Need2Know: Friday News Roundup

These are the headlines you Need2Know: * **Tamer Hurricane Season Expected:** The 2018 hurricane season is shaping up to be "below-normal.” Experts with NOAA now predict nine to 13 named storms ー maybe only two major hurricanes of Category 3 strength or higher. Last year there were 17 named storms, and three major hurricanes hit U.S. soil. For more on the condition of the storm, [click here](https://www.cnn.com/2018/08/09/us/noaa-hurricane-season-forecast-wxc/index.html). * **Space Forces Needs a Logo and a Release Date:** Vice President Mike Pence says the Pentagon is working to create Space Force, a sixth armed service to beef up military capabilities in space and help protect satellites. The biggest rivals in space are China and Russia. Congress needs to authorize and fund the force. Vote on the logo [here](https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2018/08/trump-wants-campaign-donors-to-vote-on-the-logo-for-the-space-force/), and read more [here](https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/09/us/politics/trump-pence-space-force.html). * **New NFL Season, More Protests:** Several players took a knee, raised their fists or stayed off the field during the national anthem at last night’s preseason games. The NFL recently announced a policy that all players must stand for the national anthem, or remain in the locker room without penalty. But that policy is currently on hold. For more on this story, [click here](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/some-nfl-players-kneel-or-raise-fists-during-anthem-preseason-n899481). * **A Potential 2020 Run for Stormy Daniels's Lawyer:** Michael Avenatti, the lawyer for the adult entertainment start Stephanie Clifford, also known as Stormy Daniels, said he might run for president. Known as one of President Trump’s most outspoken critics in his capacity as Clifford's lawyer, Avenatti has also discussed his interest in challenging Trump on policies such as immigration. For more, check out [POLITICO](https://www.politico.com/story/2018/08/10/michael-avenatti-presidential-run-iowa-2020-771291). Cheddar's Jill Wagner gets into the latest. Subscribe to the Need2Know newsletter [here](https://theneed2know.com).

More In Science

Japan Bans Fans at Tokyo-Area Olympics Venues Due to Virus

Fans will be banned from the Tokyo area’s stadiums and arenas when the Olympic Games begin in two weeks.

Tropical Storm Elsa Gaining Strength, Could Become Hurricane

The National Hurricane Center says Tropical Storm Elsa is strengthening and could became a hurricane before making landfall along Florida’s northern Gulf coast.

Elsa Strengthens Into Season's 1st Hurricane in Caribbean

Elsa has strengthened into the first hurricane of the Atlantic season and it's blowing off roofs and snapping trees in the eastern Caribbean.

'Orange Skies': Biden Raising Federal Pay to Fight Wildfires

The Biden administration says it is hiring more federal firefighters — and immediately raising their pay — as officials ramp up response efforts in the face of a severe drought that's setting the stage for another destructive summer of intense wildfires across the West.

Juul to Pay $40M in North Carolina Teen Vaping Suit Settlement

Electronic cigarette giant Juul Labs Inc. will pay $40 million to North Carolina and take more action to prevent underage use and sales.

Lego Makes Experimental Brick From Recycled Plastic Bottles

Danish toymaker Lego has presented its first building bricks made from recycled drinks bottles — an experimental project that if successful could eventually go into production.

How Human Stampedes Really Happen

Human stampedes have been a chronically understudied topic and there's been an uptick in reported crushes as populations have increased.

Tokyo Shapes Up to Be No-Fun Olympics With Many Rules, Tests

The Tokyo Olympics are not looking like much fun: Not for athletes. Not for fans. And not for the Japanese public.

Australia Fights UN Downgrade of Great Barrier Reef Health

Australia says it will fight against plans to downgrade the Great Barrier Reef’s World Heritage status due to climate change, while environmentalists are applauding the U.N. World Heritage Committee’s proposal.

Tokyo Olympics to Allow Local Fans — but With Strict Limits

A sharply limited number of fans will be allowed to attend the Tokyo Olympics. The decision announced Monday comes as organizers try to save some of the spirit of the Games where even cheering has been banned.

Load More