The stark landscape of the Moon as viewed by the Apollo 12 astronauts on their return to Earth. NASA/The Planetary Society
The first space race was about flags and footprints. Now, decades later, landing on the Moon is old news. The new race is to build there, and doing so hinges on power.
While it might feel like a sudden sprint, this isn’t exactly breaking news. NASA and the Department of Energy have spent years quietly developing small nuclear power systems to power lunar bases, mining operations and long-term habitats.
As a space lawyer focused on long-term human advancement into space, I see this not as an arms race but as a strategic infrastructure race. And in this case, infrastructure is influence.
A lunar nuclear reactor may sound dramatic, but its neither illegal nor unprecedented. If deployed responsibly, it could allow countries to peacefully explore the Moon, fuel their economic growth and test out technologies for deeper space missions. But building a reactor also raises critical questions about access and power.
The legal framework already exists
Nuclear power in space isn’t a new idea. Since the 1960s, the U.S. and the Soviet Union have relied on radioisotope generators that use small amounts of radioactive elements – a type of nuclear fuel – to power satellites, Mars rovers and the Voyager probes.
Nuclear energy in space isn’t new – some spacecraft are nuclear-powered. This photo shows the nuclear heat source for the Mars Curiosity rover encased in a graphite shell. The fuel glows red hot because of the radioactive decay of plutonium-238.Idaho National Laboratory, CC BY
The United Nations’ 1992 Principles Relevant to the Use of Nuclear Power Sources in Outer Space, a nonbinding resolution, recognizes that nuclear energy may be essential for missions where solar power is insufficient. This resolution sets guidelines for safety, transparency and international consultation.
Nothing in international law prohibits the peaceful use of nuclear power on the Moon. But what matters is how countries deploy it. And the first country to succeed could shape the norms for expectations, behaviors and legal interpretations related to lunar presence and influence.
Why being first matters
The 1967 Outer Space Treaty, ratified by all major spacefaring nations including the U.S., China and Russia, governs space activity. Its Article IX requires that states act with “due regard to the corresponding interests of all other States Parties.”
That statement means if one country places a nuclear reactor on the Moon, others must navigate around it, legally and physically. In effect, it draws a line on the lunar map. If the reactor anchors a larger, long-term facility, it could quietly shape what countries do and how their moves are interpreted legally, on the Moon and beyond.
Other articles in the Outer Space Treaty set similar boundaries on behavior, even as they encourage cooperation. They affirm that all countries have the right to freely explore and access the Moon and other celestial bodies, but they explicitly prohibit territorial claims or assertions of sovereignty.
At the same time, the treaty acknowledges that countries may establish installations such as bases — and with that, gain the power to limit access. While visits by other countries are encouraged as a transparency measure, they must be preceded by prior consultations. Effectively, this grants operators a degree of control over who can enter and when.
Building infrastructure is not staking a territorial claim. No one can own the Moon, but one country setting up a reactor could shape where and how others operate – functionally, if not legally.
Infrastructure is influence
Building a nuclear reactor establishes a country’s presence in a given area. This idea is especially important for resource-rich areas such as the lunar south pole, where ice found in perpetually shadowed craters could fuel rockets and sustain lunar bases.
These sought-after regions are scientifically vital and geopolitically sensitive, as multiple countries want to build bases or conduct research there. Building infrastructure in these areas would cement a country’s ability to access the resources there and potentially exclude others from doing the same.
Dark craters on the Moon, parts of which are indicated here in blue, never get sunlight. Scientists think some of these permanently shadowed regions could contain water ice.NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center
Critics may worry about radiation risks. Even if designed for peaceful use and contained properly, reactors introduce new environmental and operational hazards, particularly in a dangerous setting such as space. But the U.N. guidelines do outline rigorous safety protocols, and following them could potentially mitigate these concerns.
Why nuclear? Because solar has limits
The Moon has little atmosphere and experiences 14-day stretches of darkness. In some shadowed craters, where ice is likely to be found, sunlight never reaches the surface at all. These issues make solar energy unreliable, if not impossible, in some of the most critical regions.
A small lunar reactor could operate continuously for a decade or more, powering habitats, rovers, 3D printers and life-support systems. Nuclear power could be the linchpin for long-term human activity. And it’s not just about the Moon – developing this capability is essential for missions to Mars, where solar power is even more constrained.
The United States has an opportunity to lead not just in technology but in governance. If it commits to sharing its plans publicly, following Article IX of the Outer Space Treaty and reaffirming a commitment to peaceful use and international participation, it will encourage other countries to do the same.
