cena said the 2025 season would be his last. He promised a farewell tour with dozens of dates and an epic final fight, and he assured fans he would remain involved with the wrestling franchise that launched his career.
“Thank you so much for letting me play in the house that you built for so many years,” Cena told the crowd.
In a news conference after the event, Cena told reporters that he feels physically “at my end,” but that doesn’t mean he needs to distance himself from the sport he loves.
Cena is a 16-time WWE champion who burst onto the scene in the early 2000s as the fan-favorite “Doctor of Thuganomics,” a rapper character decked in gold chains and a backwards hat who challenged his wrestling opponents to rap battles. He went on to portray other popular characters, both in the ring and on the big screen.
Cena played starring roles in the films “Blockers” and “The Suicide Squad.” He has made multiple appearances in the “Fast & Furious” franchise and appeared most recently in the comedy thriller “Argylle” and the box office hit “Barbie.”
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian won Iran’s runoff presidential election Saturday, besting hard-liner Saeed Jalili by promising to reach out to the West and ease enforcement on the country’s mandatory headscarf law after years of sanctions and protests squeezing the Islamic Republic.
A vote count offered by authorities put Pezeshkian as the winner with 16.3 million votes to Jalili’s 13.5 million in Friday’s election.
Pezeshkian promised no radical changes to Iran’s Shiite theocracy in his campaign
The United States has criticized Iran’s presidential election as neither free nor fair, saying it likely would not change the Islamic Republic’s stance on human rights
Pezeshkian promised no radical changes to Iran’s Shiite theocracy in his campaign and long has held Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as the final arbiter of all matters of state in the country. But even Pezeshkian’s modest aims will be challenged by an Iranian government still largely held by hard-liners, the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip and Western fears over Tehran enriching uranium to near-weapons-grade levels.
A vote count offered by authorities put Pezeshkian as the winner with 16.3 million votes to Jalili’s 13.5 million in Friday’s election. Overall, Iran’s Interior Ministry said 30 million people voted in an election held without internationally recognized monitors.
Supporters of Pezeshkian, a heart surgeon and longtime lawmaker, entered the streets of Tehran and other cities before dawn to celebrate as his lead grew over Jalili, a hard-line former nuclear negotiator.
“Dear people of Iran, the elections are over and this is just the beginning of our cooperation,” Pezeshkian wrote on the social platform X, still banned in Iran. “The difficult path ahead will not be smooth except with your companionship, empathy and trust. I extend my hand to you and I swear on my honor that I will not leave you alone on this path. Do not leave me alone.”
Pezeshkian’s win still sees Iran at a delicate moment, with tensions high in the Mideast over the Israel-Hamas war, Iran’s advancing nuclear program, and a looming election in the United States that could put any chance of a detente between Tehran and Washington at risk. Pezeshkian’s victory also wasn’t a rout of Jalili, meaning he’ll have to carefully navigate Iran’s internal politics as the doctor has never held a sensitive, high-level security post.
The first round of voting June 28 saw the lowest turnout in the history of the Islamic Republic since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Iranian officials have long pointed to turnout as a sign of support for the country’s Shiite theocracy, which has been under strain after years of sanctions crushing Iran’s economy, mass demonstrations and intense crackdowns on all dissent.
Government officials up to Khameni, the supreme leader, predicted higher turnout as voting got underway, with state television airing images of modest lines at some polling centers. However, online videos purported to show some polls empty while a survey of several dozen sites in Tehran saw light traffic and a heavy security presence on the streets.
Authorities put turnout in Friday’s vote at 49.6%, still historically low for an Iranian presidential election. They counted 607,575 voided votes — which often are a sign of protest by those who feel obligated to cast a ballot but reject both candidates.
“I don’t expect anything from him — I am happy that the vote put the brake on hard-liners,” said bank employee Fatemeh Babaei, who voted for Pezeshkian. “I hope Pezeshkian can return administration to a way in which all people can feel there is a tomorrow.”
Taher Khalili, a Kurdish-origin Iranian who runs a small tailor shop in Tehran, offered another reason to be hopeful while handing out candy to passersby.
“In the end, someone from my hometown and the west of Iran came to power,” Khalili said. “I hope he will make economy better for small businesses.”
Pezeshkian, who speaks Azeri, Farsi and Kurdish, campaigned on outreach to Iran’s many ethnicities. He represents the first president from western Iran in decades — something people hope will aid the county as those in the western part are considered more tolerant because of the ethnic and religious diversity in their area.
The election came amid heightened regional tensions. In April, Iran launched its first-ever direct attack on Israel over the war in Gaza, while militia groups armed by Tehran — such as the Lebanese Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthi rebels — are engaged in the fighting and have escalated their attacks.
Iran is also enriching uranium at near weapons-grade levels and maintains a stockpile large enough to build several nuclear weapons, should it choose to do so. And while Khamenei remains the final decision-maker on matters of state, whichever man ends up winning the presidency could bend the country’s foreign policy toward either confrontation or collaboration with the West.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, which has reached a detente with Iran, sent his congratulations to Pezeshkian that stressed his “keenness to develop and deepen the relations that bring our two countries and peoples together.” Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has relied on Iranian-made drones in his war on Ukraine, similarly congratulated Pezeshkian.
The United States on Saturday criticized Iran’s presidential election as neither free nor fair, saying it likely would not change the Islamic Republic’s stance on human rights.
Responding to a query from The Associated Press, the State Department said it would continue to use diplomacy with Tehran “when it advances American interests.”
“The elections in Iran were not free or fair. As a result, a significant number of Iranians chose not to participate at all,” the State Department said. “We have no expectation these elections will lead to fundamental change in Iran’s direction or more respect for the human rights of its citizens. As the candidates themselves have said, Iranian policy is set by the supreme leader.”
It added: “The elections will not have a significant impact on our approach to Iran, either. Our concerns about Iran’s behavior are unchanged.”
Meanwhile Saturday, Iran’s President-elect Masoud Pezeshkian has vowed to ‘serve all Iranians’ in a victory speech.
Pezeshkian, a reformist candidate, spoke Saturday at the the mausoleum of the late Grand Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, addressing journalists in a chaotic event.
“In this election, I didn’t give you false promises. I did not lie,” the heart surgeon said. “It’s been many years after the revolution that we come to the podium, we make promises and we fail to fulfill them. This is the biggest problem we have.”
The campaign also repeatedly touched on what would happen if former President Donald Trump, who unilaterally withdrew America from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018, won the November election. Iran has held indirect talks with President Joe Biden’s administration, though there’s been no clear movement back toward constraining Tehran’s nuclear program for the lifting of economic sanctions.
Though identifying with reformists and relative moderates within Iran’s theocracy during the campaign, Pezeshkian at the same time honored Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, on one occasion wearing its uniform to parliament. He repeatedly criticized the United States and praised the Guard for shooting down an American drone in 2019, saying it “delivered a strong punch in the mouth of the Americans and proved to them that our country will not surrender.”
More than 61 million Iranians over the age of 18 were eligible to vote, with about 18 million of them between 18 and 30. Voting was to end at 6 p.m. but was extended until midnight to boost participation.
Still, many knew him for his involvement in the mass executions that Iran conducted in 1988, and for his role in the bloody crackdowns on dissent that followed protests over the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman detained by police over allegedly improperly wearing the mandatory headscarf, or hijab.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian won Iran’s runoff presidential election Saturday, besting hard-liner Saeed Jalili by promising to reach out to the West and ease enforcement on the country’s mandatory headscarf law after years of sanctions and protests squeezing the Islamic Republic.
A vote count offered by authorities put Pezeshkian as the winner with 16.3 million votes to Jalili’s 13.5 million in Friday’s election.
Pezeshkian promised no radical changes to Iran’s Shiite theocracy in his campaign
The United States has criticized Iran’s presidential election as neither free nor fair, saying it likely would not change the Islamic Republic’s stance on human rights
Pezeshkian promised no radical changes to Iran’s Shiite theocracy in his campaign and long has held Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as the final arbiter of all matters of state in the country. But even Pezeshkian’s modest aims will be challenged by an Iranian government still largely held by hard-liners, the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip and Western fears over Tehran enriching uranium to near-weapons-grade levels.
