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The headline: The Supreme Court gutted what was left of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, and now the governor of Louisiana is trying to delay the state’s House primary elections, which were set to begin this weekend (tbd if that survives a lawsuit.) The bottom line: The Supreme Court (in a 6-3 ruling) rolled back decades of protections for minority voters and paved the way for the redrawing of Democratic House districts in the South.

The winner: Hailey Baptiste. The 24-year-old tennis player didn’t win at the Madrid Open, but she did beat No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and is now ranked 25th in the world after being 61st at the end of last year. She loves playing on clay, ergo I cannot wait to watch her at the French Open in a few weeks.

The loser: CBS. This week, Stephen Colbert told the New York Times that the (now fully MAGA) corporation encouraged him to sign a five-year contract back in 2023—he didn’t, opting for three instead.

The good news: Non-doctor Casey Means is no longer the nominee for Surgeon General (ya know, head doctor.)

The bad news: Trump’s face might go on your new passport, but only if you show up in person at the D.C. passport office to get one. Evidently, some Etsy shops are already on it by making stickers to cover his scowl up, but Hot Tip is not sure of the legality of that and will not make an endorsement one way or the other.

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Best look: Anne Hathaway on DWP2 press tour in the same vintage coat she wore in the original movie.

Worst look: Trump cutting off Queen Camilla to shake hands with the people he works with every single day.

The watch: Hacks released two new episodes Thursday night, one of which—sans spoilers or context, duh—features Jean Smart and Kaitlin Olson looking like this:

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The liar: Lindsey Buckingham claiming Stevie Nicks staring into his soul during the 1997 performance of “Silver Springs” was no biggie.

The quote: “As an immigrant and a person of color, I was able to become part of the history of an American institution. Jeopardy! really is an institution, and America’s turning 250 years old, and the federal government is going after immigrants in a way unlike anything that we’ve seen in the recent past. So I hope that immigrants can be seen in a positive light too.” — 31-time Jeopardy! champion Jamie Ding

The drink: Since I’m a gal who has been dehydrated since roughly 2007, I’m always looking for a way to get some electrolytes. Lately, that has—not sponsored!!!!—come in the form of Recover sports drinks, which taste like Snapple but are sold at Erewhon. I have convinced myself they are “healthy,” and do not care to be told if I am incorrect.

Best call: A Martin Short documentary that includes an interview with dearest Catherine O’Hara.

Worst call: Using your LA mayoral ballot to vote for reality villain Spencer Pratt. We already know how this story ends. Don’t do it.

The snack: I went to All Time last night, and now as I reflect on my life, there are two time periods—BB (before burrata) and AB (after burrata.)

The hack: What if I told you that you didn’t just have to have a glass of white or rosé this summer? That you could chill a red you already have—and that actually, you should? Oh, and this:

Previously on Hot Tip:

buy me a coffee — instagram — work with me — shopmy

It’s jacaranda season in Los Angeles—slightly earlier than usual. If you’re not a local, jacarandas are gorgeous trees brought to southern California from South America in the late 19th century that bloom purple all over the city. I love this interactive map (hot tip: it only worked for me in Safari) that shows where you can find them in your neighborhood. Realistically, though, you just need to get in your car and drive a few blocks and you’ll see one five.

In politics:

There’s a lot to consider and debrief about re: the attempted attack at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday, so here are a few hot tips I hope don’t get lost in the chaos:

• Obviously, violence is bad. Political violence, sure, but going to go out on a limb here and say any kind of violence should be designated as “not good,” along with inviting members of a wannabe autocracy to sit at your dinner table and ditching your wife amid an active shooter scare. All bad things!!!

• The mentalist is not very good at his job and should stick to corporate events where he guesses people’s PIN numbers. Honestly, there’s a Robin Hood-esque redemption arc available to him via that path, and I encourage it.

• Pivoting immediately from “I feared for my life!!!” to “this is why the ballroom is necessary”—and I do mean immediately; like, some journalists scootered between the dinner and the press conference that followed within the hour—will inherently raise skepticism, as will journalists not having follow-up questions that don’t acknowledge the president’s regularly violent programming, whether that’s war propaganda videos that use literal Call of Duty clips, the oldie goldie “very fine people on both sides”, calls for the deaths of members of Congress, et fuckin cetera. We can acknowledge the genuine fear of the people in that room while also raising a Eugene Levy sized-eyebrow at the weirdo White House reaction. Then again, everyone knows Lincoln’s dying words were “this is because there wasn’t a White House theatre.”

• Journalists and commentators are all we have right now to distinguish between fact and a whole lot of ridiculous fiction. So to all the Jake Tappers out there who once used their clout to write books that might as well have had the subtitle “Surprise! Joe Biden Old!”, who choose this moment to go along with the administration’s bullshit ballroom narrative instead of questioning it, instead of asking why a bunch of adults at a dumb, fancy dinner deserve more safety considerations than classrooms of kindergarteners, well babes, you are not just part of the problem; Surprise! You’re complicit!

Quick tips: The Justice Department is going after James Comey again, this time over—cue Judge Judy eyeroll—a seashell photo. Meanwhile, journalist is suing the very same DOJ over the release of the rest of the Epstein Files. And Trump is very busy giving the landlord special to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which will soon be painted a very dignified “American flag blue.”

