US News

The Take It Down Act Is Now Enforceable  

What's going on: A law that requires social media companies to remove nonconsensual intimate imagery and videos — including AI-generated deepfake nudes — is now in effect. The Take It Down Act, which President Donald Trump signed into law last May, was co-sponsored by Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and gained bipartisan support. Many states already criminalize sharing nonconsensual imagery, but this legislation goes further: After images or videos are reported to the tech platform, the material has to be removed within 48 hours or the company faces fines of over $50K per violation.

So this is good, right?: Depends on who you ask. Some celebrate the law as a way to protect women and girls, as well as enable survivors to take back control. Klobuchar said that it means that tech companies “can no longer turn a blind eye to these horrifying abuses on social media,” and RAINN called it “a historic win.” But others think it could have dangerous consequences. For example, free speech activists say that the penalties could encourage tech companies to over-moderate by removing consensual adult imagery, sexual health education, and LGBTQIA+ content. Others worry that the Trump administration could use the law to target political enemies — something Trump himself has hinted at. During a 2025 address to Congress, the president said: “I'm going to use that bill for myself. Nobody gets treated worse than I do online.”

Related: Ranking the Least Safe Social Media Platforms for LGBTQIA+ People (Mashable)

The News in 6

🗞️ Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), an outspoken Trump critic, lost Kentucky's primary yesterday, handing the president another political win. And this Democrat swept the Georgia gubernatorial primary.

🗞️ The World Health Organization chief is “deeply concerned” by the Ebola outbreak’s rapid spread across the Congo and Uganda as the death toll climbs to over 130.

🗞️ A group of 25 states and the District of Columbia sued Trump over federal student loan limits they say will worsen the health workers shortage.

🗞️ In response to controversial redistricting plans across the South, the NAACP is urging Black athletes and fans to “withhold athletic and financial support” from college sports in eight states.  

🗞️ It seems like the Supreme Court justices have beef with each other. Remember the days of RBG and Scalia hitting the opera together?

🗞️ So we all know what TSA PreCheck is, but what is TSA Gold+? (Other than very on-brand.) 

Tech

Elon Musk Lost the Battle — But It Might Not Matter

What’s going on: Musk v. Altman’s battle of tech bro bravado was fun while it lasted. The highly anticipated trial ended on a technicality — Elon Musk’s lawsuit was too little, too late. OpenAI’s Sam Altman got the win and the green light to continue business as usual. But Altman didn’t come out unscathed. In the court of public opinion, many people listened to what Musk had to say. Over the past two years, attacks on Altman’s integrity have left investors and consumers questioning Musk’s rival. “Scam Altman” could become the next “Tiny D.” One could say there are no winners here, only two losers.

The verdict: Musk’s claims may have been rooted in competitive pettiness, but he did pull the curtain back on who’s running the AI show: a small group of Silicon Valley power players. Despite claiming that they are all doing this for the greater good, the industry is largely profit-driven. What the people at the top of the tech food chain decide to do with the technology next will definitely affect the rest of us. Aside from concerns that AI is coming for our jobs, the platforms are becoming more powerful... while guardrails are essentially nonexistent. (Just look at the wave of wrongful death lawsuits.) As the chief technology officer of Mozilla told Axios, the trial “may be over, but the real choice is still ahead of us: whether AI becomes infrastructure that serves the public, or a set of products that lock us in.”

Related: If Your “Job Is Beach,” You Might Be Just the Person Mark Zuckerberg Is Looking For (Wired)

The Lesson Plan

Short Attention Spans, Meet Creative Teachers

What’s going on: The concept of a teacher telling us to do 10 jumping jacks mid-class sounds like something out of our nightmares (or Cadet Kelly). But students can’t wake up from this one. These “brain breaks” are just one common way some teachers combat the growing problem of shorter attention spans. One recent survey found that 88% of teachers believe their students’ attention spans are getting shorter than recess feels. The pandemic certainly didn’t help: Students spent months learning through a screen (or at least that’s what they say they were doing). Let’s be honest... All of our attention spans have gotten a little shorter thanks to quick videos on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. Modern kids’ shows also offer an overstimulating stream of Nerds Rope-kaleidoscope vibes. We wish Mr. Rogers could weigh in. 

You can’t teach this: This sounds bleak, but we doubt any adults out there actually work for eight hours straight. Teachers told The Washington Post that they’ve found some success implementing brain breaks (yes, even for older kids), hands-on projects, and even meditations. This is the one homework assignment everyone in the family should consider doing. Some simple tricks can help kids and adults improve focus: choose “anchor tasks,” try the Pomodoro method, and (don’t hate us) skip multitasking. Yes, if your kid can wait to watch Bluey until their homework’s done, you can avoid scrolling TikTok while you pee.

Related: Three Hacks for Your Broken Attention Span (The New York Times Gift Link)

Together with Johnson & Johnson

Ask An Expert

Q: What’s the one thing you want people to understand about major depressive disorder (MDD)?

Dr. Jessica Jackson:

Depression is not one-size-fits-all, and neither is depression treatment. Understanding your options and talking openly with your healthcare provider about how you’re really feeling is important. Together, you can find a comprehensive treatment plan that works best for you.

Visit Mental Health America’s depression and support page to learn more.

Quick Hits

☕ Apparently, pairing this fruit with your morning coffee can make that caffeine buzz last a little longer. You’ve been warned…

🍦 Costco added a classic frozen dessert to its food court for summer. With this and a hot dog, who needs a cookout? 

🥼 Yes, we’re getting a Grey's Anatomy spinoff in this city. Your move, CSI. 

👑 This powerhouse actress was just honored by the British Royal Family for services to music and drama. Can we add “consistently excellent hat choices” to that list?

🍫 A beloved candy bar brand just introduced two new flavors, and it tastes like summer in Italy. Buon appetito. 

❤️‍🔥 The “revenge dress” is iconic for a reason, but “revenge eyeliner” is the next big thing. Wear it to your ex’s wedding.

We Needed This

On Our Calendar

Wednesday, May 20

⚖️ Palisades Fire Suspect in Court 

A pretrial hearing is set for the man accused of starting the 2025 fire — who reportedly admires this controversial figure.

🐶 National Rescue Dog Day

Seven things you can do to help — without adopting a dog (that’s an option too, of course).

⚽ NWSL: Houston Dash v. San Diego Wave 

Catch the game — a rematch of the league’s season opener — at 8 pm ET on CBS Sports.

Psst…this is just the preview: Subscribe to the full Skimm+ calendar and never miss a moment.

Treat Yourself

We’re at the point in adulthood where so many things feel hard, and therefore so many things call for a little treat afterwards. Some may call it a touch of delusion, but if it motivates us to get the job(s) done, what’s the issue? Here are some things we think you should treat yourself to:

• New workout pants that'll take you from yoga to brunch

• This non-flimsy razor that doesn’t come in a pack of 12 and actually works (get 15% off with code SKIMM15)

• A vibrator you’ll feel confident using whether solo or with a partner

• This multi-award-winning body cream that’s been proven to plump skin 

• A tinted serum worn by celebs like Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph

Skimm'd by: Marisa Iallonardo, Molly Longman, Aryanna Prasad Bhullar, Erika W. Smith, Rashaan Ayesh, and Marina Carver. Fact-checked by Sara Tardiff.