A vote count offered by authorities put Pezeshkian as the winner with 16.3 million votes to Jalili’s 13.5 million in Friday’s election. Overall, Iran’s Interior Ministry said 30 million people voted in an election held without internationally recognized monitors.
Supporters of Pezeshkian, a heart surgeon and longtime lawmaker, entered the streets of Tehran and other cities before dawn to celebrate as his lead grew over Jalili, a hard-line former nuclear negotiator.
“Dear people of Iran, the elections are over and this is just the beginning of our cooperation,” Pezeshkian wrote on the social platform X, still banned in Iran. “The difficult path ahead will not be smooth except with your companionship, empathy and trust. I extend my hand to you and I swear on my honor that I will not leave you alone on this path. Do not leave me alone.”
Pezeshkian’s win still sees Iran at a delicate moment, with tensions high in the Mideast over the Israel-Hamas war, Iran’s advancing nuclear program, and a looming election in the United States that could put any chance of a detente between Tehran and Washington at risk. Pezeshkian’s victory also wasn’t a rout of Jalili, meaning he’ll have to carefully navigate Iran’s internal politics as the doctor has never held a sensitive, high-level security post.
The first round of voting June 28 saw the lowest turnout in the history of the Islamic Republic since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Iranian officials have long pointed to turnout as a sign of support for the country’s Shiite theocracy, which has been under strain after years of sanctions crushing Iran’s economy, mass demonstrations and intense crackdowns on all dissent.
Government officials up to Khameni, the supreme leader, predicted higher turnout as voting got underway, with state television airing images of modest lines at some polling centers. However, online videos purported to show some polls empty while a survey of several dozen sites in Tehran saw light traffic and a heavy security presence on the streets.
Authorities put turnout in Friday’s vote at 49.6%, still historically low for an Iranian presidential election. They counted 607,575 voided votes — which often are a sign of protest by those who feel obligated to cast a ballot but reject both candidates.
“I don’t expect anything from him — I am happy that the vote put the brake on hard-liners,” said bank employee Fatemeh Babaei, who voted for Pezeshkian. “I hope Pezeshkian can return administration to a way in which all people can feel there is a tomorrow.”
Taher Khalili, a Kurdish-origin Iranian who runs a small tailor shop in Tehran, offered another reason to be hopeful while handing out candy to passersby.
“In the end, someone from my hometown and the west of Iran came to power,” Khalili said. “I hope he will make economy better for small businesses.”
Pezeshkian, who speaks Azeri, Farsi and Kurdish, campaigned on outreach to Iran’s many ethnicities. He represents the first president from western Iran in decades — something people hope will aid the county as those in the western part are considered more tolerant because of the ethnic and religious diversity in their area.
The election came amid heightened regional tensions. In April, Iran launched its first-ever direct attack on Israel over the war in Gaza, while militia groups armed by Tehran — such as the Lebanese Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthi rebels — are engaged in the fighting and have escalated their attacks.
Iran is also enriching uranium at near weapons-grade levels and maintains a stockpile large enough to build several nuclear weapons, should it choose to do so. And while Khamenei remains the final decision-maker on matters of state, whichever man ends up winning the presidency could bend the country’s foreign policy toward either confrontation or collaboration with the West.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, which has reached a detente with Iran, sent his congratulations to Pezeshkian that stressed his “keenness to develop and deepen the relations that bring our two countries and peoples together.” Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has relied on Iranian-made drones in his war on Ukraine, similarly congratulated Pezeshkian.
The United States on Saturday criticized Iran’s presidential election as neither free nor fair, saying it likely would not change the Islamic Republic’s stance on human rights.
Responding to a query from The Associated Press, the State Department said it would continue to use diplomacy with Tehran “when it advances American interests.”
“The elections in Iran were not free or fair. As a result, a significant number of Iranians chose not to participate at all,” the State Department said. “We have no expectation these elections will lead to fundamental change in Iran’s direction or more respect for the human rights of its citizens. As the candidates themselves have said, Iranian policy is set by the supreme leader.”
It added: “The elections will not have a significant impact on our approach to Iran, either. Our concerns about Iran’s behavior are unchanged.”
Meanwhile Saturday, Iran’s President-elect Masoud Pezeshkian has vowed to ‘serve all Iranians’ in a victory speech.
Pezeshkian, a reformist candidate, spoke Saturday at the the mausoleum of the late Grand Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, addressing journalists in a chaotic event.
“In this election, I didn’t give you false promises. I did not lie,” the heart surgeon said. “It’s been many years after the revolution that we come to the podium, we make promises and we fail to fulfill them. This is the biggest problem we have.”
The campaign also repeatedly touched on what would happen if former President Donald Trump, who unilaterally withdrew America from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018, won the November election. Iran has held indirect talks with President Joe Biden’s administration, though there’s been no clear movement back toward constraining Tehran’s nuclear program for the lifting of economic sanctions.
Though identifying with reformists and relative moderates within Iran’s theocracy during the campaign, Pezeshkian at the same time honored Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, on one occasion wearing its uniform to parliament. He repeatedly criticized the United States and praised the Guard for shooting down an American drone in 2019, saying it “delivered a strong punch in the mouth of the Americans and proved to them that our country will not surrender.”
More than 61 million Iranians over the age of 18 were eligible to vote, with about 18 million of them between 18 and 30. Voting was to end at 6 p.m. but was extended until midnight to boost participation.
Still, many knew him for his involvement in the mass executions that Iran conducted in 1988, and for his role in the bloody crackdowns on dissent that followed protests over the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman detained by police over allegedly improperly wearing the mandatory headscarf, or hijab.
People infected with COVID-19 have a higher risk of brain, gut and lung issues three years later, according to a study published in the medical journal Nature Medicine.
While health problems resulting from a COVID-19 infection fell each year, they remained elevated for people who were hospitalized with a SARS-CoV-2 infection.
What You Need To Know
People infected with COVID-19 have a higher risk of brain, gut and lung issues three years later, according to a study published in the medical journal, Nature Medicine
Those who had been hospitalized for COVID had a higher death rate compared with those who had not been hospitalized or who had never contracted the virus
Hospitalized COVID patients were at higher risk for more health issues than those who had COVID but were not hospitalized, including cardiovascular and coagulation issues, as well as fatigue and mental problems
Health risks resulting from a COVID infection fell each year
For their study, researchers looked at 135,161 U.S. veterans who had been infected with COVID-19 and compared them with more than 5 million patients in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs system who had not been infected. Of the enrollees who were infected with COVID, 15% had been hospitalized.
All of the patients were enrolled in the study between March and December 2020, before COVID vaccines were available and when the first strain of COVID-19 was dominant. For the next three years, the patients were evaluated for death and disease risk.
The researchers found those who had been hospitalized for COVID-19 had a higher death rate compared with those who had not been hospitalized or who had never contracted the virus three years later. But it also found that regardless of whether a person was hospitalized, those infected with COVID remained at higher risk for gastrointestinal, neurologic and pulmonary problems three years later.
People who had been hospitalized were at higher risk for even more issues three years later, including cardiovascular and coagulation problems, as well as fatigue and mental issues.
Those who had been hospitalized had 8.4 times more health loss compared with those who had COVID but didn’t need to go to the hospital.
“The explanation may be related, in part, to the vulnerability of people who develop severe COVID-19 with respect to more co-existing medical conditions, immune system dysfunction or genetic predisposition,” the researchers said.
They said other studies have found a link between severe COVID infections and persistent health risks in various tissues and organ systems, suggesting “that severity of acute infection is a key driver of the expression of long-term adverse health outcomes.”
The researchers noted that longer-term studies will be necessary to learn how infected individuals’ health risk trajectories evolve.
People infected with COVID-19 have a higher risk of brain, gut and lung issues three years later, according to a study published in the medical journal Nature Medicine.
While health problems resulting from a COVID-19 infection fell each year, they remained elevated for people who were hospitalized with a SARS-CoV-2 infection.