The future of the Moon won’t be determined by who plants the most flags. It will be determined by who builds what, and how. Nuclear power may be essential for that future. Building transparently and in line with international guidelines would allow countries to more safely realize that future.
A reactor on the Moon isn’t a territorial claim or a declaration of war. But it is infrastructure. And infrastructure will be how countries display power – of all kinds – in the next era of space exploration.
LAKEPORT, Calif. — Lake County Vector Control reported that three sentinel chickens tested positive for West Nile virus this week.
The chickens are part of a flock of sentinel chickens near Upper Lake, the district reported.
A sentinel chicken is a chicken used for the early detection of viruses transmitted by mosquitoes. Vector Control said any breed of chicken can be a sentinel chicken.
These chickens are housed in coops in various locations and serve as an early warning for West Nile, St. Louis encephalitis and western equine encephalomyelitis viruses. Unlike humans and other animals, Vector Control said chickens do not get sick from West Nile virus. Because they can be infected with these viruses without getting sick, it makes them ideal for monitoring.
“West Nile virus shows up every year throughout California, including Lake County,” said Jamesina Scott, Ph.D., district manager and research director for the Lake County Vector Control District. “It’s shown up a little later than usual this year, likely because of the relatively mild summer temperatures we’ve had so far.”
Dr. Scott recommends that people protect themselves from mosquito bites by using an EPA-registered mosquito repellent, especially if you are out at dusk or dawn when mosquitoes are most active. She recommends visiting the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Repellents page to learn more about repellents and find the one that is right for you at https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents.
Vector Control encourages residents to protect themselves with these steps:
• Eliminate mosquito habitat: Empty and clean any containers that hold water, such as tires, buckets and planters. • Maintain swimming pools: Just one neglected swimming pool can produce more than 1 million mosquitoes and affect people up to five miles away. • Consider mosquito fish: For water sources that cannot be drained, such as ornamental ponds or unmaintained swimming pools, the LCVCD offers free mosquito fish to help control mosquito larvae. • Use insect repellent: Apply an EPA-registered insect repellent according to label instructions whenever outdoors. • Wear protective clothing: When outside during peak mosquito biting times (dawn and dusk), wear long-sleeved shirts and pants. • Report dead birds to the toll-free state hotline: 1-877-968-2473 or online at https://westnile.ca.gov/report.
“West Nile virus is a serious threat, but by taking these simple precautions, residents can significantly reduce their risk of infection,” Dr. Scott concluded.
No other West Nile virus has been detected in Lake County in 2025. Statewide, 27 California counties have detected WNV this year in mosquitoes, dead birds or sentinel chickens. Nine Californians have been sickened by West Nile virus this year, including one resident who died from the infection.
The Lake County Vector Control District provides mosquito control services to our community. If you need help with a mosquito problem, including reporting a neglected pool or spa, or have an in-ground yellowjacket nest on your property that you want treated, please contact the Lake County Vector Control District at 707-263-4770, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., or submit a service request on their website at www.lcvcd.org.
Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks at an event on Thursday, August 15, 2025, in Los Angeles, California. Photo courtesy of the Governor’s Office.
Alongside state leaders and advocates representing the Golden State, Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday officially announced the launch of a statewide redistricting effort to respond to what he said is President Donald Trump’s attempted power grab in Texas.
Newsom’s office said the effort “will enable Californians to fight back against President Trump’s attempts to rig Texas’ elections next year — gerrymandering democratically elected representatives out of office to immunize Trump from the unpopularity of his policies and keep Trump’s power unchecked by Congress.”
“California will not sit idle as Trump and his Republican lapdogs shred our country’s democracy before our very eyes,” Newsom said Thursday. “In just six months, Trump’s unchecked power has cost Americans billions and taken an ax to the greatest democracy we’ve ever known. This moment calls for urgency and action – that is what we are putting before voters this November, a chance to fight back against his anti-American ways.”
As part of Thursday’s announcement, Newsom unveiled the framework for the proposed constitutional amendment — which will be known as The Election Rigging Response Act — that would go before California voters this November.
The key provisions are:
• Retains California’s Citizens Redistricting Commission and declares state policy supporting the use of fair, nonpartisan redistricting commissions nationwide.
• Temporarily adopts new California congressional districts for use in congressional elections through 2030.
• Preserves California’s current congressional maps if Texas or other states also keep their original maps.
The legislative package announced Thursday will also include: 1) a bill calling a special election on Nov. 4 for the voters to decide whether to adopt the corresponding proposed constitutional amendment and establish timelines and procedures for that election; and 2) a bill that established the new congressional map that could be triggered to take effect under the proposed constitutional amendment if other states engage in redistricting; and 3) a bill authorizing reimbursement of costs to administer the election.
