Hi {{first_name|friend}},
Over the weekend, we binged the newest season of Serial. It explores the fairly straightforward case of a man named Allen Gessen who wanted to rid himself of his ex-wife. When the prospect of bribing agents to deport her proved too expensive, he opted for a cheaper alternative: Hiring a hit man. But Allen, per the title of the podcast, is an idiot and the fixer he thinks he’s talking to is an undercover FBI agent. Allen is convicted, and is currently serving a 10-year sentence for his crime.
Host M. Gessen is both a crack reporter and Allen’s first cousin. M. takes us along on an emotional roller coaster, first grappling with how the Gessen family bent and stretched to accept Allen, even when he absconded with his son to America, leaving his wife and baby daughter in Russia. M. boldly transgresses this unspoken familial tolerance of/loyalty to Allen by contacting his wife, Priscilla, to try to help her and hear her side of the story. M. also talks to Allen from jail to try to understand what he was thinking and why he did what he did.
It’s the story of one dysfunctional family, one pompous fool, and — bonus — a nightmare MIL. But it’s also a bit of a mirror to society writ large. Why do men do these things? Because they think they’ll get away with it. Because thuggery and bribery have worked for them over and over again. Allen, powered by braggadocio, not billions, was caught. But hearing Allen talk from jail isn’t satisfying. It’s disconcerting and uncomfortable, because you find yourself wanting to empathize.
We couldn’t help but compare the actions of bumbling Allen to the recent revelations about how Leon Black, the co-founder and former CEO of Apollo Global Management, used the services of Jeffrey Epstein. As the Times phrases it, Epstein “helped solve” his “problems with women.” He was, per Bloomberg, Black’s “stealthy do-it-all fixer.”
Women considered troublesome were surveilled and threatened. The possibility of having one deported was raised.
People like to quote this Dostoevsky line from his novel The Idiot: “Compassion was the chief and, perhaps, the only law of all human existence.” But as the podcast The Idiot lays out, compassion has its limits!
Bye,
Your friends at Gloria
Image via @thisisaynesleigh.
We knew that Pantone declared white the color of 2026, but we didn’t expect to see quite so much of it this early in the season. It’s everywhere. Hip brands like Róhe, Co, and Jamie Haller are serving up a bevvy of all-white looks. Fashion people are walking around in white leather jazz shoes. And we’ve seen so many good white jeans — not to mention all the lacy white blouses, tanks, skirts, and shorts. Below, a few of our favorite finds, from eggshell to optic.
An affordable version of the Celines that turbocharged the trend. Mango Lace-Up Leather Shoes, $140.
Cool and affordable — no wonder they’re selling out. Levi’s Premium 501 ‘90s Ankle Jeans, $99. Waist size 24 to 32.
Easy little lacy shorts (these silk ones from Dôen are similar, but more spendy). Diish Cupro Lace Short, $113. Size 2 to 12.
Love the homespun vibes of a chunky cotton knit. Free People Opal Rollneck Sweater, $98. Size XS to XL.
An extremely chic leather skirt. Cos Pleated Textured Leather Midi Skirt, $449. Size 2 to 14.
The Wales Bonner sneaker Mary Jane is almost $700. These look the part for much less. Steve Madden Banks Mesh Mary Jane, $109.95.
Pretty and machine washable. Aritzia Henrietta Satin Skirt, $148. Size 2XS to XL.
A strappy, floaty summer top. Rotate Striped Gathered Camisole, $290. Size 2 to 16.
These come in a nice ecru shade. Madewell The Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jeans, $148. Waist size 23 to 33.
These classics give a similar effect to the white jazz shoes fashion people are in a frenzy for. Keds Champion Sneaker, $55.
Simple yet sexy. Same Los Angeles Silk Top, $298. Size XS/S and M/L.
The stretch factor makes these jeans comfy for all-day wear. J.Crew Slim-Wide Jean, $148. Waist size 23 to 37.
Dress it up, dress it down — this is a versatile skirt. Leset Barb Slip Skirt, $220. Size XS to XL.
Exactly how we want a hoodie to fit. Les Tien Rachel Raw Crop Hoodie, $225. Size XS to XL.
Shop the Story
Madewell The Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jeans, $148
Rotate Striped gathered camisole, $290
Diish Cupro Lace Short, $113
Cos Pleated Textured Leather Midi Skirt, $449
Same Los Angeles Silk Top $298
J.Crew Slim-Wide Jean, $148
With spring here and dogs more active outside, there's no telling what your furball could get into. Thousands of pet parents trust the no annual fee Nibbles pet rewards card for pet peace of mind, hassle-free claims, and rewards. With pet insurance included, it's no wonder every dog wants Nibbles. Reward Your Pet. ** #partner
Image via New Story Community Books.
TO READ There aren’t many artists who are iconic enough to go by just their first name. One of them is Brandy, who is out today with a new tell-all memoir. In Phases, she shares private early struggles, encounters with her idols, and how she feels now about her teenage relationship with Boys II Men’s Wanya Morris.
TO TRY Let passion glide naturally with this vibrating ring that doctors recommend. Backed by science to increase arousal and lubrication, Legato’s flexible ring shape magnifies sensations across the entire vulva (not just one spot). FDA-registered, FSA/HSA eligible, award-winning. Rediscover silky smooth intimacy with 50% off. #partner
TO WATCH The kid-friendly NatGeo series Secrets of Bees (streaming tomorrow on Disney+) is fascinating, both for the new-to-us bee info and its amazing cinematography. We’re also curious about this new rom-com featuring a middle-aged divorced women that’s out on Apple TV Friday.
TO SHOP A hidden gem for your reading list: Book Outlet carries thousands of brand-new books for at least 50% off list prices by sourcing publishers’ excess inventory. They have everything from buzzy fiction and cookbooks to family-friendly picks. Inventory moves fast, so if something catches your eye, grab it before it’s gone. Check it out here. #partner
TO COOK There are some good matzo ball soup tips here, whether you prefer fluffier or denser balls. Another thing we’re going to try this year: Making the broth the day before, then letting it rest in the fridge overnight (per this Tasting Table advice).
Disturbing new Epstein revelations. • Explaining the Chappell Roan outrage cycle. • The equal pay gap is widening. • Is this an actual phenomena? • “Almost 30 years after the intricate web of nerves inside the penis was plotted out, the same mapping has finally been completed for one of the least-studied organs in the human body – the clitoris.”
*Gloria may receive an affiliate commission on purchases made through our newsletter.
** Nibbles is not a bank. The Nibbles Card is issued by Lead Bank. Fees and T&C apply. Eligibility rules apply. See nibbles.com for details.