Daily Skimm for June 08

The Story

US health officials have approved a new Alzheimer's treatment.

Tell me more.

Alzheimer's is an incurable disease that primarily affects older people's cognitive abilities (like memory or thinking). Scientists still aren't sure what causes it, but they think a protein clumps in the brain and causes cognitive decline. Right now, there are only five FDA-approved drugs on the market and all focus on easing symptoms. But yesterday, the FDA gave Biogen (a US biotech company) the green light to distribute its medication aducanumab (aka Aduhelm) – the first approved medication intended to slow the progression of the illness instead of its symptoms. But not everyone's raving.

Explain.

Biogen had to cancel trials because of intense side effects (think: brain swelling or bleeding). And the trials showed conflicting data that the medication worked. The FDA's outside panel of experts also criticized the drug, citing lack of evidence that it worked. But regulators gave it the thumbs up through its "accelerated approval" program – which allows companies to distribute its drugs while they undergo additional testing. They said there's "substantial evidence" the drug could still help those who suffer with few alternatives for treatment. Biogen called it a "historic moment," adding that this could be the beginning of more treatments.

So, what now?

It could take years for clinical trials to wrap up. And the FDA doesn't exactly have the best track record of following up with companies who've received accelerated approval. Critics also worry patients won't sign up for trials if the drug is already on the market. Oh and then there's the price: Biogen's expected to roll out Aduhelm soon for the small price of $56,000/year.

theSkimm

About 6 million people in the US suffer from Alzheimer's, a figure that's expected to double by 2050. Some see the FDA's move as a beacon of hope, allowing patients to get in on a potential treatment, asap. Others see it as a mistake...and worry moves like this could reduce trust in federal regulations.

And Also...This

What's saying 'I got your back'...

The Justice Department to former President Trump. Last night, the DOJ filed a brief implying it would continue to defend Trump in a defamation lawsuit. In 2019, longtime Elle writer E Jean Carroll sued the then-president for defamation after he denied raping her at a department store in the '90s. Last year, the Justice Department jumped in to defend Trump, arguing he was protected from the suit since he had made the statements as part of his official duties as president (and gov employees can't be sued for defamation). At the time, the DOJ was accused by many – including then-candidate Joe Biden – of acting as a tool of the White House. And the DOJ under Biden was widely expected to drop its support for Trump. But now, surprise, the DOJ is staying the course. It called Trump's comments about Carroll "crude and disrespectful." But is still defending him by the logic the former DOJ outlined.

Independent streak: Biden had promised to "restore" independence to the Justice Department. As last night shows, that may look like the DOJ under Biden defending a man who tried to get Ukraine to investigate him and his son. But it also casts doubt on the narrative that the DOJ under Trump was acting as his hype man.
She says: Carroll said women across the US are "standing up and holding men accountable," but the DOJ is blocking her from doing the same. Her attorney called the DOJ's decision "morally wrong" and argues it could give fed officials "license to cover up private sexual misconduct."

Who's on the same page...

The Supreme Court. Yesterday, the justices unanimously agreed that immigrants given Temporary Protected Status (TPS) don't qualify for permanent residency if they entered the US unlawfully. Nearly 400,000 people from 12 countries have TPS – which protects them from being deported if conditions in their home countries are unsafe (think: earthquakes, civil war, epidemics). In this case, SCOTUS heard from a Salvadoran immigrant (with TPS) who sued after not qualifying for a green card. Justice Elena Kagan – writing for the court – argued that getting TPS doesn't change the fact someone entered the US unlawfully. Immigrant advocates were disappointed – but called on those with TPS who came lawfully not to give up on their permanent residency applications.

On the Hill: In March, the House passed a bill that would give TPS recipients a pathway to becoming permanent residents. President Biden backs the proposed changes. But it's not clear if it'll pass the Senate.

...Oh and speaking of immigration, VP Kamala Harris is on her first foreign trip in office to Guatemala and Mexico. The goal: try to solve the root problems causing tens of thousands of people to flee to the US-Mexico border.

Who is owning up...

