"Top Secret" Documents About Israel Leak, Prompt Investigation

Good morning.

We’re about two weeks away from Election Day, and I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for it. Clearly, I’m not alone — states like North Carolina and Georgia are breaking first-day turnout records for early voting. Meanwhile, voters in the seven key swing states are experiencing a political messaging blitz, with campaigns vying for every last vote. Wondering what happens after all the ballots are cast? Here’s a fascinating look at how the Associated Press calls the winners (all 6,000+ of them). Now, let’s get to the news…

— Marina Carver / Senior Editor / Brooklyn, NY

What's Happening

US News

"Top Secret" Documents About Israel Leak, Prompt Investigation

What's going on: The US is looking into a leak of classified intelligence documents that allegedly detail Israel’s military plans to strike Iran. The reports, prepared by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, describe how Israel might use drone units as part of a retaliatory attack. The documents first surfaced last week on a pro-Iranian Telegram channel. The account’s operators claim they “have no connection to the original source,” but they assume it was “a whistleblower within the US Department of Defense.” Unnamed officials told The New York Times that the documents appear authentic, but the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency has not commented.

What it means: The source of the leak remains unknown. Officials are investigating whether hackers are involved or if the leak came from inside the house (read: whistleblower). It’s still unclear how these sensitive documents ended up on a Telegram channel affiliated with Iran, or if more documents could be released. Experts say that if no additional files emerge, the impact of the leak may be minimal, as it doesn’t provide new information about US military capabilities. However, this isn’t a great look for the US, as it could highlight the extent to which America monitors even its closest allies.

Related: These Are the Biggest Intelligence Leaks in US History (BBC)

Politics

Elon Musk Dangles $1M Checks for Political Pledges

What's going on: Standing in front of an American flag in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, billionaire Elon Musk held a giant check for $1 million. He handed it to a man who’d signed his petition supporting free speech and gun rights. The petition is part of Musk’s PAC, which aims to help former President Donald Trump win the presidency in November. From now until the election, Musk says he plans to give $1M every day to a randomly selected swing state voter who signs the online petition. But behind the scenes of this star-spangled spectacle, some experts warn the move might violate federal election laws, which ban paying voters to influence registration or turnout.

What it means: This isn’t the first time Musk has opened his wallet to help the Trump campaign. Musk recently hosted the former president for an interview (or was it a hype session?) on his platform X, which has boosted pro-Trump messaging. Adding to their connection, Trump announced last month that if he wins, he'd appoint the Tesla CEO to head a commission dedicated to government efficiency. Meanwhile, Musk’s PAC — aimed at registering voters in battleground states — may not meet its goals (it’s no Hyperloop, but it’s missing targets). That’s not stopping Musk from going all in, though, as he plants himself in Pennsylvania in the weeks leading up to the election. Hope he likes cheesesteaks. 

Related: Why Did Trump Serve Fries at McDonald’s? (CBS)

US News

Would You Like a Side of Relief With That Sandwich Generation?

What's going on: The “sandwich generation” is suffering. The moniker refers to the 11 million Americans who care for their children and at least one adult, typically a parent, according to The Wall Street Journal. People are having children later in life while their aging parents are living to be older, meaning they stay in this caregiving role longer than previous generations. And as more people find themselves juggling these responsibilities, the financial strain continues to grow. The average age of such “sandwich” caregivers is about 49, and while most are women, men are a growing part of this number. Meanwhile, nearly a third are millennials and Gen Z, according to a 2023 AARP report. 

What it means: The meat of this story is that the “sandwich” gen’s responsibilities are leaving them burnt out. The load can also harm their quality of life, drain their bank accounts, and even hurt their ability to thrive in their careers. One study found that a person in their 40s who spends $1,500 a month for more than five years to support an older loved one could lose over $1 million in potential retirement savings. Plus, that’s not even factoring in the rising cost of childcare, which can be twice as much as rent, according to one analysis. That’s one expensive sandwich. 

Related: The Real Cost of Caring for an Aging Loved One (Vox)

Parents, Settle This

On Thursday, we asked if people should consider hanging less creepy Halloween decorations because it scares little kids. It’s settled: 76% of you think they should.

A mom on TikTok says all the successful moms she knows have to buy their village. What about you — do you pay for your support system?

We’ll share the results on Thursday.

Settle This

An airport in New Zealand has put a time limit on goodbye hugs. What's your airport sendoff style?

Extra Credit

Read

In Cherry Lou Sy’s powerful debut novel, Love Can’t Feed You, 17-year-old Queenie emigrates from the Philippines with her brother and elderly father to live in New York with her mother, who came to the US five years earlier. But Queenie’s new life is nothing like the American dream she imagined: Her mom seems very different; her brother begins acting out, causing tension at home; and Queenie’s dreams of attending college are stalled due to money troubles. Expect big questions about identity, culture, and family expectations in what’s been called both “astonishing” and “a knockout.”

Game Time

Wake your brain up this Monday with a game of Flipart. Just rotate the pieces to fit within the frame and get ready to feel the rush when they all fall into place. Get into it.