Skimm'd with movie recs, books, and recipe ideas

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Skimm'd with movie recs, books, and recipe ideas

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Quote of the Day

"A Zoom shirt" – What people apparently keep near their WFH setup, ready to pop on before meetings. Zoom pants however...less of a thing.

Struck Down


The Story

The Supreme Court just handed abortion rights activists a victory.

Tell me more.

Yesterday, the Supremes struck down a Louisiana law that would have restricted access to abortions. The 2014 law required abortion providers to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital. Meaning, any doctor performing an abortion at the clinic must have an agreement with a local hospital, allowing them to transfer their patients there in the event of an emergency. The law was briefly implemented before The Center for Reproductive Rights challenged to get it overturned. The case made its way to the high court.

What were the arguments?

Abortion rights advocates said that admitting privileges are hard to get (read: only two doctors in the state were able to obtain them), and that the law would have forced all but one of Louisiana's abortion clinics to close. But the state had argued that the law was meant to keep patients safe and ensure that doctors were competent. Yesterday, SCOTUS gave its final ruling.

And?

In a split 5-4 decision, they ruled that Louisiana's law created an "undue burden" on a woman's constitutional right to end a pregnancy. Chief Justice John Roberts sided with the four liberal justices on the bench, but for a different reason: he argued that precedent from a nearly identical case from 2016 required the Louisiana law to be struck down. The ruling is the high court's first major abortion rights decision since President Trump appointed two conservative judges to the bench.

How did people react?

Anti-abortion advocates called it disappointing. And the White House – which sided with Louisiana – said the court "devalued both the health of mothers and the lives of unborn children." Abortion advocates were relieved but said they're still "concerned about tomorrow" – pointing to at least 16 other cases that could make their way to the Supreme Court. That includes bans on abortions in early pregnancy like the 'heartbeat' bill, and Alabama's near-total ban on abortion.

theSkimm

This ruling is a victory for abortion-rights advocates, but for many, the fight is nowhere near over. And on the other side, some anti-abortion advocates and the Trump admin – who'd hoped a more conservative bench would rule in their favor – are pushing for a "pro-life majority" to return in November.

And Also...This


Why people are watching China...

Hong Kong. Yesterday, it passed a national security law that would let it crack down on the pro-democracy protests there. This law was proposed last month. Under it, people caught engaging in what Beijing characterizes as secession, subversion, terrorism or foreign collusion could face more than a decade in prison. Supporters say the law would make the territory safer for residents. But critics see it as another move by China to tighten its grip on Hong Kong's autonomy.


Uighurs. Chinese authorities have reportedly sterilized hundreds of thousands of Muslim minority women. This is part of a broader campaign to crack down on the minority group. Since 2016, an estimated 1 million or more Uighurs have been detained in "re-education" camps. Now, recent reports found that the government has also subjected them to things like routine pregnancy checks and forced the use of IUDs and abortion. Experts are calling it demographic genocide.

What's ready with the check…

Gilead Sciences. Yesterday, the pharma company announced pricing for its coronavirus treatment, remdesivir. The drug – which the FDA authorized last month for emergency use – could speed up recovery by an average of four days. Now, the company's saying it could cost around $2,000 and $3,000 – though what people pay out of pocket will depend on their insurance. Critics, including lawmakers and health experts, are calling the price outrageous. But Gilead's CEO maintains that it's "well below" the value it brings to patients and hospitals.

What's having people say 'seriously, 2020?'…

This new swine flu strain. A recent study focuses on a new type of flu virus that looks eerily similar to the 2009 swine flu. That virus was a respiratory disease found in pigs that killed thousands, including children. Now, researchers found a similar version in pigs in China that could be passed from animals to humans. And there's evidence it already has – with reportedly two documented human cases. Thankfully, there's no indication (yet) that it could be passed between people. Still, the virus apparently has the "potential" to become a pandemic.

While Broadway is saying 'lights out' for the rest of the year…

Colin Kaepernick is saying 'lights, camera, action.'

2020 Tuesdays

With July 4th coming up, it's a good time to take stock of our voting rights. If you haven't had your primary yet and aren't comfortable voting in person: here's how to request an absentee ballot. If you've experienced voter suppression or intimidation, you can report it to the DOJ or your local election office. You can also call these hotlines: 1-866-OUR-VOTE (English) or 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA (Spanish). And learn more about your rights here. Our democracy is stronger when we all can participate. Happy (almost) Fourth.

PressPause

Summer is here. Check out our fave picks for the season…


1. This season's buzziest books. A good book and a long weekend go together like you and cherry pie.


2. What to know about maskne (yes, mask acne). Aka how to take care of your skin when your new accessory is being rude. Summer kind of (not so) wonderful.


3. A cute AF bathing suit. This company's signature suit is made from recycled materials. Plus, it has four times the compression of the average suit. So you can just keep swimming, just keep swimming.*


PS: Sign up to get more ideas for ways to spend your summer in your inbox every Monday. Like recipe ideas, movies and book recs, and more. Get in on it.

Skimm'Picks

For when you're looking forward to a relaxing long weekend…

Dame Products can help. The woman-founded company makes sex toys designed to close the pleasure gap. And they recommend Eva II, a hands-free vibrator for couples. Psst...Skimm'rs get 15% off your first order. Here's to you.*


For when your summer isn't feeling summer-y enough…

We feel you. When you're ready to safely travel again, Cambria Hotels can help. They offer locally-inspired art and decor, local craft beers, and rooftop pools. PS: Register and complete two separate stays by September 7 and you'll earn a future free night at any Cambria Hotel. Learn more.*


For when you've already made a few TikTok videos in quarantine…

Here's a podcast ep for you about the music industry and how it's adapting in the age of COVID-19. Julie Greenwald is the COO and Chairman of Atlantic Records and she joined us on our most recent episode of "Skimm'd from The Couch," sponsored by Estée Lauder. Tune in for her advice on how to out-hustle everybody, even during a global pandemic. Listen here.*


For when you're ready to break up with your hair dryer...

It's not me, it's you. Enter: microfiber towel scrunchies from this female-owned company. They absorb most of the water from your hair so it dries fast. And come in lots of fun patterns. PS: Skimm'rs get 20% off your first order. Lock it in.*


For when you could use something sweet...

Fill up the cookie jar with this company. They make great-tasting low net carbs snacks, minus any added sugar, fillers, chemicals, gluten or grains. Plus, you can get 20% off sitewide. Yes, please.*

*PS This is a sponsored post.

Skimm’rs


In times like these, community matters more than ever. Let us know how you (or someone you know) is making an impact by helping others.


Resumes out for...Niani T (NY). She's the founder of #HIREBLACK. It's an initiative that "aims to help 10,000 Black womxn get trained, hired, or promoted" – as they face many systemic obstacles in the workforce. And thanks to the support and allyship of recruiters and hiring managers at top companies, #HIREBLACK now has a network of 1,000 people and counting. Learn how to support, be an ally, or join the community here.


(Some) Birthdays…Cheryl Minikes (NY), Bianca Schuman, Monica Burger (IN), Kortney Easterly (NY), Julie Hooper (NY), Rebecca Johnson (SD), Anna Lasseter (TN), Ashley Grates (NY), Cara Jorgensen (AZ ), Linda Alperin (NC), Calli Cardillo (CO), Sarah Sheldon (NY), Brooke McKay (IL), Connie Mistler-Ferguson (NY), Lauraine Garten (MO)


*Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.