🛰Watch Your Head for Falling Satellites

Welcome to the Thursday Newsletter, where we cover top industry news stories to keep you in the know.

Good morning. While your head is still in the clouds about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce dating rumors (still not Instagram official), look out for falling satellites. A congressional report by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) claims that large satellite networks like SpaceX’s Starlink could fall from the sky and cause "one person on the planet… to be injured or killed every two years,” starting in 2035.

These giant satellites are designed to fall and burn up in Earth’s atmosphere when their service period ends. However, the possibility of some pieces not burning up and falling to Earth is high.

_{-Bailey Hepler, Mikael Hall}

AIRLINES

Off-duty Alaska Airlines Pilot Attempted to Shut Down Engines while Taking Psychedelics

While you’re ducking plummeting satellites, keep an eye out for crashing airplanes. (I know, quite the theme for today’s newsletter). Joseph Emerson, a 44-year-old off-duty pilot, has been charged with over 80 counts of attempted murder after allegedly trying to shut down the engines of an Alaska Airlines flight.

Emerson, who had not slept for 40 hours and believed he was having a nervous breakdown, admitted to using psychedelic mushrooms prior to the incident. He was restrained by the flight crew after attempting to pull the engine fire suppression controls, which could have turned off the engines at cruising altitude. Emerson is currently held in an Oregon jail, awaiting arraignment. The incident has raised concerns about pilot mental health and the adequacy of current medical evaluations.

Big Picture.

• The aviation industry is now taking notes on crisis management after the quick actions of the flight crew prevented a potential disaster.

• Pilot’s mental health has been a topic for years. Emerson’s lash-out has raised questions about how can the aviation industry better address mental health issues among pilots to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.

• With the revelation that full mental health evaluations are not part of a pilot’s physical exams, should there be a reevaluation of the medical requirements for pilots, especially those over 40?

WORLD

Israel-Hamas Conflict Takes Dramatic Turn

The Israel-Hamas conflict has taken a dramatic turn, with Israel intensifying its bombing campaign in Gaza and responding to fire from Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon. The situation is tense, with both sides experiencing significant casualties.

Intensified Bombing Campaign. Israel has ramped up its bombing campaign against Hamas in Gaza, hitting more than 400 targets in the last 24 hours. This marks a significant escalation in their military response to Hamas’s activities.

Anticipated Ground Assault. Israel has stated that it is "well prepared" for a ground assault in Gaza, aiming to decisively crush Hamas in response to the devastating Oct. 7 terrorist attack that resulted in 1,400 deaths in southern Israel.

• Casualties in Gaza: The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry has reported that over 5,000 people have died in the Palestinian territory since the conflict began, highlighting the severe humanitarian impact of the ongoing violence.

U.S. Involvement and Regional Implications. U.S. forces have successfully blocked two one-way attack drones targeting their base at al Tanf in Syria, showcasing the broader regional implications of the conflict.

• The U.S. has stated that it will hold Iran responsible for any attacks on U.S. troops in the Middle East, adding another layer of complexity to the already volatile situation.

ASTRONOMY

A Cosmic Revelation about the Moon’s Age

Have you ever gazed up at the moon and wondered how all that cheese got up there? Well, recent scientific findings suggest that the moon isn’t just made of cheese, it’s even older than we previously believed. Researchers have uncovered evidence that challenges our understanding of the moon's formation and its place in our solar system's history.

What Did We Previously Believe?

Until recently, scientists estimated the moon's age to be around 4.5 billion years old, roughly the same age as Earth. This estimation was based on the ages of the oldest lunar rocks collected during the Apollo missions in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

🥨A Lunar Twist.

Researchers analyzed samples collected from the Apollo 14 mission and identified zircon crystals within these samples. Zircon is a durable mineral known for its ability to preserve its age, making it an invaluable tool in dating geological materials.

The remarkable discovery was that these zircon crystals dated back to approximately 4.4 billion years ago, just 100 million years after the birth of our solar system. This revelation is significant because it implies that the moon, far from being a latecomer, may have formed much earlier in the history of our solar system.

🧀What Does This Mean for Our Understanding of the Moon?

The moon's age is not just a matter of cosmic curiosity; it has implications for our understanding of the early solar system and the processes that led to the formation of our celestial neighbors. This discovery challenges previous theories about how the moon came into existence.

TAXES

IRS Squeezes $122,000,000 in Taxes from the Mega-Rich

The IRS, known for its relentless pursuit of tax dollars, has recently struck gold by reclaiming a whopping $122 million in missing taxes from the pockets of some crafty millionaires. In a surprising turn of events, these high rollers who were once masters of tax avoidance have found themselves on the wrong side of the IRS ledger.

The Tax Gap Tango. Imagine a dance between taxpayers and the IRS, where the IRS always tries to lead and collect its due. The tax gap, the difference between owed and paid taxes, has been a slippery partner for the IRS for years.

The IRS's crackdown on tax avoidance involves closely scrutinizing tax returns and financial records of wealthy taxpayers. The agency utilizes advanced technology to detect discrepancies and inconsistencies in income reporting and expenses. This allows the IRS to identify individuals who may be underreporting income, exploiting tax loopholes, or engaging in offshore tax evasion.

IRS Gets Tech-Savvy. To finally catch those elusive tax dollars, the IRS has traded in its old-school magnifying glass for state-of-the-art technology. With data analytics, artificial intelligence, and enhanced enforcement measures in its arsenal, the IRS now spots tax evaders faster than you can say, "deductible donut."

Tax Pain and Fines. To deter tax avoidance and encourage compliance, the IRS imposes significant penalties and fines on those who are found to have evaded taxes intentionally or unintentionally. In some cases, individuals may also face criminal charges for egregious tax evasion.

What it means to Taxpayers:

• The IRS's aggressive approach to addressing tax avoidance sends a clear message to all taxpayers, especially the wealthy: compliance with tax laws is non-negotiable. As a result, many individuals are reevaluating their financial strategies and engaging in more transparent and responsible tax planning to avoid legal repercussions.

THURSDAY SHORTS

• 📷Photo of the Week: Bobi, the oldest dog ever, seen this past July at the age of 31. Bobi passed away Tuesday at the biblical age of 217 dog years.

• 🏠64% of Americans claim they would welcome a recession if it meant lower mortgage rates.