This all stems from a power struggle between Sudan's top two generals. In 2021, the Rapid Support Forces (a paramilitary group led by Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo) and Sudan's army (led by Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan) worked together to overthrow the country's transitional government — two years after helping oust President Omar al-Bashir from power. Fast forward to last week, the two military groups were supposed to sign an internationally-backed agreement that would hand over the power to civilian-led parties. Instead, the two groups began firing at each other and are now holding Sudan hostage. After 10 days of violence, more than 400 people have been killed — including one American — as nearly daily ceasefires continue to fail. Now, amid growing security risks, the US isn't taking any chances and has cleared out its embassy in the capital of Khartoum.
What's the latest?
Over the weekend, special forces evacuated nearly 100 people from the embassy via helicopter and brought them to nearby Djibouti. There are reportedly about 16,000 Americans in Sudan — mostly dual citizens. The Pentagon said it'll work with the State Department "in the coming days" to "help American citizens who may want to leave Sudan." Other countries, like France and the UK, have also moved to evacuate their diplomats. Meanwhile, Sudanese nationals are trying to escape to safety. Many have no choice but to leave Khartoum by road, risking their lives as the fighting continues.
What's next for Sudan?
It doesn't look like the violence is going to end any time soon. Sudan's army has reportedly said it won't negotiate with paramilitary forces. Turkey, the US, UAE, Egypt, and others have called for immediate peace and offered to help mediate. Meanwhile, the UN called the situation in Sudan "catastrophic." Some aid groups have also had to postpone humanitarian aid to the country because of the violence. Experts are worried the conflict could turn into a civil war — which could threaten access to fresh water in the Nile, affect gold trade, and create another refugee crisis in the region. Even if the conflict ends sooner rather than later, it still derails the little progress made toward democratic elections.
theSkimm
Sudan has experienced little stability since it became independent in 1956. Now, two military leaders have thwarted the country's chances of democracy, leaving citizens caught in the middle.
The NAACP. On Friday, the group sued Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves (R) after he signed two bills. The first expands the state-run Capitol Police jurisdiction over Jackson, the state's capital. The second creates a temporary court system with state-appointed judges rather than elected. Reeves said the bills are necessary due to the rise of violent crime — including a homicide rate that's 15 times higher than the rest of the US. He also said Jackson's police department is understaffed and needs the extra support. However, critics argue the new bills would shift the power to mostly white conservative officials who'd be making decisions for a city that's 83% Black. Now, the NAACP says the state government is overreaching its authority by giving itself more power over the courts and police and taking it away from citizens. The Capitol Police's jurisdiction will expand starting July 1.
…Oh and speaking of lawsuits, yesterday, the family ofcinematographerHalyna Hutchinssaid they're still pressing ahead with their lawsuit againstAlec Baldwin, even after his criminal charges were dropped.
What people are keeping an eye on…
First Republic Bank. Today, the bank is going to report its first-quarter earnings. It's one of several banks that got caught in the crossfire after SVB collapsed. Last month, JPMorgan Chase and others rescued First Republic Bank so it could avoid a similar fate. Since then, First Republic Bank's stock has lost nearly 90% of its value. Now, investors are paying extra attention to how the bank is doing and the overall financial health of other regional banks. Meanwhile, the Fed is meeting next week to talk numbers and potentially raise interest rates (again).
Who's officially out…
NBCUniversal's CEO. Yesterday, the company announced its CEO Jeff Shell is leaving his role — effective immediately. The move comes after an investigation found Shell had "an inappropriate relationship" with a woman at the company. Comcast hired an outside team to investigate the relationship following a complaint. His former team will now report to Comcast President Mike Cavanagh. Shell, who'd been CEO since 2020, said he "deeply" regrets the relationship and was "sorry" he let his colleagues down.
...Oh and speaking of packing it up, Bud Light's marketing exec is taking a leave of absence after the company received backlash for its collaboration with trans influencer Dylan Mulvaney.
Who could be bringing the house down for some…
The Biden admin. A new federal rule could have borrowers with better credit cover costs for risky borrowers. The goal is reportedly to close the racial homeownership gap — which some say is unfair to them. Now, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) could have homebuyers with good credit scores see their mortgage costs go up by more than $60 a month starting May 1. The news comes days before 46 is expected to announce his re-election.
Who spent a month fasting and still collected gold...
Myth: The more hours you log at the gym, the more benefits you'll reap.
