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Good morning. Today we’re covering a possible November strike on Iran, a Russian disinformation campaign aimed at a Texas Senate race, a bipartisan fight over Elon Musk and Ukraine’s Starlink access, a custom stock deal that kept Mark Zuckerberg in California, a record-low economic approval rating for President Trump, and a White House that keeps pointing at Musk. Let’s get into it.
U.S. and Israel Prepare for Possible November Attack on Iran as Gulf Economies Crumble
The United States and Israel are reportedly preparing for a possible new offensive against Iran in early November, shortly after the U.S. midterm elections. A person briefed on the war planning told NPR that Israel originally wanted to strike in mid-October, ahead of its own October 27 elections, but President Trump objected. The buildup could also be meant to pressure Tehran into a deal. Iran’s foreign minister says the country is just as prepared for diplomacy as for war, while the Revolutionary Guard threatens undersea internet cables and Gulf data centers. The Strait of Hormuz remains a flash point, with Iranian state media claiming attacks on seven oil tankers. The IMF projects contractions of roughly 16% in Iraq, Kuwait, and Qatar this year. It also warns that oil could average $130 per barrel in 2027 if the war continues.
Source: NPR
Russian Disinformation Network Targets Texas Democrat as Midterm Election Interference Intensifies
A Russian-linked influence operation known as Storm-1516 has targeted Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico with a fabricated misconduct allegation. The post came from a recently created X account and initially drew little attention. About 12 hours later, three verified accounts previously tied to Storm-1516 amplified it, and Alethea reported more than 850,000 views in the first 24 hours. Graphika concluded the videos appeared to be AI-generated. Most Russian-linked content so far has targeted Democrats, though intelligence officials say they have not established an explicit strategy to favor one party. Researchers say the operation closely follows the 2024 playbook, and they expect more attacks before Election Day on November 3.
Source: The New York Times
Bipartisan Lawmakers Demand Investigation Into Musk Over Starlink Slowdown in Ukraine
Republican and Democratic lawmakers are demanding a congressional investigation into Elon Musk after reports that he personally ordered restrictions on Ukraine’s access to Starlink. The Wall Street Journal reported that Musk limited the speed of Ukrainian military hardware connected to the network, complicating drone strikes and efforts to intercept Russian attacks. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick wants sworn testimony, and Senator Adam Schiff has called for a Senate investigation. Senator Chris Coons asked why Musk effectively holds power comparable to a senior military commander. Republican Senators Thom Tillis, Lisa Murkowski, and John Cornyn joined Democrats in asking the Defense Department’s inspector general to look into the matter. Musk has not offered a detailed explanation.
Source: The Wall Street Journal
Zuckerberg Threatened to Flee California Over Wealth Tax—Meta’s Board Cut Him a Deal to Stay
Mark Zuckerberg considered leaving California to avoid a proposed 5% billionaire wealth tax, and Meta’s board responded with a special stock arrangement. A regulatory filing shows he warned directors that Proposition 40 could force him to sell enough shares to cut his voting power from 60.6% to about 53%. The new nonvoting Class C shares let him immediately sell up to 20% of his holdings, roughly 10% of his financial stake, while keeping voting control. The company acknowledged the proceeds could cover a California wealth tax bill. Directors argued his presence mattered as Meta expands its AI operations. In return, Zuckerberg agreed to keep his primary residence in Meta’s headquarters state for eight years, and he never listed his Palo Alto home.
Source: The Wall Street Journal
Trump’s Economic Approval Hits Record Low as Democrats Gain Ground Ahead of Midterms
President Trump’s economic approval has fallen to its lowest level across both of his terms, with 65% of Americans disapproving, according to the CNBC All-America Economic Survey. Only 34% approve, and his net economic rating sits at negative 31 points. Economic pessimism among Republicans has climbed to 35%, the highest of either Trump administration. Voters favor Democratic control of Congress 52% to 45%, and groceries have overtaken gasoline as the top price worry. The poll also shows slipping support for the Iran war and overwhelming opposition to officials trading individual stocks in companies with federal contracts. Pollsters from both parties caution that Democrats still have to win many places Trump carried comfortably in 2024.
Source: CNBC
Rubio and Hegseth Point to Musk Over Ukraine Starlink Slowdown as Republicans Demand Answers
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth are placing responsibility for Ukraine’s Starlink slowdown on Elon Musk and SpaceX, calling it a matter of private commercial contracts. Several Republicans are not satisfied. Senator John Cornyn doubts Musk acted without the administration’s acquiescence, and Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick and Don Bacon are threatening to obstruct Trump’s lame-duck agenda unless they get answers. Reports conflict on who gave the order, with the Wall Street Journal pointing to Musk and Reuters pointing to the White House. Trump says he was not involved. Meanwhile, 23 lawmakers are urging him to push Musk to restore Ukraine’s communications, and they want a deal that would halt attacks on Russian energy facilities.
Source: The Hill
Six stories, one calendar full of elections, and a whole lot of people insisting somebody else is in charge. That’s your Morning Sixpack, and we’ll be back tomorrow with six more.
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