During the pandemic, the Trump admin enactedTitle 42 — a public health order that allowsBorder Patrol to expel migrantsand asylum seekers. Both former President Trump and President Bidenhave used the order to expel over 2.7 million migrants since 2020. Thousands of people have continued to make their way to the US-Mexico border in hopes of applying for asylum in the US, before the policy ends next month.Experts predict there could be up to 10,000 border crossings dailyafter the program ends.Now, Biden is trying to get new migration rules in the works to curb illegal crossings.
What are the details?
Officials said they’re opening processing centers throughout Latin Americaso migrants can apply for asylum or refugee status. Eligible migrants will also be given the option to resettle in other countries like Spain and Canada. The Biden admin expects at least 5,000 people to apply every month. The first center will open in either Guatemala or Colombia, but no word on when or how many centers are opening. There are also plans to set up a new family reunification program for people from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Colombia. The Biden admin said it plans to block anyone from requesting asylum in the future if they attempt to enter the US illegally.
What’s next?
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas stressed the border won’t be a free for all after Title 42 expires. Mayorkas and Secretary of State Antony Blinkensaid these policies should help lower the number of migrants attempting to illegally enter the US.Despite these changes, Biden officials pointed out only Congress“can provide the reforms and resources necessary to fully manage the regional migration challenge.”Meanwhile, yesterday, House Republicans introduced a sweeping immigration and border security bill.It calls for the border wall to be built, and it would bring back the “Remain in Mexico” policy.The bill is set to reach the chamber's floor next month. It’s not likely Senate Democrats and the White House will approve it.
theSkimm
Biden made promises to fix immigration in the US, opening him up to criticism from both sides. Now, on the heels of his 2024 campaign announcement, Biden delivered some policy updates. However, it’s not clear if it’ll be enough to address what's unfolding at the southern border.
A diabetes drug. Yesterday, pharma company Eli Lilly said its medication, tirzepatide, helps people with type 2 diabetes lose weight while controlling their blood sugar. In a new study, researchers found that participants, who took the drug over a 17-month period, lost an average of 34 pounds. The study hasn’t been peer reviewed yet. Tirzepatide, which is already on the market under the name Mounjaro, is approved for type 2 diabetes. Now, Eli Lilly wants the FDA to sign off on using it for weight loss. The agency could give its stamp of approval later this year. The update comes as eating disorder experts have been ringing the alarm on the misuse of diabetic drugs, like Ozempic, for weight loss. The trend has led to shortages for diabetic patients who actually need the medication. Others have also reported side effects like pancreatitis and kidney injury.
Whose family may never get justice...
Emmett Till's. Yesterday, a coroner confirmed the white woman whose accusation led to Till's lynching died at 88. In 1955, Carolyn Bryant Donham claimed 14-year-old Till grabbed her while the two were alone at a grocery store in Money, MS. Her husband, Roy Bryant, and JW Milam kidnapped and murdered Till in response. An all-white jury acquitted the two men, who later confessed to their crimes. In the decades that followed, federal investigators opened and closed Till's case amid new developments. In 2017, Donham was quoted saying that she lied about how Till grabbed her. Last year, an unserved warrant for Donham resurfaced, prompting calls for her arrest. Ultimately, she was never indicted. Till’s cousin, Rev. Wheeler Parker, said “any loss of life is tragic” but “no one now will be held to account” for Till’s death.
What people are talking about...
Navarro College. Earlier this week, a former Navarro College cheerleader sued the school and cheer coach Monica Aldama for failing to investigate an alleged sexual assault. According to the suit, the former cheerleader said a male teammate — also named in the suit —sexually assaulted herin September 2021.She said she went to Aldama, who allegedlyoffered her a cheerleading gig “anywhere” if she stayed silent. Now, the lawsuit reportedlyalleges the school — from Netflix's “Cheer”— has a culture of abuse and cover-upswithin the cheer program. In a statement, Navarro College said it“denies any allegations of wrongdoing and is prepared to vigorously defend itself in court.”
What’s slowing down…
The US economy. Yesterday, the Commerce Dept announced that the GDP grew at a 1.1% annual rate in this year's first quarter. That’s lower than the 2% economists were hoping for. Higher interest rates have slowed down the housing market and has businesses pulling the brakes on hiring and investing. Yet, Americans are still spending enough to keep things going…for now.
When it comes to health, our 2023 State of Women Report was…revealing, to say the least. Only 33% of those asked said they had "good" mental health, while only 38% reported good physical health. In short: more surviving than thriving.
In episode three of our podcast mini-series, presented by Saks OFF 5TH, we talk to Dr. LaTasha Seliby Perkins about advocating for your health and navigating a rigged system. Listen now.
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. A surprise Wayfair sale you won’t wanna miss.
This just in: Wayfair is extending their annual Way Day sale for one more day. Meaning there’s still time to score up to 80% off furniture, appliances, accessories, and more. Plus free shipping on everything.*
2. Serum that’ll give you thicker, fuller hair — fast.
This brand’s derm-recommended formula features the world’s first and only ingredient discovered by AI and validated by clinical studies to directly target follicle health. And you save 15% when you buy a two-pack.*
3. Dog food so delicious, your pup will forget to beg at the table.
Refresh your furry friend’s diet with this human-grade kibble alternative. It’s made with real meats and veggies. And ships right to your door. PS: Skimm’rs get 60% off their first box.*
Psst...looking for more discounts on brands Skimm'rs love? Check out all of our exclusive promo codes here.
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.
Comfort food…Kaylie G (IL). She founded a non-profit org that provides Chicago cancer patients with meals while they undergo chemotherapy. Her org's already delivered more than 30,000 free meals to patients since its founding 10 years ago.
(Some) Birthdays…Steve Tannenbaum (LA), Susan Lyne (NY), Chris Dolce Castillo (CA), Jessica Hammer (WI), Stephanie Chilcott (CA), Alexander Schaefer (NY), Dina Scherer (NY), Halie Wisse (IL), Lauren Moloney (CO), Jane Denham (MO), Susan Huey (MN), Lisa Hillyard (ON), Lily Keefer (IL), Faezeh Ashtiani (IL), Jeannie Daniel (CT)
PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
Answer: A. Today’s subject line (Normal and regular like everyone else) is from “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret,” based off of the beloved Judy Blume novel. If revisiting your pre-teen years and hearing "we must, we must, we must increase our bust" isn't for you, open up your ears to Jack Harlow’s new album, “Jackman.” If the Louisville rapper isn’t doing it for you, then "Meltdown" with Niall Horan. His second single is off of his upcoming studio album “The Show,” which will be out on June 9.
Skimm'd by: Rashaan Ayesh, Anacaona Rodriguez Martinez, Chantal Vaca, Maria del Carmen Corpus, and Mariza Smajlaj
Photos by Guillermo Arias / AFP via Getty Images, Brand Partners
