Skimm'd while talking to Amanda Kloots

"I think we both had a little bit of a crush" – Shane West on his chemistry with Mandy Moore in "A Walk to Remember." But...they promised they wouldn't fall in love with each other.

Extreme Heat

The Story

The western US is getting hit by an extreme heat wave. And Texas is especially worried.

How come?

Back in February, a major winter storm brought freezing temps, icy roads, and snow to the ill-prepared state. Texas's power grid failed, despite rolling blackouts. And millions were left without power for days – especially in communities of color. More than 100 people died from things like hypothermia or carbon monoxide poisoning. Gov. Greg Abbot (R) called for an investigation into the state's electrical grid operator. And five board members who oversaw Texas's power grid resigned. Now, the weather's done a complete 180 in the western US (think: record high temps that could near 120°F) and the state's power grid is crumbling once again.

What's being done?

Texas is the only state that operates its own power grid: Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). After the winter storm, Abbott signed bills to reform said power grid. Now, as Texans blast the AC to stay cool, ERCOT's asking them to chill out. Think: setting thermostats to 78°F or higher, turning off the lights, and avoiding using large appliances (like the dishwasher) through Friday. While ERCOT says this is all just temporary, Texans have had it. And some are calling the grid operator out for its second stint of being ill-prepared. It's sparking a larger conversation about US infrastructure and climate change.

That's interesting.

US power grids and overall infrastructure remain old, outdated, and ill-equipped to handle climate change's emerging problems. In March, the American Society of Civil Engineers gave the US a C- for its infrastructure. And engineers say it's going to take a lot of TLC (and even more money) to keep the country's roads, bridges, buildings, and (you guessed it) power grids from crumbling. President Biden introduced his own infrastructure proposal and has rolled out a new initiative to improve the power grid. But the infrastructure plan is still making its way through negotiations with lawmakers.

theSkimm

As summer approaches, the western US is already facing boiling temperatures – raising questions about what else is in store. And as Texas demonstrates, climate change and infrastructure are at odds.

PS: It's not just Texas. California and other western states are experiencing historic drought conditions because of the heat wave.

And Also...This

What's one step closer to officially getting on the cal…

Juneteenth. Yesterday, the Senate unanimously passed a bill that would make Juneteenth a federal holiday. On June 19, 1865, news of the Emancipation Proclamation began to reach enslaved people in Texas, more than two years after it had been signed. Black Americans have long honored the day. But it took more than a century for the first state, Texas, to formally mark it. Now, all states but two do, too. But this bill would take it a step further, giving millions of federal workers a day off – the first time the US would add a federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr Day in 1983. Next up: the House is expected to pass it, but the timing is still unclear.

• Mark the momentum: The move marks a rare moment of overwhelming bipartisan consensus on the Hill. And comes after a year of heightened reckoning over racial injustices following the murder of George Floyd.

What's causing alarm...

Israel and Gaza. Israel has launched airstrikes into the Gaza Strip. The move was in response to combustible balloons launched from Gaza that Israeli authorities say caused at least 20 fires in southern Israel. The renewed violence – the first bout since the 11-day conflict last month – came as far-right Jewish nationalists marched in Jerusalem yesterday, some chanting "death to Arabs." Dozens of Palestinians counter-protested, with some throwing stones at police – and many were met with rubber bullets and stun grenades. At least 33 Palestinians and two Israeli officers were injured.

• Testing: The heightened tensions mark the first big test for Israel's new government, which was sworn in Sunday and includes far-right Prime Minister Naftali Bennett as well as Ra'am, the first independent Arab party in Israel's governing coalition. UN officials are urging calm.

Who's handing out a new game plan…

The Biden admin. Yesterday, Attorney General Merrick Garland intro'd the US's first-ever national strategy to combat domestic terrorism. On his first full day in office, President Biden asked for a 100-day review on the topic after the Jan 6 Capitol attack. Since then, the FBI and intel community have warned that white supremacists and extremists are the most lethal threat to the US. And that QAnon followers could join the list. Now, Garland's saying 'we've got a plan' aimed at preventing attacks like those in DC as well as Charlottesville, Pittsburgh, and El Paso.

• Xs and Os: Several departments and agencies will work together to share info on threats and stop terrorism recruitment by partnering with the tech sector. They'll also work to prevent any violent threats while confronting "racial, ethnic, and religious hatred" – causes leading to domestic terrorism.

