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Big Stories

Leaked Pentagon documents aren’t a good look for the US

The Justice Department is investigating a leak of highly classified Pentagon documents that were posted to various social media sites over the past week. The information was originally posted on Discord, a private messaging platform, during the month of March.

What’s in the documents?
The content mainly covers the US’ evaluation of the war in Ukraine including:

• The US’ effort to spy on the Ukrainian government

• The Pentagon’s deep knowledge of the inner-workings of Russian government intelligence.

• It also outlines the US’ efforts to spy on its allies, South Korea and Israel.

Why it matters:
If the info is fake:
A high level security leak coming from the Department of Defense in the Pentagon is a real problem. Perhaps an even greater problem is that these documents still haven’t been authenticated by the Pentagon, meaning they could be fake. Misinformation is a powerful tool that can be even more effective than traditional warfare in breaking alliances and stirring up internal havoc.

If the info is real:
Russia now has a trail of breadcrumbs that can help it eradicate the source or sources that are informing the US about its intelligence operations. Russia will certainly adjust strategies, dealing a major blow to US espionage efforts. Also, spying on allies is common practice but it’s not great for relations when someone gets caught in the act.

Moving forward: 
The Pentagon admitted the breach is a “very serious security risk” and warn of the dangers of misinformation. This could the first of many incidents like this as technology makes falsifying photos, voices, and documents easier.

Deadly day in Louisville

Police killed an armed gunman in a bank in Louisville, Kentucky on Monday. The shooter was an employee at Old National Bank where he opened fired killing 4 people and injuring 9 more before police ended the attack. Unnervingly, the shooter strapped a camera to his chest and live-streamed the incident on Instagram authorities said.

This marks the 15th mass killing in the country this year, coming just two weeks after 3 children and 3 teachers were murdered at a Christian school in Nashville by a former student.

In a separate incident, a man was shot and killed and a woman was injured at a community college just blocks away from the bank. The suspect is at large and the police say the shootings are not related.

Little Stories

Business

*Share of Tupperware Brands (TUP.N) fell 48% on Monday after the company said it had “substantial doubt” it could continue business operations. The company’s sales have suffered since diners are eating in restaurants again post Covid-19.

World

*The Dalai Lama apologized for kissing a boy on the lips and asking him to “suck my tongue” during a video shared on social media. The Buddhist priest insists he was teasing but has been called out for controversial behavior in the past.

*Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu will not fire Defense Minister Yoav Gallant who said Netanyahu’s judicial overhaul was harming the military. In a televised speech the President said they must put their differences aside and work together to ensure Israel’s safety amidst the rocket attacks from Syria, Lebanon, and the West bank.

Politics

*The Nashville Council has re-appointed Justin Jones to the House of Representatives four days after he was expelled for leading chants for gun reform with a loudspeaker on the chamber floor.

**A Virginia Grand Jury indicted the mother of the 6-year-old who shot his teacher in the arm at school. The charges are felony child neglect and firearms possession.

Sports

*Former NBA player Nick Young asked the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA if he could be the first male to play in the all women’s league. The Spark have the 10th pick in the draft and he volunteered his services to the team. They told him no, but to hit them up when his daughter is ready to play.

**The Minnesota Timberwolves gave Rudy Gobert a one game suspension for punching a teammate on the sideline during a game against New Orleans on Sunday.

One Liners

*Travel like a local and discover these hidden gems in France.

**China man gets 6 months in jail for scaring 1,100 chickens to death.

***How affordable is your internet?