In July and in August, Gov. Newsom hosted Texas state leaders to discuss the special session currently underway in the Lone Star State, the real threats to democracy Governor Abbott is pursuing behind closed doors at the request of President Trump, and the need for real action to help survivors of the deadly storms earlier this summer — the original intent of the special session.
However, President Trump has publicly and repeatedly pressured an uneasy state legislature to redraw their congressional map — mid cycle — to more favorably support Republicans. And, recent polling found 63% of likely Texas voters view its Trump-backed redistricting plan as unnecessary.
Earlier this week, Gov. Newsom offered President Trump an off-ramp, a chance to de-escalate.
“Rather than put this country and our founding values first, Trump chose personal power, and Californians will now be presented with the chance to nullify any gains he seeks from Texas, or any other state that tries to rig its congressional maps. In the coming week, Governor Newsom will work closely with state legislative leaders to ensure California voters have a voice in this fight to defend our nation’s democracy,” Newsom’s office said.
"California Democrats will not allow Trump’s Republican Party to rig the system and take permanent control of the U.S. House of Representatives," said Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas. "We are prepared and we will fight fire with fire. We will do whatever it takes to defend our democracy. We will do whatever it takes to protect the voices, the votes, and the rights of every American."
"President Trump and Texas Republicans are responsible for all of this. This is not a fight California chose, but it’s a fight California can’t run from," said Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire. "Trump chose to rewrite the rules and Texas Republican leaders are all too happy to do his dirty work. We’ve seen this playbook. When Trump doesn’t have the votes to win an election, he orders others to manufacture them. Trump’s cynical ploy is rotten to its core. It is our sacred responsibility to defend the people of California and our democracy from this madness, so if Texas moves forward, we will be forced to do the same.”
“The damage the Trump administration is causing to our country is clear: masked agents terrorizing communities, tax dollars wasted on military stunts, allies alienated, and loyalists hired to replace public servants," said Senator Alex Padilla. "This administration is out of control — and the Election Rigging Response Act is how California defends our democracy and fights back. I am proud to stand alongside Governor Newsom and California leaders in supporting this critical measure.”
“Donald Trump is terrified of facing voters in the midterms after taking away their food and healthcare, and failing to bring down prices. In a fair fight, he knows he will lose his majority in Congress," said Senator Adam Schiff. "That’s why he’s demanded that Republicans in Texas further gerrymander their lines in a state that is already badly gerrymandered. California will not stand idly by while Donald Trump tries to dictate the result of the next election in advance. If Texas moves forward with their new lines, California must respond. We will ask voters to fight fire with fire, and ensure they are not made irrelevant by the pernicious actions of Trump and Texas Republicans.”
"Republicans know their agenda is unpopular, but rather than responding to the voices of the voters, Donald Trump and Republicans in states like Texas are engaging in a blatant power grab to rig the 2026 election before a single vote has been cast. I am proud to stand strongly to resist this power grab with our state legislative partners, the entire California Democratic Congressional Delegation and our Governor," said California Democratic Congressional Delegation Chair Rep. Zoe Lofgren. "If Republicans continue along this path, they will be met with the full force of California. We are united in this because we know what is at stake. California cannot stand idly by and watch as Republicans and Donald Trump strip food programs from California schools, cut millions of Californians from their health insurance, do permanent damage to California's clean air and clean water, make life more expensive for working Americans through their hairbrained tariff scheme, and defund Planned Parenthood. If Texas and other Republican states move forward with their efforts to redraw the maps mid-cycle, so will California. We are ready to fight back.
“President Trump has said that Republicans are ‘entitled’ to five more congressional votes in Texas. Well, they aren’t entitled to steal the 2026 election. California’s unions refuse to stand by as democracy is tested,” said Lorena Gonzalez, President of the California Federation of Labor Unions, AFL-CIO. “California Labor is unified in our resolve to fight back against President Trump’s anti-worker agenda. We are 2.3 million union members strong and we will use our collective power to campaign for this redistricting effort and win.”
“Over the past several months, we have seen the Trump administration freeze funds for critical education programs, cut healthcare for millions of our students and their families, attempt to dismantle the Department of Education, and pass a new voucher program designed to destroy public education entirely,” said California Teachers Association (CTA) President David B. Goldberg. “It is clear that we are also now facing an unprecedented power grab by Texas and other states to steal congressional seats and rig the 2026 election in favor of the current federal administration. This is a direct and urgent attack on our democracy. If this power grab goes unchecked, we will only see more drastic cuts to public education, healthcare, and other critical services and a further erosion of basic civil and human rights in our communities. California union educators will fight back against any and all attacks on our democracy and public education.”
