This bacon cheeseburger meatloaf combines the juicy, savory flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the comforting, hearty texture of meatloaf. It’s packed with ground beef, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and burger-inspired seasonings, making it a crowd-pleasing dinner option.
Ingredients:
For the Meatloaf:
1 ½ lbs (680g) ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
½ lb (225g) bacon, cooked and crumbled (about 6-8 slices)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheddar blend)
¾ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
½ cup finely chopped onion (or grated for smoother texture)
¼ cup finely chopped dill pickles (optional, for that burger vibe)
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
¼ cup ketchup
2 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
For the Topping:
½ cup ketchup
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp yellow mustard
4-6 slices bacon, partially cooked (still pliable, for topping)
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for final topping)
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
Cook the ½ lb bacon until crispy, then crumble and set aside.
Reserve 4-6 additional bacon slices for topping (cook these partially, about 2-3 minutes, so they’re still flexible).
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, crumbled bacon, 1 cup shredded cheddar, breadcrumbs, onion, pickles (if using), eggs, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined — don’t overmix to avoid a dense texture.
If using a loaf pan, press the mixture evenly into a 9×5-inch pan.
For a free-form loaf, shape the mixture into a loaf shape (about 8×4 inches) on the prepared baking sheet.
In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard for the glaze.
Spread half of the glaze over the meatloaf.
Lay the partially cooked bacon slices over the top, tucking ends under if needed.
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
About 10 minutes before it’s done, spread the remaining glaze over the bacon and sprinkle with the ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese.
Return to the oven to melt the cheese.
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
Serve with classic burger sides like mashed potatoes, fries, or a green salad.
Optional: top with extra ketchup, mustard, or even burger toppings like lettuce and tomato slices.
Tips:
Make it Burger-Like: Add a layer of sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions inside the meatloaf for extra flavor.
Cheese Variations: Swap cheddar for American, Swiss, or pepper jack for a different twist.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven. Freezes well for up to 3 months.
Burger Bun Hack: Serve slices on toasted hamburger buns with mayo, lettuce, and tomato for a fun cheeseburger-inspired sandwich.
This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf recipe is inspired by various sources combining cheeseburger and meatloaf elements, tailored for maximum flavor and ease.
The Galactic Federation Transmission refers to a famous signal intrusion on November 26, 1977, where the audio of a Southern Television broadcast in southern England was interrupted for nearly six minutes by a distorted voice claiming to be “Vrillon,” a representative of the “Ashtar Galactic Command,” also sometimes called the Galactic Federation.
At about 5:10 p.m. local time, viewers heard their TV audio overpowered by a buzzing noise, then an altered voice delivering a message that warned of humanity’s impending fate and urged people to “abandon weapons” and strive for peace in order to avoid disaster and reach a “higher state of evolution.”
The purported speaker, Vrillon (or sometimes called Gillon, Asteron, or versions thereof in various reports), claimed to speak on behalf of the extraterrestrial Ashtar Galactic Command.
The video feed wasn’t affected, and the event caused a flurry of calls and panic among viewers. Southern Television apologized, and it was quickly determined that the broadcast had been hijacked by using a nearby unauthorized transmitter.
The core message warned that Earth was entering a “New Age of Aquarius” and needed to disarm to avoid catastrophe.
Viewers were told to “learn to live together in peace and goodwill” and to be on guard against “false prophets and guides” who would exploit them.
The speaker urged spiritual evolution and warned that only those who embrace peace would “pass to the higher realms of spiritual evolution.”
The incident became a legendary unsolved case of broadcast hijacking, referenced widely in ufology and popular culture.
Investigations attributed it to a technically savvy hoax using transmitter relaying vulnerabilities, but some, believe it or not, still speculate about its origin.
