STEP program

SpaceX's Starship has reached orbit for the first time, even though one of its engines failed during flight. The milestone marks a significant step for the rocket program, which is central to NASA's lunar plans and Elon Musk's long-term ambitions for Mars travel. Reports highlight that the vehicle survived the engine problem, showing the system's resilience during a test flight.

SpaceX's Starship is attempting its first major step toward reaching orbit, a milestone space commentators are calling a big leap for the program. Scott Manley's breakdown of the 'Orbit Day' flight has drawn large attention, with viewers reacting to what a successful orbital trajectory would mean for future lunar and Mars missions.

Wagner College Theatre on Staten Island is presenting its first-ever opera production, Leonard Bernstein's 'Trouble in Tahiti'. The short one-act work, which satirises 1950s suburban American marriage, marks a new step for the department, known mainly for musical theatre training, as it expands its repertoire into opera.

The Loyola University Chicago Special Olympics program is working to re-establish itself, according to the student newspaper. The group, which had seen its activity and presence on campus fade, is rebuilding its organization and returning to supporting athletes with intellectual disabilities. Details on what drove the decline and what steps are being taken to revive the program were not provided.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed landmark legislation creating a statewide Wildlife Coexistence Program, according to Defenders of Wildlife, the conservation group backing the measure. The new program is intended to help Californians and wildlife share habitat rather than come into conflict. Conservation advocates are welcoming the move, hailing it as a significant step for wildlife protection policy in the state.

SpaceX's Starship, the largest and most powerful rocket ever built, has reached orbit for the first time. The milestone marks a major step in the company's program to develop a fully reusable heavy-lift vehicle, intended for missions to the Moon, Mars and long-haul journeys around Earth.

The longtime tennis coach at Allen High School in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley has retired, capping a career spent introducing generations of students to the sport. Local outlet The Morning Call reports the coach is stepping away after years of building the program and sharing his love of tennis with kids. The story has drawn attention from the local community honoring his service.

The Minnesota Orchestra presents Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 5, known as the Turkish Concerto, with violinist Stefan Jackiw as soloist this week, alongside Prokofiev's Symphony No. 6. The promotion highlights the music director's habit of stepping offstage mid-performance to check the hall's sound balance, a detail drawing amused attention as ticket sales continue.

Birch Aquarium in San Diego is running a Halloween-themed exhibit called the Axolotl's Garden this season, inviting visitors to see the popular smiling amphibians up close. The event blends seasonal programming with education about axolotls, a critically endangered species, and gives families a festive aquarium outing during the Halloween period.

Laurel House is holding its Sound Steps 5K Walk/Run for Mental Health Recovery on October 17 at Cove Island Park in Stamford. The event raises funds and awareness for the organization's mental health recovery programs, bringing together walkers, runners and supporters from the community.