• What's missing: It doesn't make domestic terrorism a fed crime – raising concern among law enforcement that it could be difficult to prosecute criminals. Other critics reportedly say agencies involved with culture and education should play a role – especially when tackling the root causes like bias.

Who's singing a lower tune…

Lin-Manuel Miranda. On Monday, the producer apologized following criticism that his latest musical "In the Heights" lacked Afro-Latinx representation in lead roles. Based on the NYC neighborhood of Washington Heights – where there's a large Afro-Latinx population – the musical largely cast light-skinned lead actors. Miranda said he's "dedicated to the learning and evolving."

What's apparently kickin' it back...

Lego's Adidas Superstar.

Buying Time

Leggings or sweats? Salad or sandwich? Text back right away or wait? We make lots of decisions every single day. A common estimate pegs the exact number around 35,000. Of course, some choices have bigger consequences than others. Pro tip: being decisive with smaller ones (psst...that's most of them) can help you save time and mental energy.

So can joining Walmart+. Members get free, same-day delivery from their local store.† Reminder: they have everything from fresh groceries and gadgets to makeup and video games. Consider our minds made up. And our free 15-day trial started.

Chances are you've complained about feeling 'hormonal.' But you might not know what that actually means. We Skimm'd the hormones that have to do with your mood and reproduction, from dopamine and serotonin to estrogen and progesterone, and what to do if yours seem out of balance.

It's (almost) officially hot girl summer. As the weather gets warmer, we all want to spend more time socializing (because we can do that now) and less time sweating. So we've partnered with Parade for recs that can help you stay cooler, longer.

1. Barely there underwear to eliminate layers. Say 'bye' to those little sweat beads that roll down your back. And 'hiiii' to Parade's eight new neutral shades of underwear. Skimm'rs get 20% off with code SKIMM. Bless this mesh.

2. How to get that fresh-shower feel when you're out and about. These cold shower field towels are made with menthol, aloe, and jojoba for an instantly cool feel. Bonus: they can be used for your body and face.

3. This no-cook, refreshing ceviche recipe. Because no one's trying to preheat to 350 degrees in this weather. This dish is ideal for your next outdoor cookout. Or keep it to yourself for this week's meal prep.

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

1. Clean, smudge-free eye makeup that strengthens and lengthens. This cult-fave brand's mascara is made with rich, nourishing, 100% natural ingredients. And it's cruelty-free. So you can feel good about that first, second, and third coat. Here's 10% off.*

2. Something to help you build (and keep) healthy habits. Because it's easier said than done. This wellness program uses behavior change psychology to help you reach your goals. And connects you with a specialist for support. Try it free for 14 days.*

3. Invisible braces for a summer-ready smile. This brand's aligners straighten teeth in three to four months. They're FDA-cleared and get delivered straight to your door. Oh, and Skimmr's get 80% off their Impression Kit with free LED whitening. Smile bright like a diamond.*

4. High-waisted shorts with low-waste production. These ones come in two classic washes and fit like a dream. Their leftover materials are 100% recycled (and used for things like insulation for local housing). Psst...Skimmr's get early access. Looks like denim is the new green.*

5. Satin pillowcases that can help you put bedhead to bed. Consider these a nighttime necessity. Because they help reduce frizz, keep cool, and feel luxurious. Without the luxury price tag. Bonus: Skimm'rs can buy one, and get another free. To (hair) tossing and turning (heads).*

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.

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.

Game on...Teresa T and Alyson A (CA). They started a pickleball league and have gained over 100 new players. They've also gained some home-court acknowledgment when they were featured in the sports section of their local paper. A smash.

Grate job...Anika B (NY). She's a middle-schooler who created "Today I am Grateful," a podcast streaming on Apple and Spotify. She has interviewed teachers, nurses, doctors, law enforcement, and many others. Listen here.

(Some) Birthdays...theSkimm's Angela Zhang (NY), Debbie Castleman (PA), Anne Mangan (OR), Hannah Barr (NY), Megan Vazquez (VA), Genevieve Crum (KY), Dani Dalesandro (NY), Alexandra Reitzner (IL), Chrissy Highet (CA), Cassie Womack (GA), Maria Pfeffer (NC), Lynn Petillo (NC), Emma Brickfield (NJ), Cindy Hayes (CA), Hannah Hunter (NC)

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

We texted with Emilia Clarke about who she was most surprised to find out follows her on IG (hi, Ryan Reynolds and Courtney Cox). Plus, theSkimm of her new comic, "Mother of Madness."

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