Spending deal averts shutdown / Microsoft revives Three Mile Island nuke plant / Shipbuilding revival in SK / Federal infrastructure bill falters / Sinaloa cartel war escalates / UN impotent / Sports
Ad Astra Podcast
September 23 2024
Good morning citizens of America. This is the Ad Astra Citizen Journal, daily brief for September 23, 2024 AD. I'm here to bring you the latest news headlines from around the world. Let's dive into today's top stories. In today's pod, we're tracking, spending deal of Earth's shutdown. Microsoft Revives Three Mile Island Nuke Plan, Shipbuilding Revival in South Korea, Federal Infrastructure Bill Walters, Sena Loa Cartel War Escalates, UN Impotent, Sports. Spending deal of Earth's shutdown. Congressional leaders came together this Sunday to back a bipartisan spending deal that would avoid a government shutdown right before the election. But that's not all. The Secret Service is set to get an extra $231 million to help protect presidential candidates. This proposal, supported by both Republicans and Democrats, would extend government funding until December 20, giving Congress more time to decide how much money should be allocated to each federal agency for the next fiscal year. Next, we turn to Microsoft's bold move into the energy sector. Microsoft Revives Three Mile Island Nuclear Plant. Pennsylvania's dormant Three Mile Island Nuclear Plant, yes, the site of the worst nuclear accident in US history, is set to come back online. Microsoft has struck an unprecedented 20-year deal to buy 100% of the plant's power, feeding its growing energy demands for artificial intelligence projects. The plant, which closed in 2019, is expected to be operational again by 2028. And this isn't the only news about Microsoft's energy ventures. They're teaming up with BlackRock and Abu Dhabi's MGX to launch a $30 billion fund for AI infrastructure. The plant includes building new data centers and power plants in the US, all focused on the growing needs of artificial intelligence. Now let's move from tech to shipbuilding, shipbuilding revival in South Korea. The US is falling behind China and shipbuilding, and now it's turning to South Korea for help. Hyundai and other companies are being brought in to make ships quickly, affordably, and with modern techniques. Everything the US shipyards currently struggle to do. Meanwhile, China's naval fleet now outnumbers the US thanks to state subsidized shipyards that produce vessels at a breakneck pace. But speaking of lagging behind, the US government's infrastructure plans aren't exactly going smoothly either. Federal infrastructure bill falters. It's been over 1,000 days since Biden's $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill was passed. So where are we now? Well, not as far as many had hoped. Despite $42.5 billion being earmarked for bringing high-speed internet to rural areas, zero people have been connected so far. And out of the $7.5 billion for EV charging stations, only eight stations have been built. Meanwhile, private companies like Starlink have been racing ahead, but Starlink's $885 million contract to provide rural internet was canceled by the FCC, with the government opting for more expensive and slower-to-install fiber lines instead. Critics argue that this inefficiency may be more than just government waste. It could be political retaliation against Elon Musk. Shifting gears now to a troubling update out of Mexico, Sinaloa cartel war escalates. Since September 9, Mexico's western Sinaloa state has been rocked by violent clashes between rival factions of the infamous Sinaloa cartel. So far, 53 people have been killed and 51 are still missing. The conflict reportedly started after Ismail El Mayo's Ambada, a leader of one of the factions, was arrested in the U.S. back in July, igniting a brutal war for control. And finally, let's talk global conflict on a bigger stage. UN impotent amid rising chaos. As the United Nations General Assembly convenes tomorrow, the world's attention is focused on major wars in Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan. Unfortunately, it seems that neither the UN nor world powers have been able to put an end to the violence. In fact, by many accounts, global chaos has only worsened since last year's gathering. Before we wrap up today, let's switch to some sports news. Sports Update. In an absolute nail-biter, Colorado stunned Baylor in overtime with a miracle finish. Under head coach Dion Sanders, the buffaloes are now off to a three-to-one start, and in this wet and wild game. Shader Sanders threw a clutch 43-yard Hail Mary touched down to tie the game as time expired, setting up an overtime victory. It was a play that fans won't forget anytime soon. On this day in history, September 23, 1949, President Truman made a shocking announcement. The Soviet Union had successfully exploded its first nuclear device, marking the start of a new era in the Cold War. That's all for today's brief. Join us again tomorrow for more news and updates. This show was produced by Greg Loving, wishing you a great day ahead. Please follow and rate us on Apple Podcast or Spotify. It helps other listeners find us. Stay informed and add Astra per Aspira. [Music]