In (good) business:

Tim Heidecker will be running The Onion’s new iteration of Alex Jones’ InfoWars, which he hopes will turn “into a destination for good comedy…a new comedy platform.” Hot tip: The Onion will also be sharing profits with Sandy Hook families, to start “getting them paid what they're owed” from Jones’ vile attacks. Mensches, all of ‘em. Some Peloton classes are now available on Spotify Premium, and I will always welcome Callie Gullickson, Emma Lovewell, and Jess Sims in another section of my phone. And designer Destiny Pinto is turning assistive medical devices —like ostomy bags and compression gloves—into chic fashion pieces with her UK-based label.

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In culture:

Laura Dern is replacing Helena Bonham Carter on the new season of The White Lotus. Lady Gaga and Doechii gave us a song and a music video for The Devil Wears Prada 2. And Jimmy Kimmel is once again the target of Donny T’s (and his loving, devoted wife’s) ire, with the FCC now coming after Disney & ABC. But as ever, Jimmy is steady.

As a former Late Night staffer and ~religious devotee~ of the late night monologue, whose newsletter exists because of shows like these, and who believes in the importance of comedy to fight fascism, I’m so grateful—and not at all surprised—to see Jimmy continuing to stand up for himself, his staff, and freedom of speech. I know some journalists that could take a page out of his book (see above, Tapper.)

Read:

I’m obsessed with this NYT analysis on SNL star Ashley Padilla’s willingness to pause and ride out moments for extra laughs, timers and all. A star is………….……………born.

Previously on Hot Tip:

buy me a coffee — instagram — work with me — shopmy

In politics:

Once again, we are sending in the small, weird, random guns—Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff—to try to negotiate an end to the Iran “Not a War” War, this time without the VP; apparently the only thing more offensive than the president’s non-government employee son-in-law definitely using a war to make money is the mere presence of JD Vance and honestly, I get it. (**Since writing, he has now decided not to send them, perhaps because he felt shamed by Hot Tip, perhaps because he’s a dementia-ridden creep. We may never know.**) But it’s not happening ASAP: Trump says he doesn’t want to “rush” it despite raging gas prices, an unshocking revelation from a guy who said this the most recent time he was in the front seat of a car:

Quick tips: Federal firing squad executions are back, in case it wasn’t already feeling enough like 1859. Tucker Carlson may suddenly be apologetic-ish, but he’s still a raging bigot/antisemite. It’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner weekend in D.C., and in lieu of a comedian, the WHCA has picked “mentalist”/magician Oz Pearlman to—I’m assuming—guess the nuclear codes? Which—I’m assuming—are just B00B$? But hey, at least we can rely on journalists to continue speaking truth to power whilst choking down room temperature well-done ketchup-dipped steak—

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In business:

The federal government will soon be returning $166 billion to corporations like Costco, Gap, and Walmart after their tariffs were ruled illegal, but you’re not likely to see a dime of it—okay, can we at least get a free Costco hot dog???

Apple has a new CEO, bed and bath are beyond once more—in the form of combined stores with The Container Store—and Meta is laying off 8k employees and Microsoft is offering buyouts for up to 7% of its US workforce as both companies turn towards AI and away from ~you just writing your own damn emails!!!!~

👀: The Victoria Beckham x GAP collection, which is selling out fast.

72 hours in New York.

I lived in New York in my early 20s, and I wasn’t very good at it. But I am good at visiting New York, which I got to do this week for the Broadway opening of Schmigadoon!—yes, adapted from the AppleTV show and yes, company managed by one of my best friends. It’s a great time for anyone who wants to hang out in an old, beautiful theatre for two hours with Ana Gasteyer (everyone on earth, I must assume) and who appreciates dancers so good you contemplate signing up for adult classes despite the fact that, babe, you’ll simply never bend that way!!!

Of course, I also go to New York to eat. The best place to get breakfast and a sarcastic remark from an impatient waiter (compliment, I tip extra for this in New York) remains always and forever Barney Greengrass. I take great pride in the fact that I’ve always ordered the very same dish there as former regular Anthony Bourdain—eggs scrambled with nova and onions, giant block of cream cheese, and a bagel (everything for me.) And since my usual non-dairy lifestyle was already out the window, I also stopped by Radio Bakery in Prospect Heights, for both a triple chocolate croissant and a turkey pesto focaccia sandwich. And if I may, Radio Bakery:

In pretending I’m in a different tax bracket: I finally ventured into Printemps, a Parisian department store outpost in FiDi, and while I touched ~almost nothing~ due to the risk of breaking and buying, the store itself is a work of art, and absolutely worth perusing. I had a similar experience poking my head—and body, it was raining—into the Drawing Room at SoHo’s very chic Crosby Street Hotel. I like operating under the “pretend like you belong until someone notices you don’t,” general rule, and usually that works.

Other highlights included McNally Jackson, shoppy shop Greenwich Letterpress, a Shabbos stroll in Central Park, and a very good latte from Kona Coffee. But the best part, duh, was seeing six different friends—opening new shows, starting new jobs, having new babies, and generally thriving. Also, public transportation to the airport. Make note, LA.

Read: This piece from Jake Reiner on the loss of his parents, Rob and Michele.

FYC: I’m convinced pounding Zicam and a recent Covid booster shot prevented me from getting sick after two recent big trips. And I’ve recently begun using Living Proof’s smooth styling serum and my at-home blowouts have a) never looked better or received more compliments and b) last days.