What You Need To Know
People infected with COVID-19 have a higher risk of brain, gut and lung issues three years later, according to a study published in the medical journal, Nature Medicine
Those who had been hospitalized for COVID had a higher death rate compared with those who had not been hospitalized or who had never contracted the virus
Hospitalized COVID patients were at higher risk for more health issues than those who had COVID but were not hospitalized, including cardiovascular and coagulation issues, as well as fatigue and mental problems
Health risks resulting from a COVID infection fell each year
For their study, researchers looked at 135,161 U.S. veterans who had been infected with COVID-19 and compared them with more than 5 million patients in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs system who had not been infected. Of the enrollees who were infected with COVID, 15% had been hospitalized.
All of the patients were enrolled in the study between March and December 2020, before COVID vaccines were available and when the first strain of COVID-19 was dominant. For the next three years, the patients were evaluated for death and disease risk.
The researchers found those who had been hospitalized for COVID-19 had a higher death rate compared with those who had not been hospitalized or who had never contracted the virus three years later. But it also found that regardless of whether a person was hospitalized, those infected with COVID remained at higher risk for gastrointestinal, neurologic and pulmonary problems three years later.
People who had been hospitalized were at higher risk for even more issues three years later, including cardiovascular and coagulation problems, as well as fatigue and mental issues.
Those who had been hospitalized had 8.4 times more health loss compared with those who had COVID but didn’t need to go to the hospital.
“The explanation may be related, in part, to the vulnerability of people who develop severe COVID-19 with respect to more co-existing medical conditions, immune system dysfunction or genetic predisposition,” the researchers said.
They said other studies have found a link between severe COVID infections and persistent health risks in various tissues and organ systems, suggesting “that severity of acute infection is a key driver of the expression of long-term adverse health outcomes.”
The researchers noted that longer-term studies will be necessary to learn how infected individuals’ health risk trajectories evolve.
Nothing says “Fourth of July” more than fireworks. After all, they are one of the longest held traditions of the holiday itself. But the unwanted health and environmental consequences that follow a pyrotechnic display are often overlooked.
Between drought conditions and air quality issues, now might be the time to reconsider the centuries-old tradition.
What You Need To Know
Fourth of July fireworks cause numerous environmental and health impacts every year
There are “cleaner” fireworks that release less smoke and other harmful substances
Some places are now replacing fireworks with LED drone shows
The Fourth of July is a holiday of traditions, and fireworks are the grand finale. Despite all their beauty while lighting up the night sky, though, fireworks can take a toll on the environment.
According to the American Pyrotechnics Association, over 16,000 fireworks displays typically take place across the nation on Independence Day.
Fireworks explode over the Washington Monument at the National Mall during the Independence Day celebrations in Washington, D.C. on Monday, July 4, 2022. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
Between some parts of the country combating drought conditions and others dealing with unhealthy air quality, setting off fireworks will only seem to make matters worse.
Banning the highlight of the holiday itself could put a damper on celebrations and cause major upset to those looking forward to the event. However, more suitable alternatives are beginning to trend across the U.S.
Eco-friendly fireworks do exist
Despite their short time to shine, nothing beats the sight of fireworks lighting up the night sky, especially on the Fourth of July. The pyrotechnics are so mesmerizing that they often disguise the negative effects that follow.
In standard fireworks, two “explosions” occur: one launches the firework into the sky, and the second makes the stunning bursts of color that follow.
Despite the beauty of the second blast, the byproducts released from the series of explosions are quite harmful to the environment.
Along with affecting wildlife, the near-ground smoke from pyrotechnics can significantly alter air quality in the hours that follow.
Smoke from fireworks lingers over the Chicago skyline in 2005. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Attempts to create “cleaner” fireworks are out there but come at a greater expense.
With numerous fireworks shows per week, Disney invested in fireworks that launch via condensed air instead of gunpowder.
While the secondary explosion still releases unfavorable substances into the atmosphere, this approach eliminates the first explosion needed to launch traditional fireworks, reducing smoke and other byproducts released.
Another bonus? Launching with condensed air also sends the fireworks higher into the atmosphere, reducing the amount of fine particles circulating near the ground.
A quieter and cleaner approach
Standard fireworks come with hazards, even when the weather is ideal. However, when conditions are not ideal, the risks are enhanced.
Fireworks could be a problem in extremely dry areas; the embers that fall to the ground after their vibrant blast are known to spark new wildfires year after year, damaging homes and more.
In recent years, drought-stricken parts of the country were forced to skip their displays to prevent wildfires from happening. Even though the break from tradition may come as disappointment, some communities are opting for safer alternatives instead of fireworks.
Many places in the West continue to replace fireworks displays with LED drone shows instead.
Drones form an American flag during Super Bowl LI’s Halftime show on Feb. 5, 2017. (AP Photo/Business Wire/Intel Corporation)
LED drone shows eliminate the potential fire threat and air quality issues that immediately arise in the wake of a fireworks show.
In addition, drone shows come with less noise–at least to some extent. All booming and cracking sounds caused by fireworks will be replaced by the low humming buzz of hundreds of drones, which is barely detectable once the drones ascend high enough in the night sky.
However, most LED drone shows are still performed with music, so don’t worry about complete silence.
While choreographing and rehearsing the drone show itself may come with a higher price tag, it is a much more sustainable and safer route to consider. Not only is it better for the environment, but could also reduce the amount of damage and health impacts that fireworks cause.
Eliminating the use of old school fireworks may not go away entirely, but the transition to establish new Independence Day traditions is underway.
Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
Many people are looking forward to the spectacular Fourth of July fireworks shows. However, everything from rain, wind and humidity can affect not only if you can launch those rockets into the sky, but also what they will look like.
What You Need To Know
High humidity can make the fireworks’ colors less vibrant
Strong winds during fireworks can endanger the public
Lightning can strike spectators and unlit fireworks
Ideal weather
Clear skies, light winds and low humidity make for a great show. Extra moisture in the air can distort the colors and make them less vibrant.
Less humidity also means we can enjoy the show a little more because we don’t feel sticky.
Wind
We also need to have the right amount of wind. Light wind might not clear the smoke quickly enough, affecting how well you can see the fireworks.
Too much wind can blow smoke or embers around, endangering people.
Smoke from a fireworks display at Chicago’s Navy Pier filters through the skyline on wind currents from Lake Michigan. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Rain and lightning
Light rain is okay when it comes to fireworks, as long as they are covered or in waterproof bags. A wet fuse will not light.
A couple improvises by hovering beneath a towel during a brief rain shower while waiting in Brooklyn Bridge Park for the start of a fireworks display on the Fourth of July, Monday, July 4, 2016, in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Storms and heavy rain can lead to canceled or delayed shows. Lightning can pose a major threat, sometimes striking unlit fireworks or even people.
Drought
Drought conditions can also cause problems. The fallout from fireworks can spark fires when there’s a lot of dry vegetation.
Each year, fireworks spawn many fires.
A burnt hillside caused by fireworks in Provo, Utah. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
If there is a bad drought happening in your area, avoid setting off fireworks. Often, local authorities will ban the use of fireworks in high fire risk or drought conditions.
However, bigger shows might launch over bodies of water to accommodate for a drought.
So, keep these in mind if you plan on setting off fireworks. Check the forecast first and stay safe!
Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
Nothing says “Fourth of July” more than fireworks. After all, they are one of the longest held traditions of the holiday itself. But the unwanted health and environmental consequences that follow a pyrotechnic display are often overlooked.
Between drought conditions and air quality issues, now might be the time to reconsider the centuries-old tradition.
What You Need To Know
Fourth of July fireworks cause numerous environmental and health impacts every year
There are “cleaner” fireworks that release less smoke and other harmful substances
Some places are now replacing fireworks with LED drone shows
The Fourth of July is a holiday of traditions, and fireworks are the grand finale. Despite all their beauty while lighting up the night sky, though, fireworks can take a toll on the environment.
According to the American Pyrotechnics Association, over 16,000 fireworks displays typically take place across the nation on Independence Day.
