Snapchat builds relationship with social media stars after years of ignoring them, rocket industry worries government might dump ICBM engines on the market and Panda Pop passes 100 million users as Jam City eyes IPO.

Snapchat Builds Relationship with Social Media Stars After Years of Ignoring Them

Snapchat is starting to verify more influencer accounts in recent weeks, giving the social media stars access to special features that normal users don’t have, reports Business Insider. The shift in strategy comes as Snapchat’s user growth has slowed in the face of fierce competition from Facebook-owned Instagram, which has worked closely with celebrities and users with large followings for years.

Rocket Industry Worries Government Might Dump ICBM Engines on the Market

A debate is flaring up again about whether Orbital ATK should be able to use converted surplus intercontinental ballistic missile motors to launch commercial satellites, reports SpaceNews. The U.S. Air Force has a stockpile of about 720 surplus motors, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office – a glut that could drastically drive down the price of launch services and put pressure on firms such as Aerojet Rocketdyne, Virgin Galactic and SpaceX.

Panda Pop Passes 100 million Users as Jam City Eyes IPO

Jam City’s flagship game, Panda Pop, has reached more than 9.3 million monthly active users and climbed above its 100 millionth download, reports TechCrunch. The company is heading toward about $400 million in revenue for this year and has targeted the middle of 2019 for its public offering.

Technology reporter Garrett Reim can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @garrettreim for the latest in L.A. tech news.