Wednesday

Trending:

• On July 10, 2025, the U.S. Pentagon announced a $400 million investment in MP Materials, acquiring a stake through convertible preferred stock and warrants that could result in owning about 15% of the company upon conversion. This deal positions the Department of Defense as MP's largest shareholder and aims to bolster domestic rare earth magnet production at the company's Mountain Pass mine in California—the only active rare earth mine in the U.S.—and its new facility in Fort Worth, Texas. Just five days later, on July 15, 2025, Apple followed with a $500 million supply agreement to purchase rare earth magnets from MP Materials, emphasizing recycled and U.S.-sourced materials for products like iPhones and Macs, aligning with efforts to diversify from Chinese suppliers.
• These deals underscore the strategic importance of rare earth elements, a group of 17 minerals essential for high-performance magnets in technologies ranging from electric vehicles and wind turbines to defense systems and consumer electronics. With China controlling over 90% of global refined rare earths and magnets, the investments highlight the U.S.‘s aim to build a resilient domestic supply chain, enhancing national security and supporting tech innovation while potentially challenging China's dominance in this critical sector.
• The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) taking a $400 million equity stake in MP Materials on July 10, 2025—potentially owning about 15% of the company and becoming its largest shareholder—marks a significant and unprecedented move for the Pentagon, as it has never before acquired direct ownership in a private company like this rare earth minerals producer. While the DoD has previously supported critical minerals initiatives through grants, contracts, and loans under the Defense Production Act—such as $35 million to MP in 2022 for processing capacity and earlier funding in 2020—it has avoided equity investments until now, facilitated by its Office of Strategic Capital established in December 2022 to partner on national security technologies. This shift underscores a strategic escalation in efforts to counter China's dominance in rare earths, which are vital for defense systems and tech applications.

Development:

• On July 15, 2025, CoreWeave announced a $6 billion investment to build a large AI-focused data center campus in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The news was shared at the Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit, where company leaders and state officials discussed how the facility could strengthen the region’s role in advanced computing. Construction is already underway on the first phase, which will use about 100 megawatts (MW) of power to support high-performance GPUs for AI workloads. CoreWeave plans to expand the site’s capacity to 300 MW over time, making it one of the largest AI data centers in the Northeast.

• The project is expected to generate about 600 construction jobs and around 70 permanent positions once fully operational. CoreWeave aims to complete the first phase within 18 months, with future expansions driven by the growing demand for AI computing. As AI applications continue to grow rapidly, this project highlights the increasing need for powerful data centers with advanced infrastructure. Local officials view the development as a major boost for Lancaster’s economy and a sign of how AI is shaping energy use and job creation across the U.S.

Environment:

• As of yesterday, July 15, 2025, North Carolina faces severe flash flooding in the central and Piedmont regions, caused by heavy rain from slow-moving thunderstorms on already saturated soil from recent tropical systems. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for counties like Guilford, Randolph, Alamance, Orange, Chatham, Durham, Cumberland, and Sampson, with 1 to 3 inches of rain fallen and another 1 to 2 inches possible. This has led to urban flooding, submerged roads, and rescues in Greensboro, Burlington, and Graham. The event follows a month of intense weather, with over 57 reports in central areas, driven by Tropical Storm Chantal remnants that brought up to 12 inches of rain, pushing rivers like the Haw and Eno near historic highs.

