Horizon cutting-room links: Friday, 25 July 2025

"Air Force says B-52 crew wasn’t told of passenger jet before near-miss," Defense News

The Air Force reported that a B-52 crew was not informed of an incoming passenger jet while preparing for a flyover. The passenger aircraft, flight 3788 from SkyWest Airlines, narrowly avoided a collision with the military bomber during its approach to land.

• The B-52 crew had notified air traffic controllers of their flyover plans but did not receive warnings about the passenger jet's approach.
• The incident occurred on 18 July 18 2025, when the civilian aircraft had to maneuver sharply to avoid the B-52, demonstrating the critical need for improved coordination in shared airspace.
• Both the FAA and SkyWest Airlines are conducting investigations into the near-miss, emphasizing the importance of thorough reviews to prevent future occurrences.

"Children’s National Hospital in DC to end gender transition medical interventions," Ground News

DC’s Children's National Hospital announced it will cease prescribing puberty blockers and hormone therapy to minors, citing growing legal risks amid increasing federal scrutiny of gender-affirming care.

• The hospital's decision will take effect on 30 August 2025, halting all medication-based gender interventions for minors.
• This move follows mounting legal pressures, including subpoenas and federal orders, raising concerns about the legal liabilities faced by healthcare providers.
• Advocacy groups are responding with litigation efforts, while local activists express concern about the potential for increased bullying against minority youth as a result of these changes.

“D.C. restaurant closures in 2025 are on pace to surpass last year's record,” Washington Business Journal

DC restaurant closures are projected to exceed last year's record high, partially attributable to rising labor costs associated with Initiative 82. This year, closures have already reached fifty-three, nearly double the number from the same period last year.

• Restaurant closures in DC are expected to surpass 100 by the end of 2025, marking a significant increase from the record-setting seventy-three closures last year, according to the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW).
• The rise in closures has been attributed to increased labor costs due to Initiative 82, which phases out the tipped minimum wage for servers, shifting the wage burden entirely to employers and impacting profit margins.
• Despite the closures, the restaurant industry has gained nearly 1,400 jobs since the passage of the initiative in November 2022, indicating a complex labor market dynamic where many restaurants are struggling to adapt to new wage requirements while still opening new establishments.

"Biden sells memoir for roughly $10 million, less than Obama and Clinton," Wall Street Journal

Former President Joe Biden has sold his presidential memoir to Hachette Book Group for an advance of approximately $10 million, significantly less than the deals secured by his predecessors Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. Biden's memoir will focus on his time in office from January 2021 to January 2025, but the publication date remains unconfirmed as his health may impact the timeline of completion.

• Joe Biden's memoir was sold to Hachette Book Group with an advance of around $10 million, which is notably lower than the $60 million deal secured by Barack Obama.
• The former president will focus on his four years in office, although a publication date has yet to be set due to concerns surrounding his health.
• Biden's lengthy political career includes an eight-year tenure as vice president and significant challenges, including his recent diagnosis with prostate cancer, which may affect his writing schedule and promotional plans.

"Zapping drones swarms into submission," Defense One

Defense startup Epirus has contracted with the US Army to deliver high powered microwave systems designed to neutralize drone swarms. This technological comes as drones in military and domestic operations is increasingly critical..

• Epirus has received a $43.6 million contract to deliver high-powered microwave systems capable of incapacitating drones, which reflects the growing reliance on drone technology in modern warfare and security.
• The technology utilizes electromagnetic interference frequencies to disrupt devices with computer chips, making it effective not just against drones but also against various electronic systems, including vehicles like Teslas.
• The new systems are scheduled for delivery by the end of the year, with extensive testing planned to ensure they meet the Army's engineering expectations, potentially revolutionizing battlefield strategies and counter-drone operations.