Full Transcript of the Transmission
Based on contemporary reports and audio analyses (e.g., from Fortean Times and archived recordings), here’s the complete message delivered by the voice. It urged humanity to abandon destructive technologies and prepare for spiritual evolution, themes common in Ashtar-related channelings:
“This is the voice of Vrillon, a representative of the Ashtar Galactic Command, speaking to you. For many years you have seen us as lights in the skies. We speak to you now in peace and wisdom as we have done to your forefathers. Do not ignore this message, but attend to it. All your weapons of evil must be removed. The time for conflict is now past and the race of which you are a part may proceed to the higher stages of its evolution if you show yourselves worthy by responding to this message from the cosmos. We have been watching you for many years. Your leaders have been warned. The time is now for all to listen. All who attempt to deny the truth will fail. All who attempt to deny the value of this message will be removed from the planet. The weapons of evil must be destroyed. The time for conflict is now past. We are leaving the planes of your existence. May you be blessed by the supreme love and truth of the cosmos.”
The transmission ended abruptly, and normal programming resumed with a Merrie Melodies cartoon (The Goofy Gophers).
This event, the Galactic Federation Transmission, is commonly called the “Southern Television broadcast interruption” and is noted as a significant unexplained broadcast mystery of the 20th century.
Media Reaction
Newspapers and news bulletins the following day described the event as a bizarre electronic intrusion and noted that hundreds of viewers called in, worried or curious about the incident.
Initial media reports cited differing names for the speaker (Vrillon, Gillon, or Asteron), reflecting the poor audio quality and public uncertainty. The message and its potential connection to UFO cults (like the Ashtar Command) were discussed in investigative reporting and radio features.
British and American newspapers published contradictory accounts, including differences regarding the name of the supposed alien and the exact wording of the message.
Some outlets and later retrospectives noted the coincidence of the anti-war message with the contemporary news segment about the Rhodesia conflict, reinforcing public intrigue and debate.
Contemporary news and official coverage reflected the confusion and technological novelty of the Galactic Federation Transmission event, which became a major topic in the media and remains a compelling unsolved broadcast mystery to this day.
I find it somewhat odd that this sort of thing would happen shortly after season 15 of Doctor Who had started in September.
Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP), the modern term for what used to be called UFOs, have been making headlines again this year.
Any of the buzz I might be referring to centers on a high-profile congressional hearing that was held last week on September 9, where witnesses testified about mysterious sightings, government secrecy, and national security risks. The event has sort of reignited public debate, media coverage, and online discussions about whether these phenomena are extraterrestrial, advanced foreign tech, or something more mundane like drones or balloons.
Here’s what went on last week:
The September 9, 2025, Congressional Hearing
The U.S. House Oversight Committee’s Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets, chaired by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Florida), hosted its third UAP hearing since 2023. Titled “Restoring Public Trust Through UAP Transparency and Whistleblower Protection,” it featured four witnesses under oath: three military veterans and one journalist. The goal was to push for more government transparency on UAP reports, especially those from military personnel, and to address allegations of reprisals against whistleblowers.
Key Testimonies and Sightings Highlighted
Dylan Borland a U.S. Air Force Veteran described a 2012 sighting at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia of a massive, silent, 100-foot triangular craft hovering over the base. He claimed he was interviewed by the Pentagon’s All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) in 2023, but his report was dismissed. Borland alleged “sustained reprisals” for speaking out, including career threats.
Jeffrey Nuccetelli, a U.S. Air Force Veteran, shared encounters with a UAP during his service, emphasizing the need for better whistleblower protections.
Alexandro Wiggins a U.S. Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer, recounted a 2003 sighting where a UAP approached his ship, with crew members screaming, “It’s coming right for us!” He was the first active-duty witness to come forward publicly.
George Knapp, an Investigative Journalist, highlighted a “bank of UAP videos” held by the government that Congress hasn’t seen. He criticized AARO for using science to downplay sightings without full disclosure.
The hearing underscored frustrations with the Pentagon’s handling of UAP. Witnesses accused AARO of spreading misinformation and lacking transparency, despite its mandate to investigate sightings. Rep. Luna stated that “American people deserve maximum transparency … on whether [UAPs] pose a potential threat to Americans’ safety.” Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) noted that while some sightings might be adversarial tech, military personnel deserve protection for reporting them. This wasn’t just talk — lawmakers like Rep. Eric Burlison (R-Missouri) presented dramatic evidence, fueling calls for declassification and reform.
