What's Happening

Politics

Trump Takes the Mic at the UN

What's going on: President Donald Trump came out swinging with a fiery foreign policy speech at the United Nations General Assembly yesterday. He said the UN failed to deal with immigration or resolve conflicts abroad, claiming that he personally ended seven wars in seven months (though the math isn’t quite math-ing). Trump also called out the UN members who recognize a Palestinian state, equating it to rewarding Hamas. At one point, he also seemed to jokingly threaten the operator behind the teleprompter, which had stopped working during his speech (and it’s not the only hiccup he encountered). Finally, he urged world leaders to partner with him (“I’m really good at this stuff”), while blasting them with lines like: “Your countries are going to hell.” Inspiring.

What it means: When Trump last addressed the UN in his first term, he vowed to “reject the ideology of globalism” and champion nationalism. This time, he tried a different script — offering to team up on wars in Gaza and Ukraine, the latter of which he’s even shifted his position on. Analysts, however, noted the obvious contradictions: His promise to extend “the hand of American leadership and friendship” clashes with his hellfire rhetoric. Critics also called out his recent record of slashing UN funding and leaving the US ambassadorship vacant until last week.

Related: Stranded in NYC Traffic, France’s President Calls Trump for Help (The Guardian) 

US News

Jimmy Kimmel Returns

What's going on: Jimmy Kimmel made his highly-anticipated return to late-night TV on Tuesday, receiving a standing ovation. In his first monologue since being pulled off air last week, he thanked his supporters and directly addressed the criticism surrounding his comments about Charlie Kirk’s assassination. At one point, Kimmel became emotional as he said, “It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man.” He also called out the Trump administration for targeting him and other comedians, calling it “anti-American.” Not everyone could tune in last night. Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair — which together run about 70 ABC affiliate stations across the US — chose not to air the show pending further “discussions with ABC.”

What it means: Kimmel’s sudden departure from late-night TV sparked a firestorm over free speech and prompted a wave of backlash from politicians, Hollywood stars, and consumers who canceled Disney+ subscriptions. While he’s back on the air, the ripple effects are far from over. Disney’s in a standoff with the local station giants that beam its shows into millions of homes. Meanwhile, the timing has raised eyebrows: Nexstar is seeking FCC approval for a $6.2 billion deal with Tegna, and Sinclair is exploring a merger of its own. The situation has put the quiet power of local broadcasters back into the spotlight and raised the question: Who’s really calling the shots in primetime?

Related: Jimmy Kimmel’s (Not So) Subtle Message Before Showtime (NBC)

Space

Meet NASA's New, Mostly-Women Astronaut Class

What's going on: Exploring space is all about milestone firsts. Sputnik 1, the earliest artificial satellite, orbited Earth in 1957. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were the first humans to walk on the moon in 1969. And now (better late than never), NASA says women finally outnumber men in its newest astronaut class, six to four. The women on the team took various paths to get here — some through military service, and one trained with the US women’s rugby team (no Katy Perry this time, though). Over the next two years, they’ll train to fly planes, prepare for space missions, and study languages — because yes, Russian still comes in handy at the International Space Station (ISS).

What it means: NASA just took a somewhat giant leap for womankind, decades after it famously wondered if Sally Ride needed 100 tampons for six days in space. If the progress wasn’t already apparent, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) shared that he’s “particularly proud of all the women.” So where are the new astronauts headed? Most will serve at the ISS (let’s hope they don’t get stuck again), but they could also become the first women on the moon — or, if we’re pie-in-the-sky dreaming here — the first humans to land on Mars. Call it smashing the glass ceiling with enough force to leave the stratosphere.

Related: What if Space Is the Future of Data Centers? (Wired)

Highlight Reel

BY SKIMM SPORTS

The week's sports news and culture stories, ranked.

Hang it in the Louvre: Jason Kelce just surprised fans by playing in the Ravens marching band. Look at that focus.

Sideline shakeup: The New York Liberty just fired their coach, and social media has thoughts. At least they’re keeping Ellie. 

Spotted: NWSL star Savy King’s game-day fit nodded to her unexpected bond with an NFL star. Survivors support survivors.

Settle This

President Donald Trump has settled on the location for his presidential library. Where is it?

Game Time

Looking for a crossword that’s not impossible to solve? You’re in luck. This one even offers hints when you get stuck. The faster you finish, the better your score — and the more impressed the group chat will be. Go on.