Daily Skimm: Texas is going head-to-head with the Biden admin.

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The Story

Texas is going head-to-head with the Biden admin.

What’s going on?

Yesterday, the Justice Dept sued Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) over a barrier of buoys floating in the middle of the Rio Grande. Earlier this month, Texas installed the 1,000-foot-long barrier to deter migrants in Mexico from entering the US. It’s part of Abbott’s more than $4 billion plan, Operation Lone Star, to combat migration at the Texas border. Last week, the Justice Dept sent Abbott a letter threatening legal action if he didn't remove the buoys. Now, the Biden admin is asking the courts to step in and force Texas to take down the barrier.

What's next?

The DOJ argues the buoys violate the Rivers and Harbors Act, endanger public safety, and could block federal officials from doing their jobs. Abbott said that President Biden is the one putting migrants at risk by not doing more to stop them from crossing into the US. It comes as crossings along the southern border recently plummeted. Last month, Border Patrol reported a 14% drop in migrant crossings compared to a record-high in May. The Biden admin is attributing the decrease to new immigration rules that were recently put in place. 

theSkimm

Immigration remains a contentious issue in the US, with neither side meeting in the middle. Now, Texas' latest attempt at restricting immigration is heading to the courts.

Where people are taking to the streets…

Israel. Yesterday, its parliament passed the first part of a judicial overhaul plan. The new law limits the Israeli Supreme Court’s ability to intervene in “unreasonable” government decisions — potentially impacting PM Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption trial. For months, tens of thousands of Israelis have protested the bill, saying it'll remove key checks on the gov. However, Netanyahu and his supporters maintain the change will strengthen the country’s democracy. Now, more protests are planned today amid efforts to block the law from going into effect. It's unclear when the next changes in the country's judicial system will happen, but many believe they could tackle the appointment of Israeli judges.

What might be falling apart at the seams…

Aritzia. Yesterday, a Business Insider report detailed allegations that the Canadian retail brand fosters an exploitative work environment. The report included the experiences of 53 current and former employees, some of whom alleged founder Brian Hill created a culture of fear and intimidation. Others alleged racial discrimination is a problem throughout different ranks of the company. On one occasion, Black employees said they were told to get coffee and add enough cream to make it the color of their skin. Aritzia denied the allegations. The company also said it’s “committed to maintaining a welcoming and inclusive work environment.”

Who’s speaking out…

Carlee Russell. Yesterday, Russell's attorney said the 25-year-old Alabama woman lied about being kidnapped. Earlier this month, Russell made headlines when she went missing after reporting a wandering child along an interstate. She turned up at her home 49 hours later. Now, her lawyer says Russell made up the abduction and that there was no child. Russell’s attorney said her client “apologizes for her actions.” The police department is consulting with the district attorney’s office about potential criminal charges. Meanwhile, some critics say this story takes away from the thousands of Black girls and women who go missing.

What’s stuck between a rock and a hard place…

Trader Joe’s. Last week, the grocery chain recalled two types of cookies for potentially having rocks in them. Customers can return their boxes of the Almond Windmill Cookies and Dark Chocolate Chunk and Almond Cookies for a full refund. Don’t take healthy teeth for granite.

What’s giving Big Bird energy…

MSCHF and Crocs.

Who might have a thing for models…

Tom Brady.

What’s not music to our ears…

Spotify raising prices by a dollar.