• SpaceX Faces Firing Scandal, Yet Surprises the World
• Second Falcon 9 Launched This Weekend
• Launch Follows 53 Starlink Satellites Sent in Under 24 Hours

Amid controversy over SpaceX’s firing of employees who criticized CEO Elon Musk, the company is back in the spotlight after successfully launching a second Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. This launch was unexpected, as another was already planned for Sunday.

In less than 24 hours, SpaceX surprised observers by announcing the Falcon 9 launch, which came shortly after deploying 53 Starlink satellites. The launch occurred around 7 AM (local time), with the rocket’s return expected in the following hours.

Satellite launched in California

A reconnaissance satellite for Germany was launched on Saturday from California, according to The Associated Press. The launch, announced on SpaceX’s official page, took place at 7:19 AM (local time) from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

“SpaceX is targeting Saturday, June 18, at 7:19 AM PT (14:19 UTC) for a Falcon 9 launch of the SARah-1 mission from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force in California. A backup opportunity is available on Monday, June 20, at 7:19 AM PT (14:19 UTC),” the announcement stated.

The launch marked the third flight and landing of the reusable Falcon 9 booster. SARah-1 is part of a radar satellite system designed for Earth observation, providing imaging capabilities regardless of time or weather conditions, according to its manufacturer, Airbus, as cited by The Associated Press.

SpaceX noted that the booster had supported previous missions:

“The Falcon 9 first stage booster supporting this mission previously launched the NROL-87 and NROL-85 missions. Following stage separation, the first stage of Falcon 9 will return to land at Landing Zone 4 (LZ-4) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.”

What is the Falcon 9 rocket?

On its official website, SpaceX explains that the Falcon 9 is a two-stage reusable rocket designed and manufactured to provide reliable and safe transportation of people and payloads to and beyond Earth’s orbit. It is also celebrated as the world’s first orbital-class reusable rocket.

“Falcon 9 is a reusable, two-stage rocket designed and manufactured by SpaceX for the reliable and safe transport of people and payloads to Earth orbit and beyond. Falcon 9 is the world’s first orbital-class reusable rocket. Reuse allows SpaceX to re-fly the most expensive parts of the rocket, which in turn reduces the cost of access to space,” the company stated.

Is there another type of Falcon?

According to the official SpaceX website, the Falcon Heavy is a rocket even more powerful than the Falcon 9. It is one of the most powerful rockets in the world, designed with a capacity to launch nearly 64 metric tons into orbit. Its thrust is comparable to that of 18 Boeing 747 aircraft.

“Falcon Heavy is the most powerful operational rocket in the world by a factor of two. With the ability to launch nearly 64 metric tons (141,000 lb) into orbit, Falcon Heavy can lift more than twice the payload of the next closest operational vehicle, the Delta IV Heavy. Falcon Heavy is made up of three cores of nine Falcon 9 engines, whose 27 Merlin engines together generate more than 5 million pounds of thrust at takeoff, which equates to approximately eighteen 747 aircraft,” SpaceX explains.

• Banks Confirm Massive Closures
• Timeline for Branch Shutdowns Unclear
• Customers Advised to Explore Alternatives

On Monday, January 20th, the United States experienced a massive closure of bank branches and other services.

This was due to the coincidence of two major national holidays: Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the Presidential Inauguration.

Major banks in the country, including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, PNC, and Capital One, suspended all in-person operations, joining a broad list of government institutions and services that were unavailable on that day.

Major Banks Confirm Massive Closures

The overlap of these two federal holidays is rare and significantly impacts everyday activities.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day, celebrated on the third Monday of January, honors the iconic civil rights leader who fought for racial equality in the United States.

On the other hand, January 20th also marked the presidential inauguration, an event that takes place every four years on January 20th.

This year, Donald Trump was inaugurated for his second presidential term in a ceremony that captured national attention.

Branches of institutions such as Bank of America, Wells Fargo, PNC, Capital One, Chase, Truist, and Citibank were closed, preventing any in-person transactions.

