News: Daily Skimm Weekend: Is there some reason that my coffee isn’t here?

Sunday, April 30, 2023

Daily Skimm Weekend: Is there some reason that my coffee isn’t here?

"Officiate three games yourself or risk being banned"

— A New Jersey town's new policy, intended to discourage parents from yelling at Little League umpires. That's a change of base.

Eyes On

Supreme Court Ethics

The Story

SCOTUS ethics are under the microscope.

Fill me in.

On Tuesday, the Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing focused on the court's ethical rules and potential changes to them. It comes after a "steady stream of revelations" involving some of the justices. Yes, that includes Justice Clarence Thomas taking luxury vacations financed by GOP megadonor Harlan Crow. But it also includes Thomas's failure to report that he and his family sold three properties to Crow, too. And there's the fact that Justice Neil Gorsuch didn't disclose who bought a vacation property he co-owned. (Spoiler: It was the chief executive of a law firm that frequently has business before the court.) All of which has reignited conversations about the court's code of ethics...or lack thereof.

Wait, really?

Yup. Unlike every other state and federal court in the country, SCOTUS isn't bound by a clear code of conduct — which, reminder, is a set of ethical standards aimed at keeping justices fair and honest. While a bipartisan group of court experts have previously said it's "not obvious" why the Supremes are exempt from formal ethical standards, Chief Justice John Roberts has argued that SCOTUS can't be bound to the same rules as the lower courts because of its "unique circumstances." And he's said enforcement could be difficult. Instead, justices are free to comply with the same ethical guidelines that apply to other federal judges, if they choose to. Which they say they do.

So what's happening?

Last week, Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) introduced a bipartisan bill that would require SCOTUS to establish an ethics code and appoint an official to review potential conflicts and public complaints. It's the latest in a string of similar efforts by lawmakers — some of which could come up in the hearing this week. Notably absent from the hearing will be Roberts. And any other justice, for that matter. In a letter to the committee, Roberts declined to voluntarily testify because it could threaten "judicial independence." He also attached a statement signed by all nine justices referencing standards for travel, gifts, and outside income, as well as stressing their commitment to ethics principles. But critics called the letter "tone deaf" and "nothing new." Democratic senators have asked Roberts to provide additional details by tomorrow, but TBD if he will.

theSkimm

The debate over the court's ethics comes as just 25% of US adults say they have "a great deal" or "quite a lot" of confidence in SCOTUS, according to one poll. And as the Supremes are weighing some big decisions on issues like affirmative action, voting rights, and LGBTQIA+ rights.

What's Happening

📰 In news…

Authorities are still searching for a Texas man who allegedly shot and killed five people, after neighbors asked him to stop firing his rifle outdoors. The Equal Rights Amendment was once again blocked in the Senate, while measures that would have severely restricted abortion access were blocked in GOP-controlled Nebraska and South Carolina. In other state news, proposed restrictions on gender-affirming care hit roadblocks in Kansas, Missouri, and Tennessee. While Washington — which recently became the 10th state to ban the sales of AR-15-style rifles — joined Minnesota in enacting legal protections for people who travel to those states seeking reproductive and gender-affirming care. Also, the College Board announced it would take another pass at its controversial AP African American studies course. And free college programs and "equitable grading" are on the rise. Same with college rejection parties, apparently.

📈 In business…

Everyone's holding their breath (and wallets) as the Fed weighs its next interest rate decision, which will be announced Wednesday. That comes as the latest GDP data was lower than expected, suggesting the US economy may be slowing down. And as layoffs have hit workers at 3M, Dropbox, Gap, Lyft, and more. Plus, UPS is expecting its first drop in annual revenue in over a decade — partly because Americans seem to be putting a pause on shopping sprees. But the forecast is looking a bit brighter for airlines, which are gearing up to fly high this summer, thanks to "very strong" demand. Oh and fun fact: Women CEOs finally outnumber CEOs named John.

