SkyWatchMesh – UAP Intelligence Network
UAP Intelligence Network – Real-time monitoring of official UAP reports from government agencies and scientific institutions worldwide
A roundup of mysterious, paranormal and strange news stories from the past week.
As UAP researchers and tech enthusiasts, we’re always seeking tools and resources to enhance our investigations and stay ahead of emerging technologies. Check out this resource that fellow researchers have found valuable.
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A new release of Department of Defense (DoD) emails obtained through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) sheds light on internal debates about the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), its scope, and how its work is presented to the public. The documents, released under case number 24-F-0894, were obtained by The Black Vault following a request for correspondence involving Pentagon spokesperson Susan Gough containing the terms “AARO” or “Phillips” between February 1 and March 7, 2024.
The request yielded 14 pages of emails, many redacted, that offer a rare glimpse into how the Pentagon handled the rollout of AARO’s congressionally mandated Historical Record Report and managed both internal and external messaging.
The emails reveal that access to AARO’s acting director, Tim Phillips, was tightly restricted. In February and March 2024, multiple journalists, including representatives from Scientific American, the Washington Examiner, and Finland’s national broadcaster YLE, requested inclusion in press briefings or sought interviews with Phillips.
Those requests were declined. “At this time, we are looking to keep any media engagement with AARO’s acting director to a small group,” Pentagon spokesperson Susan Gough wrote in response to one inquiry. Another journalist expressed disappointment at the exclusion, saying it “seems to be a bit of Pentagon narrative setting versus genuine media outreach”.
A small, invite-only briefing was held on March 8, 2024, with only about seven journalists present. During the session, reporters asked pointed questions that reflected the broader public interest. One journalist pressed Phillips directly about whether high-profile whistleblowers Luis Elizondo or David Grusch had been interviewed for AARO’s review. Phillips declined to confirm, stating: “As a practice, we do not disclose who came in and spoke to us. The individuals are free to share that with you, but I’m not going to talk about who we interviewed. But anybody with knowledge of UAPs or the government covert attempt to reverse engineer or to exploit these materials, we would love to talk to them”.
Phillips also sought to portray the work as unprecedented in scope: “I don’t think there’s ever been a government organization with the authorities and with the amount of funding that we receive from Congress I don’t believe any previous government attempt to research UFOs, UAPs has ever had that type of top cover”.
While the answers themselves added to the record, the manner in which the information was released raised broader concerns. By holding a private, invitation-only engagement, the Pentagon limited access to a select group of reporters. For others seeking answers, including those who had submitted formal FOIA requests, the arrangement stood in stark contrast to the principles of openness and transparency that Congress intended when it mandated AARO’s historical review.
Another exchange shows discussion about whether to acknowledge the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) in press materials. Although AARO operates within the Department of Defense, its statutory reporting structure, which was established under the FY2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), requires it to report to both the Deputy Secretary of Defense and the Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence (PDDNI).
Despite this, internal correspondence about the March 2024 rollout of AARO’s Historical Record Report shows officials deliberately choosing to downplay ODNI’s role. In an email chain on March 5, 2024, while discussing the draft press release, Gough asked whether ODNI should be referenced since “the legislation calls for AARO producing the report — but Dir, AARO reports to PDDNI, too, so wanted to check.” The reply was clear: “Confirming that we’re good without any ODNI mention.” Who that was from was redacted and withheld.
Legally, ODNI sits atop AARO’s chain of accountability, yet in this instance the Department of Defense opted to present the rollout as a DoD-driven initiative.
During March 6, 2024, classified briefings on the Historical Record Report, congressional staff pressed AARO leadership on the individuals interviewed, the scope of documentation reviewed, and “noteworthy programs,” including one labeled KONA BLUE.
According to a declassified release from the Department of Defense, KONA BLUE originated as a prospective Special Access Program (PSAP) proposed within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in 2011. The program was described in interviews as a sensitive compartment established to protect the retrieval and exploitation of “non-human biologics.” However, further investigation by AARO determined that KONA BLUE was never formally established. It received neither funding nor materials, and no data was ever transferred to DHS under its name.
The roots of KONA BLUE trace back to the Advanced Aerospace Weapon System Application Program (AAWSAP)/Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP), run by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) from 2009 to 2012. Those programs, funded by congressional earmarks, were executed primarily through Bigelow Aerospace in Nevada. DIA ultimately terminated the contract, citing “lack of merit and lack of utility” in the products provided. Following its cancellation, individuals associated with AAWSAP/AATIP advocated for DHS to adopt and fund a successor program under the code name KONA BLUE.
In 2011, DHS’s Under Secretary for Science and Technology approved KONA BLUE as a PSAP, justifying the move on claims that sensitive information and materials required this level of protection. Six months later, the DHS Deputy Secretary disapproved the initiative, citing insufficient justification and lack of credible supporting information. The program was terminated immediately thereafter.
Despite speculation surrounding the name, the official record confirms that KONA BLUE never advanced beyond proposal stage. The Department of Defense has since declassified related documents in coordination with DHS, reaffirming that “no data or material of any kind was ever transferred to or collected by DHS under the auspices of KONA BLUE”.
The records also capture friction between Congress and the Pentagon over AARO’s responsibilities. During a Senate briefing on drone incursions, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand pressed officials on why the Department lacked a central database for unmanned aerial system (UAS) incursions, arguing that AARO should serve that function.
Internal Pentagon correspondence shows immediate pushback. “We do not want to see sUAS added to AARO’s portfolio!” Pentagon spokesperson Gough wrote in an email to David A. Kozik, Director Congressional Activities, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense Intelligence. Kozik repliesd that AARO should serve in a coordinating capacity on counter-UAS issues, but not as the lead office. The discussions underscored a disconnect between congressional expectations and the Department’s vision for AARO’s scope.
What makes this exchange notable is the role of the official raising the concern. Under Department of Defense policy, Public Affairs personnel are tasked with communicating information and providing counsel to commanders, but not with determining mission assignments. Joint Publication 3-61 emphasizes that public affairs officers are the commander’s “principal spokesperson” and serve to advise and align communication, but their role is not directive in setting operational responsibilities. Similarly, DoDD 5122.05 and DoDI 5400.13 define the public affairs function as supporting transparency, releasing information, and coordinating messaging, not deciding organizational missions.
For that reason, Gough’s strong stance appears to move beyond the traditional remit of a spokesperson. While she is entitled to offer her views, it is unusual to see a Public Affairs official weighing in directly on whether a congressional request, which was raised by a sitting Senator, should alter AARO’s mission portfolio.
In short, while the emails show a clear disagreement between congressional intent and Pentagon preference, they also highlight the unusual position of a public affairs spokesperson inserting herself into a debate that doctrine indicates should rest with mission leadership and policymakers, not communications staff.
The newly released emails offer a glimpse into how the Pentagon manages both its internal deliberations and public-facing messaging about UAPs. The records confirm congressional pressure to expand AARO’s mandate, references to sensitive programs like KONA BLUE, and a deliberate effort by DoD and ODNI officials to shape the rollout of AARO’s Historical Record Report.
