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June 23, 2021

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Skimm'd while talking to business leader Ursula Burns

Quote of the Day

"The best solutions come from the most diverse teams" â A former astronaut on NASA working with Tide to develop a space detergent. What a loaded endeavor.

Filibusting Balls

The Story

Once again, the filibuster's stopped Democrats in their tracks.

I'm gonna need more info.

Back in May, Senate Republicans filibustered their way into blocking a 9/11-style panel to investigate the deadly Jan 6 Capitol riot. It's the age-old gov practice of talking endlessly on the Senate floor to delay voting on a bill. The only way to bypass it (or to "cloture" if you wanna get fancy) is if a bill has the support of at least 60 senators. And with the Senate split 50-50, it's not an easy task. Yesterday, Senate Republicans did it again. This time, on the For the People Act.

Tell me about it.

It's a bill dedicated to protecting voting rights amid surges of (unfounded) claims of widespread election fraud and new voting restrictions. The newest version of the bill â passed by House Dems â sought to expand early voting, create automatic voter registration, allow former felons to vote, and more. But, in order to boost its chances in the Senate, Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) proposed a new version of the bill to try and cater more to his GOP colleagues. It included things like having voter ID requirements and making Election Day a fed holiday. But Republicans didn't bite.

What happened?

They blocked it, saying the bill is a partisan power grab by Dems and that states should set the voting rules. And that's what they're doing: one analysis found 14 states have enacted 22 voting restriction laws this year. In Georgia, voters now have limited use of ballot drop boxes and a shorter early voting period for runoffs. In Florida, there are now stricter voter ID requirements and absentee ballot requirements. And in Arizona, the governor signed a bill purging infrequent voters from the early voting list. And it may only be the beginning.

So, what now?

President Biden said the fight against "Jim Crow era" voter suppression is "far from over." And Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) pointed to, as he phrased it, a "rot at the center of the modern Republican Party." Surprise: Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) disagrees. He considers the overhaul of election law a "transparent plan" designed to benefit Dems. Meanwhile, some Dems could use yesterday's showdown as another reason to fight to end the filibuster. But not everyone's on board: Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) wants to uphold a practice she says forces "continued negotiations toward better solutions."

theSkimm

The 2022 midterms are quickly approaching. And Democrats and Republicans will be fighting to take hold of Congress. But the battle over voting access could determine who stands victorious.

And Also...This

What's watching summer fly byâ¦

The White House. Yesterday, officials said they likely won't meet President Biden's goal of having 70% of American adults at least partially vaccinated by July 4. Right now, 56% of Americans 18+ are fully vaccinated and 65% have gotten at least one dose. The holdouts? Those ages 18-26, and the many who are still vax-hesitant. Now, the White House's saying 'new goal' and shooting its shot at a few weeks' extension.

Variant scare: Experts say the Delta variant is set to become the dominant one in the US within weeks. It's about 60% more contagious than the variant first ID'd in the UK with double the hospitalization rate. And it's got the CDC reminding those who didn't roll up their sleeves to keep those masks on.

What's gone through the roofâ¦

Home prices. Yesterday, the National Association of Realtors said that the median home price topped $350,000 last month for the first time ever. It comes as hoards of people ditched their apartments for greener pastures to ride out the pandemic...only to be met with a property shortage, bidding wars, and rising costs of basically everything. While it's not great news for house hunters, it gives existing homeowners some closure â given they're likely sitting on a growing asset. When one door closes, another one opens.

Psstâ¦here are five tips for buying a home in a seller's market.

What's hoping for some rel-reefâ¦

UNESCO. This week, its experts suggested placing the Great Barrier Reef on the list of World Heritage sites that are "in danger." Because of things like climate change and sunscreen pollution (yes, sunscreen) that have led to the tourist attraction losing half of its corals. Australia's feeling down (under) about it. And plans to challenge the rec it deemed politically motivated.

Who's taking the micâ¦

Britney Spears. Today, she's expected to address the Los Angeles court about a conservatorship that's given her dad control over her career and personal life since 2008.

Where your Loyalty is being testedâ¦

Thighstop.

Who's bowing out...

Andrew Yang.