Fireworks explode over the Washington Monument at the National Mall during the Independence Day celebrations in Washington, D.C. on Monday, July 4, 2022. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
Between some parts of the country combating drought conditions and others dealing with unhealthy air quality, setting off fireworks will only seem to make matters worse.
Banning the highlight of the holiday itself could put a damper on celebrations and cause major upset to those looking forward to the event. However, more suitable alternatives are beginning to trend across the U.S.
Eco-friendly fireworks do exist
Despite their short time to shine, nothing beats the sight of fireworks lighting up the night sky, especially on the Fourth of July. The pyrotechnics are so mesmerizing that they often disguise the negative effects that follow.
In standard fireworks, two “explosions” occur: one launches the firework into the sky, and the second makes the stunning bursts of color that follow.
Despite the beauty of the second blast, the byproducts released from the series of explosions are quite harmful to the environment.
Along with affecting wildlife, the near-ground smoke from pyrotechnics can significantly alter air quality in the hours that follow.
Smoke from fireworks lingers over the Chicago skyline in 2005. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Attempts to create “cleaner” fireworks are out there but come at a greater expense.
With numerous fireworks shows per week, Disney invested in fireworks that launch via condensed air instead of gunpowder.
While the secondary explosion still releases unfavorable substances into the atmosphere, this approach eliminates the first explosion needed to launch traditional fireworks, reducing smoke and other byproducts released.
Another bonus? Launching with condensed air also sends the fireworks higher into the atmosphere, reducing the amount of fine particles circulating near the ground.
A quieter and cleaner approach
Standard fireworks come with hazards, even when the weather is ideal. However, when conditions are not ideal, the risks are enhanced.
Fireworks could be a problem in extremely dry areas; the embers that fall to the ground after their vibrant blast are known to spark new wildfires year after year, damaging homes and more.
In recent years, drought-stricken parts of the country were forced to skip their displays to prevent wildfires from happening. Even though the break from tradition may come as disappointment, some communities are opting for safer alternatives instead of fireworks.
Many places in the West continue to replace fireworks displays with LED drone shows instead.
Drones form an American flag during Super Bowl LI’s Halftime show on Feb. 5, 2017. (AP Photo/Business Wire/Intel Corporation)
LED drone shows eliminate the potential fire threat and air quality issues that immediately arise in the wake of a fireworks show.
In addition, drone shows come with less noise–at least to some extent. All booming and cracking sounds caused by fireworks will be replaced by the low humming buzz of hundreds of drones, which is barely detectable once the drones ascend high enough in the night sky.
However, most LED drone shows are still performed with music, so don’t worry about complete silence.
While choreographing and rehearsing the drone show itself may come with a higher price tag, it is a much more sustainable and safer route to consider. Not only is it better for the environment, but could also reduce the amount of damage and health impacts that fireworks cause.
Eliminating the use of old school fireworks may not go away entirely, but the transition to establish new Independence Day traditions is underway.
Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
Millions of workers will be eligible for overtime pay under a new Department of Labor rule that took effect Monday.
The majority of salaried workers who earn less than $844 weekly can now be compensated for working more than 40 hours per week.
What You Need To Know
Starting Monday, about 1 million workers who make less than $43,888 annually are eligible for overtime
The majority of salaried workers who earn less than $844 weekly can now be compensated for working more than 40 hours per week
Starting next year, the protections will extend to 3 million workers when the overtime threshold increases to $58,656 annually, or $1,128 per week
In April, the U.S. Department of Labor finalized a rule about minimum wage and overtime pay requirements for executive, administration and professional employees
“A hard day’s work should lead to a fair day’s pay,” President Joe Biden said in a statement Monday.
Effective July 1, the overtime protections extend to 1 million workers who make less than $43,888 a year. The previous threshold was a weekly salary of $684 or less or an annual salary of $35,568.
Starting next year, the protections will extend to 3 million workers when the overtime threshold increases to $58,656 annually, or $1,128 per week.
“That means higher paychecks and more time with family for millions of Americans,” the president said.
In April, the U.S. Department of Labor finalized a rule about minimum wage and overtime pay requirements for executive, administration and professional employees. The rule increases standard salary levels and total annual compensation levels for highly compensated employees.
Under the new rule, the total yearly compensation for highly compensated employees who are exempt from overtime pay also increases from $107,432 to $132,964. Next January, it increases again to $151,164 annually.
Starting January 1, 2025, the department will use a different methodology to calculate the salary and compensation levels, which will be updated every three years to incorporate up-to-date earnings information.
Uncertainty about the upcoming election is stifling car sales, according to a new report from Cox Automotive. Almost 75% of consumers expect vehicle prices to change after November, prompting a wait-and-see mentality in the market.
What You Need To Know
75% of consumers expect vehicle prices to change after November, according to new election research from Cox Automotive
While consumers expect things will get somewhat or much better after the election, car dealers expect things to get worse
Interest rates are the No. 1 factor depressing car sales
Concern about the political climate has been growing among car dealers for the last three quarters
“No matter what side of the political aisle you sit on, a majority agree that change is coming, good or bad, and change is causing paralysis,” Cox Automotive Executive Analyst Erin Keating said Tuesday.
For its 2024 election research, Cox surveyed 529 consumers who were in the market for a car in February and 1,026 car dealers in April and May. The report found that consumers are more likely to believe things will get “somewhat” to “much better” after the election, while dealers expect things to get worse for the auto industry.
Already the automotive market has been sagging as consumer sentiment about the economy and buyers’ confidence wanes, with loans for new cars averaging 10% and average transaction prices at $48,389.
“Consumers are cautious and growing more price sensitive, while believing that rates will be lower soon,” Cox Automotive Senior Economist Jonathan Smoke said during a briefing about where the auto industry is headed for the second half of the year.
Smoke said three of the four factors that affect consumers’ ability to afford cars are in their favor, including declining prices for cars, higher incentives and higher incomes. But financing costs are on the rise.
“The U.S. election is looking to be a close call with a very wide range of policy implications,” Smoke said. “Consumers believe things will be better and more certain after the election is over, which adds to the hesitancy in buying.”
Cox analysts project 15.7 million vehicles will be sold in 2024, but they expect volatility in the second half of the year.
Auto dealer sentiment was even lower than it was for consumers in the second quarter. The majority of dealers cited interest rates as the number one factor depressing car sales, followed by the economy, market conditions and the political climate. Concern over polarized politics has been growing among dealers over the last three quarters, Keating said.
More than 80% of dealers said the outcome of the U.S. presidential election will impact interest rates in some way, compared with 66% of consumers.
Most consumers feel the election will not affect their decision to buy an electric, hybrid or gas-powered vehicle, though the majority said they are against government EV mandates.
The temperature is heating up, but you still want to do your daily run. How can you run safely in the heat?
What You Need To Know
Summer is not the time to set your speed records
Hydrate before and during your run to keep away muscle fatigue and cramping
Keep an eye on your heart rate, using either a monitor or smartwatch
Give yourself time to adjust to the heat and set realistic expectations. Summer is not the season to set personal records.
Acclimate to the heat
The transition to summer weather can happen quickly. This makes it more difficult to acclimate to the summer heat when running. Ideally, you will have two weeks for your body to get used to the heat.
Slow down your pace. Intense workouts generate more heat, making you hotter more quickly. Do an easy run instead.
Humidity
Check the humidity levels. High humidity can prevent sweat from evaporating on the skin, which means the body doesn’t have a way to cool itself. This could make you overheat faster.
If you choose to run outdoors, find shady spots and avoid peak heat hours. Running midday is not ideal. Instead, opt for early morning or late evening runs.
What you wear matters. Nick Doering, store manager of Fleet Feet in St. Charles, Mo., recommends wearing light layers of synthetic fabric for wicking away moisture.
Hydration
Some people don’t like to carry water on a run, but when it’s hot, you need to hydrate. Doering recommends even pre-hydrating to prevent muscle fatigue, as much as increasing liquids two days before.
“We have lots of hydration products like Nuun, or for the extra heavier sweaters, we have to Endurolytes, which is basically a salt tablet.”