“Trump and his MAGA loyalists are trying to steal the next election and establish one-party rule, but California has a way to respond, and SEIU members stand ready to defend our rights," said SEIU California President David Huerta. "We did not choose this path, but we’re not going to let Texas and Trump manipulate our Democracy. We will fight fire with fire. SEIU members and our communities have worked too hard to protect and strengthen our democracy to stand by while President Trump attempts to silence our voice – we are ready to move forward now and lead this fight for California and every American whose voices and votes are at stake.”
“The reality is reproductive freedom and abortion access in California is on the line every election, every time. Just six weeks ago, the Trump administration and its backers in Congress ‘defunded’ Planned Parenthood — severely threatening sexual and reproductive health care access in our state," said Jodi Hicks, CEO and President of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California. "If Republicans continue to consolidate federal power, a nationwide abortion ban is not off the table. Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California is all in on supporting the state’s plan to counter Texas’ redistricting efforts and stop Republicans’ unprecedented power grab. As a reproductive freedom state that values democracy, we simply have no other choice.”
“In the current mid-decade redistricting battle, we recognize that President Trump and Republican leaders are pursuing a calculated, asymmetric strategy to redraw districts mid-decade in states like Texas, to lock in unaccountable power and silence voters,” said Common Cause. “This is not an isolated political tactic; it is part of a broader march toward authoritarianism, dismantling people-powered democracy, and stripping away the people’s ability to have a political voice and say in how they are governed."
“I stand with Governor Newsom, Speaker Rivas, and legislative colleagues in supporting redistricting efforts and its importance in protecting our democracy. We didn't ask for this fight and need to be prepared to fight back against President Trump’s power grab. This is more than lines on a map—it’s about defending our democracy and making sure every voice counts. This is our chance to stand up, raise our voices and defend the future of fair representation. The stakes couldn’t be higher: President Trump and Congressional Republicans are denying wildfire relief, targeting our diverse immigrant communities, and pulling millions off health care. We will stand up and defend the Voting Rights Act and protect historically marginalized communities,” said Assemblymember Mike Fong, Chair of the California Legislative AAPI Caucus.
“California will not sit idly by while Republicans attempt to rig the electoral system to continue pushing the policies of an administration that has made life less affordable, worsened public health, weakened our educational system, and made it harder for our most vulnerable communities to get ahead,” said State Senator Akilah Weber Pierson, M.D., Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus. "Instead of proving to voters that its policies are working, the Trump administration is trying to silence dissent by directing Texas to gerrymander the state and create five new Republican congressional districts. That is why California is responding to this attack on our democracy by giving voters the opportunity to weigh in, protect our democratic process, and preserve the will of the people."
“The Californian Latino Caucus has always fought to ensure a fair redistricting process that respects voter interests and promotes greater opportunities for greater Latino representation," said Senator Lena Gonzalez. "We will continue to work hard to further these goals, uplift Latino voices regardless of immigration status, and fight to protect hard fought gains in every corner of California.”
"As Vice Chair of the Latino Caucus, I believe that any redistricting effort must ensure our Latino communities are not just represented on paper, but truly empowered at the ballot box," said Assemblymember Juan Carrillo, Vice Chair of the Latino Caucus. "With more than 22 million voters in California, these changes must re-engage our communities, strengthen our voice, and protect the progress we’ve fought for."
This historic response by the Golden State comes as key leaders from across the country have voiced interest in fighting back as well.
Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego: “It’s time for Democrats to understand the existential threat.”
Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin: “I’m not going to … fight with one arm tied behind my back”
NY Governor Kathy Hochul: “All’s fair in love and war. We are following the rules. We do redistricting every 10 years, but if there are other states that are violating the rules and trying to give themselves an advantage, all I say is I’ll look at it closely with Hakeem Jeffries.”
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker: “We all ought to stand up against it”
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy: “if that’s the way we’re going, we’re from Jersey, baby, and we won’t be laying down.”
Maryland House Majority Leader David Moon: “I’m introducing legislation to redraw Maryland congressional districts if any other state cheats & draws new maps outside of the census period.”
Supporters at an event on Thursday, August 15, 2025, in Los Angeles, California, in which Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a plan to respond to Texas’ efforts at redistricting. Photo courtesy of the Governor’s Office.
“Auto.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control.
