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Skimm'd while talking to White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki
January 21, 2022
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This week's episode: White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki on Biden's 1 year in Office
Daily Skimm

Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

“The planet is amazing” — A 19-year-old pilot on becoming the youngest woman to fly solo around the world. She’s not your plane average teen. 

49 Years

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The Story

Tomorrow marks 49 years since Roe v Wade.

That’s not very long.

Nope. For decades, many women had no choice but to seek out mostly illegal abortions. Not all of these were safe, with some costing some women their lives. Those who wanted a safe and legal procedure had to scrounge up money and rely on an underground network. In 1969, Norma McCorvey (known in court docs as Jane Roe) sought an abortion in Texas, which only allowed them if a woman’s life was endangered. She then worked with lawyers to challenge the statute. In 1973, SCOTUS ruled 7-2 to strike down the Texas law. The move effectively legalized abortion across the US. 

Texas, huh?

Yup. The same state that passed one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the country last year. But Texas does things differently: the law gives private citizens the power to enforce the abortion ban. It’s currently making its way through the courts while the law is in effect. And yesterday, SCOTUS said it could continue to remain in effect indefinitely, blocking further litigation until the justices decide what happens next — a decision that could come in June. Even with Roe v Wade in place, it can be tough for women to get abortions. Transportation to centers, lack of childcare coverage, and state-specific barriers all add to the challenges.

What happens if Roe v Wade is overturned?

A lot. Women have had abortions for millennia — with or without laws. And the legal surgical procedures are safe with only rare complications. But if the high court overturns Roe v Wade, some states like Ohio are considering trigger laws that would automatically make abortion illegal. Other states like New Jersey are taking more explicit steps to protect abortion rights. Overall, low-income women and those who live in rural areas will be among the most affected.

theSkimm

This could be the last time the US remembers the anniversary of Roe v Wade. One poll found that about 40% of the country says abortion should be illegal in almost all cases. While about 60% think women should have the option.

And Also...This

What needed to be addressed…

Holocaust denial. Yesterday, the UN approved a resolution condemning Holocaust denial. The resolution — intro’d by Israel and Germany — passed nearly unanimously, despite Iranian objection. It comes as antisemitism is rising across the globe, with alarming trends found everywhere from the UK to Austria to Italy. In the US, an estimated one in four American Jews experienced antisemitism in the past year alone. Less than half of Americans can answer basic details about the Holocaust. And antisemitic posts are rarely removed from social media. Now, the UN resolution plans to educate future generations on the Holocaust and urges member states to take action — including on social media. 

Who’s doing damage control…

President Biden. Yesterday, he beefed up his warning to Russia. ICYMI, Russia’s been amassing tens of thousands of troops along its border with Ukraine. Earlier this week, Biden said that "it's one thing if it's a minor incursion" but that if Russia "further" invades Ukraine it would be a disaster for them. The reaction was swift: Officials in Ukraine accused Biden of giving Russia a green light to invade his country. Lawmakers criticized the remarks. Since then, the admin's been trying to do damage control. Biden said any invasion would be met with a quick "economic response.” It comes as Biden himself has said he expects Russia to "move in." Except we're not talking about a lease...we're talking about the threat of invasion.

Who’s in the hot seat…

Pope Benedict XVI. Yesterday, an investigation found that the former Pope failed to act over four child abuse cases when he was archbishop of Munich from 1977 to 1982. For decades, child sex abuse and cover-ups have been a systemic problem in the Catholic Church. But this paper seemed to indict those at the highest levels. According to the report, Benedict knew about a specific priest who abused boys — and allowed him to continue working in pastoral roles. Benedict denies the allegation. But the report includes minutes from a meeting suggesting that Benedict was present when the issue was discussed. The Vatican says it will look into the report once it’s published. 

What’s making people say ‘whodunnit’…

Havana syndrome. This week, the CIA said it’s “unlikely” that most cases of a mysterious illness, dubbed the Havana syndrome, are caused by foreign countries like Russia. Since 2016, US diplomats and spies have been reporting weird symptoms. Think: dizziness and headaches. The CIA says a majority of 1,000 cases can be explained by natural causes — angering some of the victims. But reminder: these are just interim findings. They still haven’t been able to explain two dozen cases, reportedly including some of those originally afflicted at the US Embassy in Havana in 2016.

Where you won’t have to guess how much your coworker makes…

New York City.

What's sparking a conversation...

#WestElmCaleb.

How to Skimm Your Life Challenge

Accio, bills. For today’s challenge, presented by Fidelity, automate one payment and make it happen without thinking...like magic. We’ve got more tips to save you $$$, time, and stress (priceless) here.

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Feel-Good Faves

Credits: Design: theSkimm | Photos: Harper Collins, Uncommon Goods, Le Puzz

The weekend is nearly here, which means you’ve got some glorious free time on the horizon. To help you spend your money and downtime smarter, we’ve got lots of useful product recs and reads you’ll wanna snag ASAP. 

To add to cart…

To read…

Skimm Picks

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

1. How to keep your wellness journey going into February and beyond. And they said it couldn’t be done. Noom begs to differ. They use behavior change psychology to help you actually stick with positive habits. And see real results. Here’s to you.*

2. How to find a bra that actually fits. Bras are like breast friends — close to the heart and always super supportive. But finding the right one can be hard. So we chatted with an expert and got the 411 on sizing, styles, and more. PS: These extenders can also come in handy for bras you currently own.

*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.

Glowing up others…Christine G (MO). She runs her own business teaching people how to create natural skin care products and turn them into a thriving online business. 

Modern fairytale…Lynn W (CT). She published her first children's book about living happily ever after by listening to your inner child.

(Some) Birthdays…theSkimm's Rachel Goldfinger (NJ), Gordon Crawford (CA ), Marjie Katz (PA), CC Bernstein (NY), Kristen Krauss (NY), Debbie Forrey (NJ), Matt Buckwald (LA), Jennifer Cheng (DC), Sue Geramian (NY), Marissa Ravin (PA), Lizzy Scheinfeld (IL), Kara de Burbano (FL), Janice Skonord (RI), Lori Austin (CA), Prunella Fiddian-Green (MA)

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

Skimm More

Over the past couple of years, WFH has joined the list of three-letter acronyms that we use on a regular basis — but when will it end? This week on “Skimm This,” we talk with Rachel Feintzeig from The Wall Street Journal about remote work, burnout, and return to office plans. Listen now.

And if you’re looking for other smart ways to spend your time...

Skimm’d by Rashaan Ayesh, Kate Gilhool, Julie Shain, and Mariza Smajlaj

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