— What Costco may ask for in order to crack down on membership sharing. Sounds like a page out of Netflix's playbook.
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Election Theory
The Story
The Supreme Court isn't letting federal elections fall into legal theory.
What do you mean?
Yesterday, the Supremes rejected the "independent state legislature" theory — which could have given state lawmakers essentially unchecked power to set election rules. The high court's 6-3 decision centered on a case from North Carolina. Republicans there had challenged a state Supreme Court ruling that rejected a 2022 congressional map. Based on the theory, state GOP lawmakers argued that they largely have the final say in federal election-related matters, not the state courts. Now, SCOTUS has put the theory to rest, saying that state legislatures aren't the be-all and end-all of federal election rules.
What are people saying?
Democrats and many voting rights advocates applauded the decision. They said a ruling in support of the theory could've led to more voting restrictions and partisan electoral maps ahead of the 2024 election. However, one legal expert said the ruling inadvertently gives SCOTUS the final say on state law and election disputes. In dissent, Justice Clarence Thomas said the case should've been dismissed, since North Carolina didn't use the controversial voting map in the midterms anyway. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court suggested this won't be the last time there's a challenge to what limits state courts have on election matters.
theSkimm
SCOTUS is laying down the law when it comes to elections and congressional maps. Now, many are waiting on the Supremes to release some more big decisions, like affirmative action and the student loan forgiveness program. Those could be coming as early as tomorrow.
Jeffrey Epstein. Yesterday, a Justice Dept watchdog concluded that a series of systemic issues enabled the financier to take his own life in jail. In a 120-page report, the DOJ cited acts of negligence and misconduct, including staffing shortages, failures to check in on inmates, and non-recording security cameras. The report comes after a series of conspiracy theories about the financier's death, including that there was foul play. Now, the DOJ has reiterated that there was "no criminality" in Epstein's death and outlined recommendations for improvements in federal prisons.
What could be good news for parents…
A report on baby food. Yesterday, a new analysis found that levels of heavy metals in baby food are declining. One study previously found that 94% of store-bought baby food contained lead. High levels of exposure to toxic metals can be dangerous to a baby's developing brain. For years, advocates and lawmakers have pushed for greater regulations in the baby food industry. Now, the report says there's been a decline in metals like arsenic, cadmium, and lead in some baby foods. However, researchers said that more still needs to be done to make products safer.
What's got health officials talking…
Malaria. In the past two months, five cases of the mosquito-borne illness have been detected in Florida and Texas. It's the first local spread of malaria in the US in 20 years. The disease can be life-threatening, but it's treatable. In a health alert earlier this week, the CDC said the five patients are recovering and that the risk of malaria remains extremely low. However, the agency urged doctors to monitor for potential infections.
What's causing a racket…
The Women's Tennis Association. Yesterday, it announced a plan that'll eventually give men and women equal prize money at more tennis tournaments — beyond Grand Slam events. Last year, Novak Djokovic took home more than $900,000 after winning the Italian Open…compared to Iga Swiatek's nearly $365,000. The WTA's plan won't be in full swing until 2033. Time to game, set, match.
Calling all moms. We heard you loud & clear – child care in our country is broken.
A couple weeks back, you opened up about your realities. So together with Moms First, we started a movement dedicated to creating change. Enter: #ShowUsYourChildCare. Whether you're still waiting (literally, on a list) or you're overwhelmed with frustration, we'd love for you to join us and help us continue our momentum. It's time to take over social feeds – share what your child care reality looks like using #ShowUsYourChildCare. (Don't forget to tag @theSkimm & @MomsFirstUS.) In just a few days, we've already ignited a conversation. And there's much more to come.
Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. Delicious, sugar-free wine that's taking the internet by storm.
This female-led canned wine company features small-batch wine producers, natural wines, and unique varietals that have — wait for it — absolutely zero sugar. The best part? Skimm'rs get 20% off the natural wine pack.*
2. A rare sale on cult-fave swimsuits you won't wanna miss.
This swimwear brand took measurements from 10,000 real women to develop the flattering, data-backed fit of their viral suits. And right now, you can get 30% off with code SALE30. Ready, set, swim.*
We're serious. You can earn $200 when you spend $500 with these high-earning rewards cards. That's like 40% cash rewards on your first $500 in spend. Plus, enjoy unlimited rewards.*
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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.
Good soup…Betsy Ayrea D (IN). She's celebrating 25 years as the director of Soup of Success. It's a nonprofit organization that runs a 20-week-long program to help empower women.
(Some) Birthdays…Carolina Kelrick (CA), Danielle Heffernan (NJ), Micaela Daley (CA), Eddy Alupay (WA), Gina Loeffel (WI), Alex Schwartz (IL), Jodi Anne Cisewski (DC), Melissa Bailey (CA), Stephanie Matalone (UT), Lisa Carter Noecker (NC), Judy Link Cuddehe (VA), Dana Abel (WI), Carli Berner (FL), Megan McAuley (MA), Irving Friedman (NY)
PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
Skimm'd by: Rashaan Ayesh, Melanie De Lima, Anacaona Rodriguez Martinez, Chantal Vaca, and Maria del Carmen Corpus
Photos Kevin Dietsch by via Getty Images, Brand Partners