Truth: Research shows that just 10 minutes of daily exercise can lead to real health and fitness results.
A walk around the block. A hike on a local trail. A dance party in your kitchen. No matter what gets you moving, experts say just a few minutes of daily exercise can improve strength, mobility, and cardiovascular health. Enter: Nike's Pegasus 40 sneakers, your new workout partner — no matter your fitness level. These versatile kicks absorb impact while springing you forward, so you can take on whatever activity you choose with confidence (and style). Snag a pair.
Mother's Day
'Tis the season of flower bouquets, brunch reservations, and quality time with your family. To help you score something perfect for a very special person in your life, we rounded up recommendations to help make her day magical…
Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. The only credit card your wallet needs.
Whether you're swiping for groceries, gas, dinners out, or…anything else. With this Ascent-fave card, you can earn up to 5% cash back on everyday purchases. Plus, there's zero annual fee. And a prettyyyy sweet sign-up bonus.*
2. On-the-go jumpsuits that belong in every closet.
These figure-flattering one-piece wonders are made from soft, sustainable organic cotton for a comfy, lived-in feel. They're an instant outfit you can easily style for any occasion. PS: We got you a discount.*
3. A probiotic that'll help get your metabolism going.
Plus reduce sugar cravings and crashes. This scientist-founded brand's newest doctor-backed blend has novel strains no other probiotic has. Celebs like Halle Berry love it. Plus Skimm'rs get 20% off their first month with code SKIMM20.*
4. USDA-certified organic skin cream that works so well, your friends will think you got botox.
Surprise, it's actually this brand's (literal) Dream Cream, which helps combat fine lines and wrinkles. The formula features potent botanicals like elastin-boosting red maple leaf extract 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.
Reaching new heights…Natalie H (MO). She left her corporate job and started Balloon & Bash, an online balloon decor business. Float on.
(Some) Birthdays…Skimm Brother Peter Zakin (CA), Adam Gross (NY), Melanie Brook (NY), Amy Allison (TX), Kayla Parshall (MI), Gabbi Bowyer (WV), Linda Armstrong (CA), Kate Stephens (MN), Aly Schneider (WI), Jennifer Rose (NC), Alyssa Schneider (WI), Michelle Hier (MI), Mary Dang (NY), Amanda Burrow (FL)
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, Maria del Carmen Corpus, and Mariza Smajlaj
Photos by Anadolu Agency/Contributor via Getty Images, Brand Partners
— The amount of sleep elephant seals apparently get per day while at sea. And we thought we were tired.
Eyes On
Self-Defense Laws
The Story
In the last two weeks, four shootings sparked by everyday mistakes resulted in seven people being injured or killed. That's reignited conversations about self-defense laws.
Fill me in.
There was the teenage boy in Missouri who rang the wrong doorbell. The woman in New York whose boyfriend accidentally turned into the wrong driveway. The two cheerleaders in Texas whose group approached the wrong car. And the family in North Carolina, who was shot after a basketball rolled into the suspect's yard. While apparently believed to still be relatively rare, some say that "wrong place, wrong time" shootings seem more common. That trend may be due to a number of factors, like increased distrust or a sometimes-racist fear of crime, marketing by the gun lobby, and self-defense laws in states that protect shooters. Those laws generally fall into two camps, though the way they're used state-to-state is different. One is the "castle doctrine," which says while someone is on their property, they can use deadly force in defense without retreating. The other includes "Stand Your Ground" laws, which extend that to public places, or anywhere someone with a gun has the legal right to be.
That sounds like a lot of places...
It is. And when it comes to "Stand Your Ground," it's all relatively new. The first "Stand Your Ground" law was passed by Florida in 2005. Since then, nearly 30 states and Puerto Rico have OK'd some version of it. While advocates of these laws say that they deter crime, critics say they do the opposite by encouraging a "shoot first" mentality — with some research indicating shooters are more likely to find success with self-defense claims if they are white, and their victim is not. And overall, "Stand Your Ground" laws have been connected to an 8% to 11% increase nationwide in monthly homicide rates, according to a recent study.
theSkimm
Four recent shootings over day-to-day interactions have brought the US's notoriously high gun violence back into the national conversation. And just how tragic that can be.
