On Tuesday, the Supreme Court will begin hearing oral arguments in two cases challenging the legality of President Biden's student debt forgiveness plan. Reminder: The program would cancel up to $20,000 in debt for as many as 40 million borrowers — a move the Biden administration says it put in place to help with the "financial harms" caused by the COVID pandemic. But not everyone agrees. Multiple groups have sued, and the Supreme Court has agreed to consider two of those cases. In one, six states say that Biden doesn't have the authority to cancel student debt en masse, and states were possibly harmed by the measure. Also, that Biden's using the pandemic to fulfill a campaign promise of erasing student debt. In the second, two individuals (backed by a conservative advocacy group) say that they, and the rest of the public, were denied a "procedural right" to comment on the plan.
What does the Biden admin say?
That the parties behind both legal challenges failed to show harm from the policy, so they lacked the legal standing to sue in the first place. Also, that the admin was indeed acting within its authority. Fine print: The Heroes Act of 2003 says the US Secretary of Education can make changes to the federal student loan system during national emergencies…like COVID. And that Biden's decision to end the pandemic national emergency declaration doesn't mean the 'national emergency' is over. Because, the program is intended to address ongoing financial harms caused by the pandemic.
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For the 16 million borrowers already approved for student debt relief, and the millions more who have applied, it seemed like help was finally on the horizon. The current pause on student loan payments is still a small consolation. But many may be worried about their financial futures come summer — when SCOTUS's final rulings are expected to come down, and when the repayment pause expires.
What's Happening
📰 In news…
On the anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy vowed to "do everything to gain victory this year" and Poland confirmed that its first batch of Leopard tanks had arrived in Ukraine. Plus, the US announced that it would provide another $2 billion in security assistance for Ukraine and sanction more than 200 individuals and entities supporting the Russian war effort. Stateside, the gov is preparing to end a pandemic-era boost in food assistance benefits — which will affect a reported 30 million Americans. Meanwhile, Alex Murdaugh — the disgraced lawyer who's also the focus of a timely docuseries — took the stand in his double-murder trial.
🔬 In science…
Two Russian cosmonauts and one US astronaut stranded on the International Space Station will soon have a ride back to Earth. Plus, an out-of-this-world discovery made by astronomers could alter what we know about the origins of galaxies. Back on Earth, forever chemicals continue to contaminate, well, everything — and they've now been found in over 330 wildlife species around the globe. A fifth person was cured of HIV, following a stem cell transplant in Germany. And as dozens of eastern US cities set heat records, dozens of western US cities set cold records.
📈 In business…
As Starbucks is hoping to strike it rich with olive oil-infused coffee, social platforms are going all in on subscriptions. Same with restaurants and pay-per-chew plans. Meanwhile, the US unveiled additional charges against FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried — and nominated former MasterCard CEO Ajay Banga to lead the World Bank. Plus, as layoffs continue, the National Labor Relations Board ruled that companies can no longer silence employees in exchange for severance. And, what do you know, new data shows the number of major worker strikes increased nearly 50% last year.
Bookmark'd
Here's a look at the reads we've saved, texted, and emailed to our friends…
'Call Me a Scammer to My Face'...are Madison Campbell's DIY rape kits a revolutionary tool for survivors — or the next Theranos?
Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. Smart and handy tech gadgets for an easier 2023. If you're someone who loves to simplify your life with the help of electronics, listen up. This one's for you.
2. Everything on sale at Food52. Our personal favorites: the waffle dish towels and silicone oven mitts. It'll be hard for you to pick, so we wouldn't blame ya if you added a handful to cart.
3. The best cleaning products on Amazon. We've got things for your bathroom, kitchen, and literally every other nook and cranny in your home.
Psst...looking for more discounts on brands Skimm'rs love? Check out all of our exclusive promo codes here.
Sunday Scaries, Who?
Here's one tip for a better start to your week.
If the thought of Monday is already pushing your panic buttons, spend a small part of your Sunday immersed in a sound bath. The practice typically involves instruments (think: gongs or singing bowls) and ambient sound to encourage a meditative state. That, in turn, seems to calm your mind, and supposedly resets your brainwaves — making it a great addition to your wellness routine for Sunday, or really any day of the week. It can be done at home, or in a group or class setting. Tip: Lots of yoga studios offer them. Here's what to know before you dive in…
Choose your seat wisely. Being comfortable is very important for relaxation, so try leaning against a supportive pillow, sitting in a comfortable chair, or laying down on a yoga mat. You can also just rest on your couch or your bed — any position you choose is perfect as long as your body feels good.
Set the mood, and an intention. If you're at home, create a calming atmosphere with candles and dimmed lights. Then, choose the types of instruments or sound you'd like to hear during your experience. Resonant, repetitive sounds are reportedly ideal for "therapeutic" purposes, and shifting your focus away from your thoughts. So, singing bowls, cymbals, and rain sticks are all good options. Before pressing 'play' on your soundtrack — whether it's from a Spotify playlist, a YouTube video, or a special offering by a practitioner you know and like — try setting an intention. Meaning, consider why you're doing it, and what you hope to get out of this meditation. Consider it another layer of mindfulness.
Let your mind go. Now that you've set yourself up for success, close your eyes and let your mind focus on the sound. To try and reach a deeper meditate state, take deep breaths as the sound continues. And stay in your sound bath experience for as long (or as short) a time as you'd like — even just 15 minutes apparently has stress-reducing benefits.
Save the Date
Like ours, your work and personal calendars are probably hectic. So here are some events you should know about...
The start of National Women's History Month. Celebrate the rule-breakers.
The third season of "The Mandalorian" is released on Disney+. May the Baby Yoda memes be with you.
The first three episodes of "Daisy Jones and the Six" are available on Prime Video. Far out, man.
PS: Want more events like this on your cal? theSkimm App gives you a heads-up on when everything from holidays to sports games to awards shows are going down. Download it here.
News Quiz
Stumped by our news quiz yesterday? Here's the answer.
