Yesterday, voters in five states — Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Kentucky, Idaho, and Oregon — hit the polls. The purpose: to choose which candidates they want to volunteer as tribute for the November midterms. But all eyes were on two states in particular:
Pennsylvania: aka the Swing State with the open Senate seat. Yesterday, TV personality and guy-who-gives-off-essential-oil-energy Dr. Mehmet Oz seemed on track to get the GOP nomination. Oh, the wonderful wizard of getting Trump's endorsement. He'll face off against Lt. Gov. John Fetterman (D) in November. Meanwhile, a far-right candidate won the GOP's nom for governor.
North Carolina: aka the One Playing 'Rose, Budd, Cawthorn.' Millennial Rep. Madison Cawthorn (R) conceded from the House race after trying to fend off all sorts of sex-related scandals. Meanwhile, Trump-endorsed Rep. Ted Budd seemed on track to win the GOP nom for NC's open Senate seat. And will face off against former state Supreme Court Chief Justice Cheri Beasley (D) in November.
Why do these primaries matter so much?
Because Dems hold the House and Senate by thiiiis much. So who GOP voters put up against them could make the difference between whether Republicans do or don't get control of Congress. All of this comes amid very tense issues like SCOTUS potentially overturning Roe v. Wade and sky-high inflation. Stakes, high.
theSkimm
Primary season is underway. And voting is the No. 1 tool Americans have to share their voice and steer their party…and country. Make sure your vote counts.
And Also...This
What has one more hoop to jump through…
COVID-19 booster shots for elementary-age kids. Yesterday, the FDA authorized a third Pfizer shot for healthy 5- to 11-year-olds. Officials say dose No. 3 can help provide continued protection against COVID-19. It comes as highly transmissible Omicron subvariants are driving a surge in parts of the country, especially in the Midwest and Northeast. Yesterday, NYC raised its alert level as cases and hospitalizations rise, putting pressure on the health care system. Next up: the CDC is set to meet tomorrow to decide whether to formally recommend the third dose. Meanwhile, the FDA could have vaccine updates for kids under 5 as soon as next month.
...Oh and, you can now get a third round of at-home tests from the government here.
Mariupol. Ukrainian officials said its troops have "fulfilled" their combat mission in the southeastern port city. And evacuated over 250 Ukrainian troops from the Azovstal steel plant, where they had fended off Russian troops for 83 days. It's Russia's first major win since the start of its invasion and has major implications: the port city's strategically placed between annexed Crimea and other Russian-backed territories. It's also one of the largest trading hubs on the Sea of Azov, and cutting off ports could strangle Ukraine's economy. Despite Russia's efforts to conquer parts of Ukraine, it has made little progress.
…Oh and speaking of Europe, Sweden and Finland formally applied to join NATO today. All 30 members need to unanimously approve their applications — a process that normally takes months but could reportedly happen within weeks.
When it's not a bird, not a plane, it's...
UFOs, maybe. Yesterday, Congress held its first hearing on UFOs in more than 50 years. Last year, the intel community shared a report citing more than 140 cases of flying objects the gov can't explain. Now, that number's closer to 400. It includes everything from objects shaped like a Tic Tac to reports of triangles that officials are "reasonably" sure are drones. Comforting. Officials say they'd love to know what's zooming through the sky but haven't tried to communicate with them. And UFOs apparently haven't tried to phone home. (Or so they say...)
Who's apparently getting less screen time in "Aquaman 2"...
It's springtime and we've got our heads in the clouds. Metaphorically, that is. But bluebird days have us daydreaming about Vuori's DreamKnit collection. Because it's made from ultra-comfy stretchy fabric that feels like a literal dream. Float on into…
According to reports from UNICEF and the World Health Organization, 1 in 7 children ages 6–18 have a diagnosable mental health condition. And that's…pretty staggering.
This Mental Health Awareness Month, we're thinking about how many children around the world are experiencing extreme challenges right now. Our friends at UNICEF are working to get those kids the mental health and psychosocial support they need. They've established safe spaces in conflict areas like Syria as well as for children in and fleeing Ukraine where kids can gather, learn, play, and access counseling. Learn more about their efforts — and how you can help — here.
Skimm Picks
Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. How to find your mental health match. This service takes your objectives and preferences into account. Then pairs you with a licensed, vetted therapist you can meet with anytime, anywhere. PS: Skimm'rs get 20% off their first month. Get started.*
2. A 100% organic mattress you'll sleep easier on. Avocado's Eco Organic mattress is made from materials that are better for you and the planet. Plus it's certified organic without the organic price tag. (Hint: more Zzz's for less $$$.) Oh, and it's on sale right now.*
3. Tinted moisturizer that feels as good as it looks. Aka very. This brand's lightweight SPF gel cream works overtime to get you that dewy, even-toned glow — sans extra effort. Plus it's made without sulfates, parabens, or other funky ingredients. Dew it to it.*
4. Something tasty and metabolism-boosting that'll help your gut do the most. Sakara's best-selling super powder reporting for duty. And by 'duty,' we mean reducing bloat, curbing cravings, and supporting your gut barrier against toxins. PS: Skimm'rs get a special gift when they subscribe.*
*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.
Za'mazing…Ellie N (CO). She replicated her husband's grandmother's za'atar recipe and now wants others to take a bite. Check it out.
(Some) Birthdays…Peter Boogaard (DC), Nitya Chivukula (TX), Christi Anderson (WI), Valorie Rogers Ott (MS), Suzanne Ferguson (MN), Lael Uberuaga (ID), Bianca Niggli (PA), Katrina Krause (MA), Joanna Wolfe (PA), Megan Orr (CA), Katarina Juarez (CA), Betsy Curran (NY), Beatty Sterling (IL), Elizabeth Hunt (MO), Shirley Kirk (TX)
PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
Skimm More
Wedding season is in full swing. But finding the perfect (and on-budget) wedding gift is no easy task...until now. Here comes the guide: we rounded up 15 thoughtful gifts under $100 for your favorite newlyweds.
theSkimm Loyalty Program
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We'll donate $1 to the Dunkin' Joy in Childhood Foundation® (hint: a nonprofit that brings joy to kids battling illness in local hospitals across the country) for every Loyalty Program member that downloads the Dunkin' app through their member dashboard by Dunkin' Iced Coffee Day (psst…that's May 25). Drink good, do good. Join theSkimm Loyalty Program today.
Skimm'd by Rashaan Ayesh, Melanie De Lima, Kate Gilhool, Julie Shain, and Mariza Smajlaj