While heavily redacted, the correspondence highlights an ongoing tension between secrecy, congressional oversight, and public transparency in the government’s handling of unidentified anomalous phenomena.
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FOIA 24-F-0894 Release Package [16 Pages, 2.2MB]
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The post FOIA Emails Reveal Pentagon’s Tight Control Over AARO “Historical Record Report” Rollout and Messaging first appeared on The Black Vault.
As UAP researchers and tech enthusiasts, we’re always seeking tools and resources to enhance our investigations and stay ahead of emerging technologies. Check out this resource that fellow researchers have found valuable.
→ HomeFi
In the world of UFO phenomena and talk of UFO sightings and aliens, the most spectacular of these reports must surely be those in which these crafts, possibly from other stars, have crashed to earth. Here we have landing right in our laps the answer to whether we are alone in the universe, the physical evidence we need to finally prove that aliens are real. Unfortunately, these alleged crashes have a bad habit of being moved in on by the government to be swept under the carpet, or to otherwise fade into the mists of time while frustratingly denying us the proof we would expect to get from such a spectacular incident. Here we are going to take a look at a few of the more bizarre cases of UFO crashes, and the forces that conspired to make them fade into the mists of time.
As UAP researchers and tech enthusiasts, we’re always seeking tools and resources to enhance our investigations and stay ahead of emerging technologies. Check out this resource that fellow researchers have found valuable.
→ Aiper
The entire South American continent is a hub of UFO activity, and has been since the start of the Modern UFO Era. There is little doubt, though, that one of the most active countries, in terms of UFO and alien encounters, not only in South America but in the world, is Brazil, which has boasted regular and consistent reports since the 1950s, at least. Moreover, many of these encounters feature multiple witnesses and also include veteran military and commercial airline pilots. In short, while we should treat all encounters from anywhere in the world with a cautionary pinch of salt, there is good reason to suggest that many of the following accounts are very credible.
As UAP researchers and tech enthusiasts, we’re always seeking tools and resources to enhance our investigations and stay ahead of emerging technologies. Check out this resource that fellow researchers have found valuable.
→ Aiper
Newly released Department of Defense records reveal the prolonged and often frustrating prepublication review process for the 2021 book Skinwalkers at the Pentagon: An Insider’s Account of the Secret Government UFO Program by James Lacatski, Colm Kelleher, and George Knapp. The documents, obtained by The Black Vault under FOIA case 22-F-0035, detail how the Defense Office of Prepublication and Security Review (DOPSR) took more than a year to complete its review, despite what appears to be no substantive objections from the reviewing agencies.
The records show the manuscript, originally submitted in March 2020, was routed to multiple agencies including the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), U.S. Air Force, and Department of Homeland Security. All three cleared the manuscript, though DIA required some amendments before public release. On May 11, 2021, DOPSR issued its final determination: CLEARED AS AMENDED. The changes were largely to address privacy concerns involving personally identifiable information and protected health information, as well as the names of certain government employees.
For Lacatski, who served as a key figure in the Pentagon’s Advanced Aerospace Weapon System Applications Program (AAWSAP), the delays were a source of growing frustration. Email exchanges show repeated inquiries about the status of the review, with him noting at one point that the process had reached “the fourteen month point” and suggesting that holding up publication “may very well be one person” delaying the work. In another message, he urged DOPSR to give the lagging office “a firm deadline” or assume no further comments would be provided.
Kelly McHale, the DOPSR security review specialist assigned to the case, repeatedly cited slow responses from reviewing components, pandemic-related telework restrictions, and the complexity of coordinating input from multiple agencies as factors in the delay. “We never intend for reviews to take this long,” McHale wrote, assuring Lacatski that she was “keeping the pressure on”.
The delays not only impacted the authors’ timeline but also forced consideration of alternative publication strategies. In one April 2021 email, Lacatski proposed adding a statement to the book’s copyright page indicating that the manuscript was under DOPSR review, so the work could be sent to the editor without waiting for final clearance.
In a post-release interview on Coast to Coast AM, co-author Colm Kelleher outlined what DOPSR required before publication: “they made us take out some fairly specific references to various offices and also some of the security-related verbiage,” and they insisted that “any active military people or people who are still working in the government service had their names changed.” He said “all of the names that are in the book are actually pseudonyms for all active-duty service people,” noting that “one of the four Tic Tac pilots from the famous Tic Tac incident back in 2004” was discovered to still be active duty and was therefore given a pseudonym. Kelleher added that DOPSR “sent the book out to four separate agencies for review,” and the process “did take about 14 months,” which he believed was “because of the COVID.” When asked if the review was fair, he said officials “left in a lot of the details,” including Appendix One’s “full summary of over 100 separate reports delivered to the Defense Intelligence Agency,” adding, “we expected to have some of that removed but none of it was removed.”
The DOPSR process, designed to protect classified and sensitive information, often draws criticism from current and former government employees. The Skinwalkers at the Pentagon case highlights how these reviews can extend well beyond initial projections, even for manuscripts that ultimately face minimal redactions.
While the FOIA release contains no revelations about the classified and/or sensitive content removed from the book, it provides a detailed view of the bureaucratic hurdles faced by authors with government ties. The prolonged review, combined with the authors’ public comments about omitted material, underscores the tension between national security vetting and timely public disclosure.
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FOIA Case 22-F-0035 Release Package [108 Pages, 3.6MB]
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The post New Documents Detail Slow, Multi-Agency Vetting of “Skinwalkers at the Pentagon” first appeared on The Black Vault.
As UAP researchers and tech enthusiasts, we’re always seeking tools and resources to enhance our investigations and stay ahead of emerging technologies. Check out this resource that fellow researchers have found valuable.
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Newly released Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) documents obtained by The Black Vault under FOIA case 2025-04622 add significant new information to the still-developing story about a series of unauthorized drone incursions at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB) in December 2024. These records, drawn primarily from the FAA’s SKYWATCH system, supplement the earlier Air Force FOIA release (2025-01757-F) previously covered by The Black Vault, and they introduce a striking new element: the report of a “black cube”-shaped “UAS” observed at around 16,000 feet.
SKYWATCH is an FAA operations security platform used to collect and disseminate reports of suspicious or unauthorized aerial activity, often relayed through Air Traffic Control Towers, FAA regional offices, and the Domestic Events Network. It serves as a central alert system for potential security risks, with reports often shared with law enforcement and military security forces.
Here is a breakdown summary of the events just released as a result of this case, and drawing from the SKYWATCH system. The documents themselves (located at the bottom of this article) go into greater detail.
Event #1 – December 14, 2024 (03:55Z)
Air traffic controllers observed a drone over multiple sensitive locations on base, including the Hot Cargo Ramp, the south side of Runway 5L, the military ramp, and the east side of the airfield. Base security reported the drones were turning their lights off and flying past them in close proximity. The incident triggered NOTAMs (M1132/24 and M1133/24) for an airfield closure, with the information broadcast on the ATIS. The closure remained in effect until base leadership met later that morning.