The Bombshell Video
Missile vs. Mysterious Orb
A major highlight was a never-before-seen video released by Rep. Burlison, showing a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone allegedly firing a Hellfire missile at a fast-moving, shiny orb-shaped UAP off the coast of Yemen on October 30, 2024. The footage, provided by a whistleblower and slowed down for clarity, depicts the missile striking the orb but “bouncing right off,” with the object continuing unimpeded.
The orb was tracked moving rapidly, and after the impact, it “kept going.” Knapp commented during the hearing: “That’s a hellfire missile smacking into that UFO, and bouncing right off.” This incident revived scrutiny of UAP resilience and potential threats.
The incident also raised questions about national security — could these be advanced drones from adversaries like China or Russia? Or something more exotic? The video has gone viral, with outlets like ABC News, Newsweek, and BBC covering it extensively. Critics, including some in the UAP community, have debated its authenticity, with skeptics suggesting it could be a balloon or optical illusion, but proponents argue it shows technology beyond known human capabilities.
This footage has amplified the UAP noise as it directly challenges AARO’s claims of no verifiable extraterrestrial evidence and highlights perceived government stonewalling.
Surge in UAP Sightings
UAP reports have spiked in 2025, with the National UFO Reporting Center (NUFORC) logging over 3,000 in the first half of the year alone — up from 2,077 in the same period of 2023 and 1,492 in 2024. An independent report from May 2023 to June 2024 documented 757 new sightings, mostly “lights” in the sky, often near military sites. Common explanations include balloons (70% of closed cases), drones (16%), birds (8%), and satellites (4%), but stigma around reporting persists.
Other Recent Sightings
In Finger Lakes, New York (August 2025), a glowing orb sparked UFO mania in a small town, going viral on social media before being identified as a Vulcan Centaur rocket launch from Florida.
During the New Jersey Drone Swarms (Ongoing into 2025), citizen scientists John and Gerry Tedesco, using custom hyperspectral cameras and radar, investigated mysterious drones with “signature management” tech (changing light frequencies to evade detection). Their work, acknowledged by former AARO director Tim Phillips, warns of airspace anomalies that could “come home to roost.”
With regard to the historical Peruvian Jungle Incident, marine Jonathan Weygandt described stumbling upon a “living” UFO craft in the jungle, followed by U.S. officials detaining him and ordering silence — dismissed as a “weather balloon.”
Even more recently at Wright-Patterson AFB, there were sightings of a huge black cube UAP over five days, plus triangular crafts, with pilot Ryan Graves’ group set to release 900+ new close-encounter reports.
The Pentagon’s AARO maintains a “rigorous scientific framework” and finds no evidence of extraterrestrial origins, attributing most to prosaic causes. NASA echoes this, stating no credible alien evidence exists. However, nearly half of Americans believe the government is concealing info, per polls. Whistleblowers like Luis Elizondo (former Pentagon UAP program head) have accused the intelligence community of “excessive secrecy” to hide non-human presence.
Public Reaction and Broader Implications
Coverage from BBC, USA Today, Space.com, and Newsweek has exploded, with X (formerly Twitter) buzzing about the hearing — posts debating the Yemen video, whistleblower reprisals, and calls for disclosure garnered thousands of engagements. Semantic searches show frustration with government “normalizing” anomalies without deeper investigation.
Proponents argue UAP pose real threats (e.g., interfering with aircraft), while skeptics like Mick West point to misidentifications. Aerospace experts warn of complacency, as unaddressed anomalies could lead to incidents.
A push for change? Maybe. Bipartisan lawmakers are renewing UAP disclosure legislation. Groups like Americans for Safe Aerospace are amplifying pilot reports, and events like the UAP Disclosure Fund’s briefings add pressure.
With over 2,000 sightings reported in early 2025, the stigma is fading, but controversies (e.g., debates over “transients” in astronomical plates possibly linked to nuclear tests or UAP) keep the topic heated.
At the end of the day, all of this most recent buzz about UAP stems from credible military testimonies, undeniable video evidence of resilient UAP, and ongoing secrecy allegations amid rising sightings. While the government insists most are explainable, the hearing has substantiated claims of underreporting and reprisals, fueling demands for transparency. If these are just drones or balloons, why the resistance to full disclosure? The debate rages on, blending science, security, and speculation.
