today in tabs: the manosphere is in tumult
ALSO: Instagram is picking its top 25 users, why vinyl is protected from tariffs but pasta isn't, Bill Nye is trying to save NASA, and more
Happy Tuesday, October 7th. This is my birthday newsletter, and I’m sending good vibes to all my fellow Libras ♎️💜
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 🙏
Mike Johnson hasn’t sworn in this new Democrat. Is it because she wants to release the Epstein files?
Another complication, both for the petition and Grijalva’s hopes to taking her seat: the House was out of session all this week. Johnson last month called off planned work days to pressure Senate Democrats into voting for legislation the chamber has approved to fund the government and end the ongoing shutdown. (The Guardian, 10/4)
Manosphere Influencers Who Boosted Trump Are Now Cooling on Him
“I really really wish I never got into politics,” Kick streamer Adin Ross recently told his audience. “I just don’t think I’ll ever care enough again for another politician.” Ross, who has been repeatedly banned from streaming platforms over his use of hateful slurs, interviewed Trump last August at the president’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida. The streamer encouraged his viewers to vote for the then-candidate, and even gifted Trump a custom Tesla Cybertruck and a Rolex watch. (Rolling Stone, 10/6 – free version)
Bill Nye leads charge to save NASA science from deep Trump cuts
NASA science isn’t just about exploration — it’s economic and geopolitical. NASA pumped $75 billion into the U.S. economy in 2023, supporting 300,000 jobs across all 50 states. People who are critical of the cuts say ending missions prematurely would waste $12 billion in taxpayer investments in still-healthy spacecraft. (Axios, 10/5)
Instagram Is Launching Its Own Awards for Creators: “Rings”
But of those three billion users, only 25 will receive Rings, with the honorees getting both a physical ring designed by the acclaimed English fashion designer Grace Wales Bonner, as well as a unique digital golden ring for their Instagram profile and stories. (The Hollywood Reporter, 10/6)
How TikTok keeps its users scrolling for hours a day
So The Washington Post, through an unprecedented partnership with our readers, collected TikTok watch histories from 1,100 users. We created a database of roughly 15 million videos served up to them in a six-month period last year. Our analyses showed just how effective TikTok is at getting even its heaviest users to swipe more and watch more on its platform. (WaPo, 10/7)
AI could erase 100 million U.S. jobs, Senate Dem report finds
According to the committee’s findings, 89% of fast food jobs, 64% of accounting roles, and 47% of trucking positions could be replaced over the next ten years. The report estimates that nearly 100 million total U.S. jobs could be automated in that period. (Axios, 10/6)
L.A.’s Entertainment Economy Is Looking Like a Disaster Movie
The primary reason is that Hollywood is making less stuff. The film business has yet to rebound from the shutdown of theaters during the pandemic. TV production was booming in the 2010s and early 2020s as companies tried to jump-start streaming services, but in 2022, investors saw streaming growth was slowing and decided what actually matters is profitability. (WSJ, 10/2 – free version)
Jane Goodall’s death triggered the premiere of Netflix’s new show
For the last several years Netflix has been quietly banking episodes of a new show called Famous Last Words, interviews with famous people entering their twilight years. The catch is that episodes will only air after the subject passes away. The full list of interviewees is a closely guarded secret, but last week Netflix quietly posted the premiere episode featuring Jane Goodall. (The Verge, 10/5)
Shein is opening its first physical stores
Shein has announced plans to open its first physical locations in France this November, even as the country works on legislation to regulate the fast-fashion industry, as reported by Euronews and Reuters. The online retailer, which manufactures most of its ultra-cheap clothing in China, will open locations inside department stores across Dijon, Grenoble, Reims, Limoges, and Angers through a partnership with real estate company Société des Grands Magasins (SGM). (The Verge, 10/2)
Lucy’s note: sorry to be a wet rag… but reminder that Shein is still a big ol’ problem, whether they have a traditional brick and mortar location now or not!
Why vinyl records like Taylor Swift’s ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ are protected from tariffs
Vinyl records, CDs and cassettes were spared from the Trump administration’s late-August rollback of the “de minimis” exemption. The exemption, which had allowed packages valued at less than $800 to be imported without tariffs, was designed to simplify customs for low-cost imports and reduce fees for both consumers and small retailers. Trump’s rollback of the exemption allowed tariffs to take effect on such shipments — but not on physical music. (NBC News, 10/3)
Italy working hard to prevent extra US tariffs on pasta
In early September, the United States’ Department of Commerce announced plans to impose provisional anti-dumping duties of over 91 percent on pasta from January 2026, on top of the 15 percent already in place. The decision was part of an investigation into “dumping”: alleged commercial practices by certain brands involving exports to the United States at prices below market value. (AFP, 10/5)
Lucy’s note: This paired with the T Swift story above… this is the most illogical timeline
The Viral TJ’s Mini Bags Return In Spooky Colors
This drop swaps spring pastels for four fall fits: solid black, solid orange, solid purple, and a multicolor mash-up (black body with purple base, green handles, and an orange TJ’s logo). It’s basically the same pint-size profile, but in a color-hue-appropriate costume for the time of year. (Delish, 10/5)
Lucy’s note: the absolute chokehold that both Halloween and the Trader Joe’s mini tote have on America this year
Extra Credit 🤓
Some newsletters I thought were excellent recently:
“Why Aren’t We Partying Like It’s 1999?” by
“the AI clankers yearn for cultural cachet” by
of“The End Of The Most Famous Girl In The World” by
ofI really liked The Most Famous Girl In The World and have been living with that cliffhanger for many months… and this is maybe the most brilliant marketing for a new book that I have ever seen! Y’all, we should all take notes 📝
Also, apparently, Republican and former 2016 GOP presidential candidate John Kasich (you may remember him by his meeting the incredibly low standard of being the least batshit one in that primary) is on Substack now
This week’s Polymarket trend that I’m watching is…
That’s all for now – I’ll see you on Friday!