October 10, 2025

What's Happening

Economy

About That Recession…

What's going on: The US economy may look shiny from afar — GDP rose 3.8% last quarter and consumer spending stayed solid (despite some concerning unemployment numbers) — but some parts of the country are feeling recession-level pain. A new Moody’s Analytics report says 22 states are either in a recession or right on the edge — others are just “treading water.” Federal job cuts are taking a toll in states like Virginia and Maryland, while the trade war has left farmers reeling in Iowa. Moody’s chief economist, Mark Zandi, says a mix of tariffs, layoffs, and worker shortages — worsened due to immigration crackdowns — is behind the broader drag. In other words, the glossy bakery display may still look good — but bite into it, and things get messy fast. 

What it means: The US as a whole isn’t in a recession (though JPMorgan’s CEO thinks that may not be true in 2026), but this uneven slowdown might shed light on why some people feel like they’re living in one. It could explain why your bills feel heavier even as everyone else online is unboxing another “little treat.” And even if your state’s economy is holding up, experts say this report is a warning. The 22 struggling states make up about a third of national GDP. If big players like New York or California, both “treading water,” start to sink, the whole economy could follow. Just in time for the holiday season… 

Related: The Government Shutdown Sparks “Unhappy Hour” at DC Bars (WSJ Gift Link) 

Politics

Are the Podcast Bros Over Trump?

What's going on: Some of President Donald Trump’s loudest hype men are turning down the volume. A few of the high-profile male podcasters who once supported his reelection campaign are now calling him out — on immigration, the Israel-Hamas war, the Epstein files, and even the Jimmy Kimmel incident. Joe Rogan, who sat down with Trump for three hours last year, is now criticizing “the targeting of migrant workers — not cartel members, not gang members, not drug dealers.” Andrew Schulz, who hosted Trump on his show last year, said: “He’s doing the exact opposite of everything I voted for.” Then there’s Theo Von, the son of a Nicaraguan immigrant, who wasn’t thrilled when the Department of Homeland Security used his face in a video without permission. He said it “shook” him and that his views “are a lot more nuanced than this video allows.” Is the mic on?

What it means: As some of these podcasters — the very ones who helped create the manosphere — appear to be jumping off the Trump train, Republicans are watching closely. Their shows helped the president connect with low-propensity voters, otherwise known as young men. While Trump can’t run for a third term, the GOP hopes to ride his popularity into next year’s midterms. But don’t mistake this for a Democratic win. The men with microphones criticizing Trump aren’t suddenly team blue, and there’s little sign their audiences will swing left either. Dems have struggled to connect with young male voters, and their current tactics aren’t paying off. As for Trump’s core supporters? They’re probably not going anywhere. His MAGA base remains solid, and his approval rating sits at 43%.

Related: This Is Who House Speaker Mike Johnson Thinks Should Headline the Super Bowl (Variety)

Retail

Chocolate Prices Are Scaring Us

What's going on: If you love sneaking candy from your kid’s Halloween stash, brace yourself — there might be less chocolate to steal this year. Cocoa prices soared to $12,000 a ton late last year (their highest in decades). And even though prices recently cooled to their lowest in months, it could still be a while before that translates to the candy aisle. To cope, chocolate makers have turned to “cocoa cutting” — simply using less of the ingredient. Others are putting out new flavors like marshmallow and birthday cake ice cream. Gen Z and millennials are eating it up — literally — which is great for business. But while it’s all still technically chocolate, there is much less cocoa. Boo.

What it means: Experts predict Americans will still spend $3.9 billion on Halloween treats. One survey found that 94% of consumers have no plans to skimp on chocolate and candy, with many Americans turning a blind eye to price tags. (Thank “treat culture” for that.) For others looking to save, there are plenty of cheaper ways to fill the candy bowl — gummies and hard candies, it’s your time to shine. And in this economy, let’s face it, kids should be happy to get anything. Still, here is some good news: Experts believe prices will level out in time for Valentine’s Day. You love to hear it. 

Related: How Electronic Labels at Grocery Stores Could Affect Your Bill (USA Today)

TOGETHER WITH NETFLIX

Choose Wisely

POV: You see a woman fall overboard on a luxury yacht. What’s your next move?

No pressure.

This is the exact mess Lo finds herself in the twisty thriller The Woman in Cabin 10. Don’t remember how it ends? Tune in to the movie adaptation dropping today, only on Netflix.

TOGETHER WITH NETFLIX

Star Power

What makes a movie ensemble irresistible?

*Cue sparks*

Netflix’s The Woman in Cabin 10 has it all — a luxury yacht, secrets around every corner, and performances that keep you hooked. Stream it now, only on Netflix.

TOGETHER WITH NETFLIX

Star Power

Keira Knightley. Guy Pearce. Hannah Waddingham. Put them all on a luxury yacht and you’ve got The Woman in Cabin 10 — a psychological thriller that mixes glamour with danger at every turn. Knightley stars as Lo, a journalist whose assignment takes a dark twist when she swears she sees a passenger thrown overboard. The problem? No one believes her. As the mystery deepens, secrets unravel and every character becomes suspect. With this star-studded cast at the helm, it’s an edge-of-your-seat ride you can’t miss. Watch it now, only on Netflix.

Settle This

Which fruit claimed the title of America’s most-wanted?

Game Time

Kick your weekend off with Pile-Up Poker, a brand-new game where poker meets solitaire. Create as many poker hands as possible to earn cash and climb the leaderboard. We’re all in.