National Security's AI Stress Test

What's Happening

US News

National Security's AI Stress Test

What's going on: Artificial intelligence is challenging the US government in two vastly different ways. On one front, The Washington Post reports that Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard created a team that wants access to internal emails and chats across US spy agencies, including classified ones. The Director’s Initiative Group (DIG), which hasn’t gained access to any servers (yet), aims to use AI to help store troves of internal data and root out what Gabbard’s team calls “politicization.” On the other front, the government is investigating who’s behind the AI-generated impersonation of Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Authorities say someone used AI-generated voice notes and texts on Signal last month to contact three foreign ministers, a US governor, and a Congress member.

What it means: AI isn’t just reshaping intelligence — it’s destabilizing it, serving as both a tool for potential internal surveillance and an external weapon of deception. Critics are sounding the alarm, with some saying Gabbard’s team could become a target for hackers — or that AI could go after people seen as disloyal to Trump, according to The Washington Post. As for the Rubio impersonation, it highlights just how vulnerable American officials have become — all it takes is a few seconds of audio to impersonate someone. It may also call into question the continued use of Signal (who can forget Signalgate?). Together, these stories point to a national security system that’s struggling to keep pace with the rise of AI.

Related: Can You Find the Embarrassing Typo in One of Trump’s Tariff Letters? (Daily Beast)

Health

Eating Disorders Aren't Just a Problem for Young People

Note: The following story mentions eating disorders.

What's going on: A growing body of research shows more older women are seeking treatment for eating disorders — and doctors say menopause plays a major role. Health experts have noticed a rise in cases among women ages 40 to 70, with estimates that up to 30% of women in perimenopause or menopause struggle with disordered eating. Menopause can bring dramatic hormonal changes that can leave women feeling like they’ve lost control of their bodies. At the same time, many face big life transitions — empty nests, divorces, aging parents — that can add stress or reshape identity. Add in the pressure to stay thin at any age, and the risk goes up. For some women, these factors can trigger a new disorder. For others, menopause can bring back symptoms that never got proper treatment earlier in life.

What it means: Eating disorders are often associated with younger people, especially teenage girls — not middle-aged women. That bias helps explain why so many cases often go undiagnosed. Even when women do seek help, treatment can be hard until they recognize what’s happening. The New York Times reports that doctors are also taking notice of how disordered eating affects women long-term — with complications like osteoporosis, arthritis, dental damage, and heart disease. One specialist put it plainly: “My fear is that we are woefully underprepared for these patients.” They may be right. Right now, few treatment options exist for older women, leaving many to navigate serious health risks with little support.

Related: Children’s Health in the US Has Been Deteriorating Since 2007 (NPR)

Politics

Can Musk Hack the Two-Party System?

What's going on: You can call billionaire Elon Musk a lot of things, but “lazy” isn’t one of them. Whether he’s attempting to explore far-away planets or getting a president elected, the man aims high. But his latest goal may be as lofty (and unlikely) as putting a man on Mars: He wants to launch a successful new political party in the US called the America Party. The idea isn’t exactly novel. Look at H. Ross Perot’s Reform Party, which hasn’t seen a winning candidate since 1998, among other attempts to disrupt the two-party system (cough, Ralph Nader, cough). Still, public opinion polling shows US voters have a desire for another option. And Musk and his advisers may run with America’s penchant for an underdog (if you can call a project from the world’s richest man that).

What it means: It’s not clear how seriously Musk has invested (financially and metaphorically) in the America Party. Those around Musk told The New York Times his advisers have floated the idea of a super PAC, and that the Tesla CEO has spoken with former presidential candidate Andrew Yang, who also formed his own party. Still, Musk hasn’t even registered with the Federal Election Commission yet (though several people have formed spoof America parties). But if he does decide to go all in, he could face strong headwinds. For one, election laws for third parties can be a Byzantine labyrinth, as every state has different rules. Musk’s recent tiff with the president could also hurt his chances. But analysts say he might gain traction if he teams up with other Republicans who’ve also fallen out with Trump.

Related: Elon Musk’s AI Chatbot Posted Antisemitic Messages on X (CBS News)

Highlight Reel

BY SKIMM SPORTS

The week's sports news and culture stories, ranked.

Hang it in the Louvre: Amanda Anisimova’s Wimbledon success is the best endorsement for taking a “mental health break” we’ve heard in a while.

Winning: Novak Djokovic’s daughter was the real star at Wimbledon with those dancing skills.

Chaotic: President Donald Trump plans to host a UFC fight at the White House next year. Because nothing says statesmanship like cage-side seats in the East Room.

Settle This

Which actress just became Hollywood’s top-grossing lead — beating out all the men?

Extra Credit

Read

If you also firmly believe that Music and Lyrics never got the attention it deserved, allow us to introduce you to Ashley Poston’s Sounds Like Love. The romance novel follows burnt-out songwriter Joni Lark, who returns to her sleepy North Carolina hometown in hopes of curing a serious case of writer’s block. But just as she’s navigating messy family-and-friend drama, a melody pops into her head — one that also happens to be stuck in the head of a Hozier-coded, man-bun-wearing musician. Bewildered by their unexpected telepathic connection, the two agree to finish the song together and definitely not fall for each other along the way.

Game Time

Looking for a crossword that’s not impossible to solve? You’re in luck. This one even offers hints when you get stuck. The faster you finish, the better your score — and the more impressed the group chat will be. Go on.