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The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is going after Amazon.

Why?

Yesterday, the FTC and 17 states filed an antitrust lawsuit against the tech giant after a four-year investigation into Amazon’s practices. The lawsuit alleges Amazon buried listings of rival goods listed at lower prices, and charged sellers higher fees while pushing them to up price tags — squeezing the money out of consumers. It’s also accused of replacing relevant searches with paid ads and pushing its own brands over other products. Now, Amazon is the latest big tech company (hi, Microsoft and Apple) to feel the heat from the FTC over monopoly concerns.

What happens now?

The FTC is asking for a court order to block Amazon from continuing these practices as the case plays out. Amazon isn’t buying what the FTC is selling, and said the agency is “wrong on the facts and the law.” The company’s lawyer argued that if the FTC gets its way, then there would be fewer products for consumers to pick from, higher prices, and slower deliveries. So far, the FTC has denied claims that it’s looking to break apart Amazon, but never say never. This case could take years.

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This lawsuit could become one of the biggest legal challenges against Amazon — which controls 40% of the e-commerce market. If the courts side with the FTC and states, then this lawsuit could change how Amazon operates at its core.

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Eyes on 2024: The GOP Primary Debate

Tonight, seven Republicans are heading back to the stage for the party’s second presidential debate. This time, they’re meeting at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in CA. The debate kicks off at 9pm ET and will be hosted by Fox Business Network and Univision. Here’s how to watch.

Roll call: Expect all the same familiar faces from last month minus former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson. Oh, and if you're wondering about former President Trump, he won't be at the debate this time either...or any other in the future. Instead, he’s making a visit to Detroit, MI, and remains the GOP's frontrunner.

The elephant in the room: The presidential primary debate comes as a New York judge found Trump and his family committed fraud by bulking up the value of his assets. The judge also canceled certificates that allow the Trump Org and other Trump businesses to work in NY. The case goes to trial next month.

And Also...This

What’s back to square one…

Alabama. Yesterday, the Supreme Court refused to take up the emergency request by state Republicans to keep their version of a congressional map. The Republican-drawn map featured only one majority-Black district and was already used in the 2022 midterms. More than a quarter of the state’s population is Black. Back in June, SCOTUS ordered it to be drawn with a second majority-Black district. That new map was also struck down so Republicans appealed. Now, a court-appointed special master will be allowed to submit his three proposed drafts with two majority-Black districts and present them in a hearing next week.

Which chapter is finally closing…

The writers' strike. Today, the nearly five-month-long strike is officially coming to an end. The leaders of the Writers Guild of America (WAG) unanimously signed off on a deal with Hollywood’s studios. The agreement now heads to the union’s more than 11,000 writers who will vote on the deal next month. Writers can start working as early as today. As for the actors’ strike, no word on how or when that story will end.

...Oh and speaking of unions, yesterday President Biden joined the United Auto Workers strike in Michigan. Biden is the first sitting president to join a picket line.

What’s got people worried…

A tech CEO’s murder. Yesterday, Baltimore police issued an arrest warrant for the death of EcoMap Technologies CEO and founder Pava LaPere. EcoMap, a data curation company, earned her a spot on Forbes’ 30 under 30 list. Police said the 26-year-old was found dead earlier this week with signs of “blunt-force trauma” inside an apartment. Her death is the latest in the tech world after Cash App’s founder Bob Lee was stabbed to death in April and Sober Grid app founder, Beau Mann, was found dead in May.

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

1. An investing platform for Banksy fans.

Or anyone looking for potential returns. This platform makes it easy to invest in works by popular artists like Banksy and Basquiat, then earn $$ when they sell. The best part? Skimm’rs can skip the waitlist today.*

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2. A drink mix for smarter sipping.

Dehydration? Never heard of it. This sugar-free electrolyte mix can help you recover after you hit the gym, hit the town, or anything in between. Plus Skimm’rs get a free gift with purchase.*

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3. A premium leather tote you’ll want to carry all day, every day.

This women-built, celebrity-loved brand’s Easy Zipper Tote truly has it all. It’s beautiful, sustainably made, and built to last. Plus, it’s got full zipper closure to keep your stuff safe. Form, meet function.*

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Psst…love our recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag).

On Our Radar

The Credit Card Competition Act, which could impact your credit card fees — and reduce rewards — if it passes. See what The Points Guy has to say about the legislation 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.

Dropping the beat...Camille H (NY). She made her debut as a DJ on The Lot Radio, an independent, non-profit, online radio station that live streams 24/7. Keep it bumping.

(Some) Birthdays…Michael Castleman (FL), Eileen Cooper (FL), Karen Siemer (MO), Brit Kelleher (CA), Shaelyn Thomas (CA), Alison Van Heel (MN), Lizz Milcoff (IN), Bridget Wheeler (PA), Meghan Brown (MN), Kelsey Fisher (CA), Courtney Young (IL), Jenna Goldberg (NY), Santita Ngo (VA), Kristin Foote (MA), Jessica Urban (MI)

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