October 27, 2025

Good morning.

As if it were even possible, I’m about to become more chronically online this week — thanks to the Queen of Halloween herself. Yes, I’ll be refreshing Heidi Klum’s Instagram for any clues about her costume (she’s already dropped some hints). This year, I’ll hand out candy in my new neighborhood, but you can bet I’ll leave this heavily debated treat out of the bowl. I don’t want to suffer the wrath of a six-year-old Spider-Man. Whether you’re spending the day answering “trick or treat,” partying in your last-minute costume (tip: the Labubu and Lafufu might be the easiest on this list), or watching a horror movie (find the perfect one with this simple quiz) — just know it’s been a very long time since Halloween last fell on a weekend. No pressure. And if you’ve already moved past the holiday, here are six clever ways to upcycle your pumpkins. Now, let’s get into some headlines…

— Maria Corpus / Editor / Madison, WI

What's Happening

International

Heist Hype Meets Reality

What's going on: For all the cinematic flair, the Louvre heist didn’t quite have the Ocean’s Eleven finale many hoped for. French officials said on Sunday they arrested two men in connection with the brazen daylight jewels theft, including one caught mid-escape at Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport. Both suspects face charges of organized theft and criminal conspiracy. Officials haven’t confirmed whether they’ve recovered any of the stolen loot, which includes several multi-million-dollar royal tiaras and jewelry, or if they’re looking for additional suspects. But France’s interior minister praised investigators as “tireless” and said they had his “full confidence.”

Tell me more: The case captivated the world, inspired Halloween costumes, and set off all kinds of theories — like whether the jewels were split up or off-loaded White Collar-style. (Yes, actor Matt Bomer has seen the jokes. And no, he wasn’t the suspiciously well-dressed man at the scene.) The theft struck a nerve in France, where the Louvre isn’t just a museum — it’s part of its national identity. After backlash over lax security, the museum is transferring what’s left of its crown jewels to the ultra-secure Bank of France vault. Better late than never…just maybe don’t bring up Money Heist plotlines.

Related: Trump and Xi Set the Stage for a High-Stakes Summit (WSJ Gift Link)

US News

Voting Security Gets Federal Backup 

What's going on: In about one week, several states will hold local and state elections. Among them are California and New Jersey, where tensions appear to be escalating. The reason? Over the weekend, the Department of Justice said it’ll send monitors to polling sites in both states following Republican claims about ballot access and security. GOP officials in New Jersey alleged Democratic election board members blocked security cameras and didn’t require sign-in logs for staff accessing mail-in ballots. California Republicans said they received “reports of irregularities” in some counties. Now, federal civil rights officials will be stationed at polling sites and registrar offices, “to ensure transparency, ballot security, and compliance with federal law,” according to a DOJ news release.

What it means: DOJ monitoring is not unusual, but it comes amid a climate of election distrust. Trump and his allies continue to raise unfounded claims of voter fraud, especially around mail-in voting — despite no evidence of widespread issues in 2020 or recent elections. Critics say this is less about real fraud and more about laying the groundwork for future voting restrictions. At the same time, the DOJ has quietly sued several states, including California, for detailed voter data — a move some warn could intimidate voters and alter how elections are conducted.

Related: Bannon Says There’s a Third-Term Plan for Trump (USA Today)

Culture

Hello, Trad Sons

What's going on: Move over, “mama’s boy.” A new generation of young men is embracing the “trad son.” Essentially, they’re unapologetic stay-at-home sons. They cook, vacuum, take out the trash, and even arrange flowers (hold your applause — the bar is still dangerously close to the floor). As a perk, they get to hang out with their parents and avoid the soul-crushing economic pressure of giving their money to a landlord or mortgage broker. They also have plenty of free time to bulk up at the gym — and they sure look like they’re having fun. 

What it means: A recent study found that about 1.5 million more adults under 35 live with their parents today than a decade ago. The economic pressures affect everyone, but young men are under particular scrutiny as they navigate shifts in culture, masculinity, and the so-called “manosphere.” Some critics, like Fox News’ Laura Ingraham, view trad sons as “men in decline.” Others, however, argue this could be a saving grace for young men — saying it’s a chance to contribute at home, build skills, and prepare for the future.

Related: This Is What Teenage Boys Are Actually Seeing on Social Media, Apparently (CNN)

The Best Gifts for Friends

The headache that is shopping for friends consists of a few things: wanting to stay within budget, suddenly being at very different life stages, and realizing they have pretty much all they could need. So where does one go from there? We’re glad you asked:

• A patchwork Kindle cover that’s equal parts cute and practical

• A mini waffle maker and griddle for easy breakfasts

• A day without their kids (just kidding, this quick-change kit for emergencies)   

(More) gifts of the day: Levain cookies, a simple phone stand, and a very necessary baseball cap 

Know It All

Which comedy is getting an encore in theaters for its 20th anniversary — complete with 10 extra minutes of chaos?

Game Time

Wake your brain up this Monday with a game of Flipart. Just rotate the pieces to fit within the frame and get ready to feel the rush when they all fall into place. Get into it.