Germany. Last month, it committed to wiring Namibia over $1 billion for its role in the colonial-era genocide. Between 1904 and 1908, German forces killed tens of thousands of Africans in what is now Namibia – specifically targeting the ethnic groups Herero and Nama who had resisted colonial land seizures. There has been a push for Germany to own up to its wrongs in recent years, but Berlin didn't formally do so until 2004. Now, the apology comes after more than five years of negotiations between the two countries. And Namibian VP Nangolo Mbumba is saying Germany's money isn't enough to "compensate the life of a human being." A Herero chief also called the deal "an insult."

Dark history: Some experts believe the genocide of the Herero and Nama was a precursor to the Holocaust and Nazi ideology. And say it gave way for German colonial officers to study eugenics and develop ideas on racial purity.

What's not slowing down…

Carbon dioxide. According to a recent report, CO2 levels are at the highest since accurate measurements started 63 years ago. With the pandemic forcing countries and economies to hit the 'pause' button, there was a slight drop in global greenhouse gas emissions. But that didn't stop the accumulation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. And experts are pointing their fingers at fossil fuels.

Who's the newest David and Goliath duo...

This newly discovered titanosaur – one of the world's largest dinosaurs. And this microscopic animal that's come back to life after 24,000 years in the Arctic permafrost. You're killing me, Smalls.

Who's getting Prime shipped to space…

Jeff Bezos.

Shot girl summer wouldn't be complete without...sunscreen. Our guide to SPF answers all your Qs so you don't get burned. We asked a derm about:

Layering. Hate to tell you, but makeup with SPF 15 worn under moisturizer with SPF 30 doesn't equal SPF 45.
100% protection. No sunscreen can block all of the sun's rays. But SPF 30 covers about 97%.
Waterproof sunscreen. Yeah, not a thing.

Now time for some (protected) fun in the sun.

Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…

1. A summer drink your body will thank you for. This brand's refreshing hard kombucha is low in sugar and high in probiotics. And their newest flavor, Grapefruit Paloma, just launched. For the breeziest of summer buzzes. PS: Skimm'rs get 20% off and free shipping.*

2. Organic groceries delivered to your doorstep. This online marketplace makes it easy to shop healthy, clean ingredients and products. With carbon neutral shipping and no surge pricing. Psst...Skimm'rs get $20 off their first order (and a free gift) when they join today.*

3. An out-of-the-box subscription box. This brand works with small businesses to curate themed boxes full of high-quality products. Think: a blanket that folds into a pillow and a DIY hot sauce kit. Plus, Skimm'rs get 20% off their first box. Go get it.*

4. Cute AF swimwear that protects against the sun. Think: UPF 50+. This brand's suits are colorful, flattering, and made from recycled materials. Btw, Skimm'rs get $10 toward their purchase. Beach day(s) here we come.*

5. The best Father's Day gifts to split with siblings. From bigger-ticket items to subscriptions that keep on giving, these are the perfect options to split with family members. So you can shop smarter and make his Father's Day memorable.

6. How to get rid of summer pests in your home. With warm weather comes...bugs. To keep your home free of any creepy crawlers, check out these liquid ant baits and these sticky tabs to place near plants. Sigh of relief sold separately.

PS: Like what you see here? Make sure you're signed up to get more picks like these in your inbox every Thursday. We've got exclusive shopping recs, streaming ideas, life hacks, and more.

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

Skimm’rs

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.

Making moves...Meredith M (NC). She recently became a clinical trial specialist – her dream job after suffering from a traumatic brain injury years ago. It's been a long journey full of school, volunteering, and more.

Flying high...Mindy B (GA). She passed her instrument checkride, which is a rating for pilots that allows them to fly in clouds and bad weather. And about 7% of pilots are female so Mindy is working on changing that.

(Some) Birthdays...Caroline Barbour (WA), Danielle Bauers (GA), Emily Berger (NC), Jean Williford (TX), Alisia Minasian (MA), Mary Ferrando (CA), Pamela Pereira (FL), Kelly Hector (DC), Christine Flood (NJ), Talia Marshall (NY), Emily Bauersfeld (IL), Shelly Snyder (PA), Carol Materniak (DE), Kirsten Mead (OH), Kayla Villante (NY)

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

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Skimm’d by Rashaan Ayesh, Maria del Carmen Corpus, Mariza Smajlaj, Clem Robineau, and Julie Shain