Daily Skimm: You called, I can't hear a thing

Skimm'd with last-minute gift ideas for mom

"Midnight Sun" – Stephenie Meyer's upcoming "Twilight" book. Does the title dazzle you?

LIVE FROM DC, IT'S...SCOTUS

The Story

The Supreme Court held its first oral arguments by phone.

Oyez. How'd it go?

Fine, considering it was the first in the court's 230-year history. They spent a little over an hour on a trademark case. Justice Sonia Sotomayor surprised everyone by apparently going on mute. Justice Clarence Thomas surprised everyone by not. Jury's out on whether the Supremes chose to wear robes. But don't worry, if you missed it yesterday, there's more where that came from...

Tomorrow: Can employers get a religious pass and avoid providing birth control coverage as part of their health insurance plans? Courts had blocked the Trump admin from allowing employers to skip the Obamacare requirement. Now, the conservative-majority bench will hear from both sides.

May 12: Can a sitting president (hint: President Trump) block the release of his financial records? The high court's considering three cases, including alleged hush-money payments and whether Trump lied on his financial records to reduce his taxes. Trump has denied any of that happened.

May 13: Can members of the Electoral College cast a vote that is different from their state's popular vote? This case focuses on whether "faithless electors" can be among the 538 electors who pick the president. Just in time for November.

Sounds like a busy lineup.

Yup. They're among the 10 cases SCOTUS will hear over the next two weeks. The topics include religious freedom, whether robocalls are protected by the First Amendment, and whether states can prosecute crimes committed on tribal land. Make sure your WiFi game is strong so you can listen in.

theSkimm

COVID-19 has put the Supreme Court in uncharted territory. And while it adjusts to its new format, it's giving the world an inside look at how it conducts business and how it may decide on some monumental cases.

AND ALSO...THIS

What's saying 'we need quality control'…

The FDA. Yesterday, it scaled back last month's policy that allowed companies to sell antibody tests without the agency's review. The goal had been to speed up a test that may or may not be key to reopening the US economy. But out of more than 100 companies that got the green light to go to market, few have delivered consistently accurate results. Now, the FDA is saying, 'time to update' – and giving the companies 10 days to get emergency authorization.

Who's giving 'thank you' speeches...

The 2020 Pulitzer Prize winners. Dozens of academics, writers, and editors just decided who they think is the best in journalism, poetry, fiction, and more. They're recommending Colson Whitehead's "The Nickel Boys" as your next fiction read. And an ep from "This American Life" for their new audio reporting category. The New York Times won the most journalism prizes (three), including for Nikole Hannah-Jones' essay in "The 1619 Project." And Ida B Wells got some long-overdue recognition for her groundbreaking coverage on lynching in the 1890s.

Who's being remembered…

Don Shula. Yesterday, the former NFL coach died "peacefully" at age 90 in his home. Shula coached the Miami Dolphins for 26 years and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In 1972, he led the team to the league's only undefeated season. In his tribute, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell called Shula "one of the greatest coaches" in football history. RIP.

While eyes are on Jedi-Jedi Rabbit…

Someone let Nicolas out of his Cage.

The Earth is our home. So let's keep our feet off the furniture. Aka treat it right. We're partnering with The Laundress to give you a few easy ways to go green from home.

• Match your pot to your stove burner. By choosing a burner that's smaller than your pot or pan, you'll be using the heat more efficiently.

• Wash full loads only. If you can, that goes for your dishes and your clothes. You may eventually notice a smaller energy bill.

• Switch up your laundry routine. Hang your clothes out to dry instead of using a dryer to reduce your carbon footprint. Also prevents damage that high heat might cause. Oh, and wash with The Laundress. They make eco-friendly detergents that increase the life of your clothing. Like Delicate, Sport, and more that keep your clothes in the closet and out of the landfill. Plus Skimm'rs get 25% off sitewide. Go clean go.

Spotlight on the Issues: Health Care

Health care was a top issue for many voters even before COVID-19. Now, as the US battles the pandemic, it's front of mind for the entire country. Here's where the candidates stand:

President Trump…signed legislation that makes COVID-19 testing free. His admin is also telling hospitals 'don't worry' – it'll foot the bill for uninsured Americans suffering from the virus. But he's against abolishing private insurance and setting up a gov-run plan like Medicare for All. And while he hasn't managed to repeal or replace Obamacare, he still opposes the law, which lets states expand who can be covered under Medicaid.

Former VP Joe Biden...wants to build on Obamacare by offering a public health insurance option – without scrapping private insurance. He supports free COVID-19 testing and eliminating "all cost barriers" to preventive care and treatment of the virus. And says he's ready for the gov to foot the bill for addressing the pandemic, whatever the cost.

PRESS PAUSE

The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting us all in different ways. No matter your situation, sometimes you just need to press pause. Enter: our picks to help you take a break…

1. A behavior change program. Noom uses psychology to help you create better habits. And right now they're offering a free 14-day trial. Healthy life, happy you. That's the saying, right?*

2. A guide to creating the perfect bath. Nothing screams 'me time' like bubbles and essential oils. Draw me (a bath) like one of your French girls.

3. Three totally random things that made us happy: mermaid cookie cutters, the prettiest mint green tea, and happiness matches.

PS: Sign up to get a list of things to do, watch, eat and more to your inbox every Monday.

SKIMM PICKS

For when it's time to add a bra back into your rotation...

Get one you won't even notice. This brand makes no-wire bras that are so comfy, you'll forget it's there. Oh, and it still has the support you need. Skimm'rs get 15% off their first purchase. Try 'em.*

SKIMM'RS

In times like these, community matters more than ever. Let us know how you (or someone you know) is making an impact by helping others.

Happy (Early) Mother's Day...Dawn W (WA). She's part of a team in Seattle fighting for those experiencing homelessness to get access to things like portable toilets and handwashing stations, especially during the pandemic. And her daughter, Samantha, couldn't be more proud.

You can count on...Toula H (CA). She's developed a county-wide registry to provide free face masks for people who are in need including local fire departments, hospitals, and essential workers. Learn more and donate here.

(Some) Birthdays...Andy Stern (NY), David Golkin (NY), Ariel Stein (NY), Alayna Dafforn (IN), Francesca Barber (NY), Autumn Jodzio Niemczak (IN), Patty Kreamer (PA), Lisa Bracken (OK), Olivia Maguire (FL), Margaret Wong (CA), Rita Stewart (WA), Kiara Duncan (DC), Debra Kovarik (IL), Marsha Hendren (CT), Andi Bragiel (OH)

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

SKIMM SHARE

Skimm HQ is debating whether Nicolas Cage is the best actor of all time. Share theSkimm with your friend who calls him a 'national treasure'.

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