SpaceX readies private launch of four astronauts to International Space Station

The UN just dropped some grim numbers—over 122 million people worldwide have now been forced from their homes due to violence and persecution. That’s up by about 2 million from last year, and almost double what it was a decade ago.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another statistic—it’s a snapshot of a world where conflicts, oppression, and instability keep pushing more families into desperate situations. The steady climb in displacement means more strain on host countries, aid groups, and, of course, the millions of lives upended. It’s a wake-up call about how far we still have to go in solving these crises.

Oman’s foreign minister just confirmed that Iran and the U.S. are heading back to the negotiating table this Sunday for their sixth round of talks—this time in Oman. The big sticking point? Iran’s fast-moving nuclear program, which has become even more urgent as tensions in the region keep rising.

Editor’s Note: These talks matter because Iran’s nuclear ambitions are a global flashpoint, and any progress (or breakdown) could ripple across an already shaky Middle East. Oman’s role as mediator adds an interesting twist—they’ve quietly brokered deals before. But with recent tensions flaring, Sunday’s session could either cool things down or reveal just how far apart the two sides really are.

Did you know the U.S. had a Department of Education way back in 1867? It was born right after the Civil War as part of an effort to heal the nation through education—but it barely lasted a year before being gutted. This little-known chapter in history actually shaped how America approaches education policy today, setting the tone for debates we’re still having.

Editor’s Note: It’s easy to assume education has always been a federal priority, but this story shows how messy and political it’s been from the start. The rise and fall of that first department hints at why U.S. education policy is still so fragmented—and why every attempt to centralize it sparks fierce debate. History nerds and policy wonks will love this, but it’s also a reminder that today’s education battles have deep roots.

Zoe Williams argues that while protests against figures like Donald Trump might inadvertently fuel their narratives by showcasing chaos, staying silent isn’t the answer. She highlights the moral urgency behind demonstrations—like those in LA against unjust arrests—and nods to Hannah Arendt’s warnings about totalitarianism. The piece wrestles with the tension between activism’s risks and the cost of inaction.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about Trump or protests—it’s about the messy, necessary role of dissent in democracy. Williams taps into a deeper anxiety: how do you resist without playing into an opponent’s hands? It’s a question that matters whether you’re in LA or anywhere else where power feels unchecked.

North Korea seems to have hit the mute button on its border loudspeakers aimed at South Korea, following Seoul's earlier decision to stop its own broadcasts. South Korea’s military noticed the quiet and mentioned it Thursday, hinting at a possible de-escalation—or at least a break from the noise war.

Editor’s Note: Loudspeaker propaganda blasts across the DMZ have been a weird but tense feature of the Koreas' Cold War hangover. When they stop, it’s often a sign that neither side wants to poke the bear (or each other) further—at least for now. Small steps like this don’t solve the big issues, but they’re a reminder that even bitter rivals can dial things back when they choose to.