today in tabs: if you're reading this, you're in group 7 👋👋👋

ALSO: MAGA gives Bluesky an inadvertent (and troll-heavy) boost, ICE ads on Spotify and HBO, young people aren't using Wikipedia as much in the era of AI, and more

Oct 21, 2025

Happy Tuesday, October 21st.

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.

I’M LOOKING FOR MORE PEOPLE TO DO MINI INTERVIEWS FOR OPEN TABS :) Tips, thoughts, concerns, good jokes, bad jokes, tea, 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 🙏

Organizers say over 7 million showed up to No Kings protests

Several individual events topped 100,000 participants, including Twin Cities, New York City, and Chicago, which was estimated to have 250,000 people. That Chicago would have one of the largest turnouts in the country is hardly surprising given the administration’s recent immigration crackdown in the city, which has led to several high-profile incidents involving ICE agents. (The Verge, 10/19)

White House and Government Agencies Join Bluesky, Then Attack Democrats

The posts on Bluesky, a social network whose format is similar to that of X, continued a pattern of partisan attacks from the executive branch after Congress failed to reach an agreement on federal funding and the government shut down on Oct. 1. The administration has repeatedly thrust normally nonpartisan agencies into the funding fight, including by posting politically loaded language on agency websites, even though the federal bureaucracy is ordinarily expected to stay out of the fray during political disagreements. (NYT gift link, 10/18)

Gen Z’s 2026 warning signs for Democrats

Some of them are choosing to tune out news and social media, partly over political tensions. David, a 22-year-old Democrat, said he “completely stopped paying attention” to social media because “it’s either virtue signaling or it’s intentionally inflammatory.” Asked where he gets his news, he responded, “I don’t. (Axios, 10/19)

Dystopian ICE recruitment ads tell users to ‘fulfill your mission’ on Spotify, HBO Max and other streaming services

Tricia McLaughlin, the assistant secretary for DHS, said that ICE has received “more than 175,000 applications” as a result of the ad blitz and DHS has “already issued more than 18,000 tentative job offers.” McLaughlin added that the department’s “incentive processing,” such as signing bonuses, will continue during the government shutdown, which she blamed Democrats for. (The Independent, 10/16)

Uber wants drivers to train AI in their free time

The pilot program, unveiled at an event for Uber drivers on Thursday, lets some U.S. drivers and couriers opt in to perform simple online jobs — like recording short voice clips, uploading photos, or submitting documents used to train AI — directly in the Uber Driver app. Uber says the success of a beta test in India convinced it to expand the trial, which it plans to do by the end of 2025. The program is a way to give drivers flexibility to earn while their electric cars are charging, or while they’re at home on the couch watching sports. (Axios, 10/20)

Wikipedia says traffic is falling due to AI search summaries and social video

Why is traffic falling? Miller points to “the impact of generative AI and social media on how people seek information,” particularly as “search engines are increasingly using generative AI to provide answers directly to searchers rather than linking to sites like ours” and as “younger generations are seeking information on social video platforms rather than the open web.” (TechCrunch, 10/18)

What Is ‘Group 7’? Where the Viral TikTok Trend Started

Well, it appears the origins of group 7 can be traced back to singer Sophia James. Last week, the music artist posted a series of videos on TikTok. In her first clip, she shared that she had recently received a parking ticket while dancing and singing along to her new song “So Unfair.” James then continued to upload more clips with a goal: to get as many TikTok users as possible to see her posts and hear her song by flooding their feeds. (Today, 10/20)

What Apple’s new 5-year deal with Formula 1 means for US fans

Apple plans to air F1 on Apple TV as well as amplify the series across Apple News, Apple Maps, Apple Music, Apple Sports and Apple Fitness+. Apple TV will also host all practice, qualifying, sprint sessions and races. Select races and all practice sessions throughout the season will also be available to watch for free in the Apple TV app. (AP, 10/17)

Lucy’s note: absolutely HUGE news

Catholic altar wine replaced after becoming a favourite in Kenyan bars

The Kenyan Catholic Church has introduced a new brand of altar wine for Holy Mass after the previous one became widely available in local bars. Simply labeled Mass Wine, the new sacramental drink bears the coat of arms of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) and an official signature to certify its authenticity. (BBC, 10/10)

Lucy’s note: this is an older story than I like to include… but I am obsessed

Sea Otters Are Stealing Surfboards in California. Again.

While such encounters can be dangerous for both otters and humans, Santa Cruz’s locals often celebrate them. After Otter 841’s brush with virality in 2023, her furry face was printed on T-shirts, she inspired an ice cream flavor and a marijuana dispensary’s billboard depicted her biting a surfboard above the words “warning: locals have the munchies.” (NYT gift link, 10/18)