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It’s Wednesday, Dip Fam,
Here’s what’s on the radar today: McConnell makes a rare return to the Senate amid health questions, the U.S. admits it has weapons in space, and more.
Today’s estimated reading time is 3 minutes and 26 seconds.
- The Daily Dip Editor
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**On this day in 1908, which major American automaker was founded in Flint, Michigan? **(answer revealed below!)
(hint: Chevy parent company)
In today’s issue:
McConnell rejoinsSenate ahead of key votes. 🏛️The US confirmsorbital weapons exist. 🌍Texas candidate facesbipartisan criticism. 🏛️
Plus, take ** today’s poll** and check out the
Senator Mitch McConnell, 84, returned to the Senate this week after months away, arriving for a string of major votes. He had been largely absent since a June hospitalization following a fall at home.
The extended absence fueled speculation that he might leave politics before his planned January retirement. Reporters were barred from filming his return, and he reportedly spoke slowly and with some difficulty, suggesting his health remains a live concern.
**The agenda:**McConnell said he came back to support a farm bill and out of ongoing interest in NATO and aiding Ukraine against Russia. GOP leaders also hope to advance crypto and college sports measures. Republicans have nominated Rep. Andy Barr to succeed him; Democrats, Charles Booker.
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Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said at a Maryland conference that the United States now has orbital weapons able to defend against hostile action, the first time officials have openly confirmed weapons in space.
Experts weren’t surprised the weapons exist, given past secret satellite launches, but called the public admission the real shift. China and Russia accused Washington of weaponizing space, though both reportedly hold anti-satellite tools of their own.
**The worry:**Space weapons are either kinetic (physical strikes) or non-kinetic (lasers, jammers). Analysts hope the U.S. leans non-kinetic, since destroying objects in orbit scatters debris that can chain-react into what’s called Kessler Syndrome. Meink also said interceptors for Trump’s Golden Dome are now flight-ready.
:📈
Today’s Poll:Space StandoffThe U.S. just became the first country to publicly confirm it has weapons stationed in orbit, a move China and Russia criticized while facing questions about their own anti-satellite programs.
How do you feel about the U.S. openly deploying weapons in space?
Bo French, a Republican running for the Texas Railroad Commission, is facing bipartisan backlash after sharing a photo from a University of Texas football game and claiming its racial makeup revealed a worsening problem at the school.
Prominent Texas Republicans, including Senator John Cornyn and Rep. Jared Patterson, publicly condemned the post, with Cornyn challenging others to denounce it. French refused to walk it back.
**The doubling down:**French accused Cornyn and other party moderates of letting institutions be overrun by immigrants, and argued that favoring Texans over foreigners isn’t racist. Critics point out that about 80% of UT students are already from Texas. With midterms approaching, Republicans worry his comments give Democrats ammunition.
🧮 Math: A 14-year-old set a record by mentally adding 100 four-digit numbers in just 30.9 seconds. Meanwhile, I still need a calculator for the tip.
🏛️ Architecture: Construction of Germany’s Cologne Cathedral began in 1248 and wasn’t completed until 1880. At that point, the blueprint needed a family tree.
🏆 Royalty: King Louis XIV of France held the longest reign of any monarch at 72 years and 110 days. Talk about committing to the job.
🤨 WTF: Łukasz Szpunar spent 4 hours and 2 minutes submerged in ice, setting a new world record. That’s one way to chill out.
TODAY’S QUIZ ANSWER:
General Motors
William C. Durant founded General Motors on September 16, 1908, in Flint, Michigan, originally as a holding company built around Buick. GM soon absorbed brands including Chevrolet, Cadillac, and Oldsmobile. More than a century later, it remains one of the largest automakers in the world.
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