Thing to Know

Whalebone

Not actually bone, but a fibrous material found in the mouths of certain whales. It's what was sewn into bodices and corsets for centuries to help shape women's figures. Comfy. And perfect with open-crotch drawers, which were popular until the early 1900s. If you're thinking today's undergarment options aren't much better, meet Harper Wilde's soft, breathable, actually comfortable stuff. Likeâ¦

Underwear ($12 each/$27 for a set of three). Brand new product alert. They juuust launched three edgeless, elastic-free underwear styles *checks watch* yesterday. And they're giving out free pairs to celebrate.â

The Bliss ($45). No wire. No problem. Their best-selling bra lifts and smooths without anything poke-y or foam-y.

The Base ($40). This bra's straps adjust in the front. We repeat: the straps adjust in the front.

â One per person. Must be added to cart. While supplies last.

Fact: you burn about 10% of your daily calories digesting what you eat. Seriously. Because it takes energy to make energy. This process is known as the "thermic effect of food." And it's one factor that influences your metabolic speed.

If you're trying to put the pedal to the metaphorical metal, meet Sakara Life's super duo. Aka their Metabolism Super Powder and Metabolism Super Bar. The powder helps rev digestion, eliminate bloat, and curb sugar cravings. While the bar shifts the body from 'storage' to 'burn' mode and activates lipid (read: fat) metabolism. Btw, Skimm'rs get 20% off both. Now that's super.

Every Thursday, our Skimm Your Life newsletter gives you recs for what to buy, watch, read, and more. Here's a little preview (today, we're all about adding to cart). And you can sign up here to get more ideas like these to your inbox.

1. Colorful kicks for your summer adventures. We're big fans of this brand's best-selling canvas sneakers (which are finally back after a 26K waitlist). And their eco-friendly slip-ons have a carbon footprint 3x smaller than their competitors. Here's 15% off for a limited time. We're sole-d.*

2. Things to spark creativity and increase your productivity. For when you want to get your creative juices flowing, but your to-do list is never-ending. Add these to cart.

3. Essentials to help you make the most of this summer. Like an underwater camera, stuff for people who hate being hot, and more. Happy days await.

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter lifeâ¦

1. How to save up to $500 on your summer adventure. This club sends members the best flight deals to their inbox. Like a $127 roundtrip to Cancun. Or a $275 roundtrip to Paris. And Skimm'rs can join for $1 for the next 24 hours. Vac-yay-tion.*

2. A breezy dress for your next summer wedding. Or barbeque. Or happy hour. This Jason Wu maxi dress is easy to pair with flats or heels. Talk about max-imizing your wardrobe (sorry, not sorry). And it comes in sizes XXSâ5X at QVC. Shop on.*

3. Designer bling you can rent, buy or swap. Or all of the above. For $21 a month, this brand sends you jewelry based on your personal style. You can pick your own, or have a stylist choose for you. PS: Skimmr's get a month free.*

4. A hydrating beverage to keep you cool all summer long. This delicious fruit-infused water has zero sweeteners and calories. Like regular water, only tastier. And you can get it delivered right to your doorstep. Psst...new customers get 40% off and free shipping. H2-oh yes.*

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

Skimmârs

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.

Green thumb always...Morgan R (AZ). She's a recent grad school grad who launched GoGreenMicrofinance â a website dedicated to promoting environmental sustainability in the microfinance sector.

Setting the bar...Estefani R and Peter G (NY). They helped form a group called "The Coalition" and collected over $10K to support local minority-owned businesses. And donated meals to over 1,000 frontline workers in hospitals in NJ and NYC.

(Some) Birthdays...theSkimm's Pauline Hsia (NY), Sarah Shapiro (FL), Gabrielle Hauray (MA), Janece Maze (AL), Amy Bess (KY), Sonia Dovedy (MA), Julia Sipos (NY), Emily Gaylord (MD), Rob Steinmetz (PA), Andrea Bourque (RI), Annamarie Frost (VA), Allie Holland (TN), Gaby Berkman (MA), Alyssa Tyson (MA), Janece Maze (AL)

*Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.

This week on "Skimm'd from the Couch": Former Xerox CEO Ursula Burns on why companies should prioritize the wellbeing of their employees. Plus, how the role of CEO is changing.

And if you're looking for other smart ways to spend your timeâ¦

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