Previously on Hot Tip:

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The winner: Movie theaters. This week we got an extended theatrical window for Project Hail Mary, a pretty intense pinky promise from Amazon MGM to spend a billion dollars a year on theatrical releases, and even Paramount’s supervillain CEO committed to a 45-day theatrical window. AMC A-List also announced they would be raising their prices by $2 per month to cover costs, but I suspect anyone willing to pay $27.99 for up to 16 movies a month will happily pay $29.99, so they win, too.

The loser: JD Vance, whose crowd at a Turning Point USA event left much to be desired—but plenty of chairs for him to get romantic with.

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The good news: Voters in Hungary ousted their authoritarian leader Viktor Orban, which could portend bad things for wannabe dictators of the more local variety. And Trump has a new pick to run the CDC: Dr. Erica Schwartz, a veteran, qualified, Black woman with experience in public health, many degrees, belief in vaccines/science in general, and not a single family roadtrip stop to cut off a raccoon’s penis.

The bad news: Your summer Eurotrip might be on hold, due to a possible “systemic” jet fuel shortage prompted by Trump’s war in Iran. If that man and his syphilitic brain come between me and my Sicilian spritz I stg—

Best look: Everyone in Laufey’s new music video.

Worst look: A tie, between Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who accidentally quoted Pulp Fiction thinking it was the Bible, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who called the Strait of Hormuz the “Strait of Vermouth.” Only the best people, etc.

The watch: Big Mistakes on Netflix. I’ve missed Dan Levy on my screen, and Taylor Ortega is a star.

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The book: Famesick by is—rightfully—everywhere right now. I will be listening to the audiobook on my flight tonight, as a cozy girl is wont to do.

The bag: My Baggu kick continues, with this Nylon Shoulder Bag. I wanted something for my upcoming travels that a) zips shut, b) weighs nothing, and c) fits my laptop (with my Baggu laptop case, too, mind you.) This bag hits every mark.

The tbd: Air New Zealand announced bunk beds (purchasable at around $300, for a four-hour window) on their long-haul flights between Auckland and New York. An upgrade, in theory? If you’re the first person in the bed, maybe, but otherwise—

Best call: In a special election, NJ voters picked progressive activist and union organizer Analilia Mejia to fill NJ Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s seat and finish her term.

Worst call: The sudden bevy of celebrities randomly endorsing AI—and the likely announcement of some form that I imagine is to follow. A new business venture? An icky collab? The only thing we can be sure of: it’ll cost us brain cells + water.

The quote: “The world is being ravaged by a handful of tyrants, yet it is held together by a multitude of supportive brothers and sisters.” — Pope Leo XIV, who is not afraid of squaring off with Donny T. and the hypocritical losers in his company.

The scent: (Seasonal) Sweet Basil Foaming Hand Soap from Trader Joe’s. Stock up.

The snack: The stacked bar trio at brand new Silverlake spot Bar Di Bello, which includes fried olives, candied nuts, + house potato chips in a gorgeous silver dish. And they have a Negroni Sbagliato on the menu, too.

The hack: Lola blankets (a Hot Tip from our Fall 2025 Guide) are currently 50 percent off with a variety of codes: ELLE50, OPRAH50, and PEOPLE50 should all work.

Previously on Hot Tip:

Btw: Sales from any affiliate links included in this email generate a small commission for me, at no additional cost to the buyer—but I only promote products I actually use, love, and pay for myself.

Hot Tip recently hit 5k subscribers, a huge milestone I’m celebrating by offering 50% off annual paid subs this week only (that’s $15 for an entire year!!!!), giving you access to Sunday Recos, Monthly Mags, as well as the entire archive, plus ~early access~ to a soon-to-launch podcast, and even more fun things I can tell you about soon. I am so grateful you’re here, and love shitting on Pete Hegseth with you. A dream come true to make (part of) a living this way. xo, al

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In politics:

By now, you’re well aware that Eric Swalwell has both resigned from Congress and dropped out of the California gubernatorial race, prompting Republican Tony Gonzales to follow suit, blaming a proverbial change in the seasons—rather than his own sexual misconduct—for his decision to leave Congress. There’s a lot unfolding here, and I fear a lot more to come, particularly re: Swalwell’s BFF and Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego, who’s already on the defense. I commend the brave women coming forward, recommend following Betches Founder here or on threads for updates, and in the meantime offer this—deeply reasonable at this point—solution:

Meanwhile, Donald “I won’t talk about my favorite bible verse because I think it’s too personal” Trump is using the “ceasefire” with Iran to wage war on the Pope/Christians this week, reposting an AI image of himself with glowing orbs in his hands whilst wearing a white robe and red tunic, aka Jesus’ main look. After a ton of instant criticism he quickly deleted the photo, but of course owned up to nothing by claiming he thought it depicted him “as a doctor.” So he’s either a) lying, b) stupid, or c) being visited by angels of death every evening in between McDonald’s deliveries and late night tirades against the Pope. Of course, the answer could also be d) all of the above.

On Saturday, hundreds of protesters in LA, Chicago, Portland, and D.C. demonstrated their dissatisfaction with ICE via donated dongs from a recently-closed sex shop in Minneapolis in what’s been dubbed “Operation Dildo Blitz.” As one organizer said: “[We’ve] been moving dicks around all these states.” Here, I think two things can be true at once: 1) This is a terribly ineffective method of protest and 2) Watching ICE agents kick overflowing penises around is a highly effective mood-booster.

Quick tips: Mike Johnson remains a hypocritical, cowardly loser. JD Vance’s Turning Point USA event yesterday didn’t go so well. And Pam Bondi is facing threats of contempt proceedings by congressional Dems for not showing up at the Oversight Committee, but have they considered she was busy at a child’s birthday party?