What's Happening
📰 In news…
As fierce fighting continues in Sudan, American forces evacuated US embassy personnel from the country's capital. Back at home, President Biden is expected to mark the four-year anniversary of his 2020 campaign launch with another campaign launch (yes, 2024). Also on Biden's agenda: meeting with the "Tennessee Three" state legislators and hosting South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol for a state visit. Meanwhile, the chair of the Senate Judiciary committee asked Chief Justice John Roberts to testify on SCOTUS ethics. TBD if he'll go. And in other Senate news, Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) became the first woman to cast 10,000 votes on the Senate floor (something only 32 other senators have done…and surprise, all of them were guys). Plus, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum (R) signed a bill into law restricting transgender healthcare, while Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly (D) did the opposite, vetoing four anti-transgender bills — though, the state's GOP-led legislature is likely to override her.
💼 In business…
Bed Bath & Beyond is likely headed into the great, well, beyond. Meanwhile, furniture giant Ikea is getting even more giant, at least in the US. But affordable boxed furniture probably won't ease the sting of mortgage rates inching back up.Plus, 'tis the season for earnings reports: While Netflix reported mixed earnings, Tesla's stock plummeted like, well, flaming rocket debris. Keep an eye out for Alphabet, Amazon, and Meta, which are all coming up this week. Speaking of Meta, if you used Facebook in the US between May 2007 to December 2022 (so, all of you), you may be eligible for a share of its $725 million settlement. And while some workers are running to the nearest burnout retreat, others are saying 'hard pass' to retirement.
🩺 In health…
In COVID news, the FDA authorized another booster for some Americans. It comes as the Arcturus subvariant is spreading. And as researchers are looking at a variety of promising long COVID treatments, from hyperbaric oxygen therapy to psychedelics apparently. Meanwhile, more than one-third of Americans reportedly live in places with unhealthy pollution levels. And, when it comes to kids' eating habits, dads are far less researched than moms — but may have just as much of an impact. Though, an extra 10 minutes at dinner may be all you need to get your little ones to eat their fruits and veggies.
Bookmark'd
Here's a look at the reads we've saved, texted, and emailed to our friends…
On the Goop Cruise…what happens when a celebrity lifestyle brand ventures out to sea?
Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. A delicious springtime latte to amp up your morning routine.
MUD\WTR's organic matcha blend is made with ceremonial matcha and mushrooms. It gives you the same energy boost as coffee, without the crash or jitters. Not to mention laser focus and immune support.*
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.
We know. A chore? To fight Sunday scaries? But hear us out: Studies have shown that a cluttered, messy space at home is associated with higher levels of cortisol (aka, the stress hormone), feeling overwhelmed, and having a harder time focusing. So if you're feeling like both you and your home could stand to be a bit lighter and brighter, there's no better time for a little spring cleaning session. Here are a few tips to help you dive in:
Start simple. Cleaning the whole apartment? Great way to get overwhelmed on a Sunday. Instead, start with a task that's small and achievable, like picking up toys, washing the windows, or packing up winter clothes. You could also begin with the thing that's been bugging you most.
Ask yourself a few key questions. A big part of spring cleaning is making space. Because, out with the old, in with the new. If you're struggling with a case of decision paralysis, ask yourself if the item still brings you joy. Also, have you used it recently? Do you have a lot of things that are similar? Are you keeping it because you truly like it, or because you think you "should"?
Find a donation spot. Once you've decided what you no longer need, search for local charities or other places to donate. It may be easier to part with your old things if you know someone else will enjoy it.
Keep it up. Starting small on your first day of spring cleaning is a great way to build momentum. After that, set realistic goals for tackling other parts of your home. You could also dedicate a small amount of time weekly (think: 15 or 20 minutes) to completing other cleaning projects. And keep your new, clear space in mind when considering buying new items.
Do a little mental cleanup. Spring cleaning isn't just limited to your physical space.If your mind is also feeling dusty and cluttered, you can clean that up, too. Take a moment to make a list of the tasks, worries, and obligations that are bothering you as much as your SO's dirty laundry pile. Once it's on paper, divide it into manageable to-do's — so you can start spring as fresh as your home.
Save the Date
Like ours, your work and personal calendars are probably hectic. So here are some events you should know about...
In honor of National Arbor Day, plant a tree. Fir real.
The 2023 White House Correspondents' Dinner. Expect to see President Biden, VP Kamala Harris, their spouses, and "The Daily Show" correspondent Roy Wood Jr., who'll deliver the traditional roast.
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.
