Daily Skimm: Cause I love you for infinity

January 21, 2022

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This week's episode: White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki on Biden's 1 year in Office

Daily Skimm

Skimm'd while talking to White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki

Quote of the Day

“The planet is amazing” — A 19-year-old pilot on becoming the youngest woman to fly solo around the world. She’s not your plane average teen.

49 Years

The Story

Tomorrow marks 49 years since Roe v Wade.

That’s not very long.

Nope. For decades, many women have had to seek illegal abortions. Some had to travel far to an underground clinic. A large number of women lost their lives in the process. In 1969, Norma McCorvey (who’s known in court docs as Jane Roe) sought out an abortion in Texas. At that time, a Texas woman could only end a pregnancy if her life was at risk. So McCorvey worked with lawyers to challenge the statute, arguing that the right to privacy protects a woman’s right to an abortion. In 1973, SCOTUS struck down the Texas law in a 7-2 decision — effectively legalizing abortion across the US.

Texas, huh?

Yup. The same state that passed one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the country last year. It incentivizes private citizens to sue everyone from providers to drivers who helped someone get an abortion. It came with pushback — but not enough to put an end to it. And yesterday, SCOTUS said the law could continue to remain in effect indefinitely, blocking further litigation until the justices decide what happens next. But Texas is just one out of 21 states that are holding out hope that the Supreme Court will overturn Roe v Wade in June.

What happens if it is overturned?

A lot. Even with Roe v Wade in place, it can be tough for women to get abortions. Transportation to centers, lack of childcare coverage, and state-specific barriers all add to the challenges. Now, some states like Ohio are considering trigger laws that would automatically make abortion illegal. Other states like New Jersey are taking more explicit steps to protect abortion rights. Overall, low-income women and those who live in rural areas will be among the most affected.

theSkimm

This weekend could be the last time the US remembers the anniversary of Roe v Wade. One poll found that about 40% of the country says abortion should be illegal in almost all cases. While about 60% think women should have the option.

And Also...This

What needed to be addressed…

Holocaust denial. Yesterday, the UN approved a resolution condemning Holocaust denial. The resolution — intro’d by Israel and Germany — passed nearly unanimously, despite Iranian objection. It comes as antisemitism is rising across the globe, with alarming trends found everywhere from the UK to Austria to Italy. In the US, an estimated one in four American Jews experienced antisemitism in the past year alone. Less than half of Americans can answer basic details about the Holocaust. And antisemitic posts are rarely removed from social media. Now, the UN resolution plans to educate future generations on the Holocaust and urges member states to take action — including on social media.

Who’s doing damage control…

President Biden. Yesterday, he walked back comments he made about recent Russia-Ukraine tensions. ICYMI, Russia’s been amassing tens of thousands of troops along its border with Ukraine. Earlier this week, Biden said that "it's one thing if it's a minor incursion" but that if Russia "further" invades Ukraine it would be a disaster for them. The reaction was swift: Officials in Ukraine accused Biden of giving Russia a green light to invade his country. Lawmakers criticized the remarks. Since then, the admin's been trying to do damage control. Biden said any invasion would be met with a quick "economic response.” It comes as Biden himself has said he expects Russia to "move in." Except we're not talking about a lease...we're talking about the threat of invasion.

Who people are remembering…

Meat Loaf. Yesterday, the singer and actor died at the age of 74. His rock career spanned nearly six decades — selling more than 100 million albums around the world. Meat Loaf’s “Bat Out of Hell” album is one of the best-selling of all time. And he won a Grammy in the ‘90s for “I'd Do Anything for Love.” Meat Loaf also appeared in several movies and shows like “Fight Club,” “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” and “Wayne’s World.” A statement from his family told fans, "from his heart to your souls…don’t ever stop rocking!"

What’s making people say ‘whodunnit’…

Havana syndrome. This week, the CIA said it’s “unlikely” that most cases of a mysterious illness, dubbed the Havana syndrome, are caused by foreign countries like Russia. Since 2016, US diplomats and spies have been reporting weird symptoms. Think: dizziness and headaches. The CIA says a majority of 1,000 cases can be explained by natural causes — angering some of the victims. But reminder: these are just interim findings. They still haven’t been able to explain two dozen cases, reportedly including some of those originally afflicted at the US Embassy in Havana in 2016.

Where you won’t have to guess how much your co-worker makes…

New York City.

What's sparking a conversation...

#WestElmCaleb.

How to Skimm Your Life Challenge

Accio, bills. For today’s challenge, presented by Fidelity, automate one payment and make it happen without thinking...like magic. We’ve got more tips to save you $$$, time, and stress (priceless) here.

Friendly reminder: You can find all of our challenges here.

Feel-Good Faves

Credits: Design: theSkimm | Photos: Harper Collins, Uncommon Goods, Le Puzz

The weekend is nearly here, which means you’ve got some glorious free time on the horizon. To help you spend your money and downtime smarter, we’ve got lots of useful product recs and reads you’ll wanna snag ASAP.

To add to cart…

To read…

“Wahala” by Nikki May…if you’re down for a “Sex and the City”-esque story with thriller vibes
“The School for Good Mothers” by Jessamine Chan…if you loved “The Handmaid’s Tale”
And some essentials if ‘read more’ is one of your goals this year

Skimm Picks

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

1. How to keep your wellness journey going into February and beyond. And they said it couldn’t be done. Noom begs to differ. They use behavior change psychology to help you actually stick with positive habits. And see real results. Here’s to you.*

2. How to find a bra that actually fits. Bras are like breast friends — close to the heart and always super supportive. But finding the right one can be hard. So we chatted with an expert and got the 411 on sizing, styles, and more. PS: These extenders can also come in handy for bras you currently own.

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

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.

Glowing up others…Christine G (MO). She runs her own business teaching people how to create natural skin care products that they can turn into a thriving online business.

Modern fairytale…Lynn W (CT). She published her first children's book about living happily ever after by connecting with your inner child.

(Some) Birthdays…theSkimm's Rachel Goldfinger (NJ), Gordon Crawford (CA ), Marjie Katz (PA), CC Bernstein (NY), Kristen Krauss (NY), Debbie Forrey (NJ), Matt Buckwald (LA), Jennifer Cheng (DC), Sue Geramian (NY), Marissa Ravin (PA), Lizzy Scheinfeld (IL), Kara de Burbano (FL), Janice Skonord (RI), Lori Austin (CA), Prunella Fiddian-Green (MA)

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

Skimm More

Over the past couple of years, WFH has joined the list of three-letter acronyms that we use on a regular basis — but when will it end? This week on “Skimm This,” we talk with Rachel Feintzeig from The Wall Street Journal about remote work, burnout, and return to office plans. Listen now.

And if you’re looking for other smart ways to spend your time...

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Daily Skimm: Cause I love you for infinity

49 Years

The Story

That’s not very long.

Texas, huh?

What happens if it is overturned?

theSkimm

What needed to be addressed…

Who’s doing damage control…

Who people are remembering…

What’s making people say ‘whodunnit’…

Where you won’t have to guess how much your co-worker makes…

What's sparking a conversation...

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