Last week, Indiana’s near-total abortion ban went into effect. It outlawed all abortions from the moment of conception — with exceptions for rape and incest (before 10 weeks), lethal fetal anomalies (before 20 weeks), and medical emergencies. Doctors performing illegal abortions could lose their medical licenses. It was the first state to enact tighter abortion restrictions since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Abortion providers sued, arguing it violated the state constitution. Now, a little over a week after it went into effect, a judge has issued a temporary pause on the new law while the lawsuit makes its way through the courts.
What does this mean?
Abortions are back to being legal in the state…for now. Indiana women can get the procedure up to 22 weeks after their last period. And abortion clinics in the state can remain open. The judge said there is “reasonable likelihood” that the state constitution includes the right to liberty and personal autonomy. The plaintiffs say it’s “much-needed relief” but that things are “far from over.” Meanwhile, the state’s AG says he plans to appeal and will continue to “fight for the lives of the unborn.”
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Before Indiana’s near-total abortion ban went into effect last week, a 10-year-old rape victim from Ohio was able to get the procedure there. Now that the law is on hold, abortion rights advocates are celebrating, while anti-abortion activists continue to push for its reinstatement.
The midterm elections have a big impact on the policies that affect our day-to-day lives. So we’re here to help you Skimm Your Ballot. This week, you may have seen headlines around Voter Registration Day. Here’s what you need to do to get ready for Election Day:
Complete this registration form to become an eligible voter in your state. You can also use it to do a quick check-in on your status, like to see if you’ve already registered and make sure you don’t miss deadlines.
Make a plan. You can build your ballot here to read up on local and federal candidates and ballot measures based on where you live. No more surprises at the ballot box.
Reminder: Midterm elections determine the outcomes of dozens of governors’ races, hundreds of mayoral contests, one-third of the Senate, and the entire House. So if you want make a difference on things like inflation, abortion, and gun laws — register to vote.
And Also...This
Where there’s (some) closure…
Cambodia. Yesterday, a UN-assisted tribunal held its final hearing investigating the crimes of the Khmer Rouge. The regime — a radical communist movement that ruled Cambodia in the late ‘70s — killed an estimated 1.7 million people through executions, starvation, and poor medical care. Yesterday, the court rejected an appeal by the last surviving leader of the Khmer Rouge government, who’s currently serving a life sentence for genocide and other crimes. But nearly 16 years and $330 million later, he is just one of three people convicted for their roles…a letdown for many survivors. Now, the tribunal will spend three years archiving its work and spreading information for educational purposes.
Where the world is watching…
Iran. Yesterday, the US Treasury Dept announced financial sanctions against senior security officials and the country’s morality police. It’s in response to the death of Mahsa Amini, which sparked anti-regime protests across the country. That included video footage showing protesters burning their hijabs and cutting their hair in public. Access to Instagram and WhatsApp has been blocked. Police have cracked down on protests using tear gas, water cannons, and batons. At least 17 people have reportedly died, with hundreds more injured. But the protests have continued.
Meanwhile in NY: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi reportedly bailed on an interview with CNN’s chief international anchor Christiane Amanpour after she refused to wear a headscarf.
Who’s promising help…
President Biden. Yesterday, he authorized a month of 100% federal funding to help Puerto Rico recover from Hurricane Fiona. The storm made landfall over the weekend and left the entire island and its 3.2 million residents without power. Fiona also dumped as much as two feet of rain — causing “catastrophic” flooding and potentially landslides. Now, Biden says the island — still hurting five years after Hurricane Maria — won’t have to worry about paying for debris removal, search and rescue, power and water restoration, and shelter and food.
Who’s saying ‘look what I pulled’…
Teslas. Yesterday, the company recalled nearly 1.1 million cars because an automatic window system is struggling to detect key things in its path...like fingers. But the company says the problem can be fixed in a pinch, through an over-the-air software update. So your bestie in a Tessie won’t even need to bring it in to get serviced.
The avg American household spent $11,662 on food, entertainment, and clothes in 2020. If they had shopped with a credit card that pays up to 3% back, they could have up to $350 in their pocket to show for it. Not too shabby if you ask us.
Sound like a good deal? With Apple Card, you get up to 3% unlimited Daily Cash back any time you make a purchase. And that’s real cash back that can be used right away. On anything. There’s no extensive waiting or expiration dates. And there’s no fees. Not even hidden ones. Apply now to see your credit limit offer. So you can start earning on your spending…stat.
Sustainable investing is all about putting your money to work for you while supporting what matters to you. Seem like a good idea? A LOT of investors agree. In fact, researchers predict that global investment in sustainable assets will grow to over $53 trillion by 2025. Yep, trillion. With a “t.”
If you wanna get in on it, the pros at Fidelity can help. They’ve got extensive research capabilities and sustainable investing expertise. Translation: They filter out the all-talk-but-no-walkers, fakers, and greenwashers. Basically, any companies that don’t live up to their sustainability promises. Or aren’t built to last for the long-run. Get the deets.
Skimm Picks
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. Boots that’ll be your fall footwear heroes. Somebody get them a cape. Marc Fisher’s fall lineup has boots you’ll want to wear on repeat. With styles that’re the perfect mix of edgy and luxury. PS: Skimm’rs get 20% off with code FALLSKIMM.*
2. A secret ingredient that’ll give you long, luscious locks. This rice water shampoo bar repairs damaged follicles, prevents split ends, and makes hair soft and smooth. Did we mention it’ll last 100 washes? Psst…Skimm’rs get 25% off with code SKIMM. Rapunzel, that you?*
3. The scoop on sustainable investing. It’s all about keeping what matters to you — and something called ESG factors – in mind. We teamed up with Fidelity to break down what the E, S, and G stand for. Plus a few ways to get started. Watch now.*
4. The next installment of our Skimm Tested series. Looking for a new fitness tracker to help achieve your health and wellness goals? We tried the stylish FitBit Luxe and tracked our steps, sleep cycle, heart rate, and so much more. Here's why you need it.
*PS: This is a sponsored post.
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.
Less is…Maura M (IN). She’s teaching people how to organize their backlogged digital media (think: photos and videos) and turn them into albums. If it stops the ‘your iCloud is full’ notifications, sign us up.
(Some) Birthdays…theSkimm's Courtney St. Pierre (TX), Dustee Jenkins, Carole Crystal (NY), Charles Bonnello (NY), Nichole Twohill (CT), Fallon Mazza (PA), Virginia Rose Barbatti (MA), Kelsey Mohn (TX), Bruce Monte (CT), Kirby McThompson (TX), Lexie Zimmer (NY), Dustin Hebert (LA), Mallory Paul (GA), Angela Grant (TN), Brooke Beach (VA)
PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
Skimm More
Recently, buses and planes full of migrants have arrived in sanctuary cities (think: New York and Washington DC) without a heads up. This week on “Skimm This,” we explore the political impact of moving migrants and how it relates to immigration policy. Listen now.
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Skimm’d by Rashaan Ayesh, Melanie De Lima, Kate Gilhool, Julie Shain, and Mariza Smajlaj