Event #2 – December 17, 2024 (04:41Z)
Multiple radar targets, presumed to be drones, were observed on tower radar. No visual confirmation was made, but the Riverside Police Department was notified.
Event #3 – December 17, 2024 (04:58Z)
The situation escalated when ZID Center radar detected between seven and seventeen targets within 40 miles of the airport. Wright-Patterson Security Forces on the ground confirmed the objects were drones. Riverside Police were again contacted. The report categorized the incident as a “swarm” involving multiple unmanned aircraft.
Event #4 – December 17, 2024 (18:08Z)
An aircraft on approach reported seeing a silver drone approximately five nautical miles southeast of Wright-Patterson at 3,200 feet. The pilot took no evasive action. FAA quality assurance later logged coordinates placing the object within the Dayton area, consistent with the Wright-Patterson region.
Event #5 – December 19, 2024 (18:45Z)
The most unusual report came from an aircraft westbound at 16,000 feet near Appleton VOR, roughly 70–80 miles east-northeast of Wright-Patterson. The crew reported a drone “passing beneath them by about 500 feet” and described it as a “black cube.” FAA quality assurance assigned coordinates to the sighting, placing it well east of the base, but it occurred within the same week as the other incursions and was documented in the same SKYWATCH dataset.
Located within the “Drone Sightings Near Airports” reports located at the FAA’s website, the sighting above described as a “black cube” is listed, however, the description of it being a “black cube” was removed, or intentionally not included.
The earlier Air Force records documented numerous sightings by Security Forces personnel of multiple drones over Areas A and B of the base, some flying in formations and performing rapid altitude changes. Many were described as turning lights off, maneuvering in ways consistent with evasion, and in some cases appearing over sensitive areas like the flightline and base gates. However, the “black cube” sighting did not appear in the Air Force release. The FAA records now confirm that during the same operational window, pilots and controllers were also logging high-altitude, unusually shaped drone activity, broadening the scope of what was occurring in the region’s airspace.
The FAA data mirrors many of the Air Force incident points but adds radar “swarm” data, aircraft pilot reports, and precise coordinates where available. The coordinates from the December 17 silver drone sighting place it within the Wright-Patterson airspace vicinity, while the December 19 “black cube” coordinates are farther east but along a flight corridor that could connect to the operational area around the base during that week’s security incidents.
This is the approximate location of the “Black Cube” sighting (black marker) in relationship to WPAFB (red marker) and the “Silver UAS” (blue marker) as described by their latitude/longitude coordinates in the documents
While most of the December 2024 events involved drones at altitudes that could be considered typical of hobbyist or small commercial systems, the “black cube” report at 16,000 feet raises questions about capabilities far beyond those of standard small UAS operations. Whether connected to the Wright-Patterson incursions directly or it is a separate high-altitude event all together, its inclusion in FAA’s SKYWATCH reporting during the same security surge is notable.
Together, the Air Force and FAA FOIA releases now establish that multiple confirmed incursions occurred over and around Wright-Patterson in December 2024, including “swarms”; that a base closure and NOTAM airfield closure were directly tied to drone activity; that FAA radar detected up to seventeen simultaneous targets within 40 miles; and that a rare, pilot-reported sighting of a “black cube” drone at high altitude was documented during the same period. These details expand the public record and offer new leads in understanding the scale and sophistication of the aerial activity that prompted Wright-Patterson’s partial shutdown.
Note: Imagery used in this article are artist renditions based on descriptions of the event.
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2025-04622 Released Records [8 Pages, 0.5MB]
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The post FAA Records Add ‘Black Cube’ Sighting to Wright-Patterson AFB Drone Mystery first appeared on The Black Vault.
As UAP researchers and tech enthusiasts, we’re always seeking tools and resources to enhance our investigations and stay ahead of emerging technologies. Check out this resource that fellow researchers have found valuable.
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A roundup of mysterious, paranormal and strange news stories from the past week.
As UAP researchers and tech enthusiasts, we’re always seeking tools and resources to enhance our investigations and stay ahead of emerging technologies. Check out this resource that fellow researchers have found valuable.
→ Ecovacs
The Central Intelligence Agency was created in 1947 with the signing of the National Security Act by President Harry S. Truman. The act also created a Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) to serve as head of the United States intelligence community; act as the principal adviser to the President for intelligence matters related to the national security; and serve as head of the Central Intelligence Agency. The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 amended the National Security Act to provide for a Director of National Intelligence who would assume some of the roles formerly fulfilled by the DCI, with a separate Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.
Below you will find a collection of CIA agents and various personnel connected with the agency.
Abramson, Harold Alexander – [20 Pages, 9.9 MB] – Harold Alexander Abramson (November 27, 1899 – September 1980) was an American physician (allergist and pediatrician) noted as an early advocate of therapeutic LSD. He played a significant role in CIA’s MKULTRA program to investigate the military applications of LSD.
Angleton, James Jesus – FBI Release #1 – [347 Pages, 83.4 MB]
Angleton, James Jesus – FBI Release #2 (Final) – [97 Pages, 7MB] – James Jesus Angleton (December 9, 1917 – May 11, 1987) was chief of CIA Counterintelligence from 1954 to 1975. His official position within the organization was “Associate Deputy Director of Operations for Counterintelligence (ADDOCI)”. Angleton was significantly involved in the U.S. response to the purported KGB defectors Anatoliy Golitsyn and Yuri Nosenko. Angleton later became convinced the CIA harbored a high-ranking mole, and engaged in an intensive search. Whether this was a highly destructive witch hunt or appropriate caution vindicated by later moles remains a subject of intense historical debate.
Bissell, Richard – FBI Release #1 – [36 Pages, 3MB]
Bissell, Richard – FBI Release #2 – [9 Pages, 3.5MB] – Richard Mervin Bissell Jr. (September 18, 1909 – February 7, 1994) was a Central Intelligence Agency officer responsible for major projects such as the U-2 spy plane and the Bay of Pigs Invasion.
Buckley, William Francis – William Francis Buckley (May 30, 1928 – June 3, 1985) was a United States Army officer and CIA station chief in Beirut from 1984 until 1985. His cover was as a Political Officer at the US Embassy. He died on or around June 3, 1985—five months before the date claimed by his captors—while in the custody of Hezbollah. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery and is commemorated with a star on the Memorial Wall at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) headquarters in Langley, Virginia.
Colby, William – FBI Release #1 – [128 Pages, 8.7MB] –
Colby, William – FBI Release #2 – [134 Pages, 9.5MB] – William Egan Colby (1920-1996) was an American intelligence officer and diplomat who served as the Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) from 1973 to 1976 during a transformative period for the U.S. intelligence community. A World War II veteran and Office of Strategic Services (OSS) operative, Colby had a long, varied career in the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), beginning in 1950. He was instrumental in controversial covert actions like the Phoenix Program during the Vietnam War, aimed at dismantling the Viet Cong’s infrastructure. As DCI, Colby faced a tumultuous time marked by increased scrutiny of CIA activities; he was a key figure during the Church Committee hearings of the 1970s, where he divulged classified information about the Agency’s questionable practices, leading to significant changes in oversight and control of American intelligence operations. His candid approach brought both commendation for transparency and criticism for revealing too much, the latter leading to his forced resignation in 1976.