If you can carry water on a run, do it. He suggests two ounces per mile to keep away cramps and stay hydrated.
Heart rate
Keep an eye on your heart rate. To calculate your target heart rate range for moderate physical activity, take 220 minus your age, then multiply that by 64% and 76%.
For vigorous physical activity, take 220 minus your age and multiply it by 77% and 93%. You don’t want your heart rate to exceed the higher number.
Running with dogs
Find a buddy to run with when training on hot days. That way, you can make sure you both stay safe.
Meteorologist Stacy Lynn and her dog Boomer. (Spectrum News/Stacy Lynn)
Running in the summer may not be easy, but it will make you a stronger runner, and come cooler, fall weather. It might surprise you at just how fast you can run.
Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
Thirteen children and teens in Hawaii took the state government to court over the threat posed by climate change. Now they’re celebrating a settlement that emphasizes a plan to decarbonize Hawaii’s transportation system in the next 20 years.
It’s the latest example of frustrated youth in the United States taking their climate concerns into the courtroom.
The settlement reached in Navahine v. Hawaii Department of Transportation recognizes children’s constitutional rights to a life-sustaining climate, Gov. Josh Green and attorneys with public interest law firms Our Children’s Trust and Earthjustice said in separate statements Thursday.
The youths in the suit had argued that Hawaii was violating the state constitution by operating a transportation system that harms the climate and infringes upon the right to a clean and healthy environment. More specifically, they accused the Hawaii Department of Transportation of consistently prioritizing building highways over other types of transportation.
The burning of fossil fuels —oil, gas and coal— is the main contributor to global warming caused by human activity. Hawaii is the state most dependent in the U.S. on petroleum for its energy needs, according to Our Children’s Trust.
The parties said the settlement was the first between a state government and youth plaintiffs to address constitutional issues arising from climate change.
“Climate change is indisputable,” Director of Transportation Ed Sniffen said in the governor’s statement. “Burying our heads in the sand and making it the next generation’s problem is not pono,” or not right.
Personal frustrations led to the 2022 lawsuit, along with a larger sense of activism that has driven youth climate movements around the world.
The lawsuit said one plaintiff, a 14-year-old Native Hawaiian raised in Kaneohe, was from a family that has farmed taro for more than 10 generations. However, extreme droughts and heavy rains caused by climate change have reduced crop yields and threatened her ability to continue the cultural practice.
The complaint said that rising sea levels also threatened to put their lands underwater.
The settlement’s provisions include the establishment of a greenhouse gas reduction plan within one year of the agreement that sets out a road map to decarbonize Hawaii’s transportation system in the next 20 years.
Provisions also include “immediate, ambitious investments in clean transportation infrastructure” such as completing the pedestrian and bicycle networks within five years, and dedicating at least $40 million to expanding the public electric vehicle charging network by 2030.
A volunteer youth council will advise the Department of Transportation.
The plaintiffs said they found some hope in the settlement.
“Being heard and moving forward in unity with the state to combat climate change is incredibly gratifying, and empowering,” one plaintiff, identified as Rylee Brooke K., said in a statement.
Elsewhere, youths’ efforts to press the state or federal government have been mixed.
The city of Honolulu filed two lawsuits against major oil and gas companies accusing them of engaging in a deceptive campaign and misleading the public about the dangers of their fossil fuel products and the environmental impacts. The oil companies have appealed to the Supreme Court in an attempt to halt the lawsuits from going forward.
In May, a federal appeals court panel rejected a long-running lawsuit brought by young Oregon-based climate activists who argued that the U.S. government’s role in climate change violated their constitutional rights.
Early this year, the state Supreme Court in Montana declined a request by the state to block the landmark climate ruling that said regulators must consider the effects of greenhouse gas emissions when issuing permits for fossil fuel development while its appeal was pending. That case was filed by youth plaintiffs. Oral arguments before the Montana Supreme Court are set for July 10.
Executive producer Peter Lenkov, who worked with Wily on both “Hawaii Five-0” and “Magnum P.I.,” said on Instagram that he was “devastated” and “heartbroken” by Wily’s death.
“You charmed me into making you a regular… on the show… and in my life,” Lenkov wrote in a second post, alongside a slideshow of images of himself and Wily. “You were family. And I will miss you every day, brother.”
Taylor Wily attends the Sunset on the Beach event celebrating season 8 of “Hawaii Five-0” at Queen’s Surf Beach on Nov. 10, 2017 in Waikiki, Hawaii.
Darryl Oumi / Getty Images
Wily was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. Before entering the film and television industry, he had a career as a sumo wrestler and mixed martial artist.
Wily had a recurring role on “Hawaii Five-0,” playing the character of Kamekona Tupuola for 171 episodes. He also reprised the role in “MacGyver” and “Magnum P.I.” He also played a role in the film “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” and appeared during the 20th season of “The Amazing Race.”
Wily is survived by his wife, Halona, and their two children, KITV reported.
Kerry Breen is a news editor at CBSNews.com. A graduate of New York University’s Arthur L. Carter School of Journalism, she previously worked at NBC News’ TODAY Digital. She covers current events, breaking news and issues including substance use.
It is the earliest solstice in the northern hemisphere since George Washington was president
Full strawberry moon will appear larger and brighter since it occurs so close to the solstice
It takes the Earth 365 ¼ days to revolve around the sun. The sphere of the Earth does not wobble perpendicular to the plane it is moving, it is tilted by 23.5 degrees.
It’s thanks to this tilt that we have seasons. The northern and summer hemispheres will be tilted toward and away from the sun at different intervals of the year.
Summer solstice occurs when a hemisphere is turned toward the sun.
Summer solstice
The summer solstice occurs in the northern hemisphere annually on June 20 or 21. It is when the sun is directly over the Tropic of Cancer and is located the farthest north in the sky.
The days closest to the summer solstice have the most daylight and are known as the year’s longest days. This year summer will begin in the northern hemisphere on June 20 at 4:51 p.m. EST, marking it the earliest start to the season since 1796, when George Washington was president, according to the U.S. Naval Observatory.
June 2016’s full moon occurred on the date of the solstice, but during the morning hours so not officially summer, since the solstice did not happen until that night. June 1996 had two full moons that month; technically, one of those moons occurred during the summer.
But two full moons in a month categorize the second one as a blue moon (that’s where the saying, “once in a blue moon” comes from), meaning 1996’s strawberry moon occurred early in the month during late spring.
Nomenclature
One would think that if it’s nick-named “strawberry” moon, it should appear with a reddish hue, but it depends on where you live, says Leone.
Other tribes, such as the Ojibwe, Dakota and Lakota, reflect this as well. According to NASA, an old European name for this moon is the Mead or Honey Moon to account for the harvest of honey. Some even say that’s where the term “honeymoon” came from because of the custom of marrying in June.
Appearance
The full moon is opposite the sun and will rise just as the sun is setting and inversely set when the sun is rising. With the sun at the highest point north, this means the moon will be at the lowest, making it appear larger.
The Old Farmers’ Almanac refers to this as the “Moon Illusion.” Thanks to its low position, it will have more atmosphere to pass through, says Leone.
“Depending on where you are in the world, the moon could appear reddish, like a strawberry, when it is close to the horizon.” Adding, “the best time to see it is when it is rising, before it becomes its usual goldish or silvery color as it climbs the evening sky.”
He recommends downloading the app “Moon” to find out when it rises from your location. The full strawberry moon will rise Friday at 10:07 p.m. EST.
Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
Summer may officially begin on Thursday, but Mother Nature isn’t waiting around until then. Nearly 84% of the U.S. population will experience temperatures 90 degrees or higher this week.
What You Need To Know
The heat will encompass nearly two-thirds of the country
Cities could break decades to even century-old records
“Extreme Heat Risk” will be experienced by millions of people
Notable cities that will experience “Extreme Heat Risk” include Chicago, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Detroit, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, New York, Albany and Boston. The heat is expected to last most of the week, potentially the longest duration of heat experienced in decades in some locations.