• Impacts include numerous rescues in Chapel Hill and Durham, displacing over 60 people and causing one death in Chatham County from a swept-away vehicle. Major routes like Interstate 40/85 are closed, affecting over 120 roads statewide, with power outages for thousands. The Cape Fear River is rising, flooding lowlands in Cumberland and Bladen counties. Emergency declarations are in effect, and Governor Josh Stein urges following alerts and avoiding travel. Forecasts show more storms adding 2 to 4 inches of rain, maintaining moderate flash flood risk into July 16 in the Piedmont Triad and foothills. 
• As of July 15, 2025, Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, is facing severe flash flooding caused by intense monsoon rains that have overwhelmed local drainage systems and arroyos. Heavy precipitation, ranging from 25 to 50 millimeters in a short time, has led to rapid water accumulation, exacerbated by urban development and soil conditions from prior droughts. Key areas affected include Avenida Tecnológico, Avenida 5 de Febrero, and neighborhoods like Colonia Granja, where streets have turned into rivers carrying debris and vehicles. Public facilities, such as the IMSS-Bienestar Hospital, have experienced flooding and disruptions, while videos show knee- to waist-high waters submerging commercial zones and dislodging infrastructure.

• Emergency responses are underway, with Protección Civil Sonora issuing alerts for residents to stay indoors and avoid high-risk zones amid ongoing hazards like fast currents and lightning. Rescues have been conducted, including for a family swept by the water, and authorities are coordinating traffic restrictions and aid. At least three fatalities have been reported across Sonora due to the floods, though specific details for Nogales remain preliminary. The situation is expected to ease overnight if no further storms occur, but the monsoon season poses risks for recurrence, underscoring ongoing needs for improved flood infrastructure in the region.

Social:

• Longtime American Idol music supervisor Robin Kaye and her husband, Thomas DeLuca, both 70, were found fatally shot in their upscale Encino home on July 14, 2025. Concerned family members had requested a welfare check, leading to the heartbreaking discovery. According to investigators, the couple had unexpectedly returned home on July 10 and encountered an intruder inside. Evidence suggests the confrontation turned deadly. The suspect reportedly entered through an unlocked door, bypassing the home’s high-end security system, which included surveillance cameras and perimeter fencing. Kaye and DeLuca were discovered in separate rooms, each with fatal gunshot wounds to the head.
• Police have arrested 22-year-old Raymond Boodarian in connection with the double homicide. Authorities believe the crime was a robbery that escalated, and that Boodarian had no known ties to the victims. A spokesperson for American Idol remembered Kaye as “a cornerstone of the Idol family since 2009,” describing the couple as deeply respected and beloved. The LAPD is continuing its investigation, including a review of the suspect’s background and any potential missed warning signs. Meanwhile, the tight-knit Encino community mourns the tragic loss of two cherished individuals.

Sports:

• From July 14 to 16, 2025, Wimbledon crowned both singles champions. Jannik Sinner won the men’s title, defeating Carlos Alcaraz in four sets to become the first Italian Wimbledon champion. Iga Swiatek won the women’s title, beating Amanda Anisimova 6–0, 6–0 for her first Wimbledon crown and sixth Grand Slam overall. Sinner’s win marked his second career major.

• In international soccer, UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 group play concluded. Spain beat Italy 3–1 to finish Group B with nine points. France defeated the Netherlands 5–2 to win Group D. England beat Wales 6–1 to take second place in their group. Germany advanced despite a 4–1 loss to Sweden. The quarterfinals were set: Norway versus Italy, Sweden versus England, Spain versus Switzerland, and France versus Germany.
• In Major League Baseball, Boston won its tenth straight game with a 4–1 victory over Tampa Bay on July 13. Cincinnati defeated Colorado 4–2, giving Terry Francona his 2,000th managerial win. Kyle Stowers hit three home runs in Miami’s 11–1 win over Baltimore. The National League won the MLB All-Star Game on July 15, using a swing-off tiebreaker for the first time, with Brent Rooker named MVP.
• In the WNBA, league play resumed after the All-Star break. Phoenix defeated Golden State 78–77 on July 14 with a last-second free throw from Alyssa Thomas. Minnesota’s Napheesa Collier scored 29 points in a win over Chicago. Los Angeles beat Washington 99–80 behind 26 points from Dearica Hamby. Indiana defeated Connecticut 85–77, with Caitlin Clark leaving late due to a leg injury.

Thanks for reading!