Can “October theory” change your life?

But first: why so many soon-to-be parents are doing genetic screening — Check out what we Skimm’d for you today October 21, 2024 [Subscribe]( [Read in browser]( [daily_skimm] [Together with]( [myriad genetics]( But first: [why so many soon-to-be parents are doing genetic screening]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [Update location]( or [View forecast]( 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 [National Security Agency] 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) Quick Hits 🏀 As fans [celebrate the New York Liberty](, others (especially LeBron James) can’t get over [this controversial call]( at last night’s WNBA championship game. --------------------------------------------------------------- 🧇 Recall alert: [These frozen waffles]( are no good. Thanks, listeria. --------------------------------------------------------------- 🍂 Social media is falling in love with “[October theory](,” but can it really change your life? --------------------------------------------------------------- 🚗 We can’t stop watching [this viral TikTok video]( of a near car “accident.” Suddenly dash cams are on our holiday wishlist. --------------------------------------------------------------- 💯 We know that [Zendaya’s Cher-inspired look]( set off your group chat. No notes. Welcome to the Don’t Wait Health Challenge Did you know? Almost half of women don’t get their recommended checkups and screenings. Today we’re kicking off theSkimm’s Don’t Wait health challenge. Each day this week in the Daily Skimm, we’ll help you take one small, impactful step toward getting your preventive care. We’ll also suggest tools and resources to make the process as easy as possible. Let's start. What’s the biggest factor keeping you from booking your checkups? [A. It’s too hard to find a doctor I’m comfortable with.]( [B. It’s too hard to schedule and I’m too busy.]( [C. I’m healthy and don’t need them.]( Come back tomorrow for the next step. We’ll have personalized advice related directly to the answer you chose. See you then. [green progress bar] Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Skimm Picks Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life… [This behavioral psychology-backed app]( can help you adjust your habits so you hit your health goals — no matter how busy you are. [Take this quiz]( to start your free trial.* --------------------------------------------------------------- This is not a drill: [Ring Concierge]( is offering a pair of free diamond earrings (yes, you read that right) with any purchase of $750 or more. The deal ends today and until supplies last, so [get shopping now](. --------------------------------------------------------------- [Brooklinen]( is taking 20% off everything through next Monday. Now's the time to get your hands on these cult-favorite [plush towels](, or hidden gems like this chic [linen shower curtain]( or [checkered throw](. --------------------------------------------------------------- Do you need a new pair of jeans? That's a rhetorical question. [Here are the pairs]( worth buying this season, from bestselling [straight-leg jeans]( to a [baggy pair]( that's actually flattering. Psst…love our recs? Follow [@skimmshopping]( on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag). Settle This [Airplanes at an airport] An airport in New Zealand has put a [time limit on goodbye hugs](. What's your airport sendoff style? [I love a prolonged goodbye]( [Hugging my Uber driver might be a little awk]( [A quick pat on the back will do]( Extra Credit [Book cover for "Love Can't Feed You"] 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.” For more recs... Check out the Daily Skimm Weekend newsletter, in your inbox every Saturday and Sunday. We'll help you spend your leisure time well. Game Time [Flipart puzzmo game]( 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](. Meet Us On The Leaderboard [Flipart]( | [Spelltower]( | [Crossword]( | [Typeshift]( This is worth your money [Product Image]( Burt's Bees Multipurpose Grooming Wipes [$9.36 at Amazon]( Stay ahead with the Skimm Well newsletter, where expert advice and tools help you confidently manage your health. [Subscribe now]( Skimm'd by: Rashaan Ayesh, Chantal Vaca, Molly Longman, Maria del Carmen Corpus, and Marina Carver. Fact-checked by Sara Tardiff. --------------------------------------------------------------- Photos by rooks Kraft LLC/Corbis and Charly Triballeau via Getty Images, iStock, Brand Partners, and Dutton Design by theSkimm --------------------------------------------------------------- *PS: This is a sponsored post. Want to wake up with us every morning? [Subscribe to all theSkimm has to offer](. --------------------------------------------------------------- [Instagram Icon]( [Tik Tok Icon]( [Linkedin Logo]( [Twitter icon]( [Facebook icon]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Skimm'd something we missed? skimmthis@theSkimm.com Issues? [help@theSkimm.com](mailto:help@theskimm.com) [Advertise with us]( | [Careers]( [See our full sponsor agreement]( | [Unsubscribe or Update Your Preferences]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright (c) 2024 theSkimm, All rights reserved. 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