today in tabs: big tech wants to fix us with a virtual pet named pengu

ALSO: political violence in the viral video era, the 11 types of journalist-audience relationships, and more

Sep 12, 2025

Happy Friday, September 12th.

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Just a reminder: every Tuesday and Friday, I’ll be in your inbox with the latest in politics, tech & social media, culture, and other relevant topics – and I’ll share some notes and tips on what I’m keeping my eye on.

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The Assassination Video No One Asked For

But most people on social media seem to be contending with what they have just witnessed, even if they remain ideologically opposed to its victim. Leftist influencer Hasan Piker, who was set to debate Kirk later this month, urged his followers to stop making jokes, calling the shooting “terrifying.” Others reminded their own to “keep it in the group chat” lest you’re prepared for “a knock on your door” from the FBI, while many Democratic politicians have unequivocally condemned the attack. (Vulture, 9/10 – free version)

HBCUs nationwide lift lockdowns after canceling classes following threats

At least five historically Black colleges locked down campuses, canceled classes or ordered students to shelter in place after receiving “credible threats” of violence on Thursday. Many of the precautionary measures are no longer in place. (NBC News, 9/11)

New Mexico becomes 1st state to offer universal child care

New Mexico has become the first state in the country to guarantee universal child care to families residing in the state. New Mexico families will be eligible for free child care for infants and toddlers starting Nov. 1, no matter their incomes. The groundbreaking initiative will require no co-pays from families. (ABC News, 9/10)

AI gaming startup Born raises $15M to build ‘social’ AI companions that combat loneliness

Born’s flagship AI product is an app where users can raise, play minigames with, and co-parent a cute virtual pet named Pengu. Think of it as a generative AI-powered Tamagotchi or Neopet, but one that requires collaboration with another human, like a friend or romantic partner. (TechCrunch, 9/10)

Spotify and TikTok Launch ‘Big on BookTok’ Pilot Hub for Audiobook Fans

Enter the Big on BookTok hub on Spotify. We’re piloting a co-branded hub in partnership with TikTok that turns your BookTok wish list into a “To Be Listened” playlist. Through November, our community of book lovers in the US can dive into a dedicated space to press play and discover the audiobooks that are taking over their feeds. (Spotify Newsroom, 9/9)

The 11 types of relationships that journalists have with audiences

But sometimes lost amid that focus on journalists and their audiences is the reality that there is no unidimensional relationship between the two, just as audiences themselves, as James Webster reminds us, always remain an abstraction, it being impossible for media producers to know, with total accuracy, who has consumed their content (and why). (Nieman Lab, 9/8)

The gender pay gap is getting wider, reversing progress

The median woman working full time in 2024 earned 81% of what the median man earned — a drop of 2 percentage points from the year before and the second consecutive annual decline. The pay gap is now back to where it was in 2017, when the burgeoning #MeToo movement drew wide attention to sex discrimination. (Axios, 9/9)

A Pop Star’s Best Promotional Tool in 2025 Is New York City

Each of these artists are leaning into the spontaneity of the city, giving their fans short notice for unique experiences. Plus, the excitement always pays off: It’s difficult to not draw a crowd in the city, even if it’s just based on passersby trying to figure out what the hell is going on. (Rolling Stone, 9/9 – free version)

Unrivaled announces $340M valuation, plans for upcoming season

Everyone wants in on Unrivaled, but what exactly makes it special? Aside from it being flexible and creative in a space that typically operates on decades of tradition, it’s uniquely built on athlete-centered storytelling, has a shortened format, and is a true hub for player-driven pop culture. (The Gist, 9/10)

The Girl Scouts Unveil New Cookie Inspired by a Popular Ice Cream Flavor

In a press release, GSUSA describes Exploremores as a “rocky road ice cream–inspired sandwich cookie.” The sweet treat is filled with a mix of flavors, including chocolate, marshmallow and toasted almond-flavored crème. (Today, 9/9)

'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' star Taylor Frankie Paul is the next Bachelorette

Paul is one of a few "Mormon Wives" to venture away from Salt Lake City and into a new realm of reality television. Co-stars Jen Affleck — who may or may not be related to Ben Affleck — and Whitney Leavitt will be on season 34 of "Dancing with the Stars." (NBC News, 9/10)

Chipotle to expand to Asia through joint venture

Chipotle Mexican Grill on Wednesday announced plans to expand to Asia for the first time through a joint venture with SPC Group, a Korean-based restaurant operator. The burrito chain aims to open its first Chipotle locations in South Korea and Singapore in 2026. (CNBC, 9/10)