Biden is boosting cybersecurity at US ports

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has signed an executive order and created a federal rule aimed at better securing the nation’s ports from potential cyberattacks. The administration is outlining Wednesday a set of cybersecurity regulations that port operators must comply with across the country, not unlike standardized safety regulations that seek to prevent injury or damage to people and infrastructure. The new requirements are part of the federal government’s focus on modernizing how critical infrastructure like power grids, ports and pipelines are protected.

Jill Biden announces $100 million for ‘life-changing’ research

WASHINGTON (AP) — Jill Biden has announced $100 million in public funding to boost research and development into women’s health. It’s the first major deliverable from the new White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research. The initiative was announced last year and is led by the first lady. The $100 million is coming from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health, or ARPA-H. Biden announced the ARPA-H Sprint for Women’s Health during an appearance Wednesday in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The first lady says women don’t know enough about their health because the research has been underfunded. She says the new White House initiative aims to change that.

Private US spacecraft enters orbit around the moon ahead of landing attempt

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — A private U.S. lunar lander is in orbit around the moon, a day before it will attempt to land on the surface. Intuitive Machines’ spacecraft launched last week and reached the moon Wednesday. On Thursday, flight controllers in Houston will attempt a landing. A smooth touchdown would return the U.S. to the lunar surface for the first time since NASA astronauts closed out the Apollo program in 1972. If successful, it would also become the first private outfit to ace a moon landing. Another U.S. company tried last month, but it never got to the moon because of a fuel leak.

Boeing ousts head of 737 jetliner program, appoints new vice president of quality

SEATTLE (AP) — Boeing says the head of its 737 jetliner program is leaving the company immediately, paving the way for the aircraft maker to appoint new leadership at the troubled division. Ed Clark had been with Boeing for 18 years. Boeing said Wednesday that Katie Ringgold will succeed him as vice president and general manager of the 737 program, and the company’s Renton, Washington, site. The shakeup comes weeks after the head of the Federal Aviation Administration said that Boeing — under pressure from airlines to produce large numbers of planes — is not paying enough attention to safety.

Man charged in mass shooting at Fourth of July parade to stand trial next February

CHICAGO (AP) — A judge has ruled that the man accused of killing seven people and injuring dozens more at a Fourth of July parade in suburban Chicago in 2022 will stand trial next February. Robert Crimo III is charged with 21 counts of first-degree murder, 48 counts of attempted murder and 48 counts of aggravated battery for the shooting in Highland Park, Illinois. Judge Victoria Rossetti on Wednesday scheduled his trial to begin Feb. 24, 2025.