Yesterday, three former military and intelligence officials accused the federal gov of withholding information on UFOs from Congress. For decades, the US military has reported hundreds of unexplained "unidentified anomalous phenomena" (aka UAPs). A Pentagon task force has been investigating and reporting on UAPs for the past two years but has given little insight. Now, the three retired officials have sounded the alarm in a hearing before a House subcommittee. One said Uncle Sam has been aware of "non-human" activity since the 1930s. Another said if UAPs are foreign drones, this is "an urgent national security problem." The military vets are calling on the gov to share more of what it knows with Congress and the public.
Should I pull out my tin hat?
That depends. The testimony came with little proof and evidence that the gov is withholding information. (Even though we're all thinking of Area 51.) Lawmakers said that UAPs are a national security problem and a bipartisan issue. Still, the hearing ended with little info on how Congress plans to address UAPs and called for the Pentagon to be more transparent. For its part, the Pentagon has denied the witnesses' claims. One Department of Defense official said they haven't seen anything that's of "alien origin." Meanwhile, NASA plans to release its own findings on the matter later this summer.
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There's a bipartisan (and public) interest in what's happening in our airspace. Many are saying it's time to look into it, as national security concerns could continue to grow.
Hunter Biden. Yesterday, a federal judge delayed the 53-year-old's plea deal with the Justice Dept. Last month, the DOJ said President Biden's son would plead guilty to two misdemeanor charges of tax evasion in order to avoid a gun possession charge. The agreement prompted Republican outrage, with many calling it a "sweetheart deal." Now, the judge overseeing the case says the agreement contains "atypical provisions" and that she's "not in a position" to "decide to accept or reject a plea agreement." She's asking Hunter Biden's legal team and the DOJ for more info about the terms of the agreement. In the meantime, Hunter Biden has pleaded not guilty to the tax evasion charges. He could reverse his plea, depending on what the judge decides.
Who people are remembering…
Sinéad O'Connor. Yesterday, the Irish singer-songwriter's family confirmed O'Connor died at the age of 56. She's known for her rendition of Prince's "Nothing Compares 2 U" and work as an activist. In 1992, she tore up a photo of Pope John Paul II to protest sexual abuse in the Catholic Church while on SNL, which ultimately got her banned from the show. O'Connor struggled with her mental health and had been dealing with the loss of her 17-year-old son, who died by suicide last year.
Niger. Yesterday, soldiers said they ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, closed the country's borders, and dissolved Niger's constitution. In a national TV address, security forces said a "deteriorating security situation and bad governance" led to the coup. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemned the alleged coup and called for Bazoum's immediate hostage release.
What's got many Fed up…
Interest rates. Yesterday, the Federal Reserve raised its key interest rate by .25, bringing the federal funds rate to 5.25%-5.50%. It's the central bank's highest benchmark interest rate in 22 years. The Fed also hinted that there could be more where that came from. Here's what that could mean for you.
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Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…
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We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.
Shiny teeth…Laura Z (MI). She's finishing up a seven-year dual-doctoral program, and she's on her way to getting her DDS and PhD. Stay flossy.
(Some) Birthdays…Emillie Dodd (NC), Erin Thompson (NJ), Katie Bakken (MN), Sabrina Abuzahra (WI), Mara Drouhard (TX), Victoria Burns (IA), Lindsay Voit (TX), Linda Mason (WV), Monika Stamberg (MA), Audrey Doidge (TX), Jennifer Ostrobrod (NJ), Rachel Wilson (IL), Carol Salter (SC), Victoria Zanelli (TX), Theresa Burge (CA)
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Skimm'd by: Rashaan Ayesh, Melanie De Lima, Anacaona Rodriguez Martinez, Chantal Vaca, Maria del Carmen Corpus, and Mariza Smajlaj
Photos by Ktsdesign/Science Photo Library via Getty Images, Brand Partners
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