For more info on all of this business about UAP, you can check out the ongoing coverage from sources like NewsNation or NUFORC.
Fort Benton — often called the “Birthplace of Montana” — is a historic city known for its role as the head of navigation on the Missouri River during the 19th-century fur trade and steamboat era. The city itself is home to the Fort Benton Historic District, designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961, which includes the waterfront, levee, and remnants of the original Old Fort Benton trading post established in 1846. Several landmarks within this district have undergone restorations over the years, but a recent and notable project highlights ongoing efforts to preserve this frontier heritage.
The Keelboat Mandan
On September 13, a longtime riverfront landmark in Fort Benton was announced as fully restored. The keelboat Mandan, a 70-year-old replica vessel, has been meticulously refurbished after four years of volunteer-led work. This restoration beautifies the Missouri River waterfront and preserves a key piece of Montana’s maritime history.
The Mandan was originally constructed in 1950 as a movie prop for the Howard Hawks film The Big Sky, a Western adventure starring Kirk Douglas and set along the Missouri River. It arrived in Fort Benton around 1964, where it served as a static display and symbol of the city’s steamboat and keelboat past. Keelboats like this predated steamboats and were essential for early river navigation and trade in the 1800s. Due to its age and exposure to the elements, it qualified for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Restoration
A dedicated team of volunteers undertook the project, repairing and reconstructing the vessel to resemble an authentic keelboat from the frontier era. The work focused on structural integrity, historical accuracy, and aesthetic appeal, transforming it from a weathered relic into a vibrant centerpiece. The restoration was completed without major funding disruptions, emphasizing community involvement.
Now resembling a true historical keelboat, the Mandan enhances Fort Benton’s riverfront park along the steamboat levee — a key part of the National Historic Landmark district. It serves as an educational and visual attraction, drawing visitors to explore the area’s role in the Lewis and Clark expedition, fur trade, and westward expansion. The levee itself is a preserved green space with interpretive signs, walking paths, and views of the Upper Missouri River Breaks.
This project aligns with broader preservation efforts in Fort Benton.
For instance, the original Northeast Bastion (or Blockhouse) of Old Fort Benton, the oldest surviving structure in Montana (built around 1856), was restored in the mid-20th century and remains open to the public seasonally. Other nearby sites, like the reconstructed Bourgeois House and the 1882 Grand Union Hotel (Montana’s oldest operating hotel), have also been restored to highlight the city’s “steamboat days” character.
If you’re planning a trip to Fort Benton, the keelboat Mandan is accessible year-round along Fort Benton’s riverfront and the waterfront is open daily; guided tours of related sites like Old Fort Benton are available from Memorial Day through late September (10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. weekdays, noon–4 p.m. Sundays).
You can also explore the Museum of the Upper Missouri, the Museum of the Northern Great Plains, or the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument Interpretive Center — all part of the Fort Benton Museums and Heritage Complex.
Fort Benton is just up the road (about 40 miles northeast) from us here in Great Falls on highway US-87. The area is perfect for history buffs, with walking tours and events celebrating its Blackfeet heritage and pioneer stories.
The restoration of the Keelboat Mandan not only revives a beloved local icon but also underscores Fort Benton’s commitment to maintaining its status as a living museum of the American West.
Here’s a simple, cozy recipe for Gran’s Apple Cake, perfect for a comforting dessert with minimal fuss. This version is based on classic, easy-to-follow recipes that deliver a moist, flavorful cake.
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (or 1/2 cup vegetable oil for extra moistness)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well), peeled, cored, and chopped (about 2–3 cups)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
1/4 cup milk or buttermilk
Directions:
Set to 350°F. Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
If using oil, mix with sugar until well combined.
Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk.
Mix until just combined.
Gently stir in chopped apples and nuts (if using).
Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Tips:
Apples: Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced flavor, or mix with sweeter varieties like Fuji.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Variations: Add a streusel topping (mix 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp butter, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon) before baking for extra crunch.
This Apple Cake recipe is forgiving and can be tweaked to taste — perfect for a beginner or a busy home cook.
