"If I was spoiled by one, the other wanted to match it"
— Elizabeth Olsen on growing up with sisters Mary-Kate and Ashley. A twin-win.
Next Steps
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The Story
Americans are still reeling from this week's news.
You mean the leak?
Yup. SCOTUS's plan to end the constitutional right to abortion could come within weeks. Here's where things currently stand on the…
State level: Ahead of the decision, states are racing to take action. On Wednesday, Louisiana advanced a bill that would criminalize abortion. The bill — which passed a state House committee 7-2 and now goes to the floor — would classify abortion as a homicide. And would allow patients to be charged as criminals. Those who are convicted for performing the procedure under the potential law could face time in prison. Since the bill treats personhood as beginning at the "moment of fertilization," it could also theoretically criminalize the use of IVF, birth control, and Plan B. It comes as states are moving quickly to restrict or expand access to abortion.
National level: Some Dems want to take matters into their own hands and codify Roe v. Wade into federal law. But that's a tall order because...the f-word (filibuster). Dems need at least 60 senators on board for it to be essentially filibuster-proof. And if history's any indication (read: the Women's Health Protection Act) passing legislation in a 50-50 split Senate is a tough task.
The constitutional right to an abortion has been settled law for almost 50 years. That could change within weeks — and states, lawmakers, and Americans are racing to take action.
PS: We asked legal experts everything from the reasoning in this draft decision to what it means for Americans. Listen here.
And Also...This
What's giving us whiplash…
The stock market. Yesterday, Wall Street had its worst day since the beginning of the pandemic. The Dow Jones industrial average dropped more than 1,000 points after economists began fearing a possible recession. The drop was a stark difference from earlier this week when the stock market had its best day in years. Economists were feelin' good after Fed Chair Jerome Powell said the agency wasn't planning to "actively" hike up interest rates higher. But yesterday, investors woke up rethinking the benefit of raising interest rates.
Karine Jean-Pierre. Yesterday, President Biden tapped the Current Principal Deputy Press Secretary to be his new White House Press Secretary. Previously, Jean-Pierre served as an advisor on Joe Biden's presidential campaign, chief of staff to then-VP nominee Kamala Harris, and has also served on President Obama's presidential campaigns. Starting May 13, Jean-Pierre will be addressing the briefing room as the nation's first Black and first openly gay person under her new position.
Where voters let the gov know how they're feeling…
England. This morning, British PM Boris Johnson's Conservative Party suffered significant losses in local elections. Johnson has been in the spotlight recently for his role in the "partygate" scandal. And voters aren't happy with the rising cost of living. Now, the Labour Party is taking some seats — including Wandsworth, a London borough Conservatives have held since 1978. Final elections results are expected later by tomorrow.
Not-so-fun fact: Researchers have found pet food labels don't always tell the truth. Some list ingredients that aren't actually in the product. Others leave ingredients that are in the food off-label. Ruh-roh.
Enter: The Farmer's Dog. With their vet-developed recipes, what you see is what you get. We're talking fresh, whole foods that can help your furry friend get all the nutrients they need. And not processed, dry, crunchy kibble. Btw, they'll deliver the food to your door. In eco-friendly packaging. Plus, Skimm'rs get 50% off their first box. Muuuch better.
Skimm Picks
Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. An inspiring podcast ep about drive. Literally. In a very special episode of "9 to 5ish" Carly and Danielle talk networking, mentorship, and what it really takes to build a business with fan-fave skincare brand Glow Recipe's co-founder, Christine Chang. Turn it up.*
2. Popcorn that's unlike any popcorn you've had before. This brand individually wraps each of their kernels in a blanket of delicious flavor. And their Discovery Kit comes with a microwavable, dishwasher-safe popper. Plus seven different flavors. Think: Salted Umami, Cinnalicious, and Vanilla Cake Pop.*
3. Last-minute Mother's Day gifts to check out asap. The big day is Sunday, do you have something ready? If not, don't panic. We rounded up presents that'll ship fast and subscriptions you can gift down to the wire. Phew.
*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.
Bold and beautiful…Kahindo M (NY). She created a clothing line inspired by her Congolese heritage. And each colorful, universally flattering piece is ethically produced by female artisans in Africa. PS: Skimm'rs get $30 off with code SKIMMR30. Sew cool.*
(Some) Birthdays…theSkimm's Jesse Lee (NJ), Carleigh Connelly (NY), Erin Dick (OR), Jessica Moskowitz (NY), Jennifer Bryer (NY), Kathryn Jankowski (NJ), Mike Magee (IL), Julie Chan (CA), Shawn Oliver (IN), Savannah Jackson (NY), Caitlin Fowkes (MD), Stephanie Matt (MO), Laura Genis (IA), Laura Amico (NY)
Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
*PS: This is a sponsored post.
Skimm More
If you're having fewer light bulb moments during Zoom calls, you're not alone. On our newest ep of "Skimm This," we explore how video conferencing might quell creativity and how we can ideate better in a WFH environment. Consider this the calm before the brainstorm.
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Skimm'd by Rashaan Ayesh, Melanie De Lima, Kate Gilhool, Julie Shain, and Mariza Smajlaj
