John Mellencamp shows no signs of cheering up

John Mellancamp will soon release his 25th studio album, "Orpheus Descending," and though the message is nearly impossible to misinterpret, he's recently been preoccupied with dishonesty,
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Entertainment
John Mellencamp shows no signs of cheering up Click to view images

The singer is now 71 and still an unapologetic, Republican-hating chain smoker. His 25th album takes on America's failings, even as he acknowledges a few of his own.

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Treat Williams, star of 'Everwood,' dies in motorcycle accident at age 71 Click to view images

Treat Williams, the star of "Everwood" and "Hair," was killed in a motorcycle accident on Monday night, his agent confirmed to The Times.

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Amid a writers' strike largely about the power of platforms, we take a snapshot of the streaming pecking order, from Netflix to (formerly HBO) Max.

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Coachella announces 2024 festival dates; advance sales begin Friday Click to view images

Organizers for the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival announced 2024 dates for the two-weekend event, set to occur next April at the Empire Polo Club.

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'The Beat' goes on for MSNBC's legal savant Ari Melber amid Trump indictments Click to view images

The cable news channel's rap-lyric-quoting law expert's stock is rising as historic Trump indictments drive viewership.

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'The third coast of comedy': Austin's comedy scene tells us why they're blowing up Click to view images

We asked a number of local comics, club owners, promoters and writers to tell us why their comedy scene deserves to be seen.

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Book Bans, JPMorgan Chase, and Pedro Pascal

Daily Skimm
Skimm'd while learning why music makes us feel good — Check out what we Skimm'd for you today
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Daily Skimm

Presented byFord
 

"Upstaged"

Lionel Richie, on how he felt after a child started breakdancing at his concert. Fiesta, forever.

 
Top Story

A Ban on Bans

The Story

Illinois is flipping the script on book bans.

A novel idea.

Yesterday, IL Gov. JB Pritzker (D) signed a bill to prevent book bans in the state — making it the first state in the country to pass such a measure. Starting Jan 1, Illinois public libraries will only receive state funding if they issue an anti-book banning policy. Or, if they adopt a bill of rights that prohibits "partisan or doctrinal" book removals. Pritzker said the law allows students to have access to the material they need to thrive. Illinois Republicans maintain it forces "extreme ideology on communities." The new law comes as at least 30 states have closed the chapter on hundreds of books.

Give me the summary.

Most of the book bans are happening in Republican-led states like Texas, Florida, and Missouri. The targets tend to be titles about race, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Now, Illinois state officials hope this new law helps keep those books on their libraries' shelves. One Illinois official said other states have already bookmarked the new law with the goal of enacting similar legislation.

theSkimm

Book bans aren't new, but attempts to remove books from shelves reached a 20-year-high last year. Now, many are worried this is just the beginning of what people can and cannot flip through.

 
And Also...This

Who could be paying up soon…

JPMorgan Chase. Yesterday, the US's largest bank reached a tentative $290 million settlement with the victims of Jeffrey Epstein. Last November, a woman filed a civil suit alleging JPMorgan enabled Epstein's sex trafficking by ignoring warning signs while having him as a client for more than a decade. The tentative deal comes weeks after the bank's CEO denied knowing about Epstein's crimes until the financier's 2019 arrest. Now, JPMorgan is calling its association with Epstein a "mistake," but isn't admitting any wrongdoing. If approved in court, the settlement could be one of the largest for a civil sex-trafficking case — possibly impacting more than 100 survivors. It's not the last Epstein-related suit JPMorgan's facing.


What went offline…

Reddit. Yesterday, the social media platform went offline for hours as its community protested a policy update. Starting next month, third-party apps will need to pay up in order to access the platform's data. Popular apps like Apollo said they can't afford the fees, so they're shutting down. In solidarity with third-party apps, more than 7,000 subreddits are going dark to try to get Reddit to change course. Now, even though Reddit's back up, many subreddits plan to stay offline until tomorrow. Others are going private indefinitely.


Who's going to court...

Gen Z. Yesterday, a group of Gen Zers appeared in Montana court for the first constitutional climate trial in US history. The 16 young environmentalists — who range in age from 5 to 22 — are suing the state for failing to uphold the state constitutional right to a "clean and healthful environment." The trial is expected to last two weeks. At the end of it, a judge will decide if the state's support for fossil fuels violates the constitution. It's not clear whether a ruling in favor of the Gen Zers would affect Montana's policies.

...Oh and, speaking of going to court, former President Trump is expected to appear in a federal Miami courthouse today. He faces at least 37 counts, including withholding national defense information.


Who's saying 'please, I insist'...

Tucker Carlson. Yesterday, Fox News reportedly sent its former star host a cease-and-desist letter over his new Twitter show. Fox is reportedly still paying Carlson, whose content remains exclusive to the network through the end of 2024. However, Carlson doesn't seem to see it that way and is expected to air another Twitter show today.


Who's having chicken for dinner...

The Denver Nuggets.


Who's feeling fortunate…

Pat Sajak.

 
 

Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…

1. A refreshing start to your watermelon sugar(less) summer.

This water brand's adding a limited-edition flavor to their lineup. We're talking fresh watermelon flavor with zero sugar and no artificial ingredients, in a 92% plant-based carton. Skimm'rs get $5 off plus free shipping.*


2. Products to organize your small bathroom.

We've rounded up the best space-saving furniture, from floating shelves (bless them) to slim storage carts to makeup organizers.


3. The best retailers for all your baby registry needs.

Put all your must-haves in one place, and get ready to say hello to your new addition.

 
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.

Blossoming…Beth Ann T (IN). She recently opened her own floral design business. She felt inspired after doing a couple of small weddings for her family and her own.

(Some) Birthdays…theSkimm's Sam Baker (NJ), Jim Robinson (NY), Leslye Kaskel (NY), Becky Alexander (MA), Suzie Golden (NJ), Christine Gonzalez (MA), Miya Kakuda (IL), Ellie Hartleb (DC), Lindsay Rose (NC), Allexie Boydman (NJ), Sabrina Risner (OR), Genevieve Boyle (GA), Abbey Meller (DC), Allison Milakofsky (CT)

PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.

 
 

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