The reason for the heat is thanks to a large ridge of high pressure and the position of the high. With it located along the east coast, the winds in the middle part of the country and Midwest will be out the south and southwest.
This warm fetch of air will bring the heat and humidity on Monday to those locations. As the high shifts further east off the coast of the eastern seaboard, the hot air will move into Ohio River Valley, northeast and New England regions.
Meanwhile, areas located along the outer periphery of the ridge will see daily isolated rain and storm chances. Known as “ridge-rider” storms as the ridge blocks the storms from entering regions dominated by it.
Tuesday’s highs
The heat moves further east into New England and along the east coast by Tuesday.
Here are the potential records that could be compromised.
Wednesday’s heat
The heat looks to be most extreme by Wednesday, putting millions more at “Extreme Heat Risk.”
Here are the records with the best chance of falling on Wednesday.
Friday will be even hotter for some
The heat dome will shift westward by late week, bringing a return to the upper 90s for the Mississippi River Valley. Temperatures in the 90s look to stick around through the weekend into next week.
Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
Jerry West, who was selected to the Basketball Hall of Fame three times in a storied career as a player and executive and whose silhouette is considered to be the basis of the NBA logo, died Wednesday morning, the Los Angeles Clippers announced.
He was 86.
What You Need To Know
Legendary basketball player, coach and executive Jerry West died Wednesday at 86, the Los Angeles Clippers announced
West, nicknamed “Mr. Clutch” for his late-game exploits as a player, went into the Hall of Fame as a player in 1980 and again as a member of the 1960 U.S. Olympic Team in 2010; he will be enshrined for a third time later this year as a contributor
He was an All-Star in all 14 of his NBA seasons, a 12-time All-NBA selection, part of the 1972 Lakers team that won a championship, an NBA Finals MVP as part of a losing team in 1969 and was selected as part of the NBA’s 75th anniversary team
West was general manager of eight NBA championship teams with the Los Angeles Lakers, helping build the “Showtime” dynasty; he also worked in the front offices of the Memphis Grizzlies, the Golden State Warriors and the Clippers
West, nicknamed “Mr. Clutch” for his late-game exploits as a player, went into the Hall of Fame as a player in 1980 and again as a member of the 1960 U.S. Olympic Team in 2010. He will be enshrined for a third time later this year as a contributor.
West was “the personification of basketball excellence and a friend to all who knew him,” the Clippers said in announcing his death. West’s wife, Karen, was by his side when he died, the Clippers said.
He was an All-Star in all 14 of his NBA seasons, a 12-time All-NBA selection, part of the 1972 Lakers team that won a championship, an NBA Finals MVP as part of a losing team in 1969 and was selected as part of the NBA’s 75th anniversary team.
West was general manager of eight NBA championship teams with the Los Angeles Lakers, helping build the “Showtime” dynasty. He also worked in the front offices of the Memphis Grizzlies, the Golden State Warriors and the Clippers. Among his many, many highlights as an executive with the Lakers: he drafted Magic Johnson and James Worthy, then brought in Kobe Bryant and eventually Shaquille O’Neal to play alongside Bryant.
Even in the final years of his life, West was considered basketball royalty. He routinely sat courtside at Summer League games in Las Vegas, often watching many games in a day while greeting long lines of players — LeBron James among them — who would approach to shake his hand and pay him respect.
“The game transcends many things,” West said while attending Summer League last year. “The players change, the style of play may change, but the respect that you learn in this game never changes.”
He’s 25th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, and while the league has never confirmed that West was in fact the model for its logo — a player dribbling a ball, set against a red-and-blue background — the league has never said otherwise, either.
“While it’s never been officially declared that the logo is Jerry West,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in 2021, “it sure looks a lot like him.”
A strong area of high pressure has positioned itself in the southwest part of the country, bringing extreme heat to not only the desert southwest but also to parts of Texas. This high will intensify over the next few days and block out any relief from Pacific arriving weather systems.
What You Need To Know
A heat dome is set up over the soutwestern part of the country
Temperatures Wednesday through Friday are expected to be 20 degrees above normal
Excessive Heat Warnings and Advisories have been issued for millions of people
Cities that will see potential records in the next few days include Las Vegas, San Antonio, Phoenix and Palm Springs.
Heat dome
High pressure is associated with sunny skies and calm weather, thanks to sinking air. When the high remains in the same location and strengthens, it becomes a heat dome, where hot air is trapped underneath the high, how your car heats if the windows are closed.
This is happening in the southwest. The high also acts to block any incoming storm system and diverts them northward around it. With sinking air, clouds don’t form, and rain can’t fall, so you are left with hot air that transports from the air to the ground.
Tuesday’s highs
As the high was positioning itself south of California and Arizona on Tuesday, it transported heat into interior sections of those states, as well as Nevada, Utah and even eastward into New Mexico and Texas. With the high expected to drift further north, the heat will expand with it.
Desert locations don’t have to worry about the heat index, but other areas will feel even hotter thanks to the humidity. San Antonio, Texas, reached a record high temperature of 103 degrees on Tuesday, but considering the humidity, the “feels like” temperature or heat index soared to 117 degrees, breaking the all-time highest heat index for that city.
High temperatures for the rest of the week
The National Weather Service has issued Excessive Heat Warnings and Heat Advisories for the rest of the week for regions expected to see extreme conditions. In locations with higher humidity levels, it will feel even hotter.
Highs are expected in the triple digits with some locations not seeing the mercury go below 80 degrees, even at night.
Heat arriving early
It may seem like the heat is arriving earlier than in years past, but for some, this is just a typical June. Phoenix and Palm Springs see daily average highs already in the low 100s this time of the year. But for Las Vegas, temperatures will be 15 degrees above average this week, peaking in the 110s.
As for San Antonio, their average high during peak summer is only in the upper 90s, so temperatures surging into the low 100s any time of the year is abnormal.
The heat dome looks to collapse by the weekend, bringing a reprieve from the extreme heat.
Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION — A day after scrubbing the maiden crewed launch attempt of Boeing’s Starliner, NASA announced on Sunday the mission has a confirmed new liftoff date.
What You Need To Know
The next available launch chance is Wednesday, June 5; backup Thursday, June 6
In latest press conference, NASA officials explain to Spectrum News why they will fly the Starliner with the helium leak
The 45th Weather Squadron is giving a 90% chance of good conditions for launch, with the only concerns being the cumulus cloud rule.
The second launch attempt scrubbed
Minutes before launch of the crewed Starliner spacecraft on Saturday, June 1, Boeing and NASA scrubbed the mission, with an official from the U.S. space agency stating a computer put a hold. The hold happened at 3 minutes, 50 seconds before the instantaneous liftoff at 12:25 p.m. ET.
“NASA, Boeing, and ULA (United Launch Alliance) scrubbed today’s launch opportunity due to the computer ground launch sequencer not loading into the correct operational configuration after proceeding into terminal count,” stated NASA.
On Sunday, the U.S. space agency stated United Launch Alliance’s team discovered the cause.
“The ULA team identified an issue with a single ground power supply within one of the three redundant chassis that provides power to a subset of computer cards controlling various system functions, including the card responsible for the stable replenishment topping valves for the Centaur upper stage,” according to NASA.
The Centaur upper stage is part of ULA’s Atlas V rocket. The chassis are needed to enter the terminal phase of the launch countdown to make sure the crew is safe.
Early Saturday afternoon, NASA stated the next launch attempt would be Sunday, June 02, at 12:03 p.m. ET. But come Saturday evening, NASA stated the mission team wanted more time to assess the ground support equipment issue and the “next available launch opportunities are Wednesday, June 5, and Thursday, June 6,” it stated.
.@NASA, @BoeingSpace, and @ulalaunch are forgoing a Crew Flight Test launch attempt on June 2 to give the team additional time to assess a ground support equipment issue.
ULA will assess the ground support equipment overnight, and NASA will provide an update June 2 on next steps… pic.twitter.com/BlBddwk63o
— NASA Commercial Crew (@Commercial_Crew) June 1, 2024
NASA stated the focus for the launch team is to make sure the ULA Atlas V rocket is in a good configuration as well as Starliner, which is christened Calypso.
