The Intelligence Shake-Up

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. 

Related: What Happened to the Republicans Who Called for the Release of the Epstein Files? (NBC News)

The News in 5

🗞️ President Donald Trump says he's called off planned strikes on Iran and that a "great settlement" is within reach, with a possible signing as soon as this weekend. Iran says it's more complicated than that.

🗞️ 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. 

🗞️ The FIFA World Cup kicked off Thursday, and one of the host countries had a very good day. 

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.

Related: How Blood Pressure Can Influence Dementia Risk In Women (Cleveland Clinic)

Orange & Blue

Empire State of Play 

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.

And the zeitgeist goes wild: Amid the chaos, budding documentarian Ben Stiller captured the moment a ref blocked Mariska Hargitay’s view of the final shot — until she handled it exactly how Olivia Benson would. Not that Ben and Christine Taylor wanted the W any less. Before Game 4, they went to truly unhinged lengths to make sure the Knicks didn’t lose again. (We won't spoil it, but it involved fire.) And Timothée Chalamet ripped off his shirt like he just won the World Cup and danced with pure joy among fans. But it’s this Taylor Swift move we can’t stop rewatching. Maybe she was extra giddy given who was stuck several rows behind her. An even more shocking run-in amongst it all: Two A-list celebrities seemed to bury a long-running feud courtside. Game 5 is Saturday and New York is ready — or already completely losing its mind.

Related: Mariska Hargitay’s Sprint to One of the Greatest Nights of Her Life (The Hollywood Reporter)

Quick Hits

♥️ New data shows that the most consumed beverage in the US may also help ward off heart disease. In that case, we’ll have another. 

🦉 Experts say even the owl-y-iest night owl can become a morning person with these simple hacks. What the hoot, we’ll try it.

👀 The internet’s mad at Gwyneth Paltrow again. This time it has nothing to do with yoni eggs or vagina candles.

🦅 Has there ever been a worthier or more American GoFundMe cause? At least it’s better than that friend in college who asked you to fund her study abroad… 

👰 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.

😋 National Peanut Butter Cookie Day

Consider this your excuse to make this three-ingredient option.

Saturday, June 13 

🎉 Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen Turn 40 

Happy birthday to these millennial legends. Celebrate with a look at their delightfully chaotic movie moments. (Number 33 forever.) 

🧶 Worldwide Knit in Public Day

Get started, or go all in with "adventure knitting" — it'll take you to some far-out places in the world. Hi, Antarctica.

Sunday, June 14

🌳 Free Entrance to Any National Park

Head to one of the country’s 63 parks — and skip the admission fee.

🥊 UFC Fight at the White House 

The fight, on Trump’s 80th birthday, is between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje — but this lawsuit could put a stop to the action.

Psst…this is just the preview: Subscribe to theSkimm app and never miss a moment.

Father’s Day Gifts

Skimm Shopping is back before the big day arrives. We’re only a little over a week away, so grab something now before you forget. We recommend:

• Reliable gifts under $25

• Clothing that he probably desperately needs

• What to split with siblings to cut down on cost

Skimm'd by: Marisa Iallonardo, Molly Longman, Aryanna Prasad Bhullar, Mallory Simon, Erika W. Smith, Marina Carver, and Jessica Prois. Fact-checked by Sara Tardiff.