News: Weekend: I'm just a cheeseburger in paradise

Sunday, May 28, 2023

Weekend: I'm just a cheeseburger in paradise

"Year ruined"

— One Twitter user, after learning that Dairy Queen is discontinuing its Cherry Dipped Cone. Candy crushed.

Debt Ceiling Talks

Yesterday, President Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) announced they had reached an "agreement in principle" to raise the nation's debt ceiling for two years — a crucial first step to prevent a historic default. The agreement, which comes after weeks of negotiations, would reportedly keep nondefense spending flat for 2024 and increase it by 1% for 2025. It would also institute new work requirements for some recipients of food stamps and other government aid. Now, the House and Senate must pass the deal before June 5, when Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen says the US would no longer be able to pay its bills.

Eyes On

Auto Racing

The Story

Racing fans are revved up for what could be the year's "best weekend of auto racing."

Get me up to speed.

First up is Formula 1's Monaco Grand Prix, which is happening right now. (No, really, right now.) For those who didn't go all in on "Drive to Survive," the race is widely considered to be the "crown jewel" of F1. That's at least in part because the race takes place on the streets of Monte Carlo, rather than a traditional track built solely for F1. Meaning, drivers must navigate an extremely tight, twisty circuit, which makes it the ultimate test of driver talent…and nerves. This year, many expect Red Bull's Max Verstappen to cruise into first after winning the Miami Grand Prix earlier this month and three of the first five races this season. But some fans are keeping their fingers crossed for three-time Monaco champ Lewis Hamilton, who'll head into the race with an upgraded car and a new contract on the horizon. While many locals are likely to root for Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, who was born and raised in Monaco.

Anything else?

That's just half of it. In the US, racers are shifting into gear for the 107th running of the Indianapolis 500 (aka the Indy 500), which takes off around 12:45 pm ET. There, 33 competitors will put the pedal to the metal as they zip around the iconic 2.5-mile track, known as "the Brickyard" because, as the name suggests, the surface was once made of bricks. Nine former champions will be competing, but Alex Palou is the race favorite. (Fun fact: He's also the reserve driver for McLaren's F1 team this season.) But many will also be keeping an eye out for veteran driver Katherine Legge, who is making her third Indy 500 start — and is one of nine women to ever take the grid. Plus, it'll be Tony Kanaan's last lap as he's already announced he'll retire after today. Regardless of who wins, don't be surprised when they celebrate their victory with a glass of milk. Because, apparently, that's a tradition.

theSkimm

Both the F1 Monaco Grand Prix and the Indy 500 are considered two of the three Triple Crown races. So, no surprise, auto racing fans are fueled up with excitement today.

What's Happening

📰 In news…

President Biden nominated history-making Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. as the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. A South Carolina judge temporarily blocked the state's new law banning most abortions around six weeks of pregnancy. Now it'll be reviewed by the state Supreme Court — which, worth noting, is the only high court without a woman on the bench. Meanwhile, Gov. Tim Walz (D) made sure Minnesota will be the 12th state to guarantee paid family and medical leave for its residents. (Though, there's still a long way to go.) And US cities will reportedly pay more than $80 million to people injured by police in the 2020 racial justice protests. Plus, in news overseas, a Russian court extended Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich's detention for another three months. Guam is still reeling from Super Typhoon Mawar, which may be heading toward the northern Philippines and Taiwan. And voters in Turkey are headed back to the polls for the highly-anticipated runoff election between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and opposition leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu.

📈 In business…

The latest developments in all things AI? OpenAI is offering $100,000 in grants for ideas on how to reign in the rapidly-growing tech. And TikTok is Tako-ing about testing its own AI chatbot. That's as stocks of Nvidia (whose chips power AI systems) superconducted one of the largest one-day gains in market capitalization of a US company. Meanwhile, behind the wheel, Ford customers will soon be able to pit stop at one of Tesla's fast-chargers. And BMW's new 5-series sedan will allow drivers to change lanes just by using their eyes. In less shocking news, pay and good management clocked in as employees' top workplace priorities. Same with a four-day workweek — which, apparently, might make us better workers and better people. Oh and a record number of US women are putting in the work, work, work, work, work, work.

