— How long Michelle Yeoh waited to tie the knot with her now-husband. She's now ready to do laundry and taxes with him.
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Mice, Mice, Baby
The Story
Officials busted a California lab filled with nearly 1,000 illegally bioengineered mice.
How is that true?
It just is. In a "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" spinoff no one asked for, news came out that county health officials this spring uncovered a secret medical lab in Fresno. This all came out because officials found a garden hose back in March illegally attached to the building. Turns out, it was part of a suspected den used to test hundreds of mice and substances with at least 20 disease agents, including HIV, herpes, E. Coli, and malaria. They were also reportedly trying to make COVID more transmissible.
Why?
Ask Prestige BioTech. That's the company that court documents describe as having "empty offices or addresses in China that could not be verified." Still, one representative told The San Joaquin Valley Sun that the company was, in fact, working to analyze the spread of COVID and see if test kits were accurate. Officials euthanized the mice in July. But questions about the company remain — like who really operates it, what exactly it was trying to achieve, and whether there are other labs out there like it.
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After years of a devastating pandemic, we all know just how dangerous and disruptive pathogens can be. Now, news of an illegal lab whose intentions can't be pinned down is putting a spotlight on the need to ensure labs like these do not become more common.
Angus Cloud. Yesterday, the "Euphoria" star died at 25. Cloud is considered a breakout star for his role as Fezco in the hit HBO show. His cause of death still isn't known, and authorities said it remains an "active death investigation." In a statement, Cloud's family said he "was special to all of us in so many ways." They also said the actor struggled after burying his father last week. Celebrities like Drake, Big Sean, and the "Euphoria" cast paid tribute to the actor.
…Oh and speaking of tragic passings, Paul Reubens passed away over the weekend at 70 after battling cancer for years. He's best known for his role as Pee-Wee.
What some people think needs a revamp…
Section 702. Yesterday, an advisory board recommended the government limit the FBI's use of the surveillance tool. The post-9/11 policy allows intel agencies to collect data like emails and texts from foreigners abroad without a warrant. It's intended to prevent terror attacks. However, Americans' data can end up in the database via "incidental" collection. The panel made a few recommendations, including getting a court to sign off if the data is being used to fight drug trafficking. Now, Congress is debating whether to renew Section 702 before it expires at the end of this year. Lawmakers from both sides — including some critics — have said they won't vote 'aye' unless the program gets a major overhaul.
Who might be leaning right…
High school boys. Surveys reportedly show that 12th-grade boys are nearly twice as likely to identify as conservative than liberal. Annual surveys over the past three years reportedly show that about one-quarter of high school seniors self-identify as conservative or "very conservative." Meanwhile, 30% of high school girls reportedly identify as liberal compared to 13% of boys. Research says most kids have no political identity or are moderate. The higher liberal response in girls is believed to be tied to the US Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade. Others say Democrats' attitude towards masculinity might be driving away young men.
Who is in his Eras era…
Mark Zuckerberg. Over the weekend, he took a break from Threads to bejewel his eyes and take his kids to Taylor Swift's concert. Bet he didn't have a problem with those Ticketmaster prices.
The year is 2000, and we've just loaded up our actual physical shopping carts with gel pens, composition notebooks, and rainbow dolphin-covered folders for every subject. Life is good.
Flash forward to 2023. Instead of collecting supplies that'll weigh them down all day, back-to-school shoppers have narrowed it down to just the essential (yes, singular), and they've already got it in their digital carts: an HP Laptop from Best Buy®. AKA the one-and-done school supply you can snag without dragging everyone out to the store. You're welcome.
That's how many women in the US live in counties with no or limited access to maternity care. According to March of Dimes' latest report, maternity care deserts — counties with no hospital, birthing facility, or any obstetric provider — are on the rise. Meaning where you live can impact your ability to have a healthy pregnancy and birth. Among developed nations, the US remains one of the most dangerous for childbirth.
Wanna help change that? Learn about the specific challenges facing your community and call on your local and federal leaders to prioritize maternal health. Oh, and mark your calendar for Aug 24, which is March of Dimes Giving Day. Head here to learn more.
Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. Sandals and slides you'll live in all season.
These responsibly made shoes have classic designs that go with everything. Plus, they're super breathable to keep you comfy on even the warmest of summer days. And code SKIMM23 gets ya 20% off your first purchase.*
2. How to save up to $2k on every flight for life.
For the next 12 hours, Skimm'rs can get this club's lifetime membership for $129 (normally $1,690). Then fly roundtrip to London from $298, Hawaii from $179, and more.*
Psst...looking for more discounts on brands Skimm'rs love? Check out all of our exclusive promo codes here.
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.
Apple a day…Magna M (CT). After 25 years as a pediatrician, she's been promoted to become a full-time professor at the Yale School of Medicine.
(Some) Birthdays…Tabbi Kinion (CO), Kyra Moore (AR), Dani Phillips (CA), Erin Dwyer (MI), Nicole Jackson (IL), Donelle Slater (CO), Daisy Park (SC), AJ Cooper (AL), Debbie Tanner (AZ), Brenna A Hogan (IL), Cassidy Milder (TX), Ellen Hustad (WI), Tori Konrad (WV), Alex Allper (CA)
PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
Skimm'd by: Rashaan Ayesh, Melanie De Lima, Anacaona Rodriguez Martinez, Julie Shain, and Mariza Smajlaj
Photos by David Trood via Getty Images, Brand Partners
