today in tabs: "music festivals" under trump's dc occupation

ALSO: brands go all in on short-form, episodic content, the UK government wants people to save water by deleting emails, and more

Aug 15, 2025

Happy Friday, August 15th.

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 🙏

We’ve got yet another very cool set of texts today from 🥁🥁🥁… Hailey Brooke, owner of the massively popular @clipsofkamala account on TikTok! Hailey, in many ways and completely on her own initiative, led the charge of folks harnessing the power of TikTok virality in the heat of the election last year. Enjoy!!!

Homeless residents react to Donald Trump’s threats to clear encampments in D.C.

G says the worst thing he does is drugs, and he would willingly go to jail if Trump went with him. He moved to the green along the interstate because it felt safer than his apartment building. He’s found a community in his encampment over the last two months, but plans to move on Monday because of the attention from Trump and media outlets. (Street Sense Media, 8/11)

Lucy’s note: If you want to support DC residents during this insane moment, consider supporting Street Sense, an independent, non-profit newsroom dedicated to ending homelessness and amplifying the voices of the people of DC.

Trump Privately Dismissed Epstein Victims as ‘Democrats’

At times, Trump has said that some of these people speaking out are, in his words, clearly of a “Democrat” political affiliation, while wondering aloud if some of them are coordinating with prominent liberal attorneys or groups. (Rolling Stone, 8/14 – free version)

MAGA rails against "pothead" culture as Trump weighs weed reform

The criticisms may echo old-school "Reefer Madness" rhetoric, but they also offer a revealing window into how MAGA defines virtue, masculinity and the "ideal" society. MAGA is fixated on "Western civilization," casting the U.S. as the successor to ancient European civilizations who built historic empires on the foundation of hard work, meritocracy and the rule of law. (Axios, 8/13)

Lucy’s note: A key element of this is that the reclassification of weed would likely not actually free the estimated 40,000+ people who are currently incarcerated because of weed charges (which is, of course, insane) but would open the door to economic growth and further research.

"Music festival": The internet's protest code word

No, there is not a "music festival" coming to the streets of Washington, D.C. — but that's what social media users want apps' algorithms to think. Amid President Trump's federal crackdown in the nation's capital, internet users are tailoring their language as they organize and encourage resistance. (Axios, 8/14)

Why Brands Like State Farm and Argos Are Going All-In on Social-First Episodic Videos

Episodic content goes hand-in-hand with another strategy growing in popularity: Fostering long-term partnerships with creators. Multipart series streamline long-term partnerships because brands and creators don’t have to come up with a new idea for each piece of content created. (AdWeek, 8/13)

UK government suggests deleting files to save water

“Simple, everyday choices – such as turning off a tap or deleting old emails – also really helps the collective effort to reduce demand and help preserve the health of our rivers and wildlife,” Helen Wakeham, Environment Agency Director of Water, said in the press release. (The Verge, 8/12)

Christian Militants Are Using Instagram to Recruit—and Becoming Influencers in the Process

Many of these new groups, whose follower counts range from dozens to thousands, began quietly setting up shop on Instagram over the past two years. The Tech Transparency Project, which monitors extremism online, identified nearly 200 Instagram accounts as “militia related” and categorized dozens of those as part of this new generation of Christian nationalist militias. (WIRED, 8/14)

Just 12% found Sydney Sweeney ad campaign offensive

Just 12% of Americans, according to the Economist/YouGov poll conducted Aug. 9 to Aug. 11 among 1,635 adults, found Sydney Sweeney’s 'great jeans' ad offensive. American Eagle’s "great jeans" campaign drew accusations of racial undertones from critics until right-leaning commentators and politicians amplified it. (Ground News, 8/12)

U.S. Drinking Rate at New Low as Alcohol Concerns Surge

The percentage of U.S. adults who say they consume alcohol has fallen to 54%, the lowest by one percentage point in Gallup’s nearly 90-year trend. This coincides with a growing belief among Americans that moderate alcohol consumption is bad for one’s health, now the majority view for the first time. (Gallup, 8/13)

Beyoncé Wins Her 1st Primetime Emmy for ‘Beyoncé Bowl’

Beyoncé has won 35 Grammys, more than anyone else in history. She received an Oscar nomination for best original song in 2022 for co-writing “Be Alive” from King Richard with DIXSON. (Billboard, 8/12)

Lucy’s note: Finally, some good news in what turned out to be a very stressful news week! Beyoncé now only needs an Oscar win and a Tony win to get her EGOT!

Heinz drops ketchup smoothie in Pittsburgh

What's inside: Heinz Simply Ketchup, acai sorbet, apple juice, strawberries and raspberries. The big picture: The limited-run drink is designed to surprise skeptics with a "sweet and fruity" flavor and "tangy, ketchup finish," per the companies. (Axios Pittsburgh, 8/13)

A Glow-Up Gone Awry

In June, members of the Brotherhood of the Macarena, entrusted for centuries with protecting the image, sent her out from her shrine for some touch-ups. But the Macarena — pronounced just like the song belted by a local duo that conquered ballparks and bar mitzvahs throughout the 1990s — came back from a restorer’s workshop with a full eye job. (NYT gift link, 8/12)