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“6th cousins, three times removed”

— Ancestry.com, revealing Taylor Swift and Emily Dickinson’s relation. Poets run in the family.

Top Story

Former US President Donald Trump makes a speech as he attends the 2024 Conservative Political Action Conference

Staying on the Ballot

The Story

The Supreme Court unanimously sided with former President Trump.

About?

His eligibility to be on the ballot. One day before Super Tuesday, the Supremes agreed that states don’t have the authority to take Trump or anyone running for federal office off ballots. This is in response to the Colorado Supreme Court's decision to boot Trump from the state’s presidential primary for violating the 14th Amendment — specifically the “insurrection clause” — due to his actions on Jan 6. Now, the country’s highest court says only Congress holds the power to bar presidential candidates from running for office.

Why?

The justices said giving states the power to kick federal candidates off ballots would lead to national chaos during election years — with a candidate being ineligible in some states but not others. However, the three liberal justices wrote in a concurring opinion that the ruling goes too far and could “insulate all alleged insurrectionists from future challenges.” Trump-appointed Justice Amy Coney Barrett said in a one-page opinion that the court reached its decision unanimously and “that is the message Americans should take home.” Worth noting: The Court made no mention of whether Trump's involvement on Jan 6 constitutes an insurrection, it only clarified whether states had the power to remove federal candidates per the 14th Amendment.

So what does this mean for 2024?

Challenges to Trump’s ballot eligibility across more than 30 states now have no legal basis. This is especially important in Illinois and Maine, where officials already barred Trump from primary ballots. Trump hailed the SCOTUS ruling as a “big win for America.” However, this isn’t the end of the legal road for Trump. Next month, the Supreme Court will hear arguments on whether Trump can claim presidential immunity in federal cases against him.

theSkimm

Not since Bush v. Gore in 2000 has the Supreme Court played such a big role in an election. Monday’s decision is a big win for the GOP: Their frontrunner gets to stay on the ballot ahead of a likely rematch with President Biden. Today's Super Tuesday races are a big step towards whether that rematch will happen or not. If you're in one of the 16 states taking part, don't forget to vote.

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THE ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR

Violence Against Women

Yesterday, the UN reported it has “reasonable grounds” to believe that Hamas committed rape and “sexualized torture” against women during its Oct 7 attacks on Israel. The team visited Israel and the West Bank to collect information for the UN’s annual report on sexual violence in conflict. They reviewed more than 5,000 photos, 50 hours of footage, and spoke with survivors and witnesses of the attacks as the basis of their findings. The report is part of a larger UN initiative and the envoy involved recommends that Israel work with the UN to carry out a more formal investigation into Hamas' actions. Hamas has previously denied allegations of sexual violence.

Meanwhile, there are growing divisions between the Biden administration and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over its handling of the war. Since the Oct 7 attack, more than 30,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The Biden admin is getting pressure to push for a permanent cease-fire, but Netanyahu has remained steadfast in his goal of eliminating Hamas. Yesterday, VP Kamala Harris met with Benny Gantz — a member of Israel’s wartime Cabinet and a centrist rival to Netanyahu — to discuss the humanitarian situation in Gaza amid military operations. Netanyahu did not authorize the visit and reportedly said Israel has "just one prime minister."

And Also...This

What’s saying ‘my body, my choice’...

France. Yesterday, it became the first country in the world to enshrine abortion rights in its constitution, making it a “guaranteed freedom.” Ahead of the vote, France’s prime minister said, “we are sending the message to all women: your body belongs to you and no one has the right to control it in your stead.” The change was spurred by threatened abortion rights across the US in the wake of the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022. But the historic move also highlights the widespread support for abortion in France, where it has been legal since 1975, and a successful campaign by feminists and lawmakers from several parties. The amendment faced little pushback, with Catholic groups among the few to oppose it.

…Oh and speaking of reproductive health, Opill, the first over-the-counter birth control pill approved in the US, will make its official debut in the coming weeks. It's expected to increase access to birth control since it does not require a prescription. But it's not likely to be covered by insurance and will cost around $20 a month.

What’s coughing up the cash...

Apple. Yesterday, the European Union fined the iPhone maker about $2 billion for preventing other apps, like Spotify, from promoting cheaper music subscriptions outside of Apple’s App Store. The EU said that’s illegal under its antitrust rules. Spotify said the ruling sent a “powerful message” that “not even a monopoly like Apple, can wield power abusively to control how other companies interact with their customers.” Apple said it will appeal the decision.

While Jason Kelce is saying 'bye' on his own terms...

Russell Wilson is not.

Who's saying 'nothing to see here'...

Kate Middleton.

All Together Now

Together with

They say it takes a village to raise a child, and it takes a very special one to deliver life-saving support to millions of children around the world.

Whether you’re a student or a parent, a volunteer or a pro, on the frontlines or at home, everyone has a role to play in the UNICEF community. Learn how you can lend your skills, voice, and strengths to help make children’s futures brighter

Skimm Picks

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

1. The sleep powder that’s clinically shown to improve sleep.

Just one scoop of this sea salt caramel cocoa powder made with natural sleep-promoting ingredients will help you wake up feeling more refreshed. Psst…use code SKIMM to get up to 40% for the next 24 hours.*

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2. What we bought and loved in February.

Including our new Emotional Support Mug and the nonsticky lip balm that saved our lips this winter.

Shop our faves

3. Why one editor is deeply obsessed with this clever travel tote.

It folds up to be smaller than a piece of paper, and it withstands wear, tear, and spills. TL;DR: If you're traveling soon, you need this.

Pack it up

4. A peppermint essential oil roller that can alleviate headaches.

Roll this onto the backs of your ears and neck to stop a headache in its tracks. It's the self-care product we always keep at our desks.

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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).

THESKIMM: HERE'S WHAT'S NEXT

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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.

Leveling up…Stephanie W (NM). After two years of discussions, her case for a raise and promotion to the global director of her team landed her a 12% raise. Now, she’s in the six-figure salary club.

(Some) Birthdays…Aubree Groff (MO), Caroline Hill (NY), Gina Bornarth (VA), Whitney Franklin (KS), Quentin Kakuda (CO), Adam Herndon (TX), Emily Lutz (NE), Sonja Vindheim (CT), Sandi D'Andrea (NY, Kimberly Cottle (NC), Faye Robinson (NJ), Lara Dumont (CA)

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