In media + biz:

More than 2,000 big deal names signed a letter against the planned Paramount/WBD merger, though it’s hard to know whose side to be on—Florence Pugh, Emma Thompson, + Lin-Manuel Miranda, or the Crown Prince of Dismembering Journalists? Disney is undergoing mass layoffs as a new CEO takes over. Allbirds is getting out of shoes and into—not a joke—AI. Old Navy’s collab with Christopher John Rogers is excellent. And W Magazine will soon be publishing a biannual WYouth—pronounced “double youth”—Magazine for Gen Z readers (and if they’re cool with it, this millennial raised on Seventeen and TeenVogue.)

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As gas prices make driving and flying much more expensive—

Need reading motivation? Saaaame. So join the Hot Tip Summer Book Club here!!!!

FYC:

My favorite women's sports brand TOGETHXR is back with six new tees for the Women’s Six Nations Rugby Championship. ’s new memoir Famesick is out this week, a win for all of us (esp. the Shosh suns, Marnie moons, and Hannah risings among us—hello it’s me!!!) Everything I love for spring in one place, particularly as my legs reenter society. LA Openings I’m excited about: Jyan Isaac Bread in Silverlake. Lillie Frozen Yogurt in Beverly Hills. Bar Betsy in Altadena (open now!!!)

Previously on Hot Tip:

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I won’t deny that shit feels bleak right now—and by right now, I mean for the last decade+ that Sir Shits-a-Lot has been in our lives—but remember: there are always joys, wins, and breakfast sandwiches worth celebrating. For me this month, that’s a visit by my whole family to C…

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I was a +1 at an LA premiere of the goriest, freakiest, funniest movie of 2026 on Monday night, and if you can see it in person surrounded by people—whilst covering your eyes for a not insignificant portion of it if you’re a tad squeamish like myself—Over Your Dead Body is a great and very unexpected time. The world is fucked, yes, but there’s also so much joy in a theatre full of screaming, squirming, giggling people. So we simply must keep going to the cinema and making weird, silly art, okay???

Welcome back to the third installment of Exclusively Good News™️, wherein I ignore the grievous state of the world in favor of lighter, brighter things. Today, that includes Lindsey Graham getting caught bubble-wanded, unbroken ground at the White House, and the world’s cutest app that might just get us through nuclear winter.

Hot tip: Enter the lottery to win free tickets to the April 3 dress rehearsal of Schmigadoon! on Broadway.

Di conseguenze:

Europe is staying out of Trump’s not-a-war war. Spain has closed their airspace to any US aircraft involved in Iran, while France is refusing Israeli aircraft carrying munitions in their airspace. Even Italy and its far-right PM Giorgia Meloni said “no, signore” to letting US military planes carrying weapons use a base in Sicily on their way to the Middle East. Pardon me while I celebrate ~rules and general societal norms still mattering somewhere!!!~ with a churro, croissant, aaaand cannoli.

In politics:

A man who regularly shits himself tried to intimidate the Supreme Court into going along with his plan to do away with (enshrined in the Constitution) birthright citizenship by showing up in person for oral arguments today, the first sitting president to do so. Yes, much like the other norms Donald Trump has done away with, i.e.: a president respecting the balance of power among the co-equal branches, a president not being a pedophile, a president being able to spell “judicial,” etc. he took time out of his busy bomb dropping/golfing schedule to scoot by SCOTUS on Wednesday. But here’s the thing: despite the mafioso tactics, the Court doesn’t seem to be going for it—even Trump’s handpicked conservative justices don’t seem to be on board with wiping their asses with the Constitution. But hey, maybe he at least learned something on his field trip!!!

Separately, U.S. District Judge Richard Leon halted construction of the $400 million White House ballroom. The 35-page ruling—which, by my count, has 18 exclamation marks—said in no uncertain terms that Donnie T needs Congressional approval to keep building, and reminded him that he will be moving out in 2028.

And TMZ has begun using its stalking powers for good instead of evil, this week catching Lindsey Graham at Magic Kingdom while Pete Hegseth unleashes the “holy hell” the eligible bachelor senator suggested on Iran. Graham’s excuse for the pit stop at Mickey’s house? He says he was in South Florida for a veeeery important meeting and simply stopped by Orlando “to meet friends” after. It is worth noting, though, that no proof of friends—nor an excuse for the Little Mermaid bubble wand he acquired—were provided.

Hot tip: Follow Hot Tip on Instagram for extra goodies and laughs.

In space:

Did you know we’re going to the moon again? Today? Because we are. I mean, we’re not, and neither is Katy Perry, but four actual astronauts safely and successfully departed today for a ten-day journey around the moon—they won’t be landing on it, though. Among them: the first woman, first person of color, and first Canadian on a lunar mission, all of whom look cool as shit in their sunnies.

In fashion:

Ayo Edebiri in Chanel for Paper Magazine. If ever an argument was made to go to a magazine stand and buy a print copy of something—

FYC:

There’s an app called Finch that my friend introduced me to, which is basically Neopets x self-help. It’s deeply adorable, and possibly improving my mental health. Definitely improving my mental health: my two new skorts from Gap (one gives Hallie Parker, the other Annie James), which are about to get a lot of vacation use. Hot tip: If you’re looking for love, Chelsea Handler wants to be your matchmaker.

