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Things Happening Post-Roe

Apple Watch

The Story

Apple’s latest gadgets are raising questions in a post-Roe world. 

Explain.

Yesterday, as part of its big launch event for new products, the company intro’d Apple Watch 8. This one can record the wearer’s body temp, improving tracking for things like fertility windows. That’s good news for those struggling to get pregnant. But it comes at a time when privacy experts are on high alert as states are banning abortions. Apple says this info is encrypted and that the new feature gives women “further insights into their health.” But the news after Facebook cooperated with law enforcement earlier this year to help incriminate a 17-year-old girl in Nebraska seeking an abortion. It wasn’t the only news Apple shared. 

Go on.

There are new safety features. The new iPhone 14 allows users to contact emergency services using satellite towers when normal cell service isn’t working (hi, SOS feature). Meanwhile, the new Apple Watch can alert family and emergency services when the user is in a car crash. And for those who’ve never heard silence quite this loud, there’s the newest AirPods.

South Carolina

The Story

South Carolina has opened up a debate on abortion and rape. 

What is this about?

Earlier this week, a state Senate committee approved a bill that would tweak the state’s abortion law to remove exceptions for rape or incest. Under current law, the state allows abortions up to 20 weeks and includes exceptions for those cases as well as medical emergencies. Now, the bill is still making its way through proceedings. Democrats boycotted the committee vote, opting instead for the Republicans to argue between themselves and bring forward a stricter bill they hope will fail. Meanwhile, three Republican women have spoken against the bill, saying it doesn’t respect women or life.   

Where health experts are watching…

Texas. Yesterday, a federal judge ruled it’s unconstitutional for the Affordable Care Act to require “private, religious corporations” to cover HIV-prevention drugs (PrEP) for free. Hundreds of thousands of Americans rely on PrEP — a preventative medication that is up to 99% effective at reducing the risk of contracting HIV. In 2020, a group of businesses sued, saying that providing preventative HIV services violates their religious beliefs. And makes them “complicit” in promoting “homosexual behavior.” Now, the judge is agreeing on religious freedom grounds. And could broaden the ruling nationwide within days. Meanwhile, doctors from more than 60 organizations worry this ruling could set a precedent that reduces access to other preventative services like cancer screenings. 

What got the thumbs up…

An experimental ALS drug. Yesterday, an FDA advisory panel voted to recommend the drug to treat the neurodegenerative disease. Currently, ALS affects more than 16,000 people in the US with few effective treatments. Earlier this year, this same panel voted against the drug, saying the clinical trial didn’t have enough data to back it up. Now, it’s changed its mind, saying 'it's worth a shot.' Next up: the FDA could make a final call by the end of the month. If approved, it could be the first treatment in five years. Meanwhile, the company behind the drug is conducting a larger trial that will wrap up in 2024.

Where the, ahem, on-screen drama is happening…

Regal Cinemas. Yesterday, the movie chain’s parent company, Cineworld, filed for bankruptcy. Cineworld is the world’s second-largest theater chain. But that doesn’t mean it was immune to pandemic issues like low ticket sales and growing competition from streaming services. It also doesn’t help that the company racked up $5 billion in debt. Cineworld hopes to emerge from bankruptcy by early next year. In the meantime, it plans to cut costs by renegotiating rent prices, but it won’t be hitting pause on showtimes.

Netflix. The streaming giant is reportedly looking to cut down on operations. Over the summer, Netflix shared it lost nearly 1 million subscribers — citing growing competition. It’s been looking for ways to tighten its purse strings. That includes laying off more than 400 employees. And now, Netflix is apparently shutting down its Salt Lake City office and others across California. All of this comes as some Gulf Arab nations are asking Netflix to remove what they called “offensive content” like shows that feature gay and lesbian characters.

Who we’re sending well swishes to…

Sue Bird. 

Who unveiled their official portraits…

The Obamas. 

Who arrived precisely when they meant to...

The “Lord of the Rings” cast.

Bagels and lox or breakfast tacos? Storied streets or bustling boardwalks? Snappy-smart-casual or boho-chic? And finally, (*inhales*) East Coast or West Coast? 

When it comes to fashion, it’s hard to choose. But with Hammitt, you won’t have to. Their latest collection = the best of both worlds — er, coasts. We’re talking limited-edition blue suede lining, fan-fave metal accents, and sleek silhouettes. And it’s dropping juuust in time for New York Fashion Week. All you have to do is snag ‘em before they sell out.

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

1. Just what you need for that post-vacay bloat. This plant-powered coffee add-on makes it easier to get back into the swing of things. It’ll reset your metabolism, ease bloat, and support digestion. Plus it’s frothy and chocolate-y. Psst…here’s 20% off. Yum.*

2. The only lipstick you need this fall. Give your selfies a little extra oomph with this long-lasting, soft matte lip tint. It’s packed with clean, nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and olive oil to keep your lips smooth, plump, and completely mwah-worthy. Find your shade.*

3. The sleep system that’ll have everyone (pillow) talking. This brand’s cool-inducing pillow and protector will help you (finally) kick night sweats to the curb. Plus, you can adjust the firmness to your liking. Here’s 10% off your first order and up to 40% off bundles.*

4. Decor and accessories to refresh your bathroom at every budget. You actually can breathe some new life into the smallest room in your home without breaking the bank. Here's how.

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.

Extra extra…Anamaría G (TX). She launched tuResumen, a free global news platform, to give Spanish-speaking women the information they need to succeed. Read all about it.*

(Some) Birthdays…Reanna Gross (NY), Laura Hanson (IL), Jenny Evans (GA), Richard White (NY), Anna McConnell (IA), Julianna Lind  (TX), Betty Anne Richardson (MA), Amy Shine (NJ), Lindsey Erlick (NY), Farrel Levenson (NY), Lindsey Erlick-Weinstein (NY), Kaki Blackburn (CA), Meadow Hackett  (PA), Julianna Raffa (NH), Kelsey Wade (OK)

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