Conein, Lucien – [45 Pages, 8.3MB] – Lt. Col. Lucien Emile Conein (born 29 November 1919, Paris, France – died 3 June 1998, Bethesda, Maryland) was a noted U.S. Army officer and OSS/CIA operative. Among other exploits, he was instrumental in the November 1963 coup against Ngô Đình Diệm that resulted in Diệm’s assassination, having served as Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr.’s liaison officer with the coup plotters and delivering $42,000 of the known cash disbursements. He later ran secret operations for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Although the FBI said that additional possible records could exist, they claim they could not find/locate them.
Cameron, Donald Ewen – [21 Pages, 8.3MB] – Donald Ewen Cameron (24 December 1901 – 8 September 1967) — known as D. Ewen Cameron or Ewen Cameron — was a Scottish-born psychiatrist who served as President of the American Psychiatric Association (1952–1953), Canadian Psychiatric Association (1958-1959), American Psychopathological Association (1963), Society of Biological Psychiatry (1965) and World Psychiatric Association (1961-1966). In spite of his high professional reputation, he has been criticized for administering electroshock therapy and experimental drugs to patients without their informed consent. Some of this work took place in the context of the Project MKUltra mind control program.
Clarridge, Duane – [17 Pages, 2.8MB] – Duane Ramsdell “Dewey” Clarridge (April 16, 1932 – April 9, 2016) was an American senior operations officer for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and supervisor for more than 30 years. Clarridge was the chief of the Latin American division from 1981 to 1987 and a key figure in the Iran-Contra Affair.
George, Clair– FBI Release #1 – [64 Pages, 9MB]
George, Clair – FBI Release #2 – [64 Pages, 2.2MB] – Clair Elroy George (August 3, 1930 – August 11, 2011) was a prominent American intelligence officer in the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Over his three-decade career, he became known for his expertise in espionage and counterintelligence, holding several key positions, including Deputy Director for Operations. George played a pivotal role during the Cold War, overseeing clandestine operations globally. His career was marked by controversy during the Iran-Contra affair, where he was indicted for perjury and obstruction of justice, though later pardoned by President George H.W. Bush. Clair George’s legacy remains a significant chapter in the history of U.S. intelligence operations.
Gottlieb, Sidney – FBI Release #1 – [43 Pages, 15.4MB] – Sidney Gottlieb (born Joseph Scheider; August 3, 1918 – March 7, 1999) was an American chemist and spymaster best known for his involvement with the Central Intelligence Agency’s 1950s and ’60s assassination attempts and mind control program, known as Project MKUltra.
Harvey, William King – [376 Pages, 172 MB] – William King “Bill” Harvey (September 13, 1915 – June 9, 1976) was a Central Intelligence Agency officer, best known for his role in Operation Mongoose. He was known as “America’s James Bond”, a tag given to him by Edward Lansdale.
Helms, Richard – [342 Pages, 190 MB]
Helms, Richard – Letter stating additional FBI Records were destroyed – [2 Pages, 0.4MB]Richard McGarrah Helms (March 30, 1913 – October 23, 2002) served as the Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) from June 1966 to February 1973. Helms began intelligence work with the Office of Strategic Services during World War II. Following the 1947 creation of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) he rose in its ranks during the Truman, Eisenhower, and Kennedy administrations. Helms then served as DCI under Johnson, then Nixon.
Maheu, Robert – [1,151 Pages, 852MB] – (Note: This is a large file. It is recommended you right click and select “save as” instead of opening in a browser).
Robert Aime Maheu (October 30, 1917 – August 4, 2008) was an American businessman and lawyer, who worked for the FBI and CIA, and as the chief executive of Nevada operations for the industrialist Howard Hughes. Maheu said: “The CIA was my first steady client, giving me ‘cut-out’ assignments [those jobs in which the Agency could not officially be involved].”
Marchetti, Victor– [30 Pages, 2.2MB] – Victor Leo Marchetti, Jr. (December 23, 1929-October 19, 2018) was a special assistant to the Deputy Director of the Central Intelligence Agency who later became a prominent critic of the United States Intelligence Community and the Israel lobby in the United States.
McCone, John – [746 Pages, 46.4MB] – John Alexander McCone (January 4, 1902 – February 14, 1991) was an American businessman and politician who served as Director of Central Intelligence during the height of the Cold War. After the disaster of the Bay of Pigs Invasion, president John F. Kennedy forced the resignation of the CIA director Allen Dulles and some of his staff. McCone replaced Dulles on November 29, 1961.
Millis, John I. – [184 Pages, 103MB] – John I. Millis was a former case officer with the Central Intelligence Agency who also served as the top staff member of the House Intelligence Committee.
Montgomery, Hugh – [746 Pages, 46.4MB] – Hugh Montgomery (November 29, 1923 – April 6, 2017) was a United States diplomat and intelligence officer. He served for 63 years with the Central Intelligence Agency and has been called one of the CIA’s founding fathers.
Paisley, John – [297 Pages, 183.3MB] – John Arthur Paisley (August 25, 1923 – September 24, 1978) was a former official of the Central Intelligence Agency. Paisley served in the CIA from 1963 to 1974. During his career, he was heavily involved in Soviet operations. Paisley retired as deputy director in the Office of Strategic Research, the branch that monitored Soviet military movements and nuclear capabilities.
Shackley, Theodore “Ted” – [340 Pages, 96MB] – Theodore George “Ted” Shackley, Jr. (July 16, 1927 — December 9, 2002) was an American CIA officer involved in many important and controversial CIA operations during the 1960s and 1970s. He is one of the most decorated CIA officers. Due to his “light hair and mysterious ways”, Shackley was known to his colleagues as “the Blond Ghost”. Note: There are 1,092 (approximate) additional pages which will require $40 to get. Please CONTACT if you are interested in sponsoring the file.
Tofte, Hans – FBI Release #1 – [33 Pages, 3.4MB]
Tofte, Hans – FBI Release #2 – [41 Pages, 5.4MB] – Hans V. Tofte (1911–1987) was a Danish-American intelligence officer who played a significant role in Allied and U.S. covert operations during and after World War II. Born in Copenhagen, he fled Nazi-occupied Europe and joined the British Special Operations Executive, training guerrilla fighters in Burma and China. He later served with the U.S. Office of Strategic Services (OSS) in Yugoslavia and Italy, where he supported resistance groups and earned the Legion of Merit. After the war, he joined the CIA and became known for bold paramilitary missions, including a 1951 operation that intercepted medical supplies bound for Chinese forces in Korea. Tofte was also involved in Cold War operations in Latin America, including the 1954 coup in Guatemala. His CIA career ended in 1966 amid controversy over classified documents found in his home. He retired with his pension and lived out his final years in New York, passing away in 1987.