And for anyone else trying to fight AI with real, in-person, life-living: I recently went to a banya (aka a Russian-style sauna) with my friend , who hosted an event at LA’s City Spa to promote her newsletter . And let me tell ya—in a world of saunas with bluetooth connectivity and red light therapy (which I also like!!!! no shade), I very much enjoyed the authenticity of a shared space where the majority of the people were communicating in a language I didn’t speak and were clearly regulars. Of note: BYO platzas (demonstration here, for the uninitiated), wool sauna hats, elder Slavic men shaving their beards at the community mirror, and even a restaurant, where we noshed on pelmeni (Russian dumplings that feel somewhere between kreplach and tortellini). My phone stayed in a lockbox at the front desk.

Fluid Form

Documenting bathing culture in the United States and beyond, centering immigrant and second-generation voices, innovators, and queer communities who shape how we bathe.

By Leah Feygin

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Previously on Hot Tip:

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The headlines:

• Boots on the ground in Iran are officially a frighteningly real possibility, where the overall military goal still seems to be distract from The Epstein Files, Kristi Noem, Venezuela, Weird Neck Rash, Killing American Citizens, Syphilitic Delusions? etc. But in a sign things are definitely going well, the Army raised the maximum recruitment age to 42 and eased the marijuana rules. Just what the military needs: dudes with vape pens who are too old to audition for American Idol.

• Mike Johnson and the House GOP are still the reason that TSA isn’t getting paid, and also the reason you might have to listen to the violin version of “Unwritten” while you wait in a six-hour security line, only to miss your flight and then repeatedly scream “representative!!!!!” at a Southwest Airlines AI agent named ‘Jason’ from your makeshift airport floor bed. The American dream.

• Pete Hegseth remains a racist and a misogynist whom Jesus would’ve hated.

The winner: Miley Cyrus, who willed the Hannahversary into existence and gave every millennial woman weekend plans.

The loser: Kash Patel, whose personal photos and emails were published by Iranian hackers on Friday—chef’s kiss, do JD Vance next—which prove him to be an even bigger fucking loser than we already knew he was.

The good news: Birdie G’s—a midwestern, Jewish deli-inspired restaurant—is reopening in Century City after its Santa Monica location closed in 2025.

The bad news: Your money is going to have Trump’s signature on it.

Best look: Zendaya in Armani Privé—borrowed from Cate Blanchett.

Worst look: Sarah Huckabee Sanders in Custom Picnic Table.

The book: Perfection by Vincenzo Latronico. It’s only 124 pages, and I read it in one afternoon ahead of my book club. It’s a searingly, freakishly accurate depiction of modern millennial freelancer life that read like a run on sentence, or an extended poem (compliment.) Feels like a Joachim Trier film in novella form.

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The scent(s): Trader Joe’s currently has a $3.99 seasonal Tomato Leaf candle that is so intensely concentrated it literally doesn’t need to even be lit to permeate your one-bedroom apartment (compliment, I think.) I also just started using this new perfume that smells identical to the strawberry shortcake I always made for my birthday with my grandma growing up, and while that may be too sweet for some, I love it.

The wine: Delta Pinot Noir, served chilled, among friends. California grapes, environmentally conscious company, five stars.

Best call: Netflix Giving Zach Galifianakis a gardening show, premiering next month.

Worst call: Need I say more?

The snack: As far as I’m concerned, March is all about the parfait. I like to go coconut yogurt, frozen blueberries, peanut butter, maple syrup, and chia seeds.

The hack: You do have a vase, actually.

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Previously on Hot Tip:

Btw: Sales from any affiliate links included in this email generate a small commission for me, at no additional cost to the buyer—but I only promote products I actually use, love, and pay for myself.

In business:

Devastating news for all the flying dolphins and the aunts they confused—OpenAI’s foray into content theft/video generation with Sora is ending, as is their three-month-old partnership with Disney, which would have allowed users to create content with characters like Mickey or Moana but now will force those people to either a) learn how to do it themselves or b) go outside and stop wasting earth’s precious resources to yassify Yoda. The company is completely shutting down its video production platform in order to “simplify our efforts,” according to an internal company note. Yes, it’s best to devastate earth and humanity in one vertical.

And outgoing Disney CEO Bob Iger won’t even be able to vent about it on his newly discovered finsta, where he had reportedly been going by Max Stryker—according to a brand new, great newsletter called L.A. Material. Now we’ll never know how he feels about Dwayne Johnson’s look as live action Maui—so here’s my two cents instead:

Quick tips: Mark Zuckerberg lost a landmark social media addiction trial, a win for anyone who hates nerds that use their powers for evil instead of good (it’s us!!!!) Some people are profiting off the Iran war—including with Polymarket bets that clearly reveal insider trading. And women’s sports are definitively good business: WNBA paychecks are going up nearly 400% after the players unanimously ratified a new collective bargaining agreement—with salaries are now capped at 7 million dollars (up from $1.5 million last year.)

In politics:

Trump reportedly gets a two-minute powerpoint on the Iran war every day, which one official has described as mostly just clips of “stuff blowing up.” Now apparently Trump allies are concerned he may not be fully absorbing the complexities of the war he started. Oh, are you worried now that giving the failed steak salesman whose makeup is ten shades off the nuclear codes might have been an oopsie? Kind of like making an ex-Road Rules contestant the Secretary of Transportation or a guy who reportedly chopped off a raccoon’s penis the Health Secretary? That ship has sailed, you dumbfucks, though obviously not through the Strait of Hormuz.

