Air Force Revokes 135 Promotions in US News Roundup
A series of notable developments across the United States on Thursday spans military personnel issues, diplomatic relations, urban safety concerns, election integrity questions, and the loss of a music icon. Here is a roundup of the day’s key stories.
Air Force Rescinds 135 Promotions After Scoring Error
The U.S. Air Force has acknowledged a human error involving an outdated test answer key that corrupted this year’s technical sergeant selection process, forcing officials to revoke 135 promotions and award those slots to other airmen who rightfully earned them. According to Fox News, the error affected only the service’s security forces career field, where officials rescored all 2,285 eligible airmen after discovering an outdated scoring key had been used on the Specialty Knowledge Test.
“We owe it to those affected to address it immediately,” Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David R. Wolfe said in a statement. “This is going to be hard for everyone impacted.”
After rescoring, the Air Force determined that 451 previously selected airmen would keep their promotions while 135 others no longer met the cutoff score. Another 135 airmen who were initially passed over will instead receive the promotions. The Air Force Personnel Center plans to announce the newly selected technical sergeants in a supplemental promotion release during the week of July 13. Officials described the mistake as an isolated and unprecedented human error and said no other Air Force specialty codes were affected.
Trump’s Vatican Ambassador Navigates Delicate Relations
A New York Times profile examines how Ambassador Brian Burch, President Trump’s envoy to the Vatican, is navigating the relationship between Pope Leo and the White House. Burch, described as Trump’s loyal defender at the Vatican, must balance ties between two of the most prominent American men in the world, with his priority firmly placed in Washington. The profile highlights the delicate diplomatic dance required as Burch represents Trump’s interests while engaging with a papacy that has often taken positions at odds with the administration on issues ranging from immigration to climate policy.
Midtown Building Evacuated; Inspection Firm Had Prior Violations
A Midtown Manhattan building was evacuated Thursday due to structural concerns, raising fresh questions about building safety oversight in New York City. A review by The New York Times found that Domani Inspection Services, the company that inspected the buckling building, had been repeatedly accused of breaking New York City rules at other sites. The inspector involved had been cited for missing problems at other locations, according to records reviewed by the Times, underscoring systemic concerns about the city’s building inspection regime.
Campaign Staffers Continue Betting on Elections Despite Crackdown
Campaign staffers are still trying to place bets on political races through prediction markets, despite new scrutiny toward insider trading and internal efforts to curb the practice. As NPR reported, Kalshi, the largest prediction market platform, has developed a system that cross-references campaign staffers listed in Federal Election Commission data against its user logs to flag potential violations. The company says it has blocked “dozens” of staffers who tried to bet on their own candidates since May.
However, at least one campaign operative listed in FEC records was able to trade on a race they were involved in despite the monitoring program. The lack of comprehensive federal regulation has left companies to police themselves, with at least 21 prediction market bills introduced in Congress this year, none of which have advanced. The House Oversight Committee is actively investigating both Kalshi and Polymarket for their enforcement efforts against insider trading.
Bonnie Tyler, Iconic Singer of ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart,’ Dies at 75
Bonnie Tyler, the Welsh singer whose raspy, powerful voice defined 1980s pop anthems, has died at age 75. Known worldwide for her chart-topping hits “Total Eclipse of the Heart” and “Holding Out for a Hero,” Tyler’s career spanned five decades. With a voice described as both weathered and operatic, she minted enduring classics that have been featured in countless films, television shows, and commercials. Her death marks the end of an era for fans of 1980s pop music who grew up with her unmistakable sound.
What to Watch
As these stories continue to develop, the Air Force’s promotion correction process will unfold over the coming weeks, the House Oversight Committee’s investigation into prediction markets remains ongoing, and New York City faces renewed scrutiny over its building inspection practices. Meanwhile, tributes to Bonnie Tyler are expected to pour in from around the world as fans remember the voice behind some of pop music’s most unforgettable songs.