Last week, a Florida House subcommittee passed a proposed bill that would ban conversations about periods and sexual health in elementary schools. The legislation also bans students from talking about STDs or sexuality. It's the state’s latest effort to crack down on school curriculum (see: bans on books and critical race theory, and the ‘Don’t Say Gay Bill’). The bill still needs to go to the floor for a full vote, but it could pass in the Republican supermajority Legislature.
What are people saying?
State Rep. Stan McClain (R-FL), who’s sponsoring the bill, reportedly said the bill would bring consistency to sex education across Florida’s school districts. But state Rep. Ashley Gantt (D) called the bill “egregious,” and raised concerns that younger girls — who may go throughpuberty earlier in life — wouldn’t be able to ask questions about their changing bodies in school. For his part, McClain said he’d be “amenable” to changes. Oh and, Florida’s not the only state that’s got people raising eyebrows.
Go on.
While a federal judge in Texas debates the FDA’s approval of abortion pills, Wyoming showed it waits for no one. On Friday, Gov. Mark Gordon (R) signed a law making Wyoming the first state to explicitly ban abortion pills. Starting in July, it’ll be illegal to “prescribe, dispense, distribute, sell or use” any medication abortion drug, like mifepristone. Anyone who breaks the law may face up to six months in prison and a $9,000 fine. Now, abortion in Wyoming is nearly impossible, except in cases of incest, rape, or if the mother's life is at risk.
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The conversation around women and girls is no longer just centered on abortion access. Now, the Floridalegislature is showing they can take things a step furtherby trying to limit theconversation aroundwomen’s bodies and sexual health in general.
Former President Trumpsaid he believes he’ll be arrested tomorrow.
The claims come as the Manhattan district attorney’s officeis investigating a hush money payment allegedly made to adult film star Stormy Daniels. In 2018, Trump’s former lawyer, Michael Cohen, admitted to paying Stormy Daniels $130,000 to keep the alleged affair between her and Trump quiet. Trump paid him back but has denied having an affair. The case picked up steam when the Manhattan DA convened a grand jury to dig deeper.
Now, Trump’s calling for protests and to “take our nation back.” (It’s worth noting Trump has yet to be charged.) In the meantime, law enforcement is planning to beef up security just in case. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) has said he would direct House committeesto investigate the DA’s probe. McCarthy also said he doesn’t think Americans should protest this, saying “we want calmness out there.” Meanwhile, Trump’s current attorney said they’d “follow the normal procedures” pending charges.
If indicted, it would be the first time in history a former president faces criminal charges. What comes after is TBD.
And Also...This
What’s writing a check…
UBS. Yesterday, the Swiss government announced that banking giant UBS will buy its smaller rival, Credit Suisse, for more than $3 billion. Last week, Credit Suisse’s shares dropped a record 24% — raising concerns it could default. The banking world was already on edge after Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank closed their doors. Credit Suisse was struggling with financial scandals for years. Now, the Swiss president reportedly says the deal will offer “great breadth for the stability of international finance.” But some experts reportedly warn the deal is still in a fragile state and could fall apart. The markets weren’t too happy with the news as Credit Suisse’s shares dropped 63% this morning and UBS’s fell about 14%.
Checking in: It comes as New York Community Bancorp will take over Signature Bank. Its 40 former branches will now operate as Flagstar Bank.
Who took a not-so-little trip…
Russian President Vladimir Putin. Over the weekend, he made a surprise visit to Mariupol in Ukraine. It’s his first visit to the country since he launched an invasion over a year ago. Russian forces took Mariupol last May — marking the Kremlin’s first major victory in the war. Putin’s trip appeared to be an act of defiance of the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). The ICC accused Putin of committing war crimes, specifically the unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia. The Kremlin has called these allegations “outrageous,” considering Russia isn’t a member of the ICC so the court’s powers are limited. Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to visit Putin in Moscow today. On the agenda: The war in Ukraine.
…Oh and speaking of high tensions, Serbia and Kosovo have reached a deal to normalize ties, but the agreement hasn’t been finalized. The European Union says a deal needs to go through if Serbia wants to become an EU state. The two have had a border conflict for decades, and Serbia does not recognize Kosovo as an independent state.
Whose brackets are busted…
Almost everyone’s. Over the weekend, 16-seed Fairleigh Dickinson University shocked the country by sending No. 1 Purdue packing. Kansaswent home after a close game against Arkansas. And this week, No. 15 Princeton’s Cinderella run continues as it reaches the Sweet 16 for the first time in 56 years after knocking out No. 2 Arizona in the process. The Princeton women’s team also advanced — making the Ivy the first to have both teams push to the second round. Meanwhile, Ole Miss’s women’s team upset top seed Stanford. The Sweet 16 will be whittled down to the Elite 8 this weekend.
…Oh and speaking of sportsmania,the US is heading to the World Baseball Classic final after defeating Cuba 14 to 2. The defending champs will faceeitherMexicoorJapantomorrow night.Play ball.
We’re celebrating Women’s History Month all March long, and when it comes to women’s health, there’s no time like the present to get informed. Today’s lesson: Did you know that women have 50 different types of hormones? Yep, 50. Making it prettyyyy common for imbalances to happen. The good news? There are signs to look for if something’s off. Hint: a change in your metabolism, increased anxiety, frequent urination, and more.
Enter: LetsGetChecked. They offer 30+ easy-to-use, at-home health tests, including a Female Hormone Health test. Which gives you the low down on your hormonal and overall health. Think: fertility status, thyroid issues, estrogen, progesterone, and stress levels, to name a few. Your journey to better health starts now.
Skimm Tested
Ever wonder what products are really, really worth it? Our series Skimm Tested — where we try out and review items so you know what to add to cart — aims to answer that Q. Check out:
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. The only credit card your wallet needs. Whether you’re swiping for groceries, gas, dinners out, or…anything else. With this card, you can earn up to 5% cash back on everyday purchases. Plus, there’s zero annual fee. And a prettyyyy sweet sign-up bonus. Learn more.*
3. A binge-worthy murder mystery that’s Mindy Kaling-approved. Lauren Thoman’snovel“I’ll Stop the World” follows two friends from different lifetimes, brought together by an unspeakable tragedy and a chance to set things right. PS: It’s free with Amazon Prime through March 31. Get reading.*
4. Salon-quality products that’ll help you kiss dandruff goodbye. *Waves farewell.*This brand is a leader when it comes to clean, color-safe, vegan formulas that combat flakiness and dry scalp. Plus they’ll donate 5% of their profits to mental health initiatives. Use SKIMM for 15% off.*
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Put me in coach…Tresa C (TX). She recently launched her own app, The Coach Chambers. It helps people who are going through big life transitions connect with professional coaches.