But there is good news. No, really, I mean it!!!!! On Tuesday, Democrat Emily Gregory flipped a state house seat in Florida—in Mar-a-Lago’s district, where Trump won by 11 points in 2024. And hot tip: After repeatedly calling mail-in voting “cheating,” Donald, Melania, and Barron Trump all voted by mail in Florida’s aforementioned special elections this week, which prompted Mike Johnson to short circuit and then say that certain states handle mail-in voting just fine. Real quick: Which side of the Civil War were those states on, Mikey?

Quick tip: Republicans keep trying to blame Democrats for the partial DHS shutdown that is currently wreaking havoc at US airports, saying they’re the ones blocking bills in the Senate. That is a lie. But at least Congress isn’t getting special treatment from Delta anymore, until they get their shit together.

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Newly announced: A 13 Going on 30 reboot starring Emily Bader and Logan Lerman + produced by Jennifer Garner, a Harry Potter series teaser, and a new Lord of the Rings movie written by Stephen Colbert and his son.

Hottest tip: Plant your pits.

Previously on Hot Tip:

FYC this week: If you want to know who Banksy is, Reuters found out. If you don’t, I get it. The premiere of SNL UK, which is being hosted by Tina Fey, is this weekend. Watch the Dune: Part Three teaser. Eat the exceptional tuna niçoise salad from Sightglass in LA. And wear the Forme arch boosting socks—which work just as well as expensive custom insoles in this plantar fasciitis-having gal’s opinion.

Hot tip: If this email is too long for your inbox, you can read the full list here.

FLORAL, FOR SPRING:

• Make a batch of lavender simple syrup for your coffee (or lemonade, or to drizzle over ice cream.) I love the subtle floral flavor; it's the perfect shake-up to my morning cup as the days get warmer. On the stove, simmer 1 cup of water, 1 cup sugar, and 3-4 Tbsp. dried lavender buds (I find these in the bulk spices and tea section at my local health food store) until sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat, cover the pot, and let steep for 20-30 minutes. Strain the lavender and store syrup in a glass jar. It also makes a lovely spring gift for a friend or host. — Brittany, Writer of

• This one is a long term investment of your time, but I think it’ll be worth it: Plant your pits. And by that I mean, when you finish an avocado, or a date, or a lemon, etc. etc. save the pit/seeds and plant them in a small pot with some nutrient-rich soil. Yes, it’ll take much longer than just going to your local nursery and buying a pre-existing tree or bush (which is also great!!!) but there is something very special about growing a tree completely yourself, and the patience it requires is very good practice for me, the inventor of impatience. Plus one day, I’m going to be absolutely ~filthy rich~ in pluots. Each fruit requires different tending, so be sure to consult Google (not AI!!!!!) depending on what you’re planting. — Alex, Your Hot Tip Proprietor

• There is a house in my neighborhood that gets taken over by early crocuses every year. Once I see them, I know it’s the start of spring and that it’s time to buy daffodils to make my space feel the joy of the warm days ahead. I also love when we can open all the windows and let in the slightly chilly but fresh air. It just makes me smile. — Heather, Writer/Director + Co-Host of Braaains Podcast

ON YOUR BOD:

• The Rose Inc Radiant Reveal Brightening Serum. This is my holy grail skincare product; it’s a serum, but I use it as a moisturizer and it makes my skin GLOW. It’s not cheap, but I use discount codes and try to buy more than one when I purchase (to save money on shipping and to make sure I have it on hand when the bottle I’m using runs out!) I constantly get compliments on “glass skin” and I credit this magic little bottle. — Michelle, TV Writer/Producer

• I have two! The Free People Pippa packable jacket is the perfect spring jacket. It’s nice and light for sunny and cool spring days but when zipped up keeps in heat like a pro (so it’s great for chilly evenings). Plus, it comes in a billion spring colors and as the name suggests, packs up teeny tiny so it’s awesome for travel. And I don’t know about you, but I’ve been lifting heavy getting ready for summer and the only thing that soothes my sore muscles (and helps me get amazing sleep) is the HigherDose serotonin soak. Plus, it smells really relaxing and herbal! — Lily, Writer of Extra Special

GET OUTSIDE:

• The Huntington Library in Pasadena is one of the best and most underrated institutions LA has to offer. It's like the Disneyland of botanical gardens, but no lines! One minute you feel like you're in Joshua Tree (the desert garden) and a short ten minute walk away you're transported to Kyoto (the Japanese garden). There are also English, Chinese, and Australian gardens. Don't know what that means? Well, you'll find out! Galleries with incredible art and artifacts like manuscripts from Octavia Butler's Parable of the Sower for all my sci-fi boys and girlies. Spring is obviously one of the best times to go...so do yourself a favor and luxuriate in the gardens. — Leah, Writer and Bathing Enthusiast, Writer of

• Running errands. No, I mean literally running to your errands! If I have something small to pick up, need to stop by the bank etc, I’ll jog instead of drive. While the weather is still not ~hot~ yet, you won’t be drenched in sweat and can check something off your to-do list while getting some fresh air (and helping planet earth!) For me it’s quicker too—traffic is not an issue! — Anna, Finance Manager

• Walking everywhere again! Finally! and doing it in style. My friend of the wonderful newsletter Section Plane was wearing a pair of marvelous Salewa Wildfires when we went to research my latest IKEA story, and now they are my favorite shoe. So my tip is walk (if you can) everywhere, listening to the birdies, wearing cool shoes that delight you. — Christene, Compulsive Thrifter + Writer of

