Presidential Medal of Freedom Awarded to NASA’s Esteemed Experts
President Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to NASA’s Dr. Ellen Ochoa and Dr. Jane Rigby, celebrating their stellar contributions to space exploration. #NASA #PresidentialMedalOfFreedom
Last Updated on June 7, 2024 by Daily News StaffMedals of Freedom are displayed Thursday, July 7, 2022, before a ceremony at the White House. (Official White House Photo by Cameron Smith)
The White House was abuzz with excitement as President Joe Biden bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom upon two distinguished individuals from NASA. Dr. Ellen Ochoa, former center director and astronaut at Johnson Space Center, and Dr. Jane Rigby, senior project scientist for the James Webb Space Telescope, were set to receive this esteemed recognition for their remarkable achievements and contributions to the field of space exploration.
Praise for Ochoa and Rigby:
In his speech, President Biden acknowledged Dr. Ochoa’s impressive career, emphasizing her groundbreaking role as the first Hispanic woman in space. He lauded her years of service to NASA, including her dedication as an astronaut and her invaluable contributions as a center director and director of Flight Crew Operations at Johnson Space Center. Likewise, he commended Dr. Rigby for her pivotal work on the James Webb Space Telescope, a revolutionary observatory that has made profound discoveries about our vast universe.
Administrator Bill Nelson also expressed his pride in Ochoa and Rigby, recognizing their invaluable roles in inspiring future generations of scientists and space explorers, and further establishing NASA’s legacy of excellence.
Dr. Ellen Ochoa:
Portrait of retired NASA Johnson Space Center Director Ellen Ochoa seated in the Flight Control Room 1 viewing area in the Christopher C. Kraft Jr. Mission Control Center in Houston, Texas. Photo Credit: NASA/Bill Stafford and Allison Bills
Dr. Ochoa, hailing from California with a doctorate in Electrical Engineering, dedicated over three decades to NASA, assuming various notable positions. From being the director of Flight Crew Operations to becoming the second female director of Johnson Space Center, Dr. Ochoa’s contributions were undeniably impactful. Her impressive resume boasts four spaceflights as a veteran astronaut, including her notable mission aboard the space shuttle Discovery during STS-56 in 1993.
Dr. Jane Rigby:
NASA James Webb Space Telescope Operations Project Scientist Jane Rigby answers a question from a member of the media during a briefing following the release of the first full-color images from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, Tuesday, July 12, 2022, at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Dr. Rigby, originally from Delaware, played a pivotal role as an astrophysicist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. She significantly contributed to the success of the James Webb Space Telescope, an ambitious project that has rewritten our understanding of the cosmos. Dr. Rigby’s dedication extended beyond her scientific endeavors, as she has actively championed diversity and inclusion within the scientific community.
The Emotional Ceremony:
Amidst heartfelt speeches, President Biden presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom to both Ochoa and Rigby. The two awardees were visibly moved, expressing their gratitude for the recognition of their hard work and dedication to both NASA and the nation.
Dr. Ochoa conveyed her surprise and honor while expressing appreciation for her NASA colleagues and the seven schools named after her, considering it one of her greatest achievements.
Dr. Rigby, in her emotional acceptance speech, acknowledged the outstanding collaboration and teamwork that made the James Webb Space Telescope a resounding success. She gratefully mentioned her family, colleagues, and the president of the American Astronomical Society, symbolizing the collective efforts of many.
The James Webb Space Telescope:
The James Webb Space Telescope, launched on December 25th, 2021, has already made substantial discoveries within its initial two years of operation. With its extraordinary capabilities, this awe-inspiring telescope is expected to continue unraveling the mysteries of the universe for years to come.
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As President Biden concluded the ceremony, he once again congratulated Dr. Ochoa and Dr. Rigby, expressing his immense pride in their remarkable achievements. Leaving the White House with heads held high, Ochoa, Rigby, and the other 17 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom left an indelible mark on science and space exploration, forever to be remembered and celebrated.
Veteran actor T.K. Carter, best known for his roles in The Thing and the popular 1980s television series Punky Brewster, has died at the age of 69.
Authorities confirmed Carter was found unresponsive at his home in Duarte, California. No foul play is suspected, and an official cause of death has not yet been released.
A Career Spanning Decades
Born Thomas Kent Carter, T.K. Carter built a career in film and television that spanned more than four decades. He became a cult favorite portraying Nauls in John Carpenter’s 1982 horror classic The Thing, a film that continues to influence the genre today.