For the second time in less than a month, NASA astronauts Cmdr. Barry “Butch” Wilmore and pilot Sunita “Suni” Williams found themselves hoping to be sent to the International Space Station, only to be removed from Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
A number of things were going against this mission, but for Saturday’s attempt, the launch team had to troubleshoot a problem with the topping the Atlas’ Centaur’s cryogenic tanks with fuel. Eventually, a workaround was found.
This is a different issue that what originally scrubbed the mission on Monday, May 6. (Scroll down below for more details.)
Before that, the wind conditions gave some a wary eye.
The 45th Weather Squadron gave a 90% chance of good launch conditions, with the only concerns being ground winds and the cumulus cloud rule.
Mark Burger of the squadron explained to Spectrum News what Saturday’s liftoff conditions were like for both the launch day and for Sunday, one of the backup attempts.
Mark Burger of the 45th Weather Squadron was explaining to me the liftoff conditions for @BoeingSpace’s #Starliner mission for today and the backup launch tomorrow.
Before the Saturday, June 2 launch attempt, the Boeing Crew Flight Test mission has seen several delays, from an issue with a valve on the Atlas V rocket to a persistent helium leak on the Starliner. In fact, NASA stated on Friday, May 24, that the Starliner will be launched with the helium leak, saying it was stable and manageable.
The first launch attempt was set for Monday, May 6. However, minutes before the lift off, officials scrubbed it because they discovered an issue with a pressure regulation valve on a liquid oxygen tank on the Atlas V rocket’s Centaur upper stage.
Both Starliner and the rocket were rolled back to Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex-41 to repair the issue. The pair has since been rolled back to the pad.
Boeing hoped for a second launch attempt on Friday, May 17, at 6:16 p.m. ET. However, a small helium leak that was discovered in the Starliner’s service module put an end to that attempt. The cause of the leak is from a faulty seal.
The small helium leak also dashed the hopes of two more attempts: One for Tuesday, May 21, at 4:43 p.m. ET and the second one on Saturday, May 25, at 3:09 p.m. ET.
On Friday, May 24, NASA confirmed with Spectrum News that it will allow Starliner to launch with a helium leak.
On Wednesday, May 29, both the private company and the U.S. space agency announced that the Starliner mission is still on for the weekend.
“NASA and Boeing teams polled ‘go’ to proceed with plans to launch the agency’s Boeing Crew Flight Test to the International Space Station at 12:25 p.m. EDT Saturday, June 1. During a Delta-Agency Flight Test Readiness Review Wednesday at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, leaders from NASA, Boeing, and ULA (United Launch Alliance) verified launch readiness, including all systems, facilities, and teams supporting the test flight,” Boeing stated.
During a press conference on Friday, May 31, NASA officials once again assured that the Starliner is safe to flight, despite it losing helium.
Answering a question posed by Spectrum News as to why both NASA and Boeing do not roll the stacked vehicle back into the hanger and remove the space capsule to fix the leak, space agency officials said they have been thorough with reviewing the situation and the data they have collected.
“First of all, we’ve looked really hard at what our options were for this particular flange and the fact that this flange has a fuel line that goes into the flange, an oxygenizer line and helium line all going into the flange makes it problematic to work on. It makes it almost unsafe to work on,” answered Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.
He said the broken seal is leaking a half a pound a day and because the tank can hold 50 pounds of helium, they feel they can manage the small leak and within the margin of safety for spaceflight.
“Sometimes for spaceflight, we plan for contingencies and design the vehicle to have margin and in our case, we have margin in the helium tank,” Stich said. “… We really think we can manage this leak both by looking at it before we launch and then if it got bigger in flight, we can manage it. In fact, we can handle it as I said on Friday a leak 100 times worse than this.”
Mark Nappi, Boeing’s vice president and program manager of its commercial crew program, echoed what Stich said, adding that they asked themselves, “Is it safe or not? And it is safe and that’s why we determined to go fly with what we have.”
Learn about Starliner and Atlas V rocket
While the Starliner can fit up to seven crew members, for NASA missions it will carry between four to five people.
Each 16.5-foot (5 meter) tall Starliner is designed for up to 10 launch missions and they are made for each assignment, stated Boeing.
The Starliner spacecraft only has two missions under its wide belt: The first Orbital Flight Test in December 2019, which did launch as planned but there was a glitch in the mission-elapsed timer that caused the spacecraft to go into an orbital insertion burn at the wrong time, which wasted a lot of fuel.
So, while it achieved a stable orbit, it could not meet up with the space station.
The Starliner in the first Orbital Flight Test will be the same one used for this maiden crewed mission. And it is named Calypso after Jacques-Yves Cousteau’s oceanography vessel, RV Calypso, stated NASA.
After the stage separation, the Atlas V booster will fall into the ocean. Unlike SpaceX rockets, Atlas rockets do not land.
The Atlas V rocket, with the Starliner on top, stands at 171 feet (52 meters) tall. It is a bit smaller than a stacked SpaceX Falcon rocket at 229.6 feet (70 meters).
Understanding the mission
After the launch, the Starliner duo will have a more than 24-hour journey to the International Space Station, where Calypso will dock on the space station’s Harmony module, Steven Siceloff, a NASA public affairs specialist, explained to Spectrum News on Wednesday, May 29.
If all goes according to plan, it should dock autonomously at 1:50 p.m., Sunday, stated NASA.
One of the main objectives of the mission is to demonstrate the Starliner’s ability to launch and land. This will be the first time that the Starliner spacecraft will have a journey to the ISS with people onboard.
“The CFT crew is focused on testing Starliner systems in detail throughout their stay on ISS. For a flight test like this, they will not be tasked with research work on the station itself. They are qualified to do so, but for this mission, the flight testing elements have priority,” according to Siceloff.
The pair will assess the spacecraft, its displays, and cargo transfer systems; and will even go inside Starliner and close the hatch to show it can be used as a “safe haven” in case there is an emergency, NASA explained.
During the first launch attempt, former NASA astronaut and former Boeing CST-100 Starliner Director of Crew and Mission Systems Christopher J. Ferguson explained to Spectrum News what Wilmore and Williams will experience as the Starliner launches.
🚀@Boeing’s former #Starliner Director and @NASA astronaut Chris Ferguson was explaining to me what Cmdr. #Wilmore and pilot #Williams will experience during liftoff and what went into this maiden launch.
“The goal of the program is to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation on space station missions, which will allow for additional research time,” NASA stated.
“In 2014, Boeing was awarded up to $4.2 billion by NASA to build, test and fly the Starliner. The contract includes six service missions, as well as an uncrewed and a crewed flight test to the ISS,” Boeing stated in a 51-page document.
Both Wilmore and Williams will be at the ISS as part-time Expedition 71 members for about eight days before they climb back onboard the Starliner and return to Earth, NASA officials stated.
“Overall, they will be in space … but the exact duration depends on mission conditions and testing of Starliner systems while at the station,” Siceloffstated.
(ISS expeditions are missions that can last about six months.)
During the Saturday, June 01, launch attempt, NASA astronaut Loral O’Hara shared with Spectrum News why she wanted to go into space and the importance of the commercial crew program.
.@Jon_Shaban and I got a chance to interview @NASA astronaut @lunarloral ahead of @BoeingSpace’s #Starliner. She tells use why she wanted to be an astronaut and the importance of the ISS and the new way we get to space.
The Starliner will have a “hard landing” in the American Southwest. Its parachutes will slow it down to 4 mph before touching the earth again. The exact location has not yet been disclosed.
Meeting the crew
Boeing Crew Flight Test astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are seen in this 2022 photo. They will be the first astronauts to crew Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft to the International Space Station. (NASA/Robert Markowitz)
When it comes to space travel, the Starliner crew are pros. Wilmore, the commander of the Crew Flight Test mission, became a NASA astronaut in July 2000.
The retired Navy veteran has been on the Atlantis shuttle mission STS-129 in 2009 and two ISS Expedition missions: 41 and 42 between 2014 and 2015.
