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“Salt”

— What one US chemist suggested for a perfect cup of tea, sparking outrage in the UK. The tea is piping hot.

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obstetrics & gynecology examination room

After Roe

The Story

Researchers are shedding light on r ape-related pregnancies in states with abortion bans.

Tell me more.

Yesterday, a new study estimated that there've been nearly 65,000 rape-related pregnancies in the 14 states that banned abortion after Roe v. Wade was overturned. The research — published in JAMA and led by a Planned Parenthood medical director — relied on FBI and CDC data, specifically looking at the estimated rates of sexual assault across those states and the likelihood that it resulted in a pregnancy. The lead author acknowledged the limitations of the study, reportedly saying “there's no kind of systematic collection” to get an accurate estimate. Still, the study provides a starting point to discuss how many people may have survived rape only to experience an unwanted pregnancy with restricted access to abortion.

Explain.

The study estimates that over 90% of rape-related pregnancies happened in states with no exceptions, almost half of them in Texas. Even in states with exceptions for rape, many require a survivor to go to the authorities before being allowed to get the procedure. More than 2 out of 3 cases of sexual assault go unreported, according to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network. These bans mean many survivors are left with no choice but to leave their state to get an abortion — which not everyone can afford. Meanwhile, some states are moving to ban traveling across state lines for the procedure.

theSkimm

Polls show that the majority of Americans support access to abortion in the case of rape. While it may be impossible to gauge just how many people are impacted, this study marks an effort to bring that figure to light.

Related Stories:

The 10-Year-Old Rape Victim Put in the Middle of the Abortion Debate
Abortion by State: Where it is and isn’t Currently Banned
Younger Americans are Scared to Have Sex After Roe was Overturned

And Also...This

What’s experiencing turbulence…

Boeing. Yesterday, the FAA said Boeing could start flying 737 Max 9s again after a “thorough inspection and maintenance process.” That’s the fleet that saw a door blow out on an Alaska Airlines flight midair before United Airlines found some others had loose bolts. United and Alaska had to cancel thousands of flights for weeks. Now, the FAA says the airlines' grounded jets can take off again as long as United and Alaska Airlines do their inspections. In the meantime, Boeing can’t expand production for the Max aircraft until the FAA gives it the green light. Still, the 737 Max 9 isn’t the only fleet in hot water: an older Boeing plane over the weekend saw its nose wheel fall off before takeoff. Sounds like someone's PR team is busy.

What has some people worried...

The state of journalism. Earlier this week, the Los Angeles Times laid off more than 20% of its newsroom, marking the second round of layoffs in less than a year. The move, which the LA Times Guild said disproportionately impacted Black, Latino, and Asian employees, reportedly left the Times’ DC bureau gutted amid an election year. The Times isn’t the only outlet that seems to be in free fall: the news followed layoffs at Sports Illustrated and Time Magazine. It comes after one report found that 2023 saw a record number of news layoffs amid declining ad revenue and readership. Experts aren’t hopeful things will get better: a survey of media leaders expects less traffic to news sites in the coming year. That’s as others worry AI platforms could become the new anchorman or go-to news source.

...Oh but if that news makes you want to turn back the clock, at least there’s this: Jon Stewart is returning to “The Daily Show” once a week starting next month to cover the election.

What less Americans could be asking…

Are you there God? It’s me, about one-third of America. Yesterday, Pew Research Center reported the number of Americans with no religious affiliation reached nearly 30% — up 12% from 2007. The “nones,” as called by the researchers, are people who are diverse, young, and left-leaning individuals. Most believe in God or another higher power, but few go to religious services. Many of the “nones” say they were raised in religious households, but developed mixed feelings about religion’s impact on society. About 43% said religion does more bad than good, while 41% said it does equal amounts of good and bad. Other “nones” say they dislike religious organizations and had bad experiences with them.

Where people are getting ready to mix it up…

Saudi Arabia. Yesterday, it confirmed it will open the first alcohol store in more than 70 years. The store will only cater to non-Muslim expats — and is part of the Saudi crown prince’s push to build a post-oil economy, attracting more business to the country.

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We’re building a tool to help you cross off the to-dos keeping you up at night. Meet theSkimm Beta, a space where you can learn how to manage your debt and get more pleasure. Check it out.

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Skimm Picks

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

1. How to be less stressed about your credit card balance.

Experts can’t get enough of this card. It charges 0% interest on balance transfers until mid-2025. So you could get out of debt faster. Don’t wait.*

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2. A couple’s vibrator that’ll rock both your worlds.

This FDA-registered wearable vibrator is specifically designed to close the pleasure gap. It provides 360-degree stimulation for you and your partner at. the. same. time. Need we say more? PS: Skimm’rs get 30% off.*

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3. Over 30% off an on-the-go fireplace.

Turn any room into the cozy cabin of your winter dreams with this portable heater. It gives off the warmth — and vibes — of a roaring fireplace. Plus it’ll save you from heating the whole house.*

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4. Valentine's Day outfit ideas for every kind of date.

Whether we're talking high-key cocktails or Nancy Meyers movie marathon, here's your outfit cheat sheet for whatever you choose to do on February 14.

Get dressed

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 Vision Board

Having an answer to “what are your hobbies?” We rounded up our must-have tips, tricks, and recs for anyone who’s ready to recommit to their just-for-fun activities — or find a new one.

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.

Making a comeback…Taylor W (NJ). She underwent hip surgery after suffering from pain and limited movement. Now two years post-op, she’s on the road to recovery and has completed a 10k.

(Some) Birthdays…Alexandra Penkava (NY), Julie Adelman (OR), Kristen Gray (PA), Kristen Kalkin (CA), Taryn McLaughlin (GA), Carrie Coffee (NY), Bea Dizon (NY), Suzan Sherburn (TX), Sandra Sisson Anderson (VA), Jennifer Kay Ryder (TN), Wendy Walker (TX), Cindy Adams (CA), Kirsten Walley (MA), Emily Poole (TX), Brittany Brown (NJ), Grace Gartel (LA)

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