Dec 30, 2017

Transgender people can apply for military service Jan. 1

Photo: Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images

The Trump administration has dropped its fight to delay the January 1st date allowing transgender people to join the military, according to a BuzzFeed report. The DOJ said it will wait for a Defense Dept study on the issue and not pursue the issue to the Supreme Court now.

Why it matters: The administration's decision clears the way for transgender people to sign up to join the military despite Trump tweeting in July that transgender people would not be allowed to "serve in any capacity" in the military.

Go deeper

Orion Rummler
11 mins ago - Technology

Twitter launches warnings on election misinformation and delays

Photo courtesy of Twitter.

Twitter will start pinning notices to the top of all U.S. Twitter users’ timelines warning them that results in next week’s election may be delayed and that they may encounter misinformation on mail-in voting.

Why it matters: Delayed election results are expected across many states that are handling unprecedented amounts of absentee and mailed ballots, which President Trump has baselessly called "very dangerous" and "corrupt."

Go deeper (<1 min. read)Arrow
Miriam Kramer, author of Space
19 mins ago - Science

NASA confirms water exists on sunny parts of the Moon

Photo: NASA/JPL/USGS

Water on the Moon might be more easily accessible than previously thought, opening up new possible avenues for future human exploration, according to a new study.

Why it matters: NASA is aiming to send people back to the Moon as part of its Artemis program by 2024, with plans to eventually create a sustainable presence on the lunar surface. That sustainability relies on mining the moon for its resources, like water.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow
Axios
Updated 47 mins ago - Politics & Policy

Pence no longer expected at Amy Coney Barrett's final confirmation vote

Photo: Ben Hasty/MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via Getty Images

Vice President Mike Pence no longer plans to attend the Senate's final confirmation vote for Judge Amy Coney Barrett a Pence aide confirmed to CNN and Politico on Monday. On Sunday, Senate Democrats' claims that his presence after possible exposure to the coronavirus would be a "violation of common decency."

Driving the news: Five of Pence's aides were recently diagnosed with COVID-19, including his chief of staff, who is currently quarantining. Pence has continued his campaign travel despite his possible exposure, which goes against CDC guidelines.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow