— Some of the ice cream flavors offered to Londoners this summer. I scream, you scream, we all scream 'no, thank you.'
Passed
Getty Images
The Story
The Senate's proving an all-nighter can help get the job done.
What do you mean?
Yesterday, the upper chamber passed the 755-page Inflation Reduction Act. The $740 billion package aims to tackle climate change, cut the national deficit, and make prescription drugs more affordable. It got the green light after VP Kamala Harris cast the tie-breaking vote. (Note: Zero Republicans voted in favor.) And came after an all-night "vote-a-rama." Here are the deets on what it does for...
Climate change…The bill would be the biggest climate investment in US history with more than $300 billion going to clean energy initiatives. And aims to boost renewable energy manufacturing for the production of solar panels and wind turbines. It also includes tax breaks for those who make their home more energy efficient and electric vehicle users. Dems say the changes will cut greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by the end of the decade.
Health care…The bill would give Medicare the power to negotiate the cost of some pricey prescription drugs, starting in 2026. And extend Affordable Care Act subsidies for another three years. Dems tried to include a $35 price cap for insulin per month. But since politics got in the way, the cap would only apply to those covered by Medicare.
Tax reform…The legislation wants to increase funding for the underfunded IRS. It creates a 15% minimum tax for companies that make $1 billion or more. That’s expected to bring the gov about $300 billion in revenue. And it includes a 1% tax on companies’ stock buybacks.
What’s next?
The package heads to the House floor for a vote on Friday, where it will likely pass. Climate orgs said the bill's the “most significant action” the country has taken to fight climate change. But Republicans like Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) called it a costly bill that won’t “reduce inflation at all.”
theSkimm
For more than a year, Dems have been trying to get reforms on the table (RIP Build Back Better). Now, this bill could lead to historic changes and give Dems something to show ahead of the midterms. But the bill still falls short on other major promises like paid family leave.
Indiana
On Friday, Indiana became the first state to pass a new abortion ban since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. The new law, which goes into effect Sept 15, bans all abortions except in cases of rape, incest, or severe birth defects. Or, if the mother’s life is in danger. Doctors who perform illegal abortions will lose their medical license. The news out of Indiana came days after Kansas voted to protect abortion rights in the state.
At least 13 states have trigger laws in place — but Indiana is the first to pass newly written legislation. Currently, people in the state can still have an abortion up to 22 weeks of pregnancy. But that'll change when the law goes into effect next month. Planned Parenthood called it an “egregious attack” on health care. And Indiana-based companies have condemned the law, saying it’ll make recruiting employees to the state more difficult. But Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) said the new law “accomplishes" the goal of protecting life.
And Also...This
What people are watching…
Israel and Gaza. Yesterday, the two sides agreed to a cease-fire with the help of Egyptian mediators. On Friday, Israel launched a military operation against the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), killing one of the PIJ’s senior commanders in Gaza. The PIJ is backed by Iran, which routinely provides money, weapons, and other support. The militant group fired over 700 rockets — most of which were ineffective or intercepted by the Israeli military. The violence has also killed more than 43 Palestinians, including 15 children, and injured more than 300. Meanwhile, Hamas is staying out of the fray amid worries the violence could escalate and economic deals with Israel could be at risk.
Who needs to pay up…
Alex Jones. Last week, a Texas jury ordered the Infowars host to pay over $45 million in punitive damages to the parents of a 6-year-old Sandy Hook victim. It came a day after he was ordered to pay about $4 million in other damages to the same family. Neil Heslin and Scarlett Lewis’ son, Jesse, was one of the 26 victims of the 2012 school shooting. They sued Jones for the suffering he put them through after he claimed the shooting was staged. Jones has since backtracked on his comments. But this isn't the last of his legal troubles. He still faces two more trials over his false claims.
That’s the number of American kids ages 5 and older who have gotten a COVID vaccine, according to the CDC. Psst…that represents nearly half the children in that age range. And now, even more kids are eligible.
ICYMI: The CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics both recommend children 6 months and older get a COVID vaccine ASAP. Because it’s the best protection available against the worst outcomes of the disease. And all of the FDA-approved and CDC-recommended vaccines have gone through clinical trials with children. They also meet the FDA's rigorous standards for safety and effectiveness. Still got questions? Talk to a healthcare provider. Ready to find a vaccine site near you? Head here.
Did Someone Say Sale?
