My husband and I just came back from our annual trip to Oktoberfest in Helen, a little German-style alpine city nestled in the North Georgia mountains, and my heart is full. Good food, great beer, and being kid-free with our besties? Well, we all know how good hanging out with our friends is for us. I was also totally inspired by all the German pastries we ate, and I think my girls would love this almond croissant French toast. Returning from Oktoberfest always makes me want to soak up the season a little more, too, so I’m going to repot some mums so they last through Thanksgiving. As we get closer to the holidays, our team is putting together a Holiday Budget Guide for our readers, and we’d love to hear how your family splits gift-giving. Submit tips and tricks here. Prost! to you and yours. Now, let’s get to the headlines…
— Samantha Darby / Editor / Metro Atlanta, GA
Out of Office
All the President’s Women
What’s going on: The revolving door in President Donald Trump’s administration keeps spinning, and another woman is out. This time, it’s Katie Zacharia, who lasted just five days as press secretary amid revelations that she never passed the bar, despite Trump calling her an attorney. Her rocky debut briefing even prompted Trump to ask if she needed the job. Still, her exit raises questions about who stays versus who gets a “You’re fired!” Last week, Kimberly Guilfoyle lost her post as US ambassador to Greece after The Wall Street Journal reported on her alleged misuse of power. Earlier this year, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and former Attorney General Pam Bondi were fired amid allegations of corruption and/or incompetence. FBI Director Kash Patel and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick still have their jobs, despite ongoing scrutiny over past statements and conduct. Plus, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth remains in his post — even after sharing war plans in a group chat. Spot the difference?
Binders full of men: Trump began his second term by touting the number of women he'd hired to senior positions, including eight in his cabinet. He’s now down to four. And earlier this year, The Washington Post found that women accounted for just over 14% of Trump's nominees for senior executive branch roles subject to Senate approval. Career staffers who held their jobs before Trump took office haven't fared much better: Black women were overrepresented in last year’s DOGE cuts. The administration’s anti-DEI stance doesn’t help. Since Hegseth took over, Black and female military officers have been disproportionately removed from promotion lists, while others have been fired or resigned. Still, several women might be in the running to become the next White House press secretary — including another Katie.
