— A device researchers created to split an Oreo perfectly. Such smart cookies.
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The Story
Netflix's earnings report had more tension than a "Bridgerton" couple.
I burn for them.
Yes, well. Yesterday, Netflix reported losing 200,000 subscribers this past quarter — its first loss in over a decade. Plot twist, because the company had expected to gain 2.5 million. But the sequel will be worse — Netflix expects to lose another 2 million subscribers in the next quarter. The stock dropped more than 25%.
How'd we get here?
The company's blaming it on a variety of issues. Like competition from other streaming services and inflation — which is making people rethink Netflix's hiked subscription cost. Oh, and pulling out of Russia alone cost Netflix 700,000 subscribers. And then there's…drum roll please…password sharing.
I knew this part was coming.
Yup. Netflix is warning of a crackdown on families, friends, and even exes sharing passwords with each other. It'll also start taking cues from Hulu and HBO Max by offering a cheaper, ad-supported version for those not willing to shell out for a subscription. Stay tuned. Changes could come as soon as next year.
theSkimm
The pandemic gave people reason to stay glued to their couches. But with mask mandates easing and competition growing, Netflix needs to revamp itself to get back on top. But don't write it off just yet: everyone loves a good comeback.
And Also...This
Who's getting answers…
Patrick Lyoya's family. Yesterday, an independent autopsy confirmed the 26-year-old Black man died of a gunshot wound to the back of the head. Earlier this month, police stopped Lyoya in Grand Rapids, Michigan. At one point, the officer tackled Lyoya to the ground and told him to let go of his Taser. The officer then shot and killed Lyoya. He has since been put on paid leave. Police body cam video released last week sparked outrage and protests. Now, lawyers for Lyoya's family say there's "scientific evidence" for what his family says was an execution. And they'll reportedly seek justice in court.
What's dealing with more than pixie dust…
Disney World. Yesterday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) asked the state's lawmakers to consider eliminating Disney World's special status in the Sunshine State. The status —dating back to the '60s — allows the company to operate as an independent government in its Orlando-area theme parks. (Think: managing their own land and public services and saving millions of dollars each year in taxes.) DeSantis's ask comes after the company spoke out against FL's controversial Parental Rights in Education law (Aka the "Don't Say Gay" law). Now, DeSantis and fellow Republicans are firing back with proposals that would dissolve Disney's district by next summer.
Who's saying 'help is on the way'...
The Biden admin. Yesterday, it announced it will expand access to student loan forgiveness for millions of borrowers. Around 3.6 million low-income borrowers will be eligible — with 40,000 immediately qualifying for cancellation. The move will allow those paying off loans for decades through income-driven repayment plans to get credit. And eventually, reach loan forgiveness. But it falls short of what President Biden had promised of canceling $10,000 in federal student loans. Officials from the Education Dept hope it will stop loans from feeling like a "life sentence." But loan servicers are calling it a "quick fix, Band-Aid approach." The changes are set to show in the accounts of those who qualify by the end of the year.
What's going along for the ride...
Uber and Lyft. Yesterday, both ride-sharing companies announced that they are ditching mask requirements for their drivers and riders. The decision comes a day after a federal judge earlier this week struck down the transportation mask mandate.
Quick: How much do your prescriptions cost? Spoiler alert: That's a trick question. Because the same meds can cost up to 10X more from one pharmacy to another — even between pharmacies in the same neighborhood.
You can shop around to find the best price. Orrrrr you can use GoodRx. They'll do the comparison shopping for you. Fast. So you can save up to 80% on your scripts. And have more time to do literally anything else. If you sign up right now (psst…it's free), you can get a $10 gift card. The meds you need at the best possible price? Get to it.
Save Your Seat: #ShowUsYourLeave Panel
Something that should be paid more attention? Paid family leave. Enter: #ShowUsYourLeave: The Reality of Paid Family Leave Today. Join us today at 1pm ET as we pass the mic to leaders from different industries to talk about paid family leave policies in the US (hint: there's no federal paid leave program). Our co-founders and co-CEOs, Carly Zakin & Danielle Weisberg, will open the conversation with Allyson Felix, athlete, mother, and co-founder and president of Saysh. Then, we'll hear actionable tips to fight for change from Jenna Johnson, Allyson Bronner, and Joi Chaney. Grab a (virtual) seat and sign up now.
Skimm Picks
Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. A must-watch show that'll have people talkin'. Get ready because STARZ's "Gaslit," starring Julia Roberts and Sean Penn, drops April 24. It's a fresh take on the infamous Watergate scandal, the woman who spoke up, and the administration that tried to silence her. Cue chills.*
2. An easy solution to get rid of bladder leaks. If you leak a little when you laugh, sneeze, cough, exercise, or any of the above after having a baby, urine luck. We have the deets on how to fix the problem. Read all about it.*
3. How to shop for (and save on) everyday items without getting out of bed. Skip snooze and check off your entire to-do list from under the covers with a Walmart+ membership. Your orders will be delivered fast — and for free.† Minus any markups. Learn more.*
4. An electrolyte drink mix you'll want before (and after) every workout. Water-only hydration can lead to cramps and fatigue. (Big H2nO-nos.) This mix has everything you need, and nothing you don't. Aaaand Skimm'rs can try their sample pack for free. Get moving.*
*PS: This is a sponsored post.
†$35 minimum. Restrictions apply.
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.
Inspiration Corporation…Kelly K (IL). She is highlighting her org's largest annual fundraiser. It brings together Chicago-area art and food lovers to help raise money for those experiencing homelessness and poverty in the city. Check it out here.
(Some) Birthdays…Cherrie Haugh (TX), Laura Edge (WI), Katie Paskar (NE), Jenny Andrejack (NC), Selina Homily (AZ), Ann Schrupp (MN), Karen White (MD), Carrie Abes (FL), Sarah Naughton (CO), Jenni Balck (CA), Brittany Carey (DC), Nancy Woodruff (GA), Heather Sorum (WI)
PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
Skimm More
4/20: The annual celebration of marijuana. Though many US states have legalized or decriminalized weed, the federal gov is still hashing out legalization at a national level. Read more about the debate surrounding marijuana legislation in theSkimm's Breaking Down the Bud…er Buzz.
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