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| | | Quote of the Day | | | "I am proud" – Demi Lovato on coming out as nonbinary. Baby, they're not sorry. | | | | | |
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The Story Texas just made it harder to get an abortion. Explain. Yesterday, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) signed a bill that bans abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected – as early as six weeks. The law goes into effect in September, and comes days after the Supremes said they will hear a Mississippi abortion case that directly challenges the tenets of Roe v. Wade. Now, Texas joins a growing list of Republican-led states that have passed their own 'heartbeat' bills. But this ban has some unique provisions. Give me the details. The law requires abortion providers to check for a fetal heartbeat. And prohibits them from performing the procedure if they find one, except in the case of medical emergencies. But it stops short of allowing abortions in cases of rape or incest – a provision that has become standard in abortion laws. Texas's law is also unique because it prevents state officials from enforcing the ban. Instead, it will allow private citizens to sue anyone who they believe violated the law (think: abortion providers, friends, and family members) – making a personal decision all the more public. And making this bill potentially harder to fight in the courts. What are people saying? Anti-abortion groups called it a "vital step in the road to abolishing all abortions in Texas." But abortion rights advocates say it prohibits abortion before most people even know they're pregnant – effectively banning the procedure. They claim it could flood the courts with lawsuits and bury clinics in cases and legal fees, making it difficult for them to remain open. Lower courts added that similar bills were unconstitutional under Roe v. Wade...but that may soon change once the Supremes take it up. theSkimm Texas isn't the first state to pass a heartbeat bill – but it's by far the most populous one. Now, barring a holdup in the courts, this could be the most impactful anti-abortion law in years. | | | | | |
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Where there are COVID-19 updates… India. Yesterday, the country recorded 4,529 COVID-19 deaths, a global record. (Note: The US previously held that record in Jan at 4,475.) But that number could be higher due to limited testing and a crumbling health care system. The US, UK, Germany, and other countries have pledged to help by providing things like oxygen, vaccines, and ventilators. Now, large cities (like Mumbai) are reportedly starting to see improvements. But more cases are being reported in the rural countryside, where there are more barriers to health care access.
The EU. Yesterday, the bloc agreed to ease up travel restrictions soon. Since the pandemic, European tourism has dropped by more than half – hitting the economy hard. Now, the EU could be saying 'OK you're good' to some Americans. The caveat: you've got to be fully vaxxed to get that passport stamped. The details aren't final yet, but the EU is considering only five vaccines authorized by the WHO or EU regulators: Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Sinopharm. And is considering a number of "safe" countries to add to its travel list. Vamos a la playa.
...Oh and speaking of vaccines, you might have to get poked again. Dr. Anthony Fauci said you'll likely need a COVID-19 booster shot within a year or so. | | | | | |
Where people are watching closely... Israel and Gaza. All eyes are on when the 11-day conflict – which halted for eight hours today – will end. Yesterday, President Biden told Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu he expects a "significant de-escalation" on the path to a cease-fire. Netanyahu said he will continue the operation in Gaza until Israelis have "quiet and security." And Hamas – the Palestinian militant group that runs Gaza – outlined conditions it wants met in order to lay down arms. A cease-fire could reportedly come as early as tomorrow. In the meantime, more than 200 people – most of them Palestinians – are reported to have been killed in the violence, including dozens of children. | | | | | |
Why Texas is still trending… Its latest execution. Yesterday, it put to death Quintin Jones by lethal injection after a 10-month pause. In 1999, Jones was convicted for killing his great-aunt and sentenced to death. The 41-year-old Black man and tens of thousands of others had called on Gov. Greg Abbott to grant him clemency. His family argued he was "remorseful" and "has changed for the better." In his last words, Jones thanked the "supporting people" who've helped him. | | | | | |
Who's adding a new team meeting to the calendar… Congress. Yesterday, the House passed a bipartisan bill that sets up a 9/11-style commission to investigate the Capitol insurrection. Lawmakers have wanted to get to the bottom of how the January 6th attack was able to take place. But a growing number of GOP members have downplayed the violence of that day. They lost the vote. Now, the bill's off to the Senate – where it needs 10 GOP lawmakers and all Dems to sign off on it to become law. It's an uphill battle, especially considering Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) says he's not for it. | | | | | |
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|  | | | 15% About how much total global greenhouse gas emissions livestock farming accounts for, according to the UN. Psst...that's roughly the same as the transportation industry (think: planes, trains, automobiles). We know. Our jaws dropped, too.
