News: Daily Skimm: Is there a place you go to watch the sunset?

Friday, February 17, 2023

Daily Skimm: Is there a place you go to watch the sunset?

"In a heartbeat"

— Raven-Symoné, on starring in a "Cheetah Girls" reboot. Cheetah sisters for life.

Top Story

Spain

The Story

Spain is really going with the flow.

What?

Yesterday, the Spanish parliament said 'sí' to paid leave for menstrual cramps. The new law gives women up to five days of medical leave if they're experiencing a painful period, or as the law describes it "in case of incapacitating menstruation." Health experts say about a third of Spanish women fall under that category. Now, Spain's the first European country to approve paid menstrual leave and joins countries like Zambia, Japan, and South Korea, which have similar policies. The new law also aims to tackle period poverty by offering free pads and tampons at schools and prisons. Spanish lawmakers didn't stop there.

What else?

They also passed laws on trans rights and abortion access. Spain's made it easier for people 16 and older to change their registered gender. This means trans people no longer need medical supervision or a doctor to sign-off. Lawmakers also voted to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to get abortions without parental consent. Spain's equality minister said the new laws are "saving many lives." Meanwhile, the country's right-wing parties reportedly opposed the new measures. They argued in part that the changes in transgender rights could allow men to compete in women's sports.

Meanwhile, in the US…

It's still the only wealthy country that doesn't guarantee paid family leave. More than 16 million people who menstruate are living in poverty. The pink tax doesn't help. Virginia recently blocked a bill that would have banned officers from accessing period tracking apps — raising concerns about bodily autonomy. In Kentucky, the state's Supreme Court decided to keep the state's trigger law and six-week abortion ban in place. On top of that, there's reportedly also been more than 150 anti-trans bills proposed in 25 states this year.

theSkimm

The spotlight's on paid medical leave and abortion and trans rights. Spain has expanded some of its policies, but the situation across the US is an ongoing debate.

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And Also...This

What's finally closing the loop…

Georgia. Yesterday, a special grand jury released excerpts of its report on allegations of voter fraud in 2020. Spoiler: It found none. Last year, an Atlanta grand jury began investigating former President Trump and his allies for their alleged attempt to overturn the 2020 election. While the report said there was no widespread voter fraud — as we've learned before — the jury believes "one or more" witnesses may have lied under oath. The jurors didn't specify who that could be, but they interviewed or received evidence from 75 people. That includes former Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC). Now, the grand jury is recommending perjury charges against those unnamed witnesses. Perjury is a federal offense that carries a penalty of up to five years in prison. It's up to Fulton County DA Fani Willis to pursue the indictments.

Who's clearing the air…

President Biden. Yesterday, he said China was "most likely" not connected to the three unidentified objects that were shot down last weekend. US fighter jets downed objects over Alaska, Canada, and Lake Huron, days after shooting down a Chinese spy balloon. Over the past week, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle called on the president to provide more information. Now, Biden said the three most recent objects likely belong to private companies or research institutions. He added that military radar systems increased their sensitivity to be able to identify more floating objects — hence the discoveries last weekend. The Biden admin said it'll update its rules on how to handle UFOs moving forward. Meanwhile, critics said the president is not providing Americans with "safety and security."

Who people are thinking of…

Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA). Yesterday, Fetterman's office shared that the lawmaker checked himself into a hospital for severe depression. In a statement, his office said Fetterman has "experienced depression off and on throughout his life." Lawmakers like Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) applauded Fetterman for getting the help he needs. It's not clear if this incident was connected to when he was hospitalized for lightheadedness last week.

Bruce Willis. Yesterday, the actor's family shared on social media that he is suffering from frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Last year, his family said Willis was stepping away from acting due to an aphasia diagnosis. As it stands, there is no treatment for FTD.

Who's replacing her work husband with her real husband…

Kelly Ripa.

Who's got people talking…

Chloe Bailey's new song feature.

While We're on the Subject...

Curious about today's subject line? (Is there a place you go to watch the sunset?) We saved you a Google. It's a…

A: Lyric from Skrillex's new album "Quest for Fire"

B: Lyric from Tiësto's remix of "The White Lotus" theme song

C: Lyric from Pink's latest album "Trustfall"

Scroll for answer. Click here to submit a subject line.

Skimm Life

Trekking to the gym in the winter can be tough. So we rounded up some things that may just make getting in a workout a bit easier. Check out:

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

1. The best sales to shop this Presidents Day weekend. From discounts on clothes to sex toys to new bedding. Browse brands like Everlane, Lelo, Brooklinen, and more. Cha-ching.

2. Comfy shoes for every workplace dilemma. We rounded up our go-to shoes to get you through your 9 to 5 — like flats for commuting, heels if you've got a meeting, and more. Run, don't walk, people.

3. A simple way to make meal prepping easier. Sign up for a plan that ships plant-based dishes directly to you and snag some airtight storage containers for leftovers.

Psst...looking for more discounts on brands Skimm'rs love? Check out all of our exclusive promo codes here.

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.

Squeaky toys and squeaky clean…Elli M (IL). Her family's business launched a new line of pet-friendly and eco-friendly cleaning products and some of those proceeds will be donated to local pet shelters. Pawesome.

(Some) Birthdays…theSkimm's Alexandra Napoli (NY), Billy Stern (NY), Wylie Stern (NY), Ilana Mandelbaum (CA), Lynne Madorsky (IL), Jaime Patel (CA), Trevor Noah (NY), Rob Ross (NY), Paul Lopez (FL), Rebecca DeFrang (WA), Lara Goldstein (NJ), Sara Haar (WI), Christopher Courage (TN), Stefen French (OK), Holly Sandler (MD

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

Answer: C. Today's subject line (Is there a place you go to watch the sunset?) is a lyric from Pink's album, "Trustfall." Pink is making sure we're Never Gonna Not Dance Again. So is Skrillex, who dropped "Quest For Fire" — his first album in nine years. If today's bringing you back to your raving days, we've got great news. "The White Lotus" song you've been humming or hearing at the club is also getting a remix, thanks to Tiësto. PLUR.