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The Morning Brief: Ballistic Missiles, a New FBI Director and NASA’s Planet Protector

2 minute read

Good morning. These are today’s top stories:

U.S. tests ballistic missile amid North Korea tensions

The U.S. has launched another intercontinental ballistic missile — its fourth this year — amid rising tensions with North Korea, which is also testing such missiles. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the U.S. is not trying to “collapse” the North Korean government, but is instead hoping to “have a dialogue” with Pyongyang at some point.

Christopher Wray is confirmed as new FBI chief

The Senate has confirmed Christopher Wray to be the new director of the FBI. Wray, who is replacing James Comey, said he would do his job independent of politics. “My loyalty is to the Constitution and the rule of law. Those have been my guideposts throughout my career, and I will continue to adhere to them no matter the test,” he said.

NASA is hiring a planetary protection officer

NASA is looking to bring on board a planetary protection officer, who will make sure U.S. space missions don’t end up accidentally contaminating an alien world or other planets with Earth’s particles. The new full-time employee would be paid up to $187,000 a year.

Also:

The White House said President Donald Trump weighed in on his son’s statement “as any father would.”

In a new lawsuit, Fox News is accused of coordinating with the Trump administration to push a false story.

Britain’s Prince Philip will make his last solo charity appearance today.

An Arizona woman, who left her child in a desert to die, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Amazon[/f500link ignore=true] is trying to fill 50,000 job openings today. Here’s how to get hired.

The Morning Brief is published Mondays through Fridays. Email Morning Brief writer Melissa Chan at melissa.chan@time.com.

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