Television audiences widely remember Carter for his role as Mike Fulton on Punky Brewster, where his comedic timing and grounded performances helped make the show a lasting favorite of the era.
Film and Television Legacy
In addition to his best-known roles, Carter appeared in films such as Runaway Train, Ski Patrol, and Space Jam. His television work included guest appearances on a wide range of series throughout the 1980s, 1990s, and beyond.
Known within the industry as a reliable and versatile performer, Carter often brought authenticity and warmth to supporting roles that left a lasting impression, even in brief appearances.
Remembering T.K. Carter
As news of his passing spreads, fans and colleagues alike are reflecting on T.K. Carter’s contributions to film and television. While he may not have always been the leading name on the marquee, his work helped shape stories that continue to be watched and appreciated by new generations.
T.K. Carter is remembered for his enduring performances, professional dedication, and the quiet but meaningful legacy he leaves behind.
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Gregory Outreach Services Expands Food Access with Addition of Third Refrigerated Van
Gregory Outreach Services expands its mission to fight food insecurity with the addition of a third refrigerated van, doubling food access for low-income seniors and veterans in Phoenix.
Gregory Outreach Services’ newest refrigerated delivery van expands food access for low-income seniors and veterans across Phoenix.
Phoenix, AZ — Gregory Outreach Services has taken a major step forward in its mission to fight food insecurity with the addition of a third refrigerated delivery van, significantly expanding its capacity to serve low-income seniors and veterans across the Phoenix area.
The new refrigerated van was made possible through the support of a generous anonymous donor. The expansion is further strengthened by the continued generosity of the BHHS Legacy Foundation, who donated fresh produce to support the organization’s growing distribution efforts.
As rising food costs and inflation continue to place pressure on individuals living on fixed incomes, the need for reliable access to nutritious food has never been greater. This latest addition to the organization’s mobile fleet allows Gregory Outreach Services to double the number of individuals served, while maintaining strict food safety and quality standards.
“As the cost of living continues to rise, more seniors and veterans are struggling to afford nutritious food,” said Diana Gregory, Founder and CEO of Gregory Outreach Services. “This van allows us to bridge a widening gap for individuals living on fixed incomes, many of whom face mobility challenges and limited access to fresh food options.”
Meeting a Growing Community Need
Gregory Outreach Services works directly with seniors and veterans who are disproportionately affected by inflation, medical expenses, and transportation barriers. For many, simply reaching a grocery store can be a challenge. Refrigerated vehicles are essential to ensuring that fresh fruits and vegetables arrive safely and consistently at senior housing communities, veteran shelters, and community distribution sites.
“This third van complements the two already in operation and represents a critical milestone in our growth,” Gregory added. “We are deeply grateful to our anonymous donor for investing in our mission, and to BHHS Legacy Foundation’s Board of Directors and its CEO, Jerry Wissink for Legacy’s generosity in donating fresh produce. Together, this support allows us to scale our impact and respond to the increasing needs of our community.”
Expanding Impact While Preserving Dignity
With an expanded fleet and increased food supply, Gregory Outreach Services is better positioned to address food insecurity, promote healthier outcomes, and serve seniors and veterans with dignity, respect, and care. The organization’s mobile delivery model ensures help reaches those who need it most — directly and reliably.
About Gregory Outreach Services
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Gregory Outreach Services is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health outcomes for low-income seniors and veterans through mobile produce delivery, nutrition education, and community-based wellness programs. By bringing fresh food directly to those most in need, the organization works to reduce food insecurity and strengthen community wellness.
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Slayer Rule Explained: How Rob Reiner’s Estate Could Be Handled After the Killings
After the deaths of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, legal experts explain how the “slayer rule” can block a killer from inheriting—and what could happen next in probate court.
All states have some form of a slayer rule that prevents killers from inheriting from their victims. While the rules differ slightly from state to state, they always bar murderers from profiting from their own crimes. Simply put, if you’re found guilty of killing someone or plead guilty to their murder, you can’t inherit anything from your victim’s estate. In some states, this might go beyond inheritance and apply to jointly held property, insurance policies and other kinds of accounts. Most of these slayer rules, including California’s, apply only to “felonious and intentional” killings, meaning that they don’t apply if you accidentally kill someone. Although there doesn’t have to be a guilty verdict by a judge or a jury, or a guilty plea from the accused, there must be some finding by a criminal or civil court of an intentional and felonious killing. These rules, known as slayer rules, have a long history in the United States. They became more prominent following an 1889 murder case in New York state, in which a 16-year-old boy poisoned his grandfather to get an inheritance that was written into his grandfather’s will.