Turns out, switching to a plant-based diet is one of the most effective ways to live more sustainably. And Sakara Life can help you give it a try. Their delicious, organic meals and snacks are all plant-based. They ship 'em ready to eat, right to your door. Oh, and Skimm'rs get 20% off. Bon appetit. | | |
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| | Every Thursday, our Skimm Your Life newsletter gives you recs for what to buy, watch, read, and more. Here's a little preview, but you can sign up here to get more ideas like these to your inbox.
1. Summery, sustainable, stylish sneakers. Say that five times fast. This Skimm favorite brand's super comfy kicks come in bright, versatile colors that are perfect for warm weather things. And they're finally back in stock. Get 15% off for a limited time.*
2. Books to read for your mother-daughter book club. Because she's the Lorelai to your Rory and there's nothing better than book talk at brunch.
3. What to buy if you're new to plant parenthood. For when you're thinking about expanding your leafy family or could use some tips to make that thumb a lil' greener. Our guide will take you from zero to 'what, like it's hard?' in no time. | | | *PS: This is a sponsored post. | | | |
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| | In honor of Mental Health Action Day, we need to do something about burnout. Studies show that about two-thirds of US employees experienced it in 2020. But no, that probably doesn't mean you should up and quit your job. Especially because spoiler alert: work might not even be the source of your burnout. That's according to licensed psychologist Dr. Carolyn Rubenstein. We called her up for advice on how to identify and manage burnout. Read our interview here. | | |
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| | Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life...
1. Candles to add to your collection. Because you can never have enough. This brand's got tons of summery fragrances. See (err, smell): lemon lavender, seaside woods, and juicy watermelon. PS: Skimm'rs get 40% off their classics through Sunday. Wax on.*
2. An investment in your pup's health. This dog food looks and tastes like real human food. Because it is. And it can lead to fewer vet bills down the line. PS: Skimmr's get 50% off their first box. Order up.*
3. Booze-free drinks made with organic ingredients. This brand infuses their craft cocktails with adaptogens (aka herbal stress relievers). And they're giving Skimm'rs a free bottle with orders over $50 with code SKIMM. Say 'hi' to warm weather happy hours and 'bye' to hangovers.*
4. Incredibly useful products that'll organize your kitchen. Bakeware racks, spice shelves, and cutlery trays, oh my. Before-and-after pics, comin' right up. | | | *PS: This is a sponsored post. | | | |
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| | We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.
Music on a mission...Sam G (NY). He's raising awareness and funds for Equal Justice Initiative through music. He wrote a song in the wake of George Floyd's death, called "Remembering George." Listen and donate.
Writing for awareness...Lisa C-T (NE). She wrote her debut novel "Reclamation," which addresses human sex trafficking through a fictional story. And plans to join an effort that will help survivors find a path to healing. Read up.
(Some) Birthdays...Rosemary Musial (IN), Sally Whineray (NZ), Sarah Morris (TN), Corinna Rogers (GA), Kristin Dantagnan (MT), Sarah Corradino (AZ), Tara DaChemin (DC), Mikki Wood (TX), Gergana Droumeva (CA), Stefani Hawkins (IL), Olga Urman (FL), Rosalind Smith (PA), Dorothy Light (CO), Zoe Schwartzman (NY), Michele St. Pierre (CT)
*Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured. | | |
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| | Looking for other smart ways to spend your time? -
Listen to our news podcast "Skimm This" for clarity on the biggest stories of the week. -
Tune in to our career podcast "Skimm'd from the Couch" for tips to build your resume. -
Subscribe to our "Skimm Money" newsletter to keep up to date with your wallet. -
Sign up for our "Skimm Your Life" newsletter for curated shopping, reads, and entertainment recs. -
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Download our app to get it all in one place. | | |
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| | Friends don't let friends get bogged down in headlines. So click that share button to send theSkimm to your network. Because, as they say, sharing is caring. | |  |  | | | Or use this referral link theskimm.com/?r=1dd176ea | | |
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| Skimm'd by Kamini Ramdeen, Mariza Smajlaj, Clem Robineau, and Julie Shain | |
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