From space exploration milestones to shifting geopolitical fault lines, here are the key developments that made headlines last week you might have missed.
1. NASA Fast-Tracks Nuclear Power for the Moon to Outpace Global Rivals
NASA is accelerating plans to place a nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030 as part of a broader strategy to establish permanent lunar infrastructure and maintain an edge over China and Russia in the emerging “second space race.” The reactor would provide sustainable energy for long-term missions and potential moon bases, supporting exploration and paving the way for future space stations in lunar orbit.
Read more here
2. Trump and Putin to Meet in Alaska on Ukraine
President Trump will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15 to discuss a possible Ukraine ceasefire. Reports indicate the talks may address territorial changes — an option Ukraine’s leadership has firmly rejected. The meeting will be the most direct U.S.–Russia engagement on the war in years.
Details here
3. Florida Judge Halts Construction at ‘Alligator Alcatraz’
A federal judge has ordered construction to stop at a planned “Alligator Alcatraz” tourist attraction in Homestead, Florida. The ruling comes after environmental groups argued the development threatened endangered species and sensitive wetlands. The project’s backers say it would boost tourism; opponents call it an ecological risk that violates federal protections.
4. Trump Imposes Tariffs on India Over Russian Oil Purchases
The United States has announced new tariffs on Indian exports in response to India’s continued purchase of discounted Russian oil. The administration says the measures are aimed at pressuring New Delhi to align more closely with Western sanctions on Moscow. The move targets goods such as steel and aluminum, raising tensions with one of America’s key strategic partners in Asia.
Coverage here
5. Texas Redistricting Fight Exposes Party Divide
A high-profile Democratic strategist has confessed his own party lacks the “moral authority” to criticize Texas Republicans over redistricting, pointing to years of similar tactics in Democrat-controlled states. The remarks come amid an ongoing legal battle over Texas’ new congressional maps, which opponents say dilute minority voting strength. The case is expected to play a key role in future debates over gerrymandering nationwide.
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