• I got to consult on and be the voice of the kid’s audio guide for the opening exhibit of New Museum’s expanded wing. I think it’s cool because a lot of museums don’t ALSO include an audio guide for kids that isn’t an exhibit JUST for kids. It was so fun and it’s accessible on the amazing Bloomberg Connects app which—hot tip! is also such a cool resource for museum guides!!! — Lex, Writer

• Become a member at your local botanic garden. I make it a habit to go once a week during the spring, and there's always something different in bloom. Cherry blossoms give way to tulips give way to wisteria—every single visit feels like Earth is putting on a little show just for me! It's so grounding to be surrounded by beautiful things that grow on their own schedule, completely unbothered by productivity or timelines. Brooklyn Botanic Garden is my church, I swear. — Bella, Travel Advisor + Writer of

• Outdoor hangs abound as the weather improves, and those of us who manage to injure ourselves while sleeping these days need a TOUCH of back support at the picnic. This handy dandy fold-flat chair is super lightweight and includes backpack straps for easy carrying. — Grace, Writer

BUT ALSO, BE PREPARED:

• My spring tip is not only game changing but also life changing: allergy shots!!! Yes, it is a long process. And yes, you sometimes faint at the doctor’s office (ok that might just be a me thing…), but I cannot put into words how much they have helped. This is coming from someone who used to wake up with my eyes and throat swollen shut from seasonal allergies, so. Currently working on securing a brand partnership with my allergist, but in the meantime you can check your insurance’s website to find a provider near you. — Megan, Novelist and Writer of weird pasta

• Invest in a really fabulous umbrella. I know, I know — I'm the person who loses hers constantly and has bought approximately 47 Duane Reade umbrellas to prove it. But I've had a J.Crew one for years now, and it has genuinely changed my relationship with rainy days. There's something about carrying an umbrella you actually love that makes getting caught in a spring downpour feel almost chic rather than just annoying. A beautiful umbrella is an accessory. Treat it like one. — Maura, Brand Consultant + Writer of (Ed. note: Maura’s umbrella is sold out online, but consider this stunner from Hot Tip fav brand Rifle Paper Co. or an Original Duckhead which currently comes with a free tote!!!)

CONSUME A STEADY MEDIA DIET:

• Raye’s sophomore album, THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE—out March 27. Whether your first intro to her music was the smash 2025 single WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!, her delicious debut album My 21st Century Blues, or her latest new track Nightingale Lane., I can say without even hearing the whole album we are in for the experience of a lifetime (that I do, in fact, believe will contain lots of hope!!!) — Brenna, Performer

• VERY selfishly, I feel like my main spring tip is ‘THE ARCANE ARTS’ (coming May 19) which is a sexy book about a graduate student and a professor studying illicit magic. If you like that sort of thing!!! (Disclaimer: I co-wrote this book.) — Dana, Writer

• Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie is pretty great! Go see it! — Lizzie, Host of Hoax! The Podcast

• Read or listen to Ask Not: The Kennedys and the Women They Destroyed. Yes, Love Story is getting all the glory, but this book needs more attention. — Ali, Writer of

• Survivor Australia! Are you a fan (or lapsed fan) of the American Survivor, but craving the competitive and epic spirit that the show became known for? Please direct your attention to our friends down under. They are doing the game dirty (in a good way). It airs three times a week and Season 14, which is four weeks in, is a great season to jump in on (you can then backfill from there). If you don’t have a vpn, shvideos.net might have the goods you’re looking for. — Chase, Screenwriter

• If you are listening to the same music you did ages 16-25 and/or are finding yourself too busy or confused to keep up with what’s coming out these days, you gotta subscribe to the newsletter Mixed Tapes. The monthly—aka, free subscription—is new music, which makes me feel 1000% less out of touch with what is new and good and fun. The weekly—aka paid version—is playlist to fit moods, deep dives on cities and specific scenes, even on instruments/pedals/production techniques and amazing artists who might not be on your radar yet. 10 out of 10. Highly recommend. — Kate, TV Writer

AND ALSO GOOD FOOD:

• My daughter and I love to bake on the weekends. This past fall and winter we have been perfecting our pumpkin bread recipe, but now that the weather is starting to turn I'm looking forward to switching it up. I love this super easy scone recipe from Alison Roman, and the best part is that I can let my kid pick out whatever fruit she wants to use that week on our regular Saturday morning farmer's market stroll to change it up and experiment. It's messy and hands-on and hard to mess up, which is just what a toddler needs! Bonus tip: Romanticize farmer's market strolls with a cool woven basket. — Jennifer, Fashion Buyer + Writer of

• I measure my year in seasonal pasta flavors and in spring and summer I rely heavily on two Melissa Clark recipes: for spring it's an asparagus and feta pasta and in summer it's my all time favorite corn pasta, but I'm mentioning it for spring too because I've riffed on it so many different ways and it's just as good with fresh springtime sweet peas instead of corn! — Carly, Illustrator + Writer of Carly Martin Studio

• If you need a pick me up, stop into the NYC/DC chain Springbone Kitchen, specifically for one of their broths. (Other stuff is just okay.) You can tell it’s the good stuff because I refrigerated some broth to save for later and it was completely congealed, I guess from the collagen content. Walking around on a chilly day with a coffee cup full of broth—there’s nothing like it. I tried the liquid gold flavor and it was so good. — Natalie, Writer/Producer/Director

Previously on Hot Tip:

• Monday, March 9: Opening of the Seventieth Session of the Commission on the Status of Women at the UN, which aims to “ensure and strengthen access to justice for all women and girls, including by promoting inclusive and equitable legal systems, eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices, and addressing structural barriers.”

