— An air traffic controller scolding two pilots who were having a little too much fun in this viral video. Sometimes, you gotta let that dog out.
Politics
Inside the Network of Women Who Brought Down Eric Swalwell
Content warning: The following story mentions sexual assault and rape.
What's going on: The 2017 #MeToo movement empowered thousands of women to share their experiences with sexual assault and rape. But in recent years, some have questioned how well it “worked” and how much has changed. Many accused men are still in positions of power, even if they’ve been found liable for sexual abuse. Now, the allegations against Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) have forced another reckoning. On March 31, Cheyenne Hunt — a progressive attorney and content creator — shared a video after learning of allegations from her friend, Annika Albrecht. Albrecht says she met Swalwell on a college trip to DC, and that he later sexually harassed her after offering career advice. In Hunt’s post, she said he had a “known history of being predatory towards women.” The viral post opened the floodgates. Soon after, The San Francisco Chronicleand CNN shared investigations that featured serious allegations of rape and sexual misconduct, including from a member of his staff. Swalwell has denied all of the claims against him. Amid the fallout, he dropped out of the California gubernatorial race and resigned from Congress.
What it means: Women who’ve accused Swalwell of sexual misconduct told NPR they believe their online community and nontraditional media channels helped lead to his resignation. Still, the fact that Swalwell rose so high in California politics underscores how power can shield men accused of mistreating women — including in the workplace and the halls of Congress. Meanwhile, advocates have been alarmed by the victim-blaming statements online — such as questions about why staffers didn’t “just quit” — which can make it difficult for women to come forward. In other words, Swalwell’s case is both a lesson in how much things have changed and how much they haven’t.
🗞️ A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon is in effect (even though the two aren’t at war themselves). But it’s unclear if Iranian proxy Hezbollah will follow the truce.
If your baby has extra-sensitive skin, this product swap might make them (and you) a lot happier.
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Sports
An End to Your Game-Day Frustrations?
What's going on: We’ve all been there: Snacks ready, friends invited, fully trusting one of your many streaming subscriptions will air the game. But not a single one comes through. Well, Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) is saying, “Put me in, coach,” and introducing a bill to make local sports easier to watch. The “For the Fans” Act would make nationally-televised games free to watch in each team’s home state. As Baldwin told The Athletic, watching sports should be a unifying experience for fans, but right now, we’re united in “absolute frustration about how confusing it is to watch your games and how costly it is to follow your teams.” The pep talk we need.
How'd it get this bad?: Of course, it’s all about money. As more people have embraced streaming and ditched cable, leagues have lost out on that sweet, sweet ad revenue. In response, they’ve signed on to exclusive streaming deals to make some cash, which means that fans often need to pay for multiple spendy subscriptions to watch their faves play ball. Baldwin pointed out that in some places in Wisconsin, the only way to watch last season’s Packers vs. Bears playoff matchup was on Amazon Prime (is Jeff Bezos really in need of more cash?). She’s not the only one calling foul: The DOJ is also investigating the way the NFL sells its broadcast rights. If Baldwin’s bill passes, she’ll be our MVP.
What's going on: It’s been four years since Lori Harvey and her abs ushered in the latest Pilates era. Since then, the “clean girl” aesthetic has exploded, and Pilates studios are on every corner. These group fitness classes have become a fun third space for women to focus on their health and meet new people — always followed by an iced latte. We love that for the girls. What we don’t love? The manosphere has co-opted the movement. As one man on social media said: “If your girl goes to Pilates, wife her up.” His video has more than 1 million views. For these men, this idealized version of a “Pilates girl” or “Pilates princess” is slim, ultra-feminine, and is likely under 30.
Sounds like a stretch: In the age of “health is wealth,” some men are still stereotyping women and essentially saying only the ones who fit into this “Pilates princess” box are worthy of attention and love. Take their phones away right now. Unfortunately, this is nothing new. Men have always glamorized a very specific type of woman, going back to June Cleaver, Marilyn Monroe, and even Helen of Troy. The irony? A man, inspired by cats, created Pilates in a World War I prison camp. It’s meant to be inclusive for all body types and athletic abilities. That’s why the best thing to do is what you’ve always done: Ignore the manosphere.