White, George Hunter FBI Release #1 (to The Black Vault) – [53 Pages, 3.5MB]
White, George Hunter FBI Release #1 (third party requester, archived here for reference) – [19 Pages, 12.9MB]
White, George Hunter FBI Release #2 (third party requester, archived here for reference) – [31 Pages, 20.7MB] – George Hunter White was a CIA operative who had worked on the MKULTRA / Mind Control projects. He was also heavily involved in the previous OSS “truth drug” experiments.
Wilson, Edwin Paul – [651 Pages, 304MB] – Edwin Paul Wilson (May 3, 1928 – September 10, 2012) was a former CIA and Office of Naval Intelligence officer who was convicted in 1983 of illegally selling weapons to Libya. It was later found that the United States Department of Justice and the CIA had covered up evidence in the case. Wilson’s convictions were overturned in 2003 and he was freed the following year.
The post FBI Files: Directors, Agents and Personnel of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) first appeared on The Black Vault.
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The Department of Defense (DOD) has released, in full, the exact text of the “Verbal Legal Advisement” presented to UFO whistleblower David Grusch and likely other witnesses during All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) interviews. The release, under FOIA case 24-F-1138 filed by The Black Vault in April 2024, answers questions raised in previous disclosures and sheds new light on how AARO sought to address concerns about security, legal liability, and nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) for witnesses providing classified UAP-related testimony.
In 2023 and 2024, AARO made numerous documented attempts to interview David Grusch regarding his claims of government involvement with and knowledge about extraterrestrial materials and reverse engineering programs. As detailed in prior FOIA releases (24-F-0266), Grusch repeatedly raised questions about whether AARO was legally authorized to receive highly classified information, including materials covered by NDAs and Special Access Programs (SAPs).
AARO staff responded by providing memorandums from both the Department of Defense and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, explicitly affirming AARO’s legal authority to receive all levels of UAP-related information “notwithstanding any nondisclosure agreement you may have signed”.
March 8. 2023, memorandum by Major General David W. Abba
Despite this, Grusch continued to seek written and verbal assurances and requested further documentation about policies and procedures for handling such information, specifically questioning the limits of AARO’s authority and the protections for those disclosing sensitive material.
FOIA case 24-F-1138, filed in April 2024 by The Black Vault, specifically sought the wording of the “Verbal Legal Advisement” referenced in previous correspondence with Grusch. The DOD’s full release now makes this critical document available to the public for the first time.
The advisement, read aloud to witnesses prior to interviews, sets forth the following key points:
Voluntary Participation: Witnesses are asked to confirm their participation is voluntary and that they may end the interview or decline to answer questions at any time.
Privacy Act and Ownership: The interview is conducted primarily to collect historical information, with the understanding that transcripts and materials belong to the U.S. Government, may be shared with Congress, and are subject to the Privacy Act.
Legal Status of Disclosures: Critically, the advisement states:
“Do you understand that for the limited purpose of this oral history, and only during the course of our discussion in this Secure Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF), that the information you disclose is not subject to any Nondisclosure Agreement you have signed?”
Witnesses are then advised:
“Upon completion of this interview today all non-disclosure agreements remain in full force.”
Potential Consequences for False Statements: The advisement also warns witnesses that knowingly providing false information can result in criminal penalties under 18 U.S.C. § 1001 and that withholding or falsifying information may negatively affect their security clearance and federal employment.
The entire “verbal legal advisement” is below:
The advisement is grounded in explicit statutory language. Section 1673 of the FY23 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) provides that AARO is “authorized to receive any information related to UAP regardless of classification, and notwithstanding any nondisclosure agreement you may have signed.” This statutory authority is reaffirmed in memorandums from both the DOD Special Access Program Central Office and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, released to Grusch and now public through FOIA:
“Individuals with current or previous access to Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP)-related information which is subject to a USG Nondisclosure Agreement are authorized to provide this otherwise protected information to AARO representatives.”
“The provision of UAP-related information which is subject to a Nondisclosure Agreement to AARO personnel constitutes an authorized disclosure if the information is provided and received for the limited purpose of conducting AARO’s assigned mission”
Office of the Director of National Intelligence, CAPCO Memo, stating authorization for witnesses to testify to AARO
Despite these written and verbal assurances, Grusch continued to seek additional documentation, expressing concern that simply citing the law and a DOD memo might not be sufficient protection, particularly given the complex patchwork of security policies and compartmented access involved. In emails, Grusch pressed for further clarification and asked for memos from additional agencies, including the CIA and Department of Energy, to address SAPs and other access restrictions.
AARO’s position, as reflected in both the advisement and supporting memoranda, is that the law provides broad statutory protection for such disclosures, so long as they occur within the scope of an official AARO interview and in an appropriate secure environment (like a SCIF). The advisement makes clear that any protections are limited to the duration and context of the interview itself. After the interview, all NDAs resume full effect.
As indicated by the released official documents and legal advisement, witnesses disclosing information to AARO in accordance with the advisement and in a secure setting are protected by federal law from NDA enforcement for those specific disclosures. Section 1673 of the FY23 NDAA is explicit, and violation of this provision by DOD officials, such as pursuing retaliation or NDA enforcement for authorized disclosures, would be a violation of federal law. Federal employees who act in bad faith or retaliate against whistleblowers may be subject to administrative or legal sanctions, though specific criminal penalties would depend on the circumstances and intent.
Could the DoD be lying to Grusch in order to pursue legal action after his disclosures during the interview? That is highly unlikely, as knowingly misrepresenting the legal status of NDAs or misleading witnesses about their protections could result in administrative or even criminal consequences under 18 U.S.C. § 1001 (false statements), or for violation of whistleblower protection laws.
The release of the “Verbal Legal Advisement” resolves a longstanding question about what witnesses like David Grusch were told before being asked to testify to AARO. The advisement confirms that, at least for the duration of the official interview, NDAs do not bar disclosure of UAP-related information to AARO. The law provides specific statutory protection for such disclosures, and the DOD has now placed these assurances on the public record.
But, what if the interview needed to extend beyond UAP-related information?
“The key issue here is that many of these activities have conventional classified and compartmented Security Classification Guides that also cover non-UAP activities as well,” Grusch said in a November 13th, 2023, email to the staff of AARO. “To discuss the UAP-related activities would also expose these conventional SAP mission areas. An oral history interview subject must also be absolved of this obligation to protect this information as well, some of it may be bigoted or WAIVED (lAW DODI 5205.11 and 10 USC Sec 119).” This was a concern and issue that Grusch never felt was properly addressed, hence why he did not show for a schedule meeting with them that was originally set that next day on November 14th.
The statutory protections granted by the DoD and the AARO apply specifically to “UAP-related information,” as defined by Section 1673 of the FY23 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The Verbal Legal Advisement and supporting policy memoranda make clear that witnesses can disclose any information directly related to unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) during official interviews, and that such disclosures are not subject to any nondisclosure agreements for the duration of the interview. Both DOD and ODNI memoranda affirm that these protections apply when disclosures are made in a secure setting and in the context of AARO’s authorized mission.
