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NASA has granted nearly $1.5 million each to seven companies to develop more cost-effective methods for the Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission. This initiative comes as the mission faces financial and logistical challenges, with current cost estimates reaching $11 billion and a plan requiring multiple launches to Mars. In response to these challenges, NASA is exploring simpler and more affordable …

### Israeli Strikes Lead to Fatalities and Wildfires in Southern Lebanon Recent Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon have resulted in two fatalities and ignited wildfires, as reported by Lebanese state media. These strikes have also led to Hezbollah announcing the death of two of its fighters. **Escalation of Conflict** For the past eight months, Hezbollah, an ally of Hamas, has …

Lebanese authorities have arrested 20 individuals following a shooting near the U.S. embassy in Beirut, which was reportedly carried out in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, according to a judicial source cited by AFP. On Wednesday, a Syrian man was initially arrested in connection with the shooting. A judicial official confirmed that the attacker claimed to have acted “in support …

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested war cabinet minister Benny Gantz not to step down after Gantz threatened to resign due to the lack of a post-war strategy for Gaza. Last month, Gantz had announced his intention to leave the emergency body if Netanyahu failed to approve a post-war plan for Gaza by June 8. “I call on Benny …

### U.S. Aid Reaches Gaza via Repaired Pier Amidst Conflict On Saturday, U.S.-provided aid reached Gaza for the first time since storm damage necessitated repairs to an American-built pier. This effort, overseen by the U.S. military, marks a renewed attempt to deliver essential supplies to Palestinians by sea—a venture that has faced numerous challenges. The pier, constructed by the U.S. …

Israel has conducted its largest rescue operation since the start of the recent conflict with Hamas, successfully freeing four hostages from central Gaza in an intense air and ground assault. The operation resulted in at least 210 Palestinian deaths, including children, according to a Gaza health official. The four hostages—Noa Argamani, Almog Meir Jan, Andrey Kozlov, and Shlomi Ziv—were rescued …

San Marino San Marino is looking to recover from their recent 4-0 loss against Slovakia in their last International Friendly. Slovakia’s goals came from Tomáš Rigo (8′), Tomáš Suslov (10′), Lukáš Haraslín (36′), and Dávid Strelec (58′). San Marino has seen at least three goals in five of their last six matches. During these games, they have conceded 14 goals …

Portugal Portugal will be aiming for a better outcome following a 2-1 defeat to Croatia in their last friendly. Diogo Jota scored the lone goal for Portugal in that match, while Croatia’s goals came from Luka Modrić (8′) and Ante Budimir (56′). Portugal has been in excellent form offensively, scoring 18 goals in their last six matches. However, their defense …