The U.S. military is tracking a mysterious high-altitude balloon that flew over American soil, but its origin is unknown. It does not pose a military or physical threat to people on the ground, nor does it pose a risk to civil aviation over Hawaii. The object is slowly moving toward Mexico and the U.S. military could still shoot it down if it nears land, but they have not taken any action yet.
News Mash
Two Republican lawmakers in Wisconsin have proposed a bill that would allow fourteen-year-olds to serve alcohol to seated customers in bars and restaurants, sparking debate among Wisconsin residents. The bill would require employees to undergo alcohol server training and adhere to strict safety protocols, and if passed, would make Wisconsin the first state in the nation to allow fourteen-year-olds to serve alcohol.
Five environmental and cultural heritage groups have filed a lawsuit against the FAA for allowing the launch of SpaceX's Starship Super Heavy rocket from its Boca Chica, Texas facility without a comprehensive environmental review. The launch resulted in destruction of the launch pad, spread of particulate matter, and a 3.5-acre fire on state park lands. The lawsuit is being brought by The Center for Biological Diversity, Friends of the Wild Whoopers, Sierra Club, Defenders of Wildlife, and the National Audubon Society. The FAA has yet to comment on the lawsuit.
The United States Treasury Department has warned that the deadline to extend the debt ceiling or face the first U.S. default could be as early as June 1. Analysis from Moody's Analytics has revealed that tax receipts have been weaker than expected, leading to the revised timeline. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is urging Congress to act quickly in order to avoid a self-inflicted crisis, warning that "failure to act would have catastrophic economic consequences for every American."
Montana State Representative Zooey Zephyr has filed a lawsuit against the state of Montana and the speaker of the Montana House after Republican lawmakers voted to censure and block her from speaking. The lawsuit seeks to overturn the censure and allow Zephyr to return to the House floor, and is expected to be heard in state district court in Helena. The case has been widely criticized by Democrats and civil rights groups, as it could have far-reaching implications for the rights of lawmakers in Montana and beyond.
On Monday, the Detectives Endowment Association announced the death of Detective Troy Patterson, who was shot in the head during a botched robbery in Brooklyn, New York in 1990. Patterson was a decorated officer who served in the NYPD for over 10 years and was posthumously awarded the NYPD Combat Cross for his bravery. The Detectives Endowment Association has asked for donations to the Troy Patterson Memorial Fund, which will be used to support the families of fallen officers.
Mattel has released a new Barbie doll honoring Hollywood icon Anna May Wong in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Anna Wong, the niece of Anna May Wong, worked with Barbie to develop the doll, which she says is an "incredible tribute" to her aunt. Lisa McKnight, executive vice president and global head of Barbie & Dolls at Mattel, said that the company was "proud to continue to increase representation in the toy aisle." The Anna May Wong Barbie doll is available for purchase on the Barbie website.
Maryland Senator Ben Cardin announced on Monday that he will not seek reelection in 2024, sparking speculation about who will replace him in the blue state. Potential candidates include Rep. Jamie Raskin, former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, former Rep. John Delaney, and former NAACP President Ben Jealous. Cardin has been a reliable and amiable rank-and-file Democrat, and the race to replace him is expected to heat up in the coming months.