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Today, the president was supposed to resign. That's amid months of protests and the takeover of his home. But yesterday, he fled the country. That may be to avoid arrest, since once he steps down he loses immunity from prosecution. His departure sparked more protests as the country's PM took over as president anddeclared a state of emergency. Parliament is set to elect the president's replacement in a week. But their candidate is TBD because next in line is the prime minister…whoalso agreed to resign. Oh, and the cabinet resigned en masse in April.
How did we get here?
Years of economic mismanagement. Sri Lanka has long had a growing economy and strong middle class. But in recent years, tourism has been struggling and the country's trade deficit has grown. Amid all of this, the government banned chemical fertilizer — a decision that hurt farmers' crops. Now, the country is experiencing shortages of food and fuel…and can't afford imports. There've been rolling blackouts and school closures. And over 6 million Sri Lankans are food insecure.
So what happens next?
Negotiations with the International Monetary Fund. But it's unclear who's supposed to negotiate when there's a political vacuum. Meanwhile, the country is reportedly relying on aid from neighboring India and from China.
theSkimm
This is Sri Lanka's worst economic crisis in decades. And it's not clear when or how it will get out of it.
And Also...This
What's almost reaching the finale…
Jan 6 hearings. Yesterday, on the seventh day of hearings the committee zeroed in on former President Trump's tweet calling for the Jan 6 protest. He said "Be there, will be wild." But according to the committee, a draft tweet explicitly called for a march to the Capitol. It's something the committee says Trump ad-libbed about in his speech the day of. Meanwhile, a witness described a December 2020 meeting in the Oval Office as "unhinged" when some Trump allies urged him to seize voting machines.
Tampering, Florida: Before wrapping things up, Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) accused Trump of trying to call a witness after the previous hearing. It's unclear what the Justice Department will do with that info.
Encore: Next week's hearing is expected to focus on what Trump did — and didn't do — while the attack on the Capitol unfolded.
Pig hearts. Yesterday, researchers said they'd transplanted pig hearts into two brain-dead patients over the past month. NYU Langone Health — where the operations took place — said that the transplants can help them gather more information on the practice before doing it on living people. (In this case, the experiment is being done on bodies donated to research.) The news comes months after the first person to receive a heart transplant from a pig died, possibly from complications of a pig virus in the heart. Now, doctors say they used new testing to help ensure that didn't happen again. One of the lead surgeons reportedly says they hope to "learn as much" as they can before doing it in a clinical setting.
What has people saying, 'will they, won't they'...
Twitter and Elon Musk. Yesterday, the company sued the world's wealthiest person. Last week, Musk tried to use the pull-out method on his $44 billion deal. The company's response: 'that's not very effective.' It has now accused him of breach of contract. And is suing Musk to get him to see the deal through. A trial could happen in September. Or the two sides could settle on a cheaper price tag. Always with the unpredictable, those two.
What's saying 'non' to charcuterie boards...
The French government. Yesterday, it announced it would work to reduce their use to "strictly necessary." That's because the government is aligning with findings from the World Health Organization: that processed meat is associated with colorectal cancer. But that's not all: the link applies to All. Processed. Meat. That includes bacon, salami, cold cuts, all of it. And they could be tied to other cancers, too (like breast, ovarian, and kidney). Book clubs and happy hour organizers: time to pivot.
Estonia. Hungary. Japan. No, that's not our upcoming travel itinerary (unfortunately). It's actually a list of countries that offer over a year of paid family leave for new parents. And they're not the only ones.
But in the US? Yep, it's zero weeks. Which means the government doesn't guarantee a single day of paid leave. Sounds heavy, we know. Thankfully, our friends at Sparrow are here to help lighten the load. They'll connect you with your very own specialist to come up with a family leave plan that works for you and your HR team. And they'll take care of those less-than-fun steps, like filing the right paperwork and handling payroll changes. So you can stress less, and focus on what really matters. Aka taking the time you need. Learn more.
Source: The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development Family Database
Prime Day
Sound the alarm: Prime Day ends tonight. Before the big event is over, snag some deeply discounted items on Amazon you may have been eyeing for a while. Plus, plenty of other deals across the internet from brands you love.
Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. Fruit-flavored water in plant-based packaging. This brand's signature, sustainably packaged water now comes with a hint of something extra. They've added four subtle, natural flavors to their lineup. (Hiii blackberry, lemon, cucumber, and grapefruit.) Taste 'em all with the Skimm-sclusive variety pack. Fruit-iful.*
2. A secret ingredient that'll give you long, luscious locks. This rice water shampoo bar repairs damaged follicles, prevents split ends, and makes hair soft and smooth. Did we mention it'll last 100 washes? Psst…Skimm'rs get 25% off the Prime Day sale. Rapunzel, that you?*
3. Sandals for every event on your summer cal. This brand's sustainable sandals are classically designed, responsibly made, and next-level comfortable. Aaand right now Skimm'rs get 20% off their first purchase with code SKIMMNEW. Get shoe it.*
4. Wedding day must-haves that'll have you ready for the season. We've got items for your emergency kit (hello, blister balm) and a guide on what to wear depending on the dress code. You = prepared.
*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.
Drawing inspiration…Katie S (MA). A school reading specialist by day and an artist by night she decided to take a leap of faith and pursue her lifelong dream to become a children's illustrator. Now, she opened her own business, Katie Stack Illustrates, and has sold art all over the world.
PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
Skimm More
The economy has been flirting with a recession. But before you get flashbacks to the Great Recession, we broke down what you need to know about recessions and bumpy markets. Girls just wanna have emergency funds. Check it out.
theSkimm Loyalty Program
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Get 'em while they're hot. Up to 20% off some of our fave self-care staples, gifts, and more with our exclusive discounts? You bet. Log in or join theSkimm Loyalty Program to get access today.
Skimm'd by Rashaan Ayesh, Melanie De Lima, Kate Gilhool, and Julie Shain
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