CLEARLAKE, Calif. — Clearlake Animal Control has dogs that are ready and waiting for new homes.
The shelter has 48 adoptable dogs listed on its website.
This week’s dogs include “Auto,” a male American pit bull terrier mix with a brown and white coat. Staff said he has been neutered.
The shelter is located at 6820 Old Highway 53. It’s open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
For more information, call the shelter at 707-762-6227, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., visit Clearlake Animal Control on Facebook or on the city’s website.
This week’s adoptable dogs are featured below.
Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, and on Bluesky, @erlarson.bsky.social. Find Lake County News on the following platforms: Facebook, @LakeCoNews; X, @LakeCoNews; Threads, @lakeconews, and on Bluesky, @lakeconews.bsky.social.
Artificial intelligence is a lively topic of conversation in schools and workplaces, which could lead you to believe that only younger people use it. However, older Americans are also using AI. This raises the questions of what they’re doing with the technology and what they think of it.
I’m a researcher who studies older age, disability and technology use. I partnered with the University of Michigan’s National Poll on Healthy Aging to survey nearly 3,000 Americans over the age of 50. We asked them whether and how they use AI and what concerns they have about using it.
Of the older people we surveyed, 55% responded that they had used some type of AI technology that they can speak to, like Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant, or type to, like OpenAI’s ChatGPT chatbot. Voice assistants were overwhelmingly more popular than text chatbots: Half of them reported using a voice assistant within the past year, compared to 1 in 4 who used a chatbot.
Popular, among some
Independent living continues to be a major goal of older Americans as they either do not want to or are unable to afford to live in long-term care communities, and AI may be a tool to support this goal. Our findings show that older adults who use AI in their homes find it helpful for living independently and safely.
They mostly used these technologies for entertainment or searching for information, but some of their responses show more creative uses, such as generating text, creating images or planning vacations.
Nearly 1 in 3 older adults reported using AI-powered home security devices, including doorbells, outdoor cameras and alarm systems. Nearly all of those people – 96% – felt safer using them.
While there has been some concern about privacy when using cameras indoors to monitor older people, cameras aimed outdoors seem to provide a sense of security for those who may be aging in their homes alone or without family nearby. Of the 35% of older adults who reported using AI-powered home security systems, 96% said they were beneficial.
However, when we dove into which older adults are using AI, we saw that demographics matter. Specifically, those in better health, with more education and higher incomes were more likely to have used AI-powered voice assistants and home security devices in the past year. This pattern seems to follow adoption trends of other technologies such as smartphones.
Trusting AI is tricky
As more information about AI’s accuracy emerges, so do questions about whether people can trust it. Our survey results show that older Americans are split on whether to trust content that was generated by AI: 54% said they trust AI, and 46% said they do not. People who trusted AI more were more likely to have used some type of AI technology within the past year.
Further, AI-generated content can sometimes look correct but be inaccurate. Being able to identify incorrect information from AI is important for assessing whether and how to use AI-generated search results or chatbots. However, only half of the older people surveyed were confident that they could identify whether content from AI was incorrect.
More educated users were more likely to say they felt confident they could spot inaccuracies. Conversely, older adults who reported lower levels of physical and mental health were less likely to trust AI-generated content.
What to do?
Together, these findings repeat a common cycle of technology adoption that is pervasive even among younger demographics, where more educated and healthy people are among the first to adopt and be aware of newer technologies. This raises questions about how to best reach all older people about the benefits and risks of AI.
How can older people who are not AI users get support for learning more so that they can make informed decisions about whether to use it? How can institutions develop better training and awareness tools so that older people who trust AI avoid trusting it too much or inappropriately using AI to make important decisions without understanding the risks?
Our survey results highlight potential starting points for developing AI literacy tools for older adults. Nine in 10 older people wanted to know when information had been generated by AI. We are starting to see AI labels on search engine results, such as Google search’s AI snippets.
Some AI-generated content, like this Google AI Overview search summary, is clearly labeled as AI, but not all are.Screenshot by The Conversation
Michigan and other states have adopted policies for disclosing AI content in political ads, but these notices could be made more visible in other contexts, such as nonpolitical advertising and on social media. Further, nearly 80% of older people wanted to learn more about AI risks – where might it go wrong and what to do about it.
Policymakers can focus on enforcing AI notices that signal content was generated by AI, particularly at a critical time when the U.S. is considering revising its AI policies to do just the opposite – removing language about risk, discrimination and misinformation – based on a new executive order.
Overall, our findings show that AI can support healthy aging. However, overtrust and mistrust of AI could be addressed with better training tools and policies to make risks more visible.
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