Last week, a group of Democratic-led states said the FDA's guidelines on mifepristone are too strict. Mifepristone — also called the "abortion pill" — is the first of two medications used for a medical abortion. The drug can only be taken up to 10 weeks of pregnancy, and it can also help with miscarriage recovery. In the US, abortion pills are used in more than half of pregnancy terminations. Under current FDA regulations, providers and pharmacies need to be certified in order to issue mifepristone. Patients also have to sign an agreement that says they're getting the medication for the purpose of ending a pregnancy. Now, 12 states are saying those regulations are "burdensome" to patients and want them removed. It comes as another lawsuit is looking to ban access to the drug nationwide.
Go on.
In Texas, a Trump-appointed federal judge is reviewing a case that could pull mifepristone from the market. That's because a group of anti-abortion advocates filed a suit in November. They say the FDA quickly approved the abortion medication and chose "politics over science." The Texas decision could impact 40 million women and the White House's recent efforts to expand access to medication abortions. The federal judge is expected to make a decision soon. However, if the two lawsuits end in conflicting rulings, then the topic of abortion pill access could make its way to the conservative-leaning Supreme Court.
theSkimm
Ever since Roe v. Wade was overturned, there have been questions about the future of reproductive health care. Now, the fate of the abortion pill hangs in the balance as two lawsuits play out in the courts.
A migrant shipwreck. Yesterday, a boat carrying as many as 200 people crashed off Italy's southwestern coast. At least 60 people died — including 12 children — and the death toll is expected to rise amid rescue efforts. Eighty people survived. Officials said the majority of migrants were from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Somalia. They had been traveling for five days after leaving Turkey. Now, the tragedy's putting a spotlight on Europe's migrant crisis. One Italian lawmaker urged Italy and the European Union to offer "effective alternatives" for people who are forced to flee their country. Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni — whose far-right gov is cracking down on migrants fleeing to Italy — said it was "criminal" to put so many people on a boat during bad weather.
What everyone's still looking for answers on...
COVID's origin story. Yesterday, news outlets said the Dept of Energy determined with "low confidence" that a lab leak in China caused the pandemic. COVID has killed nearly 7 million people globally. For years, there have been ongoing debates and inquiries into where the virus came from. Now, the DOE says there's new intelligence that the virus might've come from an accidental leak — something China denies. Still, four other US agencies have pointed to the virus potentially emerging through natural transmission. Two other gov agencies are undecided. It all comes as House Republicans are launching their own investigation into the lab leak theory.
What there's never room for...
Racism. Hundreds of newspapers are pulling the "Dilbert" comic strips after its creator, Scott Adams, made racist remarks during a YouTube live stream last week. Adams labeled Black Americans a "hate group" and said he "doesn't want anything to do with them." He advised white people "to get the hell away from Black people." Readers called on newspapers to remove the decades-old comic strip. Now, the Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, and the USA Today Network (which owns hundreds of papers) are dropping the comic strip. The comic strip's distributor, Andrews McMeel Universal, also announced its no longer working with the comic strip. On social media, Adams defended himself against people who are "canceling" him.
What's coming to an end…
Pandemic-era food assistance benefits. This week, a boost to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is expiring in 32 states — impacting more than 40 million Americans. When the pandemic hit, Congress passed a measure that gave households at least $95 extra a month to spend on food. One study found that it helped keep 4.2 million people out of poverty. Now, the extra benefit is ending at a time when grocery bills are going up. It's got food banks gearing up for an increase in demand.
...Oh and speaking of the end of pandemic-era assistance, 14 million people could be losing access to Medicaid. That's because the government's officially looking into who's eligible for the first time in three years.
First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes…a $13,000 bill. A recent study found that's how much new parents spend in their child's first year.
And that's before receipts start rolling in for things like doctor appointments, child care, and higher education. But don't worry. We broke down how a kid can impact your budget to help you plan accordingly. And save some money. You're welcome.
Skimm Picks
Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. Kitchen gadgets you'll wonder how you lived without. Like a dish squeegee, avocado tool, and more. PS: We've tested all of them ourselves.
2. Crowd-pleasing birthday gifts under $50. Looking for the perfect gift on a budget? We rounded up some no-fail ideas that'll delight everyone in your life — from your partner to your parents.
3. Our review of a must-have shower cleaner. This electric scrubbing brush will do the hard work for you. No more strenuous bending or reaching to hit those corners.
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.
Role model…Megan P (DC). She's celebrating two years with Big Brothers Big Sisters. She first joined during the pandemic as a way to help her community. Megan's spent time building a deeper relationship with her little sister and giving her a safe space.
(Some) Birthdays…theSkimm's Mike Roeslein (NY), Bill Mack (NY), Sara Blakely (GA), Kitana Aviles (NY), David Hashim (NY), Whitney Lenet (CA), Breezy Granzow (NY), Nancy Connell (NY), Joanna Meng (CA), Nadia Prinz (CT), Dawn Wood (IL), Jessica Clavijo (WI), Heidi Shenk (OH), Diana Sweeney (WA), Madison Koogler (TX)
PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
Skimm'd by: Rashaan Ayesh, Melanie De Lima, Maria del Carmen Corpus, and Mariza Smajlaj
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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.
theSkimm
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.
