Daily Skimm: I'm ready to tell you my secret now

"Maskne" – Breakouts caused by wearing masks. Better a breakout than an outbreak, amirite?

Things Hitting Reverse

Texas

The Story

Texas is pumping the brakes on its reopening plans.

Why's that?

COVID-19. On May 1, Texas became one of the first states to begin easing restrictions and reopening its economy. Now, the second-most populous state in the country is seeing a "massive outbreak" in coronavirus cases, with over 50,000 active infections. In Houston, at least one hospital has already run out of ICU beds. And now, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) is putting the state's phased reopening on the backburner.

What does that mean?

The state had already allowed some businesses (like gyms, restaurants, and malls) to reopen to some degree. But those that haven't will have to wait to put up their 'open' signs, though Abbott didn't say how long they'll have to wait. He also ordered hospitals in four of the state's largest counties to stop nonessential surgeries to make room for COVID-19 patients. Still, he says he doesn't want the state to "go backwards and close down businesses."

theSkimm

States that eased restrictions on the earlier side did so under pressure to help restore the economy. But some are now dealing with new outbreaks that show no signs of slowing down. And if Texas can lower the number of confirmed cases there, states may look to it as an example of how to get things under control.

The IRS

The Story

So, apparently nearly 1.1 million stimulus checks were sent to dead people.

Seriously?

Yup. Yesterday, a government watchdog said the IRS sent $1.4 billion worth of checks to people who filed taxes in 2018 and 2019 but later passed away. And that while the IRS has access to official death records, the Treasury Department – which distributed the checks – doesn't. Treasury officials said this happened because they were working to get the money out "as rapidly as possible."

So what happens now?

People who got the money on behalf of those who died have been asked to return it – apparently by sending the check back as void or issuing another check. But it's not clear if there would be any repercussions if they don't. This all comes as President Trump has said he's considering another round of stimulus checks – something some lawmakers have been hesitant to do and could be even more reluctant to do so now.

theSkimm

The gov worked hard to get money in the hands of people who needed it ASAP amid COVID-19. But some say the oversight is another example of wasteful gov spending during the pandemic that comes at taxpayers' expense.

And Also...This

What's got the Supremes involved...

This ruling. Yesterday, SCOTUS ruled that asylum seekers have no right to a federal court hearing if their claims are denied. The case was about a Sri Lankan man who crossed the US-Mexico border in 2017 and failed to prove he had a "credible fear" of being persecuted back home during an initial screening. A 1996 law seemed to allow for speedy deportation in cases like that. But lawyers argued the man deserved to be able to appeal his case because of habeas corpus – the constitutional right to challenge unlawful detention. Now, SCOTUS is saying 'not quite.' And that people who haven't been granted full legal entry to the US don't have full constitutional rights. The ruling is a win for the Trump admin, which called it a "victory for enforcement of the immigration laws." But others pointed out that thousands of asylum seekers could be affected.

This request. Last night, the Trump admin asked the Supreme Court to overturn the Affordable Care Act (ACA). In 2017, Congress ended the financial penalty for not buying insurance, known as the individual mandate. Now Trump admin officials are saying the rest of the ACA "must fall" with the mandate. If the justices agree, the move could affect the health care coverage of an estimated 23 million Americans. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) criticized the admin's move for coming in the "middle of the coronavirus crisis." SCOTUS has previously ruled on two challenges to the act, leaving most of the law in place.

Which country has an update…

The Democratic Republic of Congo. Yesterday, the country's health minister said the second-deadliest Ebola outbreak in history is over. It started nearly two years ago in the northeastern part of the DRC, infecting over 3,400 people and killing over 2,200 people. Health experts credited things like vaccines and contact tracing for helping stop the spread of Ebola there.

• Not out of the woods yet: The western part of the DRC is experiencing a new Ebola outbreak that started earlier this month. Dozens of people have been infected and at least 13 have died. That's on top of other health crises the country is dealing with, like a measles epidemic and COVID-19.

What's launching a change...

NASA. It's naming its DC headquarters after Mary W Jackson, the agency's first Black female engineer. She was one of the mathematicians and engineers who helped send US astronauts to space in the '60s (hi, "Hidden Figures"). NASA said it will keep highlighting the work of "women, African Americans, and people of all backgrounds" who've contributed to its success.

...Oh and speaking of changes, Disney's reimagining Splash Mountain to honor Princess Tiana, its first Black princess. It's a hopeful world after all.

Who's saying 'seat belts, everyone'...

Elizabeth Banks.

Who's not afraid of changin'...

The Chicks.

Skimm Reads

"Party of Two" by Jasmine Guillory

Romance alert. Romance alert. "The Wedding Date" author is back with a love story set in LA. After a meet-cute at a hotel bar, a new-in-town Black lawyer falls for a White junior senator. They start seeing each other secretly (giving us major Olivia Pope-Fitz vibes). But when things go public…it doesn't exactly go as planned for the interracial couple. Fingers crossed they get a happy ending.

Summer is here. Check out our fave picks for the season...

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3. This free 21-day meditation experience. Because they say it takes three weeks to form a habit. So let Chopra guide you through a daily 20 minute meditation. Each session opens with some inspo from J Balvin followed by a guided meditation with Deepak Chopra. Deep breath in…

PS: Sign up to get more ideas for ways to spend your summer in your inbox every Monday. Like recipe ideas, movies and book recs, and more. Get in on it.

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Get cookware to match. This brand makes well-designed, non-toxic, ceramic pots and pans. So you can say 'hey there' to elevated home cooking. Oh, and Skimm'rs get 15% off. Stir things up.*

For when you've figured out our favorite WFH lunch…

Now meet your favorite WFH jeans. This company's skinny jeans have just the right amount of stretch, so they look great and feel as soft and comfy as leggings. Yes, please. Do it to it.*

Skimm More

1. As the country starts to reopen, there's a renewed debate over whether people should be required to wear masks. This week's episode of "Skimm This" explains why there was confusion about masks in the first place, where the science stands now, and why there's a debate among some local and state officials about whether we must wear them.

2. It's Pride Month and Tan France knows coming out isn't always easy. We talked to him about what he's learned and his advice on going through the process.

3. We texted with Chloe x Halle about books and playlists keeping them busy during quarantine. Plus what they're binging and who they were surprised to find out follows them on Instagram.

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.

Pitching ideas…Shari P (PA). She created Bring Camp Home, a website that helps parents plan their day with camp activities for those who aren't able to attend sleepaway and day camp this year. Options include arts and crafts, nature, sports, and water activities. Grab a backpack and check it out here.

Giving us all the feels...Wendy K (FL). She's part of Learn to Express, a student-run organization that teaches virtual classes about different ways for students to express themselves. Wendy is hosting a class for kids from first to eighth grade. Learn more here.

(Some) Birthdays...Amanda Wasserstrum (NY), Joelle Reynard (CA), Miranda Tollman (CA), Carolina Kelrick (CA), Brett Griffin (NY), Anna Moseley (CA), Julie Kubacki (NY), Sheryl Meddin (GA), Isabella Sofia (NY), Jessica Fonseca (MA), Kelli Avalos (NC), Annemarie Kelley (WA), Bethann Fields (CA), Marie-Eve Augier (DC), Brennan Turner (TX), Lynnette Baclig (CA)

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

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