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Monday, June 13, 2022
Daily Skimm: Open your eyes to what's in front of you
— What NASA says it's taking on in order to study UFOs. Comet them, bro.
Doing Something
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The Story
Some senators are agreeing to do something about gun violence.
Actually?
Yes. Yesterday, a group of 20 senators — 10 Democrats and 10 Republicans — said they'd agreed on a framework to reduce the "threat of violence across our country." As a reminder: that violence includes more than 45,000 gun deaths in 2020. And mass shootings in Buffalo, Laguna Woods, and Uvalde, among more than 250 others this year.
What did lawmakers agree on?
Supporting legislation on mental health, school safety, and some gun restrictions. Here's the fine print:
Gun restrictions: First up, red flag laws. Senators agreed to give states money if they allow courts to temporarily remove guns from people seen as dangerous. They also agreed to address the "boyfriend loophole." That refers to unmarried domestic violence offenders…who are still able to keep their guns. Senators are also working to strengthen background checks for people under 21 buying guns. Oh, and they may crack down on some unlicensed gun dealers.
Mental health and school safety: Senators would invest billions of dollars on expanding health care in the US, among other programs. They'll also invest in safety measures and training in schools, plus other "school violence prevention efforts."
How are people reacting?
President Biden said that if it passes in Congress, yesterday's bipartisan approach would be "the most significant gun safety legislation" in decades. Gun safety orgs including March for Our Lives endorsed the deal. The NRA did not, rejecting any effort to infringe on Americans' "fundamental right to protect themselves and their loved ones."
theSkimm
This framework still has to be translated into legislation, which then has to be passed. But yesterday's announcement meant lawmakers are witnessing the bloodshed across the US. And some may be prepared to take action.
And Also...This
Who was stopped in their tracks…
Patriot Front. On Saturday, 31 members of a white nationalist group were arrested near a Pride event in Idaho. After receiving a tip, police found the men in a U-Haul truck with riot gear (think: a smoke grenade, shin guards, and shields) and paperwork detailing plans to riot. The arrests come as state legislatures across the country have reportedly intro'd more than 300 anti-LGBTQ+ bills this year alone. The men — charged with conspiracy to riot — are expected to appear in court today.
Who's stepping down…
The Brookings Institution president. Yesterday, Retired Gen. John Allen resigned from the think tank after being placed on administrative leave. It comes after reports that Allen is under a federal investigation for secretly lobbying on behalf of the nation of Qatar — and advising Qatar's leaders on how to influence US policy. Allen is a retired four-star Marine general, who once led forces in Afghanistan. He's denying any wrongdoing, and has not been charged with a crime so far. In a letter, Allen said he was leaving Brookings with a "heavy heart." While the think tank said it will continue to maintain "high ethical standards."
What's bubbling up...
Gas prices. Which hit an unprecedented national average of over $5 per gallon yesterday. The news comes amid a summer travel boom, ongoing Russian sanctions for the violence in Ukraine, and refinery shutdowns in the US. And after data from last week showed that inflation has reached its highest level in 40 years. President Biden is considering a visit to Saudi Arabia this summer to try to persuade the kingdom to produce more oil and help bring down costs. That could be an uphill battle for the president, considering he promised on the campaign trail to turn Saudi Arabia into a "pariah state" for its human rights abuses, including the death of Jamal Khashoggi. Biden said a trip to the kingdom would be a "larger meeting" about regional security.
...Oh and speaking of Saudi Arabia, a Saudi-funded golf event just wrapped up in London. Fore.
PS: Gas prices can hurt your wallet. We've got tips to help.
Who's a dream girl…
Jennifer Hudson. Yesterday, at the 75th annual Tony Awards, the artist achieved EGOT status. As a co-producer for "A Strange Loop," which won Best Musical.
While you break out your rainbow flags for this year's Pride festivities, keep in mind what each color stands for. Hint: Red is for life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, royal blue for art, and violet for spirit.
And if you're looking for a delicious drink to match, check out Bev's latest launch. Think: a new sparkling white wine spritz in a limited-edition can that features allll the flag's colors. For every can purchased this month, they'll donate 10% of the proceeds to the LGBTQ+ youth nonprofit, wayOUT. Oh, and Skimm'rs get an exclusive 20% off Bev's other fan-fave flavors with code SKIMMRSONLY. We'll cheers to that.
Save Your Seat: SkimmU Home Buying
SkimmU Special Edition: Home Buying, presented by Zillow, is right around the block…er corner. Tune in to our free, virtual event on Wednesday, June 22 at 7:30pm ET to hear from experts Amanda Pendleton, Mika Kleinschmidt, and Ciara Foster about all things real estate. From prioritizing property as a financial asset to signing on the dotted (closing document) line, there's a lot to unpack in the home buying process. Sign up now.
Skimm Picks
Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. A skort that belongs in your summer rotation. Athleta's Salutation Stash Skort is made of breathable, sweat-wicking fabric that's got gentle support in all the right places. Think: your favorite every-occasion skirt — but with built-in, buttery-soft shorts. Major skore-t.*
2.A cream blush that'll give you that lit-from-within glow. That lasts all day. This lightweight tint mimics your natural flush. Psst…it also comes as part of a set with everything you need to get ready in five minutes or less. Aaand Skimm'rs get something special.*
3. A clean sunscreen you'll want to wear every day. Seriously. This brand's award-winning, probiotic sunscreen is sheer, lightweight, and 100% mineral. It blocks UV rays and delivers a moisturizing, healthy glow. Plus, Skimm'rs get 20% off their entire purchase with code SKIMM20. Sun-sational.*
4. A meal kit your wallet (and busy sched) will love. Dinnertime just got easier. This brand offers a weekly rotating menu of mouthwatering meals that take 30 minutes or less. And plans start at just $1.79 per meal. Taco 'bout food for thought.*
*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.
Redefining norms…Izzy H (NC). She and her co-owners are working to make their consignment store easy to shop by size and color — not gender. Bring on the unicorns and dinosaurs for everyone.
(Some) Birthdays…theSkimm's Carrie Corrollo (NY), Jim Robinson (NY), Leslye Kaskel (NY), Riley Young (CT), Becky Alexander (MA), Suzie Golden (NJ), Miya Kakuda (IL), Ellie Hartleb (DC), Lindsay Rose (NC), Sabrina Risner (OR), Genevieve Boyle (GA), Allison Milakofsky (CT), Merritt Dattel McGowan (MA), Allison McKenzie (CA)
PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
Skimm More
Thing to Know: Anorexia is the deadliest psychiatric condition out there. But psychedelics — like psilocybin and ketamine — could offer a new path to eating disorder (ED) recovery. Check out our article on psychedelic-assisted ED therapy and how it might work.
theSkimm Loyalty Program
Design: theSkimm
New member-only discounts are here. We're saying hello to self-care staples, gifts, and more — and goodbye to full prices. Log in or join theSkimm Loyalty Program to get in on the savings.
Skimm'd by Rashaan Ayesh, Melanie De Lima, Kate Gilhool, Xian Chiang-Waren, and Julie Shain
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