What's Happening

Politics

Good Luck, Chuck

What's going on: Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has had better weeks. After siding with Republicans to avoid a government shutdown, he’s now facing calls — from his own party — to step down as the Senate minority leader. Yesterday, Schumer told NBC News he would certainly not be doing that. His situation has some déjà vu vibes. Remember when he and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) dealt a devastating blow to former President Joe Biden’s reelection bid? Now, it seems Schumer’s getting a taste of his own medicine (with Pelosi even throwing some shade). But Schumer insists he’s no Biden. He also argues that supporting the GOP’s funding bill was the lesser evil, warning that a shutdown would’ve been “15 or 20 times worse.”

What it means: Schumer’s refusal to step down from Senate leadership is unlikely to ease growing frustrations among Democrats, who want a more aggressive approach to counter President Donald Trump’s policies. His stance is also putting a spotlight on the divisions within the Democratic Party at a time when its favorability is sinking, voter frustration is at an all-time high, and questions about leadership loom large. As the left considers its future, some Democrats are looking to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) to challenge Schumer for his seat… and eventually, the presidency (she’s even been touring with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) at their anti-“oligarchy” rallies). Of course, nobody wants to think about 2028 just yet — but analysts say Democrats don’t have any time to waste.

Related: It’s Not Just Democrats Who Are Sad, So Is Big Bird (NYT Gift Link)

International

Why Thousands Are Protesting in Turkey

What's going on: The arrest of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s main political rival has set off Turkey’s largest protests in over a decade. Last week, authorities detained Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and raided his home. Yesterday, a Turkish court ordered that he remain in custody while he awaits trial on corruption charges. İmamoğlu, a key opposition figure, is a top contender for the 2028 presidential election. While some government officials insist that the charges are not politically motivated and that Turkey’s courts operate independently, many view İmamoğlu’s arrest as a strategic attempt to sideline him ahead of the election.

What it means: İmamoğlu’s detention has fueled fears about the state of democracy and the rule of law in Turkey. Since last Wednesday, around 300,000 people have taken to the streets in at least a dozen cities, waving Turkish flags and holding signs that read, “Dictators are cowards!” The Council of Europe, an organization dedicated to promoting human rights and democracy, has called for his immediate release. Although the arrest does not prevent İmamoğlu from running for president, a conviction could — potentially deepening Turkey’s political crisis under Erdoğan’s rule.

Related: After Two Years of War, Sudan’s Army Recaptures Presidential Palace (NPR)

Legal

Utah's Kidfluencer Bill Could Be the End of “Oversharenting”

What's going on: You don’t have to be a parent looking for Montessori tips to fall down the “family content” social media rabbit hole. But behind the soft filters and snacktime montages, many question the ethics of how these videos get made. Now, Utah is poised to become the first Republican-led state to rein in the industry. Lawmakers just passed a bill giving kids featured in content the right to request post-removals once they turn 18. It also requires parents earning over $150K from their child’s online presence to set aside a portion in a trust — similar to protections for child actors. The bill’s champion? Shari Franke, daughter of parenting influencer-turned-inmate Ruby Franke. Next stop: the governor’s desk, where it looks likely to get the green light.

What it means: Utah isn’t just making influencer law — it’s challenging the Wild West of family content creation, where kids are born into brand deals. While it’s unclear if this bill will tamp down on “oversharenting,” the measure is considered a big deal in a state known for family creators with trad wife vibes (like Hannah Neeleman and the stars of shows like Secret Lives of Mormon Wives). It’s stories like Shari Franke’s that have made the difference, especially after she shared the pressure she faced to perform for the camera — and what happened when the ring light switched off. For Franke, this is just the start: She wants to see family vlogging disappear altogether.

Related: Teens Whose Childhoods Were Filmed for Content Speak Out (Teen Vogue)