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April 2, 2025

Good morning! There's nothing I love more than a great book, so our list of the best books about love (picked by some of our favorite authors) is a real treat. Speaking of top-notch writers, don't miss my candid conversation about grief with Kate Bowler. But first, what the heck is going on with Boris Johnson?! We've got a closer look at how the prime minister's pandemic parties are causing a kerfuffle across the pond. Carry on!

In the News

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Boris on the Brink?

A political hangover is intensifying across the pond as U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson faces a scandal that could cost him his job. Here’s a look at the alleged misconduct on Downing Street:

What is ‘Partygate’? Police are investigating 12 parties held at the heart of the U.K. government, including Johnson’s official residence. All were attended by staffers and in some cases, by Johnson himself, at the peak of the pandemic. Johnson initially denied the reports, then claimed the gatherings complied with lockdown rules — to the derision of legal observers.

He was then forced to admit that he’d attended a May 2020 event that encouraged about 100 guests to “bring their own booze.” Another held the night before Prince Philip’s funeral — which Queen Elizabeth attended alone in the name of social distancing — raged on until the early morning.

Damning details: This week, a report on the parties described a culture of “excessive” workplace drinking and condemned Johnson and his cabinet for their “failures of leadership and judgment.” As calls for the PM's resignation grow, here's what may come next.

More Stories

The December death of Lauren Smith-Fields is now the subject of a criminal investigation. (Photo courtesy of GoFundMe)

• Under investigation: The tragic deaths of two Black women — Lauren Smith-Fields and Brenda Lee Rawls — have put one Connecticut police department in the hot seat as their families seek justice. Here's the latest on their mysterious cases. 

• O’Rourke in-depth: The 2021 Texas Power Crisis left millions without power, and took over 700 lives. I got deep with Democratic gubernatorial candidate Beto O’Rourke about his plans for grid overhaul, plus his thoughts on Texas abortion laws and what he'd do about Texas book banning.

• Penalized: Whoopi Goldberg has been suspended from The View for falsely saying the Holocaust was "not about race," and was essentially between "two groups of white people." She's since apologized, but the network said she'd be off air for two weeks due to her "wrong and hurtful comments."
• Sports latest: NFL legend Tom Brady announced his retirement at last (some thoughts here), and Brian Flores, the former head coach of the Miami Dolphins, filed a lawsuit against the NFL, the New York Giants and other teams. He's accused them of living “in a time of the past” and taking a false approach to minority hiring.

Daily Special

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Netflix’s much-anticipated doc The Tinder Swindler is out today, and it’s brought the terrifying phenomenon of catfishing top of mind. Tricking people into fake relationships online isn't illegal, but it often leads to crimes like stalking, fraud, and identity theft, plus other tragic consequences. These shocking real-life stories may help you better understand this odious trend — and avoid falling into a similar trap.

A Library of Love

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Nobody understands romance quite like a great novelist. So what are they reading? Zibby Owens, our favorite bookfluencer, checked in with incredible writers like Meg Cabot, Candace Bushnell, and more to get the scoop on their favorite books about love. (And if you're looking for even more recommendations, their own work is pretty fantastic, too!)

The Lighter Side

• Dying with dignity: It’s so critical that we normalize talking about grief, and what we can learn from our responses to it. I got hyper-personal with Everything Happens For A Reason host Kate Bowler about my reaction to Jay’s death — and why my approach at the time may not have been in his best interest.

• Raising the bar: Progress isn't easy, but we can be pretty proud of how far we've come — as proven by these four Black LGBTQ+ trailblazers, who are changing the world with support from our friends at Ally and NEONxGLAAD.
• Perfectly potted: If you're the flowers type for Valentine's Day, mix things up this year with one of these gorgeous plants from The Sill. They'll arrive at your special someone's address just in time if you order by Feb. 4 for standard shipping or Feb. 9 for express.

Man in the Mirror

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Whether they're shaving daily or maintaining a beard, men's faces need TLC just as much as women's. But we know all those lotions and potions can feel a little complicated, so we've made it simple with the 15 best skincare products for men, which covers all his needs, from cleansing to moisturizing to fine-tuning. Here's just a taste:

• Start here: For the guy who's not doing much of anything to his face, The Daily 3-in-1 lotion from GETMr. gives you moisturizer, SPF protection, and aftershave. (Plus, it's one of Molner's favorite products!)
• Moving on up: Once you've got the basics, freshen up the eyes with Dark Circle Defense from Lumin, which targets crow’s feet and fine lines without irritation.
• For the pro: The Trinity Facial Toning Device uses microcurrents to tighten and sculpt facial muscles — with the sensation of a mini massage! 

Are your loved ones missing out on all the fun we're having? Share Wake-Up Call and spread the love! 💗

One More Thing

Looking for something to watch tonight? From stunning features that will take your breath away to bold documentaries that will keep you informed and entertained, these 18 incredible movies are perfect for a Black History Month marathon.

See you tomorrow!

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