While these protections do not explicitly extend to information that lies outside the defined bounds of UAP-related topics, the legal advisement provided to witnesses specifically states that participation is voluntary, witnesses may choose not to answer any question, and the interview can be ended at any time. This means that even if there are classified or compartmented matters unrelated to UAPs that a witness feels cannot be shared, all UAP-related information can be disclosed without violating NDAs. If questioning were to extend into areas outside the UAP mandate, the advisement already protects the witness’s right to withhold responses and to withdraw from the interview if necessary.
Given these protections, witnesses are fully authorized to provide testimony and be interviewed on all UAP-related information, without fear of breaching nondisclosure agreements. Any information outside the statutory definition could be omitted, but the law and the DOD’s own procedures make clear that witnesses like Grusch could have participated, disclosed all UAP-related knowledge, and simply declined to answer or end the interview if questions moved beyond those bounds. There is no ambiguity about the legal cover provided for UAP-related disclosures within the formal process.
###
Note: This article focuses on the 2023 correspondence and scheduled meeting between David Grusch and AARO. According to reporting by Matt Laslo on July 18, 2025, Representative Eric Burlison stated that “[David Grusch] and I met with AARO. And separately he and AARO had a long conversation.” However, the specific context, content, and details of those meetings have not been independently confirmed. The Black Vault has submitted additional FOIA requests seeking further information.
OSD/JS FOIA Case 24-F-1138 [3 pages, 0.8MB]
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The post DOD Releases “Verbal Legal Advisement” Given to UFO Whistleblower David Grusch first appeared on The Black Vault.
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Welcome to the FBI Files on Journalists and their Periodicals archive on The Black Vault. This unique collection offers an intriguing glimpse into the interactions and investigations conducted by the FBI involving prominent journalists and their respective newspapers and periodicals. Here, you will find an array of declassified documents that shed light on the complex relationship between the media and government intelligence during various periods in history. These files not only offer insights into the careers and personal lives of the journalists but also reflect the broader socio-political context in which they operated.
As you explore this archive, you will encounter files from a range of sources, detailing investigations, surveillance, and correspondences that paint a vivid picture of the journalistic landscape as viewed through the lens of the FBI. This collection is an invaluable resource for historians, researchers, and anyone interested in the intersection of media, politics, and intelligence. It provides a fascinating look at how journalists and their work were perceived and handled by government agencies, offering a deeper understanding of the dynamics between press freedom and national security.
Anderson, Jack – [1,518 Pages, 130 MB] – FBI’s “The Vault” Release
Anderson, Jack – [1,131 Pages, 86.7 MB] – FBI Release #2 resulting from FOIA Request 1356764-000.
Anderson, Jack – [1,323 Pages, 87.6 MB] – FBI Release #3 resulting from FOIA Request 1356764-001.This case was a bit confusing. The page count from the release on the FBI’s “Vault” differs by hundreds of pages against the file they sent me on CD-ROM. Why the discrepancy? On 12/23/16, I filed a FOIA for additional records, to see where the confusion might be at and now I received an estimate that there are an additional 1,598 pages that I can buy for $55.To add to the confusion, on December 1, 2017, I received another response CD-ROM with 1,323 pages on it. I was under the impression the case was closed since I did not pay for the 1,598 pages they quoted me for above. So what was this release?Jack Northman Anderson (October 19, 1922 – December 17, 2005) was an American newspaper columnist, syndicated by United Features Syndicate, considered one of the fathers of modern investigative journalism. Anderson won the 1972 Pulitzer Prize for National Reporting for his investigation on secret American policy decision-making between the United States and Pakistan during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. In addition to his newspaper career, Anderson also had a national radio show on the Mutual Broadcasting System, acted as Washington bureau chief of Parade magazine, and was a commentator on ABC-TV’s Good Morning America for nine years.
Austin, Louis – FBI Release #1 – [96 Pages, 12.8MB] –
Austin, Louis – FBI Release #2 – [17 Pages, 8.5MB] – Louis Austin (1898-1971) was an African American journalist, leader and social activist. Austin purchased The Carolina Times in 1927 and transformed it into an institution that aided African Americans in their fight for freedom and equality in North Carolina. He used a new approach to Civil Rights issues in Durham, incorporating lower and middle class blacks, unlike the moderate, accommodationist approach of the black elite in Durham during this time. Austin’s unusual strategy of advocating for the majority of blacks to have a voice in society succeeded in galvanizing a broader segment of the African American community in Durham to act for social change. Austin’s approach to black activism helped lay the groundwork for the modern Civil Rights Movement in Durham in the late 1950s and 1960s, which also encouraged lower-income blacks to become politically active. His strategies—which were once considered too radical by his peers—allowed Austin to maintain his influence in Durham well into the 1950s and 1960s. In doing so, Austin created a lasting impact for Durham.
Baldwin, Hanson – FBI Release #1 – [847 Pages, 65.7MB]
Baldwin, Hanson – FBI Release #2 – [69 Pages, 51MB] – Hanson Weightman Baldwin (March 22, 1903 – November 13, 1991) was the long-time military editor of The New York Times. He won a Pulitzer Prize “for his coverage of the early days of World War II”. He wrote or edited numerous books on military topics.
Barrett, Wayne – [5 Pages, 1.0MB] – Wayne Barrett (July 11, 1945 – January 19, 2017) was an American journalist. He was an investigative reporter and senior editor for The Village Voice for 37 years. Barrett was a Fellow with The Nation Institute and contributor to Newsweek. He held degrees from Saint Joseph’s University and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, where he served on the adjunct faculty for over thirty years. Barrett authored many articles and books about politicians, especially New York City figures such as Ed Koch, Donald Trump, and Rudy Giuliani. He was a major interviewee in Kevin Keating’s 2006 documentary Giuliani Time.
Brennan, Raymond Ruddy – [17 Pages, 5.4MB] – Raymond Ruddy “Ray” Brennan (1907-1972) was a prominent reporter for the Chicago Sun-Times, known for his fast-thinking and dynamic reporting style. He began his career in journalism with the Associated Press in Chicago, where he made a name for himself by obtaining an exclusive on the escape of gangster John Dillinger from the Crown Point jail. Brennan’s most notable work came during his time at the Sun-Times, where he was instrumental in covering high-profile criminal trials across the United States. His writing style and ability to immerse himself in the world of crime reporting made him a legend in the field. Brennan’s career also included ghostwriting Roger Touhy’s autobiography, “The Stolen Years,” which played a role in Touhy’s parole from prison. Known for his likable personality, despite living a life surrounded by gangsters and crime, Brennan passed away in 1972 due to cancer, a condition likely exacerbated by his constant smoking.
