It rained this past weekend in New York City, so I used the gloomy weather as the perfect excuse to stay inside — and under a big blanket. I streamed Netflix’s Remarkably Bright Creatures, and while I promise no spoilers, the emotional ending definitely delivers. After I read about yet another benefit to eating dark chocolate (as if I needed one), I leaned all the way in and baked my go-to banana bread recipe for maximum coziness. (Trust me, the reviews don’t lie.) Before I head out on vacation later this week, I plan to try the 10-$10 rule to hopefully cure me of all my “what if?” concerns over whether I’m traveling with enough stuff. Maybe it’ll finally be the thing that stops me from packing up 95% of my closet, you know, “just in case.” And in celebration of Mother’s Day, this hilarious, heartfelt, and sage advice from moms still feels incredibly pertinent. I’ll try to remember their most important pieces of wisdom when I’m standing in the TSA line. Now, let’s get to today’s top stories…
— Kylie McConville / VP, Editorial / Astoria, NY
Map Wars
Democrats' Self-Own Could Reshape the Midterms
What’s going on: Rather than appealing to constituents, Republicans and Democrats are locked in a battle royale over congressional maps. As for who’s winning? Don’t ask the Democrats. They started shifting around the (map) pieces after the GOP got to work in Texas. It was going well for the Dems… until it wasn’t. Last month, Virginia voters approved a constitutional amendment to allow redistricting. The new maps could’ve handed Democrats four additional House seats — a major advantage considering Republicans control the chamber by just five. But on Friday, the Virginia Supreme Court overturned the results on a technicality. So even though voters backed the new maps, the current districts will stay in place for now. The ruling has sent Democrats into a spiral.
How bad is the crash out?: Well, one House Democrat texted Axiosan expletive that sums things up. (They did spend at least $65 million after all.) Losing Virginia is a serious blow to the Dems, who expected to gain up to 10 new seats with help from California and Utah. Virginia Democrats are already challenging the state Supreme Court’s ruling. As for the GOP, they haven’t put their drawing pencils down. Alabama and Florida are aiming to carve their own squiggly pieces of pie. But it’s not over until it’s over. Democrats have consistently outperformed Republicans in special elections over the past year, focusing their messaging on affordability as gas prices continue to rise and President Donald Trump’s approval ratings fall. The House is very up for grabs.
