Digest

The podcast begins with an advertisement for the NPR Plus bundle, highlighting its benefits for listeners who enjoy NPR podcasts and want to support the organization. The episode then covers a variety of news stories, including the preparation for the first-ever commercial spacewalk by four astronauts, including billionaire Jared Isaacman. The astronauts will be exiting a SpaceX capsule and conducting a two-hour spacewalk, with Isaacman and SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis taking turns outside the capsule. Tropical Storm Francine, formerly Hurricane Francine, made landfall in southern Louisiana as a Category 1 hurricane, causing power outages and flooding. Many residents chose not to evacuate, but some, like parents of young babies, left due to concerns about power outages and the need for essential supplies. Wildfires are sweeping across hillsides in southern California, threatening thousands of homes and structures. The Bridge Fire has consumed over 50,000 acres and is 0% contained, while the Line Fire is 18% contained after burning over 36,000 acres. The episode also covers the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, with President Biden, Vice President Harris, former President Trump, and others gathering in Manhattan to commemorate the event. Republican Vice Presidential candidate J.D. Vance highlighted the bipartisan unity displayed during the event. A brief update on the stock market reports that US futures are lower in after-hours trading on Wall Street. A new study has linked a compound found in household products like soaps, shampoos, and air fresheners to early puberty in girls. The compound, musk-ambrette, is a synthetic fragrance that can latch onto a receptor in the brain that plays a key role in activating the puberty process. The episode concludes with news of the passing of R&B singer-songwriter Frankie Beverly, known for his work with the band Raw Soul and later Maze. Beverly's music was a staple at family gatherings for decades, and he continued to perform even after his voice began to fade.

Outlines

00:00:00

News Roundup: Spacewalk, Storms, Wildfires, and More

This episode covers a range of news stories, including a commercial spacewalk, a tropical storm in Louisiana, wildfires in California, the 9/11 anniversary, and a study linking household chemicals to early puberty in girls.

00:00:22

Private Astronauts Prepare for Commercial Spacewalk

Four astronauts, including billionaire Jared Isaacman, are preparing for the first-ever commercial spacewalk. They will be exiting a SpaceX capsule and conducting a two-hour spacewalk, with Isaacman and SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis taking turns outside the capsule.

00:01:16

Tropical Storm Francine Impacts Louisiana and Wildfires Rage in Southern California

Tropical Storm Francine, formerly Hurricane Francine, made landfall in southern Louisiana as a Category 1 hurricane, causing power outages and flooding. Many residents chose not to evacuate, but some, like parents of young babies, left due to concerns about power outages and the need for essential supplies. Wildfires are sweeping across hillsides in southern California, threatening thousands of homes and structures. The Bridge Fire has consumed over 50,000 acres and is 0% contained, while the Line Fire is 18% contained after burning over 36,000 acres.

00:02:35

9/11 Anniversary Commemoration and US Futures Lower in After-Hours Trading

President Biden, Vice President Harris, former President Trump, and others gathered in Manhattan to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Republican Vice Presidential candidate J.D. Vance highlighted the bipartisan unity displayed during the event. A brief update on the stock market reports that US futures are lower in after-hours trading on Wall Street.

Keywords

Q&A

• What are the key benefits of the NPR Plus bundle?

  The NPR Plus bundle offers perks across more than 20 podcasts, including ad-free listening and exclusive content. It also provides a way to support NPR's mission of creating a more informed public.

• What is the significance of the first-ever commercial spacewalk?

  This spacewalk marks a significant milestone in the commercialization of space exploration, demonstrating the growing role of private companies in space activities. It also highlights the increasing accessibility of space travel for individuals and organizations.

• What are the potential health risks associated with musk-ambrette?

  Musk-ambrette has been linked to early puberty in girls, suggesting that it may disrupt the endocrine system. This raises concerns about the potential health effects of exposure to this compound, particularly for children and adolescents.

• How did Frankie Beverly's music impact popular culture?

  Frankie Beverly's music was a staple at family gatherings and events for decades, with hits like \"Happy Feelings\" and \"Joy and Pain\" becoming popular anthems. His soulful voice and energetic performances made him a beloved figure in the R&B community.

Show Notes