How often are slayer rules invoked?
It’s hard to say for sure. As far as we know, nobody’s tried to keep track. Slayer rules come into play whenever someone who would otherwise inherit assets from an estate is convicted of or found liable for murder, and the slayer is entitled to inherit from the victim. These tragic cases almost always involve murders committed by relatives. Many of the high-profile ones have been tied to murders that occurred in California. Famous disinherited murderers include Lyle and Erik Menendez, the Californians known as the Menendez brothers. In 1996, a jury found them guilty of the first-degree murder of their parents, José and Mary Louise “Kitty” Menendez. The Menendez brothers’ parents, who were killed in 1989, had a fortune that today would be worth more than $35 million. The brothers, who became eligible for parole but were denied it in 2025, have been in prison ever since. Once there has been a finding of an intentional and felonious killing, even if the slayer is later released on parole – or even if they serve no prison time at all – they would still not inherit anything. In practical terms, that means if one or both of the Menendez brothers were to win parole in the future, they would still be ineligible to inherit any of their parents’ wealth upon their release from prison. California’s slayer rule also meant that salesman Scott Peterson, who was convicted of killing his pregnant wife, Laci Peterson, in 2002, couldn’t collect the money he would otherwise have been due from her life insurance policy. Peterson has been in prison since 2005.Erik Menendez, left, and Lyle Menendez, seen standing trial for their parents’ murders, in 1994. They were convicted in 1996.Ted Soqui/Sygma via Getty Images
What can block its application?
In the absence of a murder conviction, the slayer rule may not apply. For example, a conviction for a lesser criminal offense, such as manslaughter, might allow the accused – or their lawyers – to argue that the killing was unintentional. This exception could be relevant to the prosecution of the Reiners’ murders if it were to turn out that Nick Reiner’s defense can show that substance abuseor schizophrenia rendered him insane when he allegedly killed his parents at their Los Angeles home. On the other hand, under California law, even if there is no conviction the probate court administering the murder victim’s estate could still separately find that the killing was intentional and felonious. That civil finding would bar the slayer from inheriting without a criminal conviction.Rob Reiner and his son Nick, seen in 2016 speaking about ‘Being Charlie,’ the movie about a young man’s struggle with substance use that they made together.Laura Cavanaugh/FilmMagic via Getty Images
Does this only apply to families with big fortunes?
Slayer rules apply to anyone who kills one or more of their relatives, whether their victims were rich, poor or in between. When large amounts of money are at stake, cases tend to garner more attention due to media coverage during the criminal trial and subsequent inheritance litigation.
Who will inherit Rob Reiner’s and Michele Singer Reiner’s wealth?
It’s too soon for both the public and the family to know who will inherit ultimately from the Reiners. Wills are typically public documents, although the Reiners may have also engaged in other types of estate planning, such as trusts, that do not typically become public records. And celebrities with valuable intellectual property rights, such as copyrights from the Reiners’ many film and television properties, tend to establish trusts. Assuming that, like many parents, the Reiners left most of their fortune – which reportedly was worth some US$200 million – to their children, including Nick, then California’s slayer statute may come into play. The couple had two other children together, Romy and Jake. Rob Reiner also had another daughter, Tracy Reiner, whom he adopted after his marriage to his first wife, the actor and filmmaker Penny Marshall. It’s also likely that the Reiners included charitable bequests in their estate plans. They were strong supporters of many causes, including early childhood development.
Might the slayer rule apply to Nick Reiner?
It’s much too soon to know. It is important to emphasize that the wills and other estate planning documents of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner have not yet been made public. That means what Nick Reiner might stand to inherit, if the slayer rule were to prove irrelevant in this case, is unknown. Nor, with the investigation of the couple’s deaths still underway, can anyone make any assumptions about Nick’s innocence or guilt. And, as of mid-December 2025, an unnamed source was telling entertainment reporters that Nick Reiner’s legal bills were being paid for by the Reiner family. Naomi Cahn, Professor of Law, University of Virginia and Reid Kress Weisbord, Distinguished Professor of Law and Judge Norma Shapiro Scholar, Rutgers University – Newark This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