• Tuesday, March 10: Women’s History Month Tour at the Met, exclusively for members. + Pub date for Judy Blume: A Life.

• Wednesday, March 11: Tip off for Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifiers, featuring Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers. Hot tip: You can watch the games on HBOMax.

• Thursday, March 12: National Girl Scout Day, in honor of its March 12, 1912 founding. + An Olivia Dean Pilates Peloton class with . + An all-day (free!) RYZE Coffee Popup at SXSW featuring drinks, live music, and yoga.

• Friday, March 13: Women’s History Night at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, featuring special tours + activities. Admission is pay what you want—so just make it 77% of whatever that number is for you.

• , whose brilliant pop culture analyses in her newsletter Teniade Topics never fail to make me both laugh and think.

• TV writer and IRL pal is both funny and an incredible multimedia artist—painter, fake cake sculptor, linocut printer, etc. Unfair???

• is doing immeasurably heroic, in-depth, thoughtful work on Substack with her newsletter Abortion, Every Day. Do not miss it.

• ’s recent piece “I Am Too Old To Be A Prodigy” is so good and is not not the exact fear that I expressed in therapy on my (recent…ish) 30th birthday.

• Mariam of keeps my Substack feed filled with gorgeous, rich cake slices and cookie recipes exceptionally ideal for the end of the world (now?)

• is doing the lord’s work here on Substack with Window Seat (by which I mean glimpses into her deeply chic travel experiences + expertise, giving my brain ample content with which to run away and daydream.)

• Twitter friend turned actual bestie who has spent years claiming she is “not a comedy writer” but whose v witty weird pasta proves otherwise.

• My dear friend , whose new publication Fluid Form dives into the history of bathing culture—before the days it became about optimization and hustle, i.e. back when her ancestors built makeshift banyas in the Soviet Union.

Previously on Hot Tip:

Below the paywall: A super easy and perfect meal prep pasta salad recipe, my current lineup of women-owned brands and spots, and some of my favorite performances by women to revisit, today and always.

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Not a war war update:

As Republicans continue to insist what’s happening in Iran is not a war—because only Congress can declare war—whilst also calling it a war and then saying oopsie, here’s where we’re at. They named it “Operation Epic Fury,” because “Operation Pete Hegseth Gets Off On Dropping Bombs While Cupping Trump’s Balls In His Tiny Dumb Hand” won’t fit on their commemorative t-shirts. There are concerns about the US running low on munition stockpiles, particularly among experts who see the potential for a “war of attrition”—basically, now that Israel and the US have started this, they have to stop Iran’s capacity to launch missiles before running out of interceptors. But between golf rounds and ballroom curtain shopping sprees, Donny T assures us—no worries, we’re good.

Thousands have been killed around the region, including six American service members, more than a thousand people in Iran, 123 in Lebanon, eleven in Israel, and three in the UAE. The not war war has also cost taxpayers more than $5 billion in just a few days, and successfully distracted us from the fact that last week, Trump’s Justice Department had buried 53 pages of the Epstein files related to Trump—of which 37 are still missing. If you were worried that this not war war was a bad move, though, super genius Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas reminded us several times this week that Iran has been an “imminent” threat to the US for 47 years.

Pissed off? Call your rep and senator and yell at them. Especially if you are from Michigan, Virginia, or Rhode Island. Capitol Switchboard: (202) 224-3121.

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In politics:

Kristi Noem’s Capitol Hill testimony went as well as it could have for a DHS Secretary whose main qualification for the job was “dog murderer.” She was accused of probably (definitely) committing fraud and funneling millions to an eight-day-old company, was asked about the affair she’s probably (definitely) having in front of her husband, was forced to answer questions about spending $220 million of taxpayer money to pull a Putin on horseback in front of Mt. Rushmore, and then got fired one day later, smack in the middle of giving a speech. Hot tip: The man selected by Trump to take over? An absolute asshat named Markwayne (yes, Markwayne) Mullin, a sitting senator from Oklahoma who did this during the attempted insurrection—

Quick tips: A January 6 rioter pardoned by Trump just got a life sentence for child sex abuse. Pam Bondi has been subpoenaed by the House Oversight Committee to testify re: the Epstein case. And ex-Trump appointee Lindsey Halligan may have to hang up her empty briefcase soon—she’s now being investigated by the Florida bar. Only the best people, etc.

In tech:

Apple released a semi-affordable Macbook this week that comes in fun colors. Old iPods are back en vogue, so pardon me while I dig through some drawers at my parents’ house and listen to some Hoobastank, or perhaps LMFAO? And bird feeders, Ben Affleck and Charlie Puth are going all in on AI—the last two for some reason I have yet to ascertain. But I may need the bird feeder.

In covers:

FYC: Ayoh! Hot Giardinayo, which is changing my sandwich and breakfast game. This obscenely cute nylon loaf bag from Baggu. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, a Game of Thrones spinoff that is 1) largely a comedy and 2) devoid of incest. Check check. And yes yes yes to Sian Clifford on the big screen doing whatever this is—on my birthday, no less.

Previously on Hot Tip:

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Today: World leaders face consequences, except ours

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