What NASA learned about UFOs
What NASA said in its long-awaited report on UFOs. Hunter Biden was indicted on federal gun charges. And New England is bracing for an onslaught from Hurricane Lee.
👋 Hey there! I’m Laura Davis, and it’s time for Thursday’s news.
🙃 But first: Climate change isn’t just creating havoc for the living. It’s coming for our dead. Here’s a look at the grave situation.
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Is there life out there? No new evidence (yet)
Sorry Earthlings, there's still no evidence that alien spaceships have visited our planet, but on Thursday NASA vowed to continue studying the UFO phenomenon using some spiffy new scientific techniques. In a long-awaited report, experts outlined ways in which NASA can partner with public and private organizations to better understand unidentified flying objects. Long considered a fringe topic, UFOs have increasingly become part of the mainstream discussion as reports and videos of objects maneuvering in strange ways captivate the public. But because of the potential threat posed to national security and air safety, NASA embarked in 2022 on the space agency's first study of UFOs, and the agency wants to "shift the conversation surrounding UFOs from sensationalism to science." 🛸 Here's what we know.
Eastern New England battens down the hatches
A nasty mix of heavy rain, strong winds and high seas is expected for Eastern New England, courtesy of Hurricane Lee. Maine was under its first hurricane watch in 15 years Thursday as Lee approached the region. Even if the storm doesn't officially make landfall in New England, its impacts will still be felt across the area: Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 90 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend up to 310 miles, the National Hurricane Center said. As of Thursday afternoon, Lee's winds were down to 85 mph, making it a Category 1 storm, and its center was about 710 miles south of Nantucket, Massachusetts. 🌀 Lee's path + the latest coverage.
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Hunter Biden indicted on federal gun charges
Less than two months after a plea agreement fell apart over tax and gun charges, Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, was indicted Thursday on federal gun charges. The indictment charges Hunter Biden with knowingly deceiving a firearms dealer by lying on a federal form about being addicted to any narcotics when he bought a revolver in 2018. Hunter Biden has acknowledged he was a drug addict at the time. The charges revive the prospect that he could be jailed and rekindle his role as a political lightning rod as his father runs for reelection. He faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison if convicted − but actual sentences typically are shorter, the Justice Department says. 🔎 Here's a closer look at the charges.
Autoworkers poised to strike as Thursday night deadline approaches
Time is of the essence as the United Auto Workers and the “Big Three” U.S. automakers negotiate a new labor contract, impacting around 146,000 workers. The union and the automakers – General Motors, Ford and Stellantis – have until 11:59 p.m. Thursday before the contract expires. UAW members are demanding better pay, shorter hours, the end of a tiered pay system for newer workers, and the return of benefits like pensions and cost-of-living adjustments.
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Biden must choose a side between his union allies and the economy | Opinion
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Laura L. Davis is an Audience Editor at USA TODAY. Say hello:laura@usatoday.com.This is a compilation of stories from across the USA TODAY Network. Support quality journalism like this? Subscribe to USA TODAY here.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NASA's UFO report, Hunter Biden, Hurricane Lee, UAW strike: Thursday’s news
