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Hello fellow web crawlers! Andrew here. Welcome to today’s edition of web_crawlr.
Our top stories today are about: A woman finding a frightening hidden message on the bathroom mirror at the hotel she was staying at, an exclusive report from our Hi-Res division about the life and death of a Florida Republican “kingmaker,” a Taco Bell customer going viral for complaining about the rising prices, and Reddit IPO investors who got in early plotting what comes next.
After that, our Assistant Editor Kira has a “Decoding Fandom” column for you.
See ya tomorrow!
— A.W.
⚡ Today’s top stories
😱 WTF
Woman warns against hotels after finding hidden message on bathroom mirror
In a viral video, a woman warned against hotels after sharing her frightening stay while on a work trip. What was actually going on is even creepier.
🗳️ POLITICS
Women, money, and Taylor Swift tickets: The life and death of a Florida Republican ‘kingmaker’
The strange, salacious tale of the kingmaker’s demise and, ultimately, death began with a young Swiftie in Jacksonville, Florida.
🌮 VIRAL
‘They Baja blasted your bank account’: Taco Bell customer orders 3 Doritos Locos tacos. She can’t believe the price
A viral video struck a chord with viewers, who bemoaned how affordable options are now suddenly expensive.
🖥️ TECH
‘Bought and will hold’: Reddit IPO investors who got in early plot their next moves
Reddit was listed on the New York Stock Exchange and closed at $50.31, much to the delight of investors who got into the IPO. Now, they’re figuring out what to do next.
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💵 From The ‘Death and Taxes’ Dept.
💰 SPONSORED
We’re sorry, but it’s tax time again
Spring is here, daylight saving has started, and yes: Taxes are due. H&R Block is offering 20% off now to web_crawlr subscribers until April 15, so if you haven’t started yet, consider this your friendly reminder to get to it.
⭐ Decoding Fandom
By Kira Deshler
Assistant Newsletter Editor
Kendrick Lamar’s diss of Drake, J. Cole, ignites Michael Jackson vs Prince debate
In each edition of web_crawlr we have exclusive original content every day. On Wednesdays our Assistant Newsletter Editor Kira Deshler dives deep into the world of fan culture in her “Decoding Fandom” column. If you want to read columns like this before everyone else, subscribe to web_crawlr to get your daily scoop of internet culture delivered straight to your inbox.
🕸️ Crawling the web
Here is what else is happening across the ‘net.
🧨 A woman claims that she had to go to the emergency room after a car air freshener from Bath & Body Works exploded in her face.
🤑 Here’s why experts say this side hustle isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
🚙 In a candid video that has quickly racked up 1.9 million views, a Jeep driver pulls back the curtain on the much-romanticized “Jeep culture,” sharing her unfiltered thoughts on her Jeep driving experience.
⛈️ Gen Z is “climate quitting.” Here’s what that is.
🛒 Is Walmart really now charging for self-checkout?
👕 A TikToker has gone viral after posting a video of a tour of his local Goodwill, showcasing some of the most peculiar items on offer at the non-profit thrift store.
📝 Question of the Day
Everyone’s got opinions, and we want to know yours. Just click a button below to answer the question, and tomorrow we will let you know how fellow web crawlers like you answered.
DO YOU LIKE TACO BELL?
To answer questions like this in the future, sign up for web_crawlr here.
👋 Before you go
A Chipotle worker tried to blow the whistle on the restaurant’s pre-made barbacoa, but the warning backfired.
Enrique (@yourpapienrique) posted a video exposing the truth behind some of Chipotle’s meat offerings.
“Exposing Chipotle,” reads the text overlay on Enrique’s 15-second video. In it, the Chipotle worker first films himself grilling chicken and assuring viewers, “The chicken is fresh.”
“But…” the worker adds, as the camera cuts to a shot of him opening a bag of pre-cooked food and emptying it into a cooking pot. “The Barbacoa is frozen in a bag.”
Enrique’s video received 3.9 million views, but viewers didn’t seem to be as concerned about the barbacoa as the worker.
🎶 Now Playing: “Mortal Man” by Kendrick Lamar 🎶