🏈 In sports…

While Alabama QB Bryce Young became the NFL's No. 1 draft pick, Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson became the league's highest-paid player. And the NBA semifinals tipped off last night, with the Denver Nuggets beating the Phoenix Suns. (Also in the playoffs mix: the New York Knicks, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers.) In other basketball news, the NBA and its players association OK'd their new collective bargaining agreement. And, in her first press conference since being released from a Russian prison, WNBA star Brittney Griner said she's "never going overseas to play again" unless it's for the Olympics. Plus, after 13 years in the minor leagues, baseball player Drew Maggi is finally getting his moment in the big leagues.

Bookmark'd

Here's a look at the reads we've saved, texted, and emailed to our friends…

A Modern-Day Gatsby: The Tragedy of Two Gilded Heiresses...turns out, growing up on the estate that inspired "The Great Gatsby" had just as many twists and turns as the novel.

The Most Obnoxious — And Enviable — Mom in Your Facebook Group May Be Fake…as one woman learned, if someone's life seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Women Are Breaking Barriers in Latin Music. But Why Is It Taking So Long?…surprise, surprise: systemic sexism.

Together with

One money word you might be hearing more of lately? Shrinkflation. It's a phenomenon where an item gets smaller, but the price stays the same. So yes, there actually might be fewer chips in that bag than before.

Luckily, one membership is doing the opposite. Walmart+ has added even more bang for your buck — with an included Paramount+ subscription, better fuel benefits, and more opportunities to save with Walmart Rewards.† Now that's what we're talking about.

†Paramount+ Essential plan only. Separate registration required. See Walmart+ Terms & Conditions.

Skimm Picks

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

1. A must-queue limited series if you're into history and suspense.

"A Small Light" premieres tomorrow at 9/8c on National Geographic. It's based on the true story of the secretary who risked her life to hide Anne Frank's family during WWII.*

Watch the trailer

2. An evidence-backed metabolism booster with fans like Halle Berry.

This probiotic doesn't just help break down fiber, sugar, and carbs. It can help you maintain healthy blood sugar levels and experience fewer energy crashes, too. Use THESKIMM20 for 20% off your first month.*

Order up

3. 25% off sitewide at Brooklinen.

In honor of the brand's birthday, you'll be able to snag new sheets, a fluffy duvet, and more at a discounted price. Sweet dreams.

Shop the sale

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

Sunday Scaries, Who?

Here's one tip for a better start to your week.

One way to make Sundays feel less scary? Having something to look forward to. This week, that's the Met Gala — historically held on the first Monday in May (aka, tomorrow). Officially, it's a black-tie fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute. Unofficially, it's the biggest night in fashion. This year's party — hosted by Penélope Cruz, Michaela Coel, Roger Federer, Dua Lipa, and, per tradition, Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour — has already sparked some headlines, thanks to its controversial theme and rumored guest list. But expect the chatter to really pick up tomorrow night, when the most fashionable and most famous take the Met steps. Here are some ways to get in on the fun…

Host a watch party. Invite your friends and family over to watch the red carpet. The livestream kicks off on Vogue's website at 6:30 pm ET. Or, you can catch it on E! starting at 6 pm ET. To really take it up a notch, you can even serve some recipes from last year's Met Gala.
Get dressed up. Whether you're watching alone or with a group, get in the spirit with your most fashionable outfit. You could even create a makeshift runway in your home to show off your style with flair. It's the perfect excuse to be clothes-minded.
Continue the festivities. Unfortunately, the livestream is just limited to the red carpet. But when it ends, that doesn't mean your evening has to. Keep the celebrations going with a fashion-themed movie night: "The Devil Wears Prada" is guaranteed to be the perfect fit, since it's loosely based on Vogue and Wintour. Or, for a real look at what happens behind the scenes of the top fashion magazine, check out "The September Issue" or "The First Monday in May." Of course, you could also watch a film with iconic fashion, like "Clueless," "Breakfast at Tiffany's," or "Pretty Woman."

Save the Date

Like ours, your work and personal calendars are probably hectic. So here are some events you should know about...

The start of Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month. To learn more, click here.

Grab your fascinator. King Charles III's Coronation begins at 6 am ET.

The Kentucky Derby. Make a mint julep and you'll be off to the races.

PS: Want more events like this on your cal? theSkimm App gives you a heads-up on when everything from holidays to sports games to awards shows are going down. Download it here.

News Quiz

Stumped by our news quiz yesterday? Here's the answer.

D. Aaron Rodgers