— Who's apparently landing her own Nintendo game for the first time in nearly 20 years. Finally making some more (mush)room for her.
Eyes On: Abortion Access
One year ago today, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, leaving abortion access up to the states. Since then, 13 states have enacted near-total bans and several more have severely restricted access — impacting 25 million women of childbearing age. Not to mention that the constantly changing landscape has prompted widespread confusion and fear, and partly explains why there's since been a negative effect on maternal health care. But at the same time, 20 states have strengthened abortion protections through constitutional amendments or laws (see: California, Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, and New Mexico). And many of those have explicitly welcomed women from places where the procedure is banned. That's as support for abortion rights has reportedly increased. And as a growing number of people apparently plan to take the issue to the ballot box.
theSkimm With
Tawny Tesconi
Last night, Scooter was crowned top dog at the annual World's Ugliest Dog contest. The beloved competition has been going on for nearly 50 years, in an effort to promote the adoption of all dogs — no matter how ruff. To learn more, we went behind the scenes with Tawny Tesconi, CEO of the Sonoma-Marin Fair, which hosts the event.
Q: Can anybody enter their dog in the contest?
Yes. We don't go through and say, 'Oh, your dog's not ugly enough' or whatever. But there are what we'd probably call "frequent flyers" in the world of our exhibitors and contestants, who have developed a love for some of these dogs ... They continue to adopt these animals that aren't likely to find a home and bring them back to our competition. Many have been participating for 20 or 30 years.
Q: How do the judges select a winner? What makes a dog stand apart from the pack?
[Owners submit] a bio for the dog, so that's part of it — the story behind the dog, its personality, if it does tricks, if it has quirks. Then the owner brings the dog onstage and answers questions from the judges ... We look for judges that have a good sense of humor because it's a quirky, fun competition ... So sometimes they'll hone in on something interesting about the dog. They might say, 'Wow, your dog slobbers a lot. How do you deal with all that slobber?' … [The winner is ultimately] based on which dog has the best combination of a good story, a different look, and personality.
Q: Everyone from the New York Times to the Today Show covers the results of the competition. Why is it such a hit?
I believe it's about the heart of the competition — which is celebrating the abnormal, celebrating the dogs that don't look like every other dog in the world but are just as loved. It's not like the Westminster Dog Show … It's an opportunity for folks to appreciate the dog that isn't the cutest at the rescue center, but has got the greatest personality ... Also, the connection between these dogs and their owners is astounding. Some of these dogs need a little special care — maybe they have something going on or need medication — so it's awesome to see folks want to take the time and give the love to these animals.
Psst, this interview has been edited for length and clarity.
What's Happening
📰 In news...
The Wagner mercenary group — which has been helping Russia in its war with Ukraine — has allegedly begun an "armed rebellion" in Russia. The longstanding feud came to a boil late Friday, when mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin claimed a Russian attack killed a "huge number" of his fighters. Prigozhin vowed retaliation and took control of Russia's main military site in Rostov-on-Don. Russian President Vladimir Putin called it a "betrayal" and said the rebellion's organizers would be punished.
Speaking of comebacks, our fave PCA grads will soon return to the small screen in "Zoey 102." And just when you thought the Elvis craze was over, say hi to "Priscilla." In other movie news, the global box office is having its moment. But the same can't be said for Pixar, which seems to be out of its element after its worst box office premiere in decades.
"Pageboy" by Elliot Page…This buzzy memoir is getting rave reviews (and with good reason). Elliot, who came out as transgender in 2020, tells the story of his life – career, heartbreaks, and childhood traumas included, although not in a straight line – but also, as he puts it, "the story of my untangling." He writes honestly about gender dysphoria, relationships, and his journey to becoming who he really is. This book is powerful, emotional, and timely.
Skimm Picks
Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. A probiotic that'll change your life.
Take it from Halle Berry. Seriously. She said it changed hers — and we get why. This supplement has a novel probiotic strain that restores, protects, and strengthens the gut lining. And Skimm'rs get 20% off with THESKIMM20.*
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Weekend Escape
*Slams laptop shut until Monday.* We know the feeling. And we've got some tips for escape.
Yesterday, Wes Anderson's "Asteroid City" crashed into theaters nationwide. And it comes as the Wes Anderson TikTok trend (more on that in a bit) is still rolling on FYPs. So there's perhaps no better time to step into a Wes Anderson-esque world — identified by distinctive colors, perfectly-curated ambiance, and a bit of quirk. Here's how...
Visit a place where Anderson actually filmed. While you can't stay at "The Grand Budapest Hotel," you can visit Görlitz, Germany, where Anderson shot much of the movie. Another overseas option? The small farming town of Chinchón, Spain, which was the filming location for "Asteroid City." Or, for an option in the US, consider Conanicut Island in Rhode Island, which has a "Moonrise Kingdom" claim to fame.
Stop by a place where Anderson could have filmed. That could mean spending a night at the dollhouse-like Grand Hotel in Mackinac Island, MI. Or one of 24 Roberts Cottages in Oceanside, CA. You could also browse the collections at the George Peabody Library in Baltimore or the Morgan Library & Museum in New York. And catch a performance at the picture-perfect Chicago Theatre or the Grand Opera House in Wilmington, DE.
Give your life the Wes Anderson treatment. As mentioned, TikTokers are turning mundane moments into mini-Wes Anderson films. To tap into your own main character energy: Wear an outfit that fits the Anderson aesthetic and capture the most ordinary parts of your day, like riding the train, going grocery shopping, or baking something sweet. Add a title sequence, some music (see: "Obituary" by Alexandre Desplat), and try your hand at a few editing tricks.
News Quiz
Let's see how well you kept up with the Daily Skimm this week.
Which pizza chain will soon deliver to virtually any location — even without an address?
A. Papa Johns
B. Pizza Hut
C. Domino's
D. Little Caesars
Check back tomorrow for the answer. But if you just need to know, you'll find what you're looking for here.
