Back in June, SCOTUS overturned Roe v. Wade and Justice Clarence Thomas called on the court to "reconsider" other privacy-related rulings — specifically the landmark ruling that legalized same-sex marriage. That had lawmakers scrambling to protect those rights. Over the summer, the House passed a bill protecting same-sex and interracial marriage. Then yesterday — with the support of 12 Republicans and even the Mormon church — the Respect for Marriage Act passed a procedural 62-37 vote.
What happens now?
It still needs to go to a full Senate vote, where it's expected to pass. Then, once signed by President Biden, the law will federally protect marriage between same-sex and interracial couples. The bill repeals the Defense of Marriage Act — a '90s law that defines the union as between a man and a woman. But it does not require all states to legalize gay marriage. The legislation also clarifies that marriage is between two people — closing the polygamy argument. And reaffirms that churches and other religious institutions cannot lose government funding if they don't agree with gay marriage. Lawmakers applauded their efforts, but LGBTQIA+ advocates say the bill doesn't go far enough.
theSkimm
A majority of Americans think same-sex marriages should be recognized by law. But with SCOTUS willing to overturn a decades-old ruling this year, some thought a 2015 ruling — this one relying on similar legal reasoning — could be next. That may no longer be the case.
The GOP's House. Yesterday, Republicans clinched the 218th seat needed to win back the House. But there are still about six races that need to be called, many of which are considered especially tight. It could be days before we learn the final tally. As it stands, the GOP could have its narrowest House majority in more than 20 years. Meanwhile, in the Senate: Republicans want Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) to stay on as minority leader, overcoming a challenge from Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL). McConnell may not "deal in feelings" but he did say he was "pretty proud." Democrats have yet to vote on their majority leader. But by staving off the red wave, signs are looking good for Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY).
...Oh and Karen Bass (D) just became the first woman elected as mayor of Los Angeles. She also became the second Black mayor of LA in its 200+ year history.
And Also...This
Where tensions may have eased.…
Poland. Yesterday, Polish President Andrzej Duda said this week's deadly missile strike that killed two civilians in an eastern village seems to be an "unfortunate accident" by neighboring Ukraine. He also said that the Russian-made missile was likely fired by Ukraine's air defense as a counterattack to Russian airstrikes. NATO's secretary-general agreed but said Russia "bears ultimate responsibility" for killing two Poles amid its "illegal" war. Meanwhile, the Kremlin called the incident another case of a "hysterical, frenzied, Russo-phobic reaction." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy — who still believes it was a Russian missile — is calling for access to Poland's investigation. So far, the news is calming down concerns that this all could have erupted into World War III.
Where employees may no longer need to sign on the dotted line…
NDAs. Yesterday, the House passed the Speak Out Act that would make NDAs unenforceable in workplace sexual misconduct cases. About one-third of the US workforce have signed nondisclosure agreements. Important, because some companies have used them to prevent victims from speaking publicly about abuse. Next up: President Biden is expected to sign it. The news comes amid the ongoing trial against Harvey Weinstein, who used NDAs and is accused of silencing more than 80 victims.
What our parents may have been right about…
Turning down the music. This week, research found that more than 1 billion young people could be at risk of hearing loss. Researchers looked at dozens of recent studies and found that people aged 34 and under were regularly exposed to 105 decibels or more, much higher than the recommended max of 85. It's not every day we talk decibels. So to put it in perspective, 85 is apparently about the sound level of a motorcycle...something that would actively ruin your day. Turns out, we're getting exposed to that level of sound from concerts and bars — but more regularly from headphones. As a fix, experts recommend earplugs at a concert. And using a feature on most cell phones that tell you when the content is too loud. Noise-canceling tech can also help. Good news though: if you do need them, hearing aids are now available OTC.
Who's saying 'go big or go home'...
Elon Musk. Yesterday, the company's new owner asked (remaining) staffers to commit to being "hardcore" or leave. According to an internal memo, employees have until today at 5 pm ET to decide if they want to be "part of the new Twitter," which includes "long hours at high intensity." Those that opt out will get three months of severance pay. The ultimatum came the same day Musk told a court that he plans to reduce his time at the company and eventually find a new leader to run the social media giant.
Breaking news: Thanksgiving is one week away. And whether you're hosting or just bringing a side, you'll want your kitchenware to *sparkle.* Enter: Caraway's once-a-year sale event. They're offering up to 20% off their best-selling, ceramic-coated essentials. We're eyeing their…
Big news: You can start streaming FX's adaptation of the New York Times best-selling novel "Fleishman Is In Trouble" on Hulu today. Related news: We got the inside scoop (along with some recs and advice) from the novel's author, Taffy Brodesser-Akner. Here's a sneak peek:
My best productivity hack...
The best way to hit a deadline is to truly understand what it does to the people involved in the process when you're late. If you have a normal amount of human need to not be resented or hated, you'll never be late.
Want more? Read the rest of the interview (which includes some extremely hot takes) here.
Skimm Picks
Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. Ultra cozy joggers your giftee will be totally obsessed with. These joggers are made of soft and stretchy DreamKnit fabric. In a flattering, relaxed fit. Grab 'em for everyone you know…and add a pair to your wishlist, too. PS: Here's 20% off your first order.*
2. How to make the home-buying process wayyy less stressful. On the hunt for your very first home? FindaMortgageBroker.com** will connect you with a local mortgage pro who can get you a cheaper (as in, over $9K cheaper), faster, easier home loan. Yes, please.*
3. A breakthrough serum that delivers instant moisture to get skin glowing. Sans needles. This Oprah-approved, super-hydrating hyaluronic acid formula gives you rejuvenated, smoother, more radiant-looking skin. Bonus: Skimm'rs get early access to their Black Friday offer (hint: it involves a free gift set).*
4. Everything you didn't know but always wondered about MDD. Psst…that's Major Depressive Disorder. And it's more complex than you think. So, with your friends at Takeda Pharmaceuticals and Lundbeck,† we chatted with April to get the As to all our Qs. Peep her story.*
Psst...looking for more discounts on brands Skimm'rs love? Check out all of our exclusive promo codes here.
On Our Radar
In the market for a new vehicle? The 2022 Subaru Share the Love® Event starts today. If you buy or lease your ride before Jan 3, Subaru will donate $250 to the charity of your choice. Hit the gas.*
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.
Later landlords…Candyce L (CA). She's helping women learn the 10 steps to buying a home — even in this economy.
(Some) Birthdays…Nick and Steve Towler (NY), Allison Glasgow (RI), theSkimm's Saba Ahmed (NY), theSkimm's Hannah Gold (NY), Callah Nelson (ND), Gina M. Lee (PA), Angela Gallagher (NJ), Brooke Painter (NC), Alyssa Robinson (NC), Diana Biggs (UK), Addison Walker (VA), Chelsey Moore (AL), Lorri Kern (MA), Stefany Baldwin (TX), Deborah Davis-Brutchen (IN), Amy Holcombe (NC)
PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
Skimm'd by: Rashaan Ayesh, Melanie De Lima, Kate Gilhool, Julie Shain, and Mariza Smajlaj
