Daily Skimm: Late nights in the middle of June

"Will not comment" – The Louvre on a viral petition for Jeff Bezos to buy and eat the Mona Lisa. A giant stroke of weirdness.

State of the Communion

The Story

Catholic bishops in the US are taking a closer look at who can receive Communion.

Explain.

Communion is one of the most sacred rituals in Christianity. It's when those who follow and practice the church's guidelines go up to the altar during Mass to receive the body of Christ (a wafer) and the blood of Christ (wine). But the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) thinks some Catholics don't deserve it...like those who support abortion rights. Throughout its history, Roman Catholic teaching has consistently condemned abortion. And bishops are reminding everyone of the church's stance – even politicians.

What do you mean?

Last week, the USCCB voted overwhelmingly (168-55) to draft guidance that would deny Communion to politicians who openly support abortion rights. That includes President Biden, the US's second Catholic president (behind JFK). Biden has stood behind federal funding for abortion and supports Roe v Wade. The USCCB is looking to draft up a document on the meaning of Communion, leaving the decision to limit the sacrament up to bishops and archbishops. But the draft's still got a ways to go to be implemented. Think: it needs unanimous support from the USCCB or approval from two-thirds of the bishops plus an OK from the Vatican – neither of which seems likely.

What are people saying?

Pope Francis has remained silent on the matter. The Vatican's top doctrine official had even sent the USCCB a letter, asking the conference to think twice about the decision – and for the bishops to sync among themselves and Catholic politicians before making a move. Many in the church say adopting the change could turn the Catholic ritual into a political weapon, creating serious partisan divisions among members. Some Democrats are pointing out the discrepancy between the USCCB's tough stance on abortion but not on other things like child sexual abuse. But US bishops have said the fight against abortion is a priority. And that it's their responsibility to clear up confusion. Some – like Cardinal Raymond Burke – have even said withholding Communion isn't enough. And that politicians who publicly support abortion should be excommunicated.

theSkimm

A majority of people who identify as Catholic support legalized abortion. This latest push by US bishops seems designed to crack down on that trend. But in so doing, they may risk further alienating younger members.

And Also...This

Who's updating their résumé…

Ebrahim Raisi. Over the weekend, the top judge won Iran's presidential election by a landslide. It was the lowest voter turnout in decades – with many Iranians believing the election was already rigged in Raisi's favor. Raisi, a conservative, served as a prosecutor and was mentored and endorsed by Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He's also been accused of participating in the execution of thousands of political prisoners in the '80s. The US sanctioned him for it in 2019, citing human rights violations. And Amnesty International is still looking to investigate him for crimes against humanity. But Raisi got a warm welcome from current President Hassan Rouhani and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, among others. He will step into his new role in August.

• On the agenda: Raisi's taken a strong stance against engaging with the West and is more likely to align with allies like Russia and China. And will be inheriting a struggling economy amid a global pandemic and tough US sanctions.

• Deal me in: The Biden is now hoping to finalize a deal to rein in Iran's nuclear program in the next six weeks, before Raisi's inauguration. Over the weekend, reps from Iran and five countries (China, the UK, Germany, France, and Russia) met in Vienna, Austria to talk things out.

What's taking on gun control…

Colorado. On Saturday, Gov. Jared Polis (D) signed three gun reform bills into law. Here's what they'll do: expand background checks, set up a dedicated office for gun violence prevention, and allow cities to establish stricter gun regulations than the states'. The move comes as Colorado's experienced several mass shootings in the past – most recently at a grocery store in Boulder, where 10 people were killed. Colorado's gun laws already allow people to carry guns into businesses as long as they're in "plain view." Now, Democrats say the new laws created will help keep Colorado safe. Gun rights advocates see it as another attack on their Second Amendment rights.

What people are watching…

Claudette. Over the weekend, the tropical depression hit the southeastern US – causing flash flooding, tornadoes, and strong winds. 13 people, including at least nine children, died in Alabama. Claudette regained its tropical storm status as it approaches North Carolina.

Who's being remembered for being the bestest boy…

Champ.

Who's saying 'two birdies, one win'...

Jon Rahm.

Thing to Know

UVA vs. UVB

Two kinds of sun rays. UVA rays penetrate skin more deeply and tend to lead to wrinkles and dark spots. UVB rays, meanwhile, cause immediate discoloration. Just remember A for 'aging' and B for 'burning.'

Since both can damage skin, you want broad spectrum protection. Like CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Sheer Tint. It's packed with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide (aka mineral filters that reflect UVA and UVB rays). It's also got three essential ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. So it helps lock in moisture and restore your skin's natural barrier, too. Translation: it does skincare things while it does sun care things. Oh, and you can enter for the chance to win some here.†

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

1. A credit card that can help you say 'see ya (much) later, interest.' The Ascent recommends this one. Because it won't charge any interest on purchases or balance transfers for 18 billing cycles. Aka until December...of next year. Seriously.*

2. String lights that'll add some sparkle to your space. These electric, clear glass globe bulbs can be used both indoors and out. And their 20 ft long wiring makes it easy to spread that warm, summer glow. Brighten up.*

3. Everything you need to protect your home, 24/7. You can order SimpliSafe's customizable home security systems online and they ship directly to you. They're easy to set up and require zero contract. Plus, Skimm'rs get 40% off and a free camera. Lock it down.*

4. Some great sales to shop today (besides Amazon Prime Day). Chewy is offering up to 40% off, Brooklinen is dishing out 15% off, and Bed Bath & Beyond is hosting a two-day flash sale. What are you waiting for? These sales won't last long.

5. Some must-read books in honor of Pride Month. We pulled together a list of reads to share LGBTQ+ voices and stories that need to be heard. There are memoirs, novels, essay collections, and more. Grab your bookmark.

PS: Like what you see here? Make sure you're signed up to get more picks like these in your inbox every Thursday. We've got exclusive shopping recs, streaming ideas, life hacks, and more.

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.

Mirror mirror...Jordan G (NY). He is the co-author of "Mirror Face" – a children's book all about self-love and acceptance. And it's not just for kids. It helps parents teach their kids to love who they see in the mirror.

On a mission...Vivienne S-E (MD). She's fundraising for American Cancer Society and is a ResearcHERS ambassador – a campaign that raises funds for women-led cancer research. And is helping out in honor of her physician-scientist father who worked with Nobel Prize winners. Help her reach her goal.

(Some) Birthdays...Gabe Aprati (IL), Valentin Guillement (NY), Heidi Rubenstein (MA), Emily Madore (CT), Andrea Fasano (NY), Karin Graham (FL), Sarah Boddy (TX), Ariana Lodise (FL), Arlin Taylor (CA), Christina Joyner (NC), Liz Dean (NY), Kristin Dougherty (VA), Meghan Slattery (MA), Katie Willoughby (MA), Lizzie Hubbard (GA), Kelsie Hennessey (NH)

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

Our guide has you covered on all things sun protection. Think: the terms to know, some SPF recs, and application 101.

And if you're looking for other smart ways to spend your time…

• Listen to our news podcast "Skimm This" for clarity on the biggest stories of the week.

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Skimm’d by Rashaan Ayesh, Maria del Carmen Corpus, Mariza Smajlaj, Clem Robineau, and Julie Shain

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