Breslin, James – [57 Pages, 13MB] – James Earle Breslin (October 17, 1928 – March 19, 2017) was an American journalist and author. Until the time of his death, he wrote a column for the New York Daily News Sunday edition. He wrote numerous novels, and columns of his appeared regularly in various newspapers in his hometown of New York City. He served as a regular columnist for the Long Island newspaper Newsday until his retirement on November 2, 2004, though he still published occasional pieces for the paper. He was known for his newspaper columns which offered a sympathetic viewpoint of the working-class people of New York City, and was awarded the 1986 Pulitzer Prize for Commentary “for columns which consistently champion ordinary citizens”.
Considine, Bob – [54 Pages, 33MB] – Robert Bernard Considine, known as Bob Considine (November 4, 1906 – September 25, 1975), was an American journalist, author, and commentator. He is best known as the co-author of Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo and The Babe Ruth Story. Additional records may exist – which have been requested. This page will be updated, should any new documents be released.
Crile, George – FBI Release #1 – [18 Pages, 4.6MB]
Crile, George – FBI Release #2 – [8 Pages, 1.8MB] (Cross References)
Crile, George – NARA Release #1 – [14 Pages, 0.9MB]George Crile III (March 5, 1945 – May 15, 2006) was an American journalist most closely associated with his three decades of work at CBS News. Crile was both a producer and reporter for CBS. His career with the company spanned three decades until his death in 2006. Before joining CBS at the age of 31, Crile was Washington Editor of Harper’s Magazine. In addition to Harper’s, his articles were published in The Washington Monthly, New Times, The Washington Post Outlook Section and The New York Times.
Cronkite, Walter – [72 Pages, 3.85 MB] – Walter Leland Cronkite Walter Leland Cronkite (1916-2009), famous newscaster and journalist, worked for CBS News for five decades. Although the FBI did not investigate Cronkite, his name does appear in its files, usually in passing reference to his contact with an individual under FBI investigation or due to his professional contacts with the Bureau. These excerpts range from 1956 to 2000.
Gold, Victor – [8 Pages, 4.5MB] – Victor “Vic” Gold (September 25, 1928 – June 5, 2017) was an American journalist, author, and Republican political consultant. Gold began his career as a lawyer and advisor to the Democratic Party in Alabama before switching to the Republican Party. He worked as deputy press secretary for Senator Barry Goldwater during the 1964 presidential election and press secretary for Vice President Spiro T. Agnew from 1970 to 1973. Gold left politics for a time to work as a writer and political commentator, returning in 1979 as a speechwriter to the presidential campaign of George H. W. Bush and was an advisor to Bush’s 1988 and 1992 campaigns. Later in life, Gold split with the Republicans over issues including the 2003 invasion of Iraq and formally left the party in 2016.
Graham, Philip Leslie – [27 Pages, 15.4 MB] – Philip Leslie “Phil” Graham (July 18, 1915 – August 3, 1963) was an American newspaper publisher. He was the publisher (from 1946 until his death) and co-owner (from 1948) of The Washington Post.
He was married to Katharine Graham, the daughter of Eugene Meyer, the previous owner of The Washington Post.
Griffith, Sanford – [HQ-1 File 21.08MB | NYC-1 File 35.14M ] – [ 520 Total Pages ] – Sanford Griffith was born in 1893. He studied at Heidelberg University but on the outbreak of the First World War he fled to France and joined the French Army. In 1918 he transferred to the US Army. Griffith reached the rank of major and was involved in interrogating German prisoners. In 1940 Griffith was recruited by William Stephenson, the head of British Security Coordination (BSC). He now established his company Market Analysts Incorporated and was commissioned to carry out polls for the Committee to Defend America by Aiding the Allies. The organisation was headed by William Allen White who gave an interview to the Chicago Daily News about his intentions: “Here is a life and death struggle for every principle we cherish in America: For freedom of speech, of religion, of the ballot and of every freedom that upholds the dignity of the human spirit… Here all the rights that common man has fought for during a thousand years are menaced… The time has come when we must throw into the scales the entire moral and economic weight of the United States on the side of the free peoples of Western Europe who are fighting the battle for a civilized way of life.” It was not long before White’s organization had 300 chapters nationwide.
Halle, Kay – [77 Pages, 50.7MB]
Halle, Kay – [28 Pages, 13.5MB] – Kay Halle, born in 1903 in Cleveland, Ohio, was a notable American journalist, author, and broadcaster renowned for her multifaceted career and social influence. Her journalism career blossomed in the 1930s, where she worked as a radio commentator and columnist, gaining prominence for her incisive reporting and interviews with significant figures of the era. Halle was also a literary figure, authoring several books, including biographies and collections of humor. Beyond her professional achievements, she was a celebrated hostess in Washington, D.C., known for her salons that gathered politicians, journalists, and celebrities. Her social circle included Presidents, diplomats, and notable figures like Winston Churchill. Halle’s life reflected a blend of journalistic integrity, literary talent, and a unique knack for connecting influential personalities, making her a significant figure in mid-20th-century American media and society.
Hastings, Michael – [21 Pages, 1.5 MB] – Michael M. Hastings (1980-2013), was a journalist and author. This release of a 6/11/2012 FBI document and its attachments (21 pages total) consists of the only material found in FBI records mentioning Hastings. No FBI records indicate an investigative interest in Hastings.The National Security Agency will neither confirm nor deny records related to Hastings — NSA Denial Letter
Hillman Periodicals – [77 Pages, 50.7MB] – Hillman Periodicals, Inc. was an American magazine and comic book publishing company founded in 1938 by Alex L. Hillman, a former New York City book publisher. It is best known for its true confession and true crime magazines; for the long-running general-interest magazine Pageant; and for comic books including Air Fighters Comics and its successor Airboy Comics, which launched the popular characters Airboy and The Heap.
Inside Story Magazine – [ 23 Pages, 55 MB ] – Take a look back in time when the public would assist the FBI with news tips and leads. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, there was a periodical known as “Inside Story”. In it, were news articles, some of which, concerning the FBI. This file (obtained from the National Archives), offers the articles and corresponding letters the FBI received, clipped from this magazine.
Jennings, Peter – [61 Pages, 28.4MB] – Peter Charles Archibald Ewart Jennings, CM (July 29, 1938 – August 7, 2005) was a Canadian-American journalist and news anchor. He was the sole anchor of ABC World News Tonight from 1983 until his death in 2005 of complications from lung cancer. A high-school dropout, he transformed himself into one of American television’s most prominent journalists.
Kaplow, Herbert – [17 Pages, 2.91 MB] – Herbert Elias “Herb” Kaplow (February 2, 1927 – July 27, 2013) was an American television news correspondent. His main focus was reporting out of Washington, D.C., covering presidential campaigns and those who were elected.