Williams will be the pilot for this first voyage of the crewed mission. The Ohio native was selected to be a NASA astronaut in 1998 and has been on two ISS missions: Expeditions 14 and 15 in 2006 and 2007. And then 32 and 33 in 2012.
It’s the first official month of hurricane season.
In June, most tropical systems only form into depressions or storms because we don’t have the right ingredients for stronger storms, such as warmer ocean water.
Let’s look back at some of the top June systems.
What You Need To Know
120 tropical systems categorized as a tropical storm or higher have occurred in June since 1850
87 of those tropical systems brought impacts to the U.S.
Only three major hurricanes have occurred in June
The 2000s
Tropical Storm Debby in 2012: An area of low pressure in the Gulf developed into Tropical Storm Debby on June 23. Curving northeast, Debby made landfall as a weak tropical storm near Steinhatchee, Florida.
Extreme rainfall fell over Florida, with Curtis Mill receiving the most at 28.78 inches. The Sopchoppy River reached a record-high flood stage and flooded 400 structures in Wakulla County.
River and creek flooding in Pasco and Clay Counties inundated around 700 homes. Central and South Florida saw damage from several tornadoes.
In the end, Debby caused around $210 million in losses and 10 deaths.
Rainfall from Debby caused massive flooding for areas like Live Oak, Fla. in 2012. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)
Tropical Storm Allison in 2001: An interesting storm, Allison first made landfall as a tropical storm near Freeport, Texas, on June 5. It drifted northward but quickly made a U-turn and re-entered the Gulf of Mexico on June 10.
After moving back into the Gulf, Allison tracked northeastward and made a second landfall in Louisiana on June 11, and continued northeast towards the Atlantic.
Texas saw a major flood disaster when Allison stalled over the state, dumping over 35 inches of rain. The storm damaged over 65,000 homes and 95,000 vehicles. Allison killed 41 people, most died from drowning.
Allison became the costliest and second-deadliest tropical storm on record in the United States, with around $8.5 billion in damage.
The 1900s
Tropical Storm Alberto in 1994: Initially forming near the western tip of Cuba on June 30, this storm tracked north, making landfall near Destin, Florida. It quickly weakened but stalled over Georgia and continued to stream in moisture across the Southeast.
This storm triggered devastating flooding across Georgia, Alabama and Florida. Twenty-seven inches of rain fell in some locations.
Thirty-three people died from flash flooding alone, and the storm damaged over 18,000 homes. Alberto also affected about 900,000 acres of crops and caused 218 dams to fail.
There was a total of $1.03 billion in damage, and Alberto became one of the worst natural disasters in Georgia’s history.
Hurricane Agnes in 1972: One of the worst hurricanes in history, killing 131 people, Agnes first made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane near Panama City, Florida, on June 19.
It then moved northeastward towards the Carolinas before it moved into the Atlantic and then drifted towards New York City, where it made landfall as a tropical storm on June 22.
Agnes caused a significant tornado outbreak in Florida and Georgia. There were 26 confirmed tornadoes, 24 of them in Florida. Agnes damaged or destroyed over 2,000 structures in Florida.
The rest of the Southeast felt minor impacts, but once Agnes moved into the Northeast, it devastated Pennsylvania and New York.
Pennsylvania experienced extreme flooding because of heavy rainfall. One area in Schuylkill County saw 18 inches of rain. Creeks and rivers ran out of their banks, and the damage from flooding left 220,000 people homeless.
New York suffered similar damage. Flooding damaged or destroyed over 32,000 homes and 1,500 businesses.
A large boat was tossed from the ocean in Cameron, La. when Hurricane Audrey ripped through in 1957. (AP Photo/Randy Taylor)
Hurricane Audrey in 1957: The first major hurricane to make our list, Audrey made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane in southwestern Louisiana on June 27. The impacts were devastating.
The storm surge inundated much of the Louisiana coast and killed much of the local wildlife. Heavy rainfall led to flooding.
In Texas, strong winds caused $8 million in damage.
The hurricane spawned many tornadoes inland, and people felt the effects of the storm as north as Canada, killing 15 people.
It was the earliest major hurricane at the time and one of the deadliest, with over 400 people killed.
The Gulf Coast Hurricane of 1916: The second major hurricane to make the list, this system first formed into a tropical storm on June 29 in the Caribbean Sea.
It moved north, and once it reached the Gulf of Mexico, warm waters allowed this system to intensify into a Category 3 hurricane.
It made landfall near Gulfport, Mississippi, on July 5, and winds caused about $3 million in damage. In Florida, it peeled roofs off houses, and chimneys and trees toppled. Heavy rainfall severely damaged crops in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee.
Overall, this hurricane killed 34 people. The remnants from this storm would combine with another system in the Atlantic and cause massive flooding in North Carolina.
A steamer sunk in Mobile Bay, Ala. when The Gulf Coast Hurricane of 1916 tore through. (NOAA/Steve Nicklas)
The 1800s
An unnamed tropical storm in 1899: Although it is unknown when this storm first formed, weather maps indicate a tropical storm in the northwestern Gulf on June 26.
This storm made landfall on Galveston Island, Texas, on June 27 and caused major devastation, mainly because many people did not have ways of receiving warnings.
This tropical storm flooded 12,000 square miles of land, and it left thousands of people homeless. It’s estimated that 284 people died in the storm.
3 back-to-back-to-back hurricanes in 1886: The end of our list takes us to 1886 when three hurricanes devastated the South and Southeast.
The first made landfall as a Category 2 hurricane near High Island, Texas on June 14. The hurricane damaged boats, waterfront structures and a railroad. Winds tore roofs from houses, and saltwater from the ocean impacted livestock.
Areas in Louisiana even saw major crop damage and heavy rainfall, peaking at 21.4 inches.
The second hurricane made landfall near St. Marks, Florida as a Category 2 on June 21 after traveling from Cuba and the Yucatán Peninsula. Flooding happened across low-lying streets, and it pushed ships onshore. The most damage occurred near Apalachicola and Tallahassee.
The third and final hurricane of the month (and this list) also developed in the Caribbean Sea, moved northward and made landfall near the same area as the second hurricane. It made landfall as a Category 2 hurricane near Indian Pass in Florida.
Homes lost their roofs, buildings collapsed and several ships sunk. It destroyed crops in Florida and Georgia, and even areas in North Carolina and Virginia saw wind and flood damage.
Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
2024 has gifted us with some spectacular celestial views from the total solar eclipse in April to the northern lights seen throughout most of the U.S. in May. June brings another astronomical phenomenon known as “planets on parade.”
What You Need To Know
Six planets will align on the morning of June 3
Planets lining up happens a couples times per year
Three of the six planets will rise just before 6 a.m. making them faint in the sunlight
It’s nicknamed as such because several planets appear to form into a straight line in the early morning sky. However, Spectrum News Space Expert Anthony Leone says it’s all about perspective. “In reality (and out in space), they are not lined up. It only appears that way to us.”
This ‘parade’ is unique because six planets, Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune, will align. He recommends waking up early and finding a location with minimal light pollution for optimal viewing. “Saturn is expected to rise from the east to southeast of the horizon at 2 a.m. ET on June 3.”
And bring binoculars or a telescope. “With the naked eye, you can see planets Mercury, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn as stars. The more distant planets like Uranus and Neptune will need binoculars or a telescope to view.”
Adding, “Free astronomy apps like ‘Sky Guide,’ ‘Planets’ and ‘SkyPortal’ are great at helping people see when and where the planets will rise.”
With three out of the six planets expected to rise just before 6 a.m., the sun may end up obscuring the view of the “parade.”
As for how common is this event?
“Believe it or not, planet alignments are not too rare, and they happen a couple of times each year. It just depends on how many planets will be in alignment for a parade,” explains Leone.
“The last time people saw most planets line up was this year’s total solar eclipse in April.”
And if the weather doesn’t permit you for the viewing in June, there will be another opportunity in August. “The next one will be Aug. 28 with Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune all aligning.”
2025 will have three chances to witness planets on parades, Jan. 18, Feb. 28 and Aug. 29.
Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
