— One iconic athlete on why she decided to un-retire. Meanwhile, we’re trying to retire early.
US News
The Intelligence Shake-Up
What's going on: The people in charge of America’s intelligence agencies are having a moment. Earlier this month, President Donald Trump appointed housing official Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence. This was not a popular move. Members of both parties called Pulte inexperienced and “a national security threat.” This week, House Democrats and some Republicans voted to let one of the country’s most powerful surveillance tools — Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) — expire, saying they wouldn’t pass an extension as long as Pulte was slated for the top role. Hours later, Trump announced a far more conventional pick for the permanent role: Jay Clayton, the current US Attorney for the Southern District of New York. Calling Clayton “very highly respected” in a Truth Social post, Trump urged the Senate to confirm him ASAP.
The impact on surveillance: This isn’t just about Pulte. Section 702 allows the government to spy on foreigners abroad through electronic service providers who give access to communication; intelligence agencies use it to track terrorism suspects, foreign spies, and adversarial governments. But critics have long said that it needs reform — in part because citizens’ communications can be surveilled if they’re in touch with foreign targets. The debate has also revived broader questions about the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, which was established in response to 9/11. All this means that Clayton's confirmation fight is likely to double as a referendum on Trump’s appointee choices, the role of acting officials, and whether post-9/11 security measures should remain.
🗞️ On Thursday night, the Supreme Court denied Alabama’s request to execute a man using a nitrogen gas. A federal judge ruled the method unconstitutional.
🗞️ SpaceX's history-making IPO begins trading today — and everyday investors may end up owning it automatically, whether you like it or not.
🗞️ Someone left a very large, very pointed message on the National Mall ahead of Trump's birthday weekend. Authorities are investigating.
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Brain Health
The Dementia Window
What’s going on: We love a good late-night binge-watch and occasionally ghosting the Pilates class we paid for. But new research suggests some of those habits matter more than we thought. Scientists now believe the groundwork for dementia often starts decades before symptoms appear, making midlife, as one expert told The Washington Post, the “best chance to lower risk.” Researchers estimate about 45% of dementia cases could be delayed or prevented by addressing known risk factors. While about 150 million people worldwide are expected to develop the disease by 2050 under current projections, healthier habits now could change the trajectory.
That’s especially relevant for… Women, who account for two-thirds of Alzheimer’s cases in the US and are twice as likely to develop it as men — though most aren’t even aware of this. The good news is that most of the biggest risk factors come with the same advice you’ve heard for years: Sleep more, eat well, and exercise regularly. The challenge is that our 40s, 50s, and 60s often become a season for caring for everyone else. Turns out we don't even have time or energy to have a midlife crisis. Sorry to add more to the list.
What's going on: When the New York Knicks were down 27 points at halftime, nobody could blame you for turning it off. But oh, what a mistake. Wu-Tang Clan took the court at halftime and declared "Knicks in 5." Well, the team must have heard them in the locker room — because they came back. All the way back. Instead of the San Antonio Spurs tying up the series, the Knicks launched the biggest in-game comeback in NBA Finals history. Knicks hero OG Anunoby (who we assume will never have to buy a meal in this city again) launched himself seemingly from the heavens and finished off a putback with 1.2 seconds left. (Hand of Leo, anyone?) The Knicks are now up 3-1 and one win away from their first championship since 1973.
👰 As Taylor Swift’s wedding plans consume our every waking thought, the potential bridesmaids’ list has us on our toes. Cruel summer, but make it full of anticipation.
🔥 Ilona Maher says making this one tweak to your workout routine is crucial.
🎥 This latest home decor trend is fun, personal, and actually easy to pull off. Roll the tape.
On Our Calendar
Friday, June 12
🍿 Disclosure Day hits the big screen
Steven Spielberg’s latest alien thriller is out — with Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor, and Colman Domingo racing to prove we’re not alone.
