The most senior liberal member of the Supreme Court...
Correct. Confirmed in 1994 with bipartisan support, Breyer became recognized by many as the court's consensus seeker. He was known for liberal rulings on health care and abortion access — but was most well-known for his concern with the US's death penalty. In 2015, he wrote a dissent on lethal injections, questioning the legality of capital punishment. Now, amid pressure from some Democrats to retire, the 83-year-old justice will be succeeded by Ketanji Brown Jackson.
When do we call her 'Justice'?
Today at noon. That's when Jackson will be sworn in to replace Breyer. She'll be the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court and the first justice with experience as a federal public defender. But her confirmation doesn't change the high court's standing. Since she's replacing Breyer, it'll still be a conservative majority of 6 to 3.
Does Breyer need to dot any I's and cross any T's before he leaves?
Yep. This morning, the court is expected to announce its two remaining opinions before breaking for the summer. First up is whether the Environmental Protection Agency has the power to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. If SCOTUS says 'nope,' Congress would step in to regulate. It's a move that could set back the Biden admin's goals on climate change...and time's ticking. Second, President Biden's challenge to end the "Remain in Mexico" program. That's the Trump-era policy requiring many asylum seekers to stay in Mexico for months or years while they wait for their US asylum claims to be processed.
theSkimm
Justice Breyer's retirement is clearing the way for a new justice to help decide the country's future. But the court is still on track to have a solidly conservative lean for decades to come.
And Also...This
Who's saying 'do you want to form an alliance with us '...
NATO. Yesterday, NATO leaders invited Sweden and Finland to become members. Now that Turkey's onboard, the two traditionally neutral countries will move forward with the ratification process, which could take up to a year. But a NATO official expects it to move as "quickly as possible." The urgency comes as the 30-member alliance labeled Russia its "most significant and direct threat." Allies also committed to deploying more "robust in-place combat-ready forces" on its eastern flank, with President Biden saying '+1 to that.' In addition to deploying more troops to the region, Biden also announced a permanent HQ in Poland — a first for the US on NATO's eastern side. Russian President Vladimir Putin said if any military contingents and infrastructure are deployed in Sweden and Finland, he will "have to respond in kind."
Who's saying 'it's a 10 but it has security issues'...
The FCC. Earlier this week, a Republican commissioner asked Apple and Google to remove TikTok from their app stores. The commissioner worries the video app — owned by Chinese company ByteDance — could be sending American users' data back to Beijing. And says that the "unfettered access" China has to sensitive data violates Apple and Google's standards. The FCC can't regulate apps, but that doesn't stop it from putting pressure on the companies. The company has called concerns about its data privacy "misleading." But the FCC commissioner maintains the app's a "sophisticated surveillance tool."
Where there's going to be another election…
Israel. Today, the country's parliament voted to dissolve itself…again. The collapse comes after Israel's government formed a historic coalition — including the first Arab faction. The main goal was ousting former PM Benjamin Netanyahu. But they've been stuck in political limbo. Now, Israel will hold its fifth election in less than four years. PM Naftali Bennett will be packing his bags as one of Israel's shortest-serving prime ministers. Foreign Minister Yair Lapid will be the temporary PM till the November elections. And there could be a pathway for Netanyahu to take the reigns.
Who's been sentenced to prison…
R Kelly. Yesterday, the singer was sentenced to 30 years in prison after a NY jury found him guilty of sex trafficking and racketeering — which included acts of kidnapping and bribery. Since the 1990s, nearly a dozen women and girls have accused the singer of sexual abuse, manipulation, and inappropriate relationships. Now, a US attorney says the sentence shows that no matter how powerful, rich, or famous an abuser may be, "justice only hears the truth." In August, Kelly is set to stand trial in Chicago for child pornography and obstruction-of-justice charges.
Basically the cooler cousin of green space. Aka, bodies of water (think: rivers, lakes, or oceans) that are typically accessible to everyone. Studies show that those who visit or live near blue spaces tend to be happier and more relaxed. And staring at the ocean — or even smelling the sea breeze — can actually put your brain into a meditative state. Om-mazing.
Ready to feel the ~soothing~ blues? Then you'll wanna check out Virgin Voyages. Think of 'em as chic, adult-only boutique hotels at sea. With exotic destinations like Ibiza, Bali, and Playa Del Carmen. Plus essential bevs, group workout classes, and dining at 20+ different spots are allllll included. Ready, set, sail.
Tegan and Sara on Coming Out and LGBTQ+ Mental Health
Twin sisters Tegan and Sara have openly identified as queer since their musical debut in 1998. As some of the most recognizable openly gay musicians, the pair have dealt with their fair share of homophobia and misogyny - especially in the early years. But they've fought through it and in 2017 founded the Tegan and Sara Foundation with the goal of improving the lives of LGBTQ+ women and girls.
We sat down with the pop duo to talk about the magic of coming out, their journeys toward self-acceptance, and their tips for prioritizing mental health in the process. Check it out here.
Skimm Picks
Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. How to save big on summer sleepwear before anyone else. This brand's chic, thermoregulating silk sleep sets and loungewear will help you stay cool alllll season long. And Skimm'rs get early access to their sale today only with code FOR-SKIMM-SILKSALE.*
2. What's new in our Skimm Tested series. We've been busy reviewing some of the hottest products in the game. Next up: the SolaWave Skincare Wand and the Bissell CrossWave Vacuum. Check 'em out.
3. A card made for jet-setters. You'll want to snag the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card before your next (long overdue) vacation. Especially since you can earn three points for every dollar spent on travel and non-travel purchases (think: dining, grocery stores, and gas stations). Cha-ching.*
4. Books featuring LGBTQ+ stories we're reading for Pride. We pulled together a list of LGBTQ+ reads to share some voices and stories. We've got memoirs, novels, essay collections, and more. Pages = turned.
*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.
Rising above…Maria C (CA). She put herself out there and applied to a certification program designed to help moms of color and further advance her career.
(Some) Birthdays…theSkimm's Pam Segall (NY), Cheryl Minikes (NY), Monica Burger (IN), Kortney Easterly (NY), Julie Hooper (NY), Rebecca Johnson (SD), Anna Lasseter (TN), Ashley Grates (NY), Cara Jorgensen (AZ ), Linda Alperin (NC), Sarah Sheldon (NY), Brooke McKay (IL), Connie Mistler-Ferguson (NY), Lauraine Garten (MO)
PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
Skimm More
We sat down with Chrissy Teigen and her mom Pepper as they Skimm'd their new show, "Chrissy's Court." We heard the best part of working together (hint: it includes lunch), their go-to podcasts, and which "Real Housewives" fight they'd want to settle in court. Check it out.
theSkimm Loyalty Program
Design: theSkimm
Last call: theSkimm Loyalty Program's first-ever Sweepstakes* ends today. We're giving away 10 swag bundles (think: a very cushy yoga mat, water bottle that'll last, and extra-soft t–shirt). Log in and head to the rewards section of your member dashboard to enter to win. Not a member yet? Sign up for free and start reaping the rewards.
*Terms and Conditions apply for theSkimm Loyalty Program Summer Sweepstakes occurring between June 15, 2022 and June 30, 2022. By joining and/or entering, you affirm that you have read and agree to the T&Cs. Reach out to loyalty@theSkimm.com for questions.
Skimm'd by Rashaan Ayesh, Melanie De Lima, Kate Gilhool, Julie Shain, and Mariza Smajlaj