Here at theSkimm, we can never pass up a good deal. Which is why we’ve rounded up two big sales on home products to snag before they’re over:
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. Perfectly packable water that’s actually planet-friendly. This brand’s water comes in 92% plant-based and 100% recyclable cartons. So you can keep hydration up and plastic waste down. Psst…the mini size fits juuust right in a lunch box. Water-ful.*
2. Formal wear for all 638 weddings on your cal. Buy or rent a designer-quality tux (or suit) online with this service. They’ll deliver the right size in plenty of time. And Skimm’rs get $20 off with code SKIMM20†. Plus grooms can rent free. Yes, really.*
4. Women-owned brands to support during National Black Business Month and beyond. From self-care products like a shea sugar scrub to adorable accessories to tasty snacks, here are some of our faves to add to cart. Check ’em out now and make sure to keep supporting all year long.
*PS: This is a sponsored post.
†Expires 9/8/2022. Offer valid for any rental and purchase items at theblacktux.com, on orders of $100+. Offer must be applied at checkout, cannot be combined with other discounts, and is valid for a one-time use only. Any unused portion of the offer is forfeited. Offer cannot be applied to rush or extended rental fees, taxes or alterations, and may not be redeemed for cash. Offer cannot be redeemed for customers participating in another event created by another person.
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.
Hip hip hooray…Amanda S (MN). She just completed her sports medicine fellowship and an orthopedic surgery residency. Now she’s ready to enter the world as a sports medicine orthopedic surgeon.
(Some) Birthdays…theSkimm's Tara Rotondo (NY), Gennifer Greebel (NY), Jane Preziosi (UK), Caroline Lobel (NJ), Minqi Jiang (CA), Jenni Heimgartner (ID), Jessica Crudele (IA), Sarah Green (DC), Michelle Mueckler (SC), Carly Green (IL), Brooke Nelson (CA), Kaitlin Lang (CA), Jaime McCaslin (PA), Sara Deblin (HI), Cori Luttrell (GA)
PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
Skimm More
Severe weather and weather-related events are impacting countries around the world. And they can influence how much you pay for food, insurance, energy, and more. We explained more on what severe weather means for your money and the economy — and how you can weather the storm.
theSkimm Loyalty Program
Design: theSkimm
50 bonus points on us? You know it. More earnings. More quickly. Hello, more rewards. Log in or join theSkimm Loyalty Program to get in on it today.
Skimm’d by Rashaan Ayesh, Melanie De Lima, Maria del Carmen Corpus, and Mariza Smajlaj
Skimm'd with candles worth buying August 6, 2022 Read in browser Daily Skimm Weekend with bird, book and radio Skimm'd with candles worth buying What's Happening …in your kitchen: From
Skimm'd while learning about astrology August 5, 2022 Read in browser Daily Skimm Astrology Symbols Skimm'd while learning about astrology “Strawberry Bell Truffle” — The new Milk Bar x Taco
Skimm'd with the facts on COVID vaccines for kids August 4, 2022 Read in browser Daily Skimm Rooster on newspaper Together with We can do this Skimm'd with the facts on COVID vaccines for kids
theSkimm It's that time of the month again: Welcome back to Skimm Faves, where we share the most popular products Skimm'rs (read: you) couldn't get enough of. So what made the cut from July
Skimm'd while beating the heat August 3, 2022 Read in browser Daily Skimm Owl reading a newspaper Skimm'd while beating the heat “What advice would a wisdom tooth have?” — An essay question on
Take them for a twirl. The Zoe Report Daily The Zoe Report 12.21.2024 Ballet sneaker trend (Trends) The "Ballet Sneaker" Trend Is Everywhere Right Now & We're Obsessed Take them for a
Men's Health shop logo BIG BOOK. HUGE RESULTS. 4 weeks to a leaner, stronger, more muscular you The Men's Health Big Book of Exercises covers a lot of ground. Nowhere else will you find more
If you have trouble reading this message, view it in a browser. Men's Health The Check Out Welcome to The Check Out, our newsletter that gives you a deeper look at some of our editors' favorite
How to Get Around a Paywall to Read an Article. We're a nation of laws—a lot of laws. Not displaying correctly? View this newsletter online. TODAY'S FEATURED STORY Nine Surprisingly Illegal
View this email in your browser In 2024, the Academy of American Poets brought poetry education to students in all fifty states through our Teach this Poem and and Dear Poet programs, thanks to the
— Check out what we Skimm'd for you today December 21, 2024 Subscribe Read in browser Header Image But first: a fix for dull winter skin Update location or View forecast EDITOR'S NOTE Happy
We take from life one little share, / And say that this shall be December 21, 2024 donate Winter Stores Charlotte Brontë We take from life one little share, And say that this shall be A space, redeemed
We're fully on board. The Zoe Report Daily The Zoe Report 12.20.2024 This '00s Sarah Jessica Parker-Approved Shoe Is Coming Back In 2025 (Trends) This '00s Sarah Jessica Parker-Approved
