Failing water sector needs stronger regulation, review says

SpaceX just fired another batch of Starlink satellites into orbit tonight—27 of them, to be exact—riding atop a trusty Falcon 9 rocket from California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base. The launch adds more hardware to Elon Musk’s ever-expanding internet-beaming constellation, which already blankets parts of the globe with broadband. Bonus: they snagged some slick photos of the liftoff.

Editor’s Note: Love it or hate it, Starlink’s expansion is reshaping how we think about internet access—especially in remote areas. Each launch inches SpaceX closer to global coverage, but it also fuels debates about space congestion and light pollution. For now, though, it’s another win for reusable rockets and Musk’s ambitious orbital infrastructure.

Headlines might make it seem like ADHD diagnoses are skyrocketing, but a new global study suggests otherwise—there’s no solid proof of a real uptick in kids being diagnosed since 2020. The buzz around a "surge" could be more about awareness, access to care, or even overdiagnosis fears rather than an actual rise in cases.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about numbers—it’s about how we talk about ADHD. If diagnoses aren’t actually climbing, why does it feel like they are? Maybe it’s because we’re finally paying attention, or maybe it’s a sign of how messy diagnosis can be. Either way, it’s a reminder to look beyond the hype and ask what’s really going on with kids’ mental health.

Nicholas Britton, a grad student at Columbia, is diving into the intersection of clean energy and social justice. He’s pushing the idea that everyone deserves fair access to energy—not just as a climate fix, but as a way to tackle inequality, too. His work in the MPA-ESP program highlights how policy can be a tool for both environmental and societal change.

Editor’s Note: Stories like this remind us that the fight against climate change isn’t just about tech or emissions—it’s about people. Britton’s focus on equity reframes energy policy as a human rights issue, which could shape more inclusive solutions. For readers, it’s a hopeful nudge that the next generation of leaders is thinking bigger.

Scientists are on high alert as a deadly strain of bird flu, which devastated elephant seal populations in South America, now threatens colonies along California's coast. Researchers are scrambling to monitor and protect these marine mammals, fearing a repeat of the mass die-offs seen elsewhere.

Scientists have been puzzled for years by mysterious dark streaks on Mars, which some thought might be signs of flowing water. But a fresh AI-powered study suggests these streaks are probably just dust and wind doing their thing—no liquid water involved. It's a letdown for anyone hoping for signs of a wetter Mars, but it shows how tech is helping us rethink old mysteries.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about Mars being dusty—it reshapes how we search for life beyond Earth. If water isn’t behind these streaks, scientists might need to adjust where (and how) they look for habitable conditions. Plus, it’s a cool example of AI challenging human assumptions in space science.