today in tabs: don’t mix it up in the comments

ALSO: celebs are bringing back The Committee For The First Amendment, the Trump admin takes aim at non-profits, 6% of Swifties took today off of work, and more

Oct 03, 2025

Happy Friday, October 3rd. Bunny, bunny, and also libra, libra ♎️

WELCOME :)

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.

Want to do a super fun, super cool rapid interview for this newsletter like the one below??? Reply to this email or hit the button below. Tips, thoughts, concerns, good jokes, bad jokes, ☕️, etc?

And finally, if you enjoy this newsletter and want to share it with your network (and/or your chronically online friends), that would be so appreciated 🙏

This week, we’ve got texts from … 🥁🥁🥁 Mandela Barnes, former Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin, President of Power to the Polls & Forward Together Wisconsin, AND Founder of The Long Run PAC. He also knows much about birds. Hope you enjoy :)

DISCLOSURE: I was on the Barnes 2022 Senate campaign!

This interview has been edited for clarity and concision.

LR: What are three pieces of advice you would offer to a young person running for office in 2025 or 2026?

MB: 1) Authenticity means you shouldn’t have to “try” to do/be it

2) have people on your team that aren’t afraid to tell you no

3) don’t mix it up in the comments

LR: Everybody wants to talk about how to reach young men. But what are young Dem or Dem-leaning men actually looking for from their candidates and representatives in gov?

MB: Same thing as everyone else, just to be heard. Not excluded from the process.

LR: What’s your favorite fun fact about Wisconsin?

MB: The first splinter-free toilet paper was created in Wisconsin.

LR: What’s your favorite fun fact about birds?

MB: They are dinosaurs.

LR: Three most used emojis?

MB: 🫠👋🏽⚡️

Billie Eilish, Gracie Abrams and more relaunch 1940s-era free speech committee

The controversy has inspired over 550 creatives to resurrect The Committee For The First Amendment, which was created in 1947 amid a period of moral panic in US politics where many in the entertainment industry were accused of being Communists. It led to the suppression of prominent left-wing views, under the guise of protecting national security. (NME, 10/2)

Trump’s MAGA-fied military prepares for “war from within”

In one historic speech at the Quantico Marine Corps Base in Northern Virginia, Trump eviscerated decades of civil-military restraint and proclaimed the armed forces as his weapon of choice against domestic “enemies.” (Axios, 10/1)

The Trump Administration Is Coming for Nonprofits. They’re Getting Ready

But a few weeks ago, Vance joined a chorus of people in and around the Trump administration who vowed to “go after the NGO network that foments, facilitates, and engages in violence.” It’s unclear exactly what Vance and other members of the administration mean by this—the nonprofit world is large and includes foundations and funders that give out grants, as well as organizations, both in the US and abroad, that actually run initiatives on the ground. (WIRED, 10/2)

Google, Apple drop ICE agent tracking apps from stores after Trump admin complaints

Apple on Thursday night said it was removing ICEBlock and other similar apps from its App Store that are used to track authorities. Apple’s move came after direct pressure from Attorney General Pam Bondi, and amid controversy over the Trump administration’s aggressive enforcement of immigration law with ICE agents and other authorities. (CNBC, 10/2)

ChatGPT shares its Yom Kippur reflections

ChatGPT seems to openly acknowledge what the industry often glosses over — that even on its best day, its downsides are significant. In a prompt, I asked ChatGPT to imagine itself taking part in the act of self-reflection and atone for its potential negative impacts on humanity. (Axios, 10/2)

Lucy’s note: Sample ChatGPT sins in it’s “own words:” “For the temptation I create to replace human labor, creativity, or livelihood, without always ensuring that those displaced are supported with dignity”… and “For overwhelming with noise instead of clarity, giving too much when less was needed, or offering shallow answers when depth was sought.”

DoorDash’s Dot delivery bots might be coming to a bike lane near you

While other delivery robots are generally limited to slow speeds in cities and on college campuses, Dot was built for longer trips through busy suburbia, where it can haul orders down busy streets and bike lanes at speeds of up to 20 mph, in addition to gingerly rolling down driveways and sidewalks. (WaPo, 9/30 – free version)

‘I Became the Jubilee Girl’

Last September, Naima Troutt was one of 25 liberal college students chosen to debate Charlie Kirk. One interaction in the 90-minute video was particularly memorable: After Kirk attempts to argue that abortion is murder, Troutt mutters to herself, “Ugh, his smile is very creepy.” “Oh, so smiling is creepy?” he asks, to which she replies, “No, your smile specifically.” The room erupts into laughter. The clip went viral. Fan edits were made in her honor. (Vulture, 9/30 – free version)

Trust in Media at New Low of 28% in U.S.

Americans’ confidence in the mass media has edged down to a new low, with just 28% expressing a “great deal” or “fair amount” of trust in newspapers, television and radio to report the news fully, accurately and fairly. This is down from 31% last year and 40% five years ago. (Gallup, 10/2)

Spirit Christmas to open 30 locations

In one year, Spirit Christmas has gone from testing its concept to accelerating its brick-and-mortar presence. In October 2024, the company announced that it was piloting 10 locations, with some stores transforming from Spirit Halloween stores to Spirit Christmas locations. (Retail Dive, 9/29)

Why are Americans relocating? The data shows surprises.

In its annual survey, Development Counsellors International, specialists in marketing economic development and travel, found that 41 percent of movers preferred suburbs; 16 percent, small metropolitan areas; and only 13 percent leaned toward large metros. More surprising, 30 percent were seeking rural locations. (WaPo, 10/2)

One Direction’s Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson Will Reunite for New Docuseries

According to a press release, the show will see the pair “opening up about life, love, loss, and fatherhood.” The news of the collaboration comes nearly a year after One Direction member Liam Payne died tragically in Argentina after falling from a hotel balcony. (Rolling Stone, 10/2 – free version)

6% of salaried Swifties say they’re taking off October 3 for Taylor Swift’s new album

Swifties will wait in a merch line for three hours, meticulously place crystal freckles on their faces, and clear out a Michael’s to craft concert-ready bracelets, so it may not be surprising that 6% plan to take off for the October 3 release of The Life of a Show Girl, according to a new survey from BambooHR. Employees who do work on release day might be distracted by a lively group chat, as 10% of fans report their company has a dedicated Swiftie channel on Slack or Teams. (HR Brew, 9/29)

Lucy’s note: I REALLY do not like the new album, I’m so sorry, Swifties 😭

‘Reading Rainbow’ Returns: Classic PBS Show Rebooted 20 Years After Final Episode

The new iteration of the show will be a digital series, debuting Saturday, Oct. 4, on KidZuko, the kids-focused YouTube channel operated by Sony Pictures Television. Mychal Threets, a librarian and digital creator, will host the new version of Reading Rainbow. (The Hollywood Reporter, 9/29 – free version)