🔬 In science…

After a stellar test flight, Virgin Galactic is ready to take paying customers to new heights next month. That comes as a second crew of private citizens is currently lending a hand at the ISS. In the animal kingdom: Scientists discovered more than 5,000 creatures you have to sea to believe. Another thing to check out? This video, which some believe is proof octopuses may have nightmares. Speaking of sleep, if yours has also not been so dreamy, climate change may be to blame. Meanwhile, more than three years after the pandemic began, researchers have ID'd 12 symptoms that they say define long COVID. That comes as the FDA granted full approval to Pfizer's COVID-19 treatment pills (aka, Paxlovid) and the CDC is reminding adults to stay boosted. Plus, if you need another reason to take a daily multivitamin: It could slow memory loss in older adults, according to one study.

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Bookmark'd

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

Tinx Is Ready for Her Next Chapter...after a very public controversy, TikTok influencer Christina Najjar (aka, Tinx) is back — and is just getting started.

A Movement to Make Workplaces 'Menopause Friendly'...menopause reportedly costs American women more than $1 billion in lost working time per year. Now, some companies are trying to change that.

A Symbol of Disenchanted Youth: The History of Skinny Jeans…turns out, a lot has happened behind the seams.

Skimm Picks

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

1. Brand-new, can't-miss episodes of TV's favorite family.

We're talking about the third season of Hulu's "The Kardashians," of course. Katch up with all five sisters (and everyone's fave momager) as they navigate baby name drama, newlywed life, nerve-wracking test results, and everything in between.*†

Stream now

2. Up to 20% off at Dermstore with code SUN.

Snag a NuFace at a discounted price and pick up some much-needed sunscreen. Score.

Don't miss out

3. Up to 70% off at Baublebar.

With over 50 new styles added to the sale, you really can't go wrong. Hello, new summer accessories.

Dive in

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

†Sponsored by Hulu. Hulu subscription required. Terms apply.

Sunday Scaries, Who?

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

Memorial Day weekend is here — which means, you might have a little extra time off. It also means you can say goodbye to Sunday scaries…for now, at least. Here are a few ideas for making the most of your OOO:

Fire up the grill. Of course, nothing says Memorial Day quite like a cookout. If this is your first time at the grill this season, it's probably best to give it a good scrub first. Then comes the real fun: You can't go wrong with the classics, but consider adding a few special toppings or condiments to elevate your burgers and hot dogs. Or, switch things up and add grilled shrimp, sticky barbecue chicken, even crispy-skinned salmon to the menu. Just make sure to have a few veggie options, like black bean burgers or halloumi and vegetable skewers. And to end things on a sweet note, whip up a grilled berry cobbler or a rosemary-strawberry shortcake pizza.
Take a hike. Now that the days are warmer and sunnier, there's no better time to get outside. To find a nearby trail, check out the American Hiking Society's interactive map or the National Park Service's online directory. (Pro tip: pack a picnic for lunch with a view.) And, remember, hiking doesn't have to mean breaking a sweat. A walk around the neighborhood counts, too.
Get crafty. In addition to being a well-known stress reliever, art's also a fun way to pass the time. So if you're easily bored, make this weekend your blank canvas — and bust out the paint brushes, put pen to paper, or perfect your vision board.
Indulge in some self-care. Consider this your permission to lay in bed all day...not that you need it. While most weekends may feel like a race against the clock, use this weekend's extra time to channel your inner Peter Gibbons. Meaning, grab your fave snack, turn on the TV, and actually sit back and relax.
Give back. While we're all for having lots of fun in the sun, it's also important to remember what Memorial Day is about: paying tribute to those who have served our nation. To do just that, consider supporting a veteran-owned business, writing letters to troops, calling friends and family who have served, or checking out your local Memorial Day parade.

Programming Note

Skimm HQ is OOO for Memorial Day. See you back in your inbox on Tuesday.

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 the 2023 NBA Finals. Swish the players good luck.

Find out who'll bee the next spelling champ during the Scripps National Spelling Bee Finals.

Donut forget: It's National Donut Day.

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.