However, online banking services and ATMs remained available to customers throughout the day.

It was advisable for those needing to conduct banking transactions to plan their operations in advance, as the closures coincided with a long weekend, and activities did not resume until Tuesday, January 21st.

The closures were not limited to banking entities.

As it was a federal holiday, a series of government offices and essential services also ceased their activities.

Among the affected institutions were non-essential government offices, Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMVs), public libraries, municipal offices, state and federal courts, and public schools.

The massive closures affected millions of workers and students across the country, many of whom used the day as an opportunity to rest or participate in commemorative activities.

The coincidence of these two holidays put a wide range of services in the United States on pause but also underscored the importance of both events.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day was not only a reminder of the struggle for civil rights.

Reflection and Commemoration on Martin Luther King Jr. Day

It was also an invitation to reflect on the progress toward racial equality.

This holiday is considered one of the most significant in the American calendar, accompanied by community events and commemorative acts throughout the country.

On the other hand, the presidential inauguration symbolizes the nation’s democratic continuity and attracts global attention, representing the beginning of a new chapter in the country’s political leadership.

Although the closures caused inconvenience, technological advancements in banking services allowed many operations to be performed without the need to physically visit a branch.

From electronic transfers to balance inquiries, online banking platforms and ATMs ensured the continuity of basic financial activities for users.

The massive closure of banks and services on January 20th served as a reminder of the importance of planning ahead to avoid setbacks.

Meanwhile, the day also provided an opportunity to reflect on the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

• IRS Refunds in 2025
• Who Qualifies for the Refund?
• Tax Burden for Workers

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced that taxpayers will be eligible to receive refunds of up to $7,830 during the 2025 tax season for the 2024 fiscal year.

This amount is linked to the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a benefit for workers with low or moderate incomes.

The EITC is a federal program designed to reduce the tax burden on workers and provide significant refunds to those who meet certain criteria.

IRS Checks Coming Soon

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) can reduce owed taxes or increase refunds, with amounts ranging from $632 to $7,830 based on family size and income. To qualify in 2025, taxpayers must meet specific IRS criteria:

• Individuals must earn less than $59,899, or $66,819 if filing jointly.
• Applicants must have a valid Social Security number, investment income below $11,600, and be U.S. citizens or permanent residents for the entire year.
• Those filing jointly must not have filed Form 2555 for foreign income.

Refund amounts vary: $632 for no children, $4,213 for one child, $6,960 for two, and $7,830 for three or more. EITC is refundable, meaning taxpayers can receive it even if they owe no taxes.

The IRS will start processing refunds in late January 2025, with most refunds issued by February. Taxpayers should review eligibility requirements carefully and seek assistance if needed.

• Julián Gil ‘Deals a Huge Blow’ to Marjorie de Sousa
• The actor married sports journalist Valeria Marín
• Wedding images are leaked

Julián Gil Marries Valeria Marín

In Instagram posts, Julián Gil is seen walking down the aisle with his now-wife, Valeria Marín.

Their pet also stole the spotlight, adding a special touch to the joyful celebration as the couple shared their happiness.

“Forever 29-12-2024,” Julián Gil captioned an emotional video, capturing the highlights of their wedding day.

The couple’s relationship began in 2020 and culminated in a beautiful ceremony at a country house in Puerto Rico.

A Blow to Marjorie de Sousa

Although a significant amount of time has passed since Julián Gil’s relationship with Marjorie de Sousa, the fact remains that the actress has never married—leading some to suggest that Julián has “won this round.”

Comments on the Instagram account of El Gordo y la Flaca reflected this sentiment, with users posting remarks like, “May they have many kids since Marjorie doesn’t share her son,” “Uyyy, how is Marjorie feeling?” and “Julián deserves this and his beloved wife.”

Others commented, “Marjorie might just be having a tough time today,” “Marjorie is out of the chat,” and “Julián looks happy and in love.”

You can watch the video of Julián Gil’s wedding here.