Krassner, Paul – FBI Release #1 – [362 Pages, 161MB]
Krassner, Paul – FBI Release #2 – [193 Pages, 129MB] – Paul Krassner (1932-2019) was an influential American satirist, journalist, and activist, best known as the founder and editor of The Realist, a groundbreaking satirical magazine that played a pivotal role in the countercultural movements of the 1960s. Blending humor with pointed social critique, Krassner tackled controversial topics, challenging political norms and censorship. He was also a key figure in the Yippie movement and co-founded the Youth International Party, using satire and activism to oppose war and support civil liberties. His irreverent writing style and fearless approach to taboo subjects solidified his legacy as a provocateur who shaped alternative journalism.
Morley, Felix – [5 Pages, 1.5MB] – Felix Muskett Morley (1894-1982) was a distinguished American journalist, editor, and educator known for his contributions to political commentary and journalism. He served as the editor of the Washington Post from 1933 to 1940, during which the newspaper earned its first Pulitzer Prize for Public Service in 1936. A staunch advocate for individual liberties and limited government, Morley was also a prominent voice in the American conservative movement. He authored several influential books and essays, often emphasizing the importance of federalism and constitutionalism. In addition to his editorial work, Morley was an accomplished academic, teaching at Haverford College and later becoming the president of the institution. His legacy continues to be honored for his commitment to journalistic integrity and principled political thought.
Pearl, Daniel – [21 Pages, 8.2MB] – Daniel Pearl (October 10, 1963 – February 1, 2002) was a journalist for the Wall Street Journal with American and Israeli citizenship. He was kidnapped by Pakistani terrorists and later murdered in Pakistan. Pearl was kidnapped while working as the South Asia Bureau Chief of The Wall Street Journal, based in Mumbai, India. He had gone to Pakistan as part of an investigation into the alleged links between British citizen Richard Reid (known as the “shoe bomber”) and Al-Qaeda. Pearl was killed by his captors. In July 2002, Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, a British national of Pakistani origin, was sentenced to death by hanging for Pearl’s abduction and murder. In March 2007, at a closed military hearing in Guantánamo Bay, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, a member of Al-Qaeda, claimed that he had personally beheaded Pearl. Researchers have also connected Al-Qaeda member Saif al-Adel with the kidnapping.
Reston, James B. “Scotty” – FBI Release #1 – [25 Pages, 17.7 MB]
Reston, James B. “Scotty” – FBI Release #2 – [79 Pages, 45.8 MB]
Reston, James B. “Scotty” – FBI Release #3 – [29 Pages, 16.7 MB]
Reston, James B. “Scotty” – FBI Release #4 – [26 Pages, 18.5 MB] – James Reston, born in Clydebank, Scotland, on November 3, 1909, was a prominent American journalist and editor. Known for his extensive career at The New York Times, Reston served as both a correspondent and a columnist, eventually becoming the paper’s executive editor. He was a key figure in political journalism, covering significant events such as World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Reston was awarded two Pulitzer Prizes for his insightful reporting and influential commentary. His work earned him a reputation as a trusted voice in American journalism until his retirement in 1989. Reston passed away on December 6, 1995, leaving behind a legacy of journalistic excellence.
Safer, Morley – [14 Pages, 7.9 MB] – Morley Safer (November 8, 1931 – May 19, 2016) was a Canadian-American broadcast journalist, reporter, and correspondent for CBS News. He was best known for his long tenure on the news magazine 60 Minutes, whose cast he joined in 1970 after its second year on television. He was the longest-serving reporter on 60 Minutes, the most watched and most profitable program in television history.
Sokolsky, George – [50 Pages, 3.62 MB] – George Ephraim Sokolsky (1893–1962) was a weekly radio broadcaster for the National Association of Manufacturers and a columnist for The New York Herald Tribune, who later switched to The New York Sun and other Hearst newspapers.
Smith, Robert – [89 Pages, 17.2MB] – Robert Ellis Smith (September 6, 1940 – July 25, 2018) was an American attorney, author, and a publisher/journalist whose focus is mainly privacy rights.
Snell, David – [5 Pages, 1MB] – David Snell (March 28, 1921 – July 1987) was a reporter and cartoonist for Life Magazine, a major 20th-century magazine, and several other publications during his career as a journalist.
Strong, Anna – FBI Release #1 – [37 Pages, 2.8MB]
Strong, Anna – FBI Release #2 – [104 Pages, 9.65MB] – Anna Louise Strong (November 24, 1885 – March 29, 1970) was an American journalist and activist, best known for her reporting on and support for communist movements in the Soviet Union and the People’s Republic of China. She wrote over 30 books and varied articles.
Thomas, Helen – [7 Pages, 0.5 MB] – Helen Amelia Thomas (August 4, 1920 – July 20, 2013) was an American author and news service reporter, member of the White House press corps and opinion columnist. She worked for the United Press and post-1958 successor United Press International (UPI) for 57 years, first as a correspondent, and later as White House bureau manager. She was a columnist for Hearst Newspapers from 2000 to 2010, writing on national affairs and the White House. She covered the administrations of eleven U.S. presidents—from the final years of the Eisenhower administration to the second year of the Obama administration.
Voice of America – [827 Pages, 47.5MB] – The Voice of America, which first went on the air in 1942, is an international multimedia broadcasting service funded by the U.S. government through the Broadcasting Board of Governors. VOA broadcasts approximately 1,500 hours of news, information, educational, and cultural programming every week to an estimated worldwide audience of 125 million people.
There are an additional, approximately, 8,750 pages of material on Voice of America. To obtain this material, it would be $265. If anyone is interested in sponsoring this file, let me know, and I will obtain it and put it all online.
Wallace, Myron Leon “Mike” – [50 Pages, 3.62 MB] – Myron Leon “Mike” Wallace (1918-2012) was a well-known American journalist. This release consists of two parts. The first concerns a foreign counterintelligence file opened about Wallace’s 1970 trip to Cuba (pp.1-5) and the second an investigation into a threatening letter sent to Wallace (pp.6-50).
Walters, Barbara – [12 Pages, 3.5MB] – Barbara Jill Walters, born on September 25, 1929, and passing away on December 30, 2022, was a renowned American broadcast journalist and television personality. Her career in journalism spanned from 1951 until her retirement in 2015. Walters became a household name due to her exceptional interviewing skills and her popularity with television viewers. She hosted numerous significant television programs, including “Today,” “ABC Evening News,” “20/20,” and “The View.” Her contributions to the field of journalism were widely recognized, earning her induction into the Television Hall of Fame in 1989, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) in 2000, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2007.
Whitehead, Don – [118 Pages, 13.40MB] – Don Whitehead (April 8, 1908 in Inman, Virginia – January 12, 1981) was an American journalist. He was awarded the Medal of Freedom. He won the 1950 George Polk Award for wire service reporting.
Mr. Whitehead wrote The FBI Story A Report to the People, in which the FBI admits there are 3,843 pages, and it would be $115 to retrieve this file on CD. If you are interested in sponsoring this file, write to contact@theblackvault.com
The post FBI Files: Journalists and their Periodicals first appeared on The Black Vault.
As UAP researchers and tech enthusiasts, we’re always seeking tools and resources to enhance our investigations and stay ahead of emerging technologies. Check out this resource that fellow researchers have found valuable.
→ PaternityLab