Officials have made an arrest over the leaked classified intelligence documents.
Tell me more.
Yesterday, the FBI arrested Jack Teixeira — a 21-year-old Massachusetts Air National Guardsman — in connection to leaked Pentagon documents. Some were apparently classified as top secret, which is the highest level of classification. Other docs are believed to have been altered. The classified info included maps of Ukraine’s defenses, US intel on allies South Korea and Israel, and more. Now, Attorney General Merrick Garland says Teixeira has been arrested for the “unauthorized removal, retention, and transmission of classified national defense information.”
How did this happen?
Teixeira allegedly leads a Discord group called “Thug Shaker Central.” It’s got anywhere from 20 to 30 members of mostly young men who share a love of guns, racist memes, and video games. Teixeira reportedly told the group that he worked as a technology support staffer who had access to the classified docs. Authorities are accusing Teixeira of uploading more than 100 classified docs to Discord between January and March. The info eventually made it to Twitter and pro-Russian Telegram channels last week. Members of the group said the leaker didn’t intend for the docs to leave their chatroom. But they did.
What’s next?
Teixeira is expected to be arraigned in federal court in Boston today. He could be facing charges under the Espionage Act. Each document could reportedly be its own charge — which carries a penalty of up to 10 years. President Biden said he doesn’t believe anything of “great consequence” has been leaked. South Korea said it’s investigating the leaks itself since the US spied on comms between its officials. Israel has called the allegations in the leak “mendacious and without any foundation whatsoever.”
theSkimm
Officials aren’t just worried that these documents made their way into the public's hands, but about how fast it happened. Some of the papers appear to be only 40 days old. This entire leak has also shaken allies’ confidence in the US, and this saga will likely continue to play out on the international stage.
Where abortion access is seeing more restrictions…
Florida. Yesterday, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) signed a bill into law that would ban most abortions after six weeks (before most women know they are pregnant). The measure includes exceptions for cases of rape, incest, or human trafficking for up to 15 weeks of pregnancy. However, individuals must provide a restraining order, police report, or medical record in order to be able to get an abortion. The legislation also blocks doctors from prescribing abortion pills via telehealth and sending them through the mail. Now, even though DeSantis signed the bill, the six-week ban will be on hold until the state's Supreme Court weighs in on a challenge to Florida's 15-week abortion ban. If it’s upheld, the new law would go into effect. This legislation could make Florida one of the most difficult states in the US to get an abortion. The state Democratic House Minority Leader said legislators don’t want women to have a choice. However, Republicans maintain the measure is about saving lives.
…Oh and speaking of abortion access, yesterday, the DOJ announced that it’ll ask the Supreme Court to step in on the legal fight over the abortion pill. It comes after a federal appeals court allowed mifepristone to stay on the market with limitations. The court said it’s working quickly to schedule oral arguments.
Who might be getting more options…
DACA recipients. Yesterday, the Biden admin said it'll propose a new rule to expand healthcare coverage for DACA recipients. DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) is an Obama-era policy that protects nearly 600,000 young undocumented immigrants — known as “Dreamers” — from being deported. It also gives them ways to legally study and work in the US. However, due to their status, they have limited access to health insurance coverage. Now, the Department of Health and Human Services is drafting an expanded definition of “lawful presence” to also include DACA. If approved, the rule would allow Dreamers to apply for coverage through Medicaid or Affordable Care Act marketplaces. The White House said it aims to have a proposal together by the end of the month. In a video released on Twitter, President Biden said the rule is needed in order to “give Dreamers the opportunities and support they deserve.” But Republicans criticized the plan, with one lawmaker saying the Biden admin would be “rewarding illegal immigration.”
In limbo: In the meantime, hundreds of thousands of Dreamers are still in a state of uncertainty about their status. A Texas judge is reviewing a policy update from the Biden admin that would maintain the program. Without a clear path to citizenship, current Dreamers can apply for renewal but the gov can’t accept new applications.
What seems to be going two steps forward, one step back…
Society. Yesterday, new research found that, for the first time, some women earn as much money as men in about 30% of marriages. The Pew Research Center said the number of wives making as much as or more than their husbands has nearly tripled over the last 50 years. But of course, there are some drawbacks. The study also found that although more women are getting bigger paychecks, they are still picking up most of the slack at home. As for husbands, they're spending an average of more than three hours a week socializing and on leisurely activities compared to their wives. All in a day's work.
Where there are updates…
San Francisco. Yesterday, police said they made an arrest in the murder of Cash App founder Bob Lee. Officials said the 38-year-old suspect knew Lee and is said to be a tech entrepreneur.
Last month we released our 2023 State of Women Report. Spoiler alert: Things aren’t working. To start with, 86% of millennial women agree that women contribute more to society than they get back. So that’s…fun.
In our new podcast mini-series, presented by Saks OFF 5TH, we’re digging deeper into the data, and looking at four areas where women are working to reclaim their power. Up first: delegating at work and at home with author Eve Rodsky. Listen here.
Skimm Life
Spring cleaning is the name of the game. Choose your fighter and roll up your sleeves:
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. How to get your lips ready for summer.
This tinted lip oil provides juuuuust the right amount of color. It’s also packed with plant-derived squalane and quinoa seed oil for extra moisture. Plus Skimm’rs get a free gift with their first purchase.*
2. Eye-catching earrings designed by an environmental scientist.
And handcrafted by Native American artisans. Woman-owned brand Cheyanne Symone is all about creating splashy, sustainable jewelry that celebrates Indigenous cultures and empowers women. Each piece is hand-beaded in the US. Plus, Skimm’rs get 15% off. Yes, please.*
3. Here's why everyone is wearing Hoka sneakers.
They're lightweight, durable, and ideal for long walks, gym training, and distance runs. Need we say more?
4. Toys your kids won't get sick of after two minutes.
These picks, from the biggest coloring book we've ever seen to a sing-along mic, will keep them entertained all weekend long. Phew.
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.
Totes for good…Jessica Z (CT). She founded an organization that hands out free and discrete totes to those in need, allowing them to have equal access to healthy menstrual hygiene. They’ve distributed over 90,000 totes so far. Learn more here.
(Some) Birthdays…Skimm co-founder Carly Zakin (NY), Charles Tisch (NY), theSkimm's Andrew Callaway (NY), Christina Baker (CT), Sarah Michelle Gellar (CA), Megan Hull (AZ), Nicole Bee (CA), Sharon Wherry (NE), Jami Carson (MN), Joelle Rose (NY), Deavyn Schumacher (MI), Sarah Levy (GA), Jess Lewis (IL), Ann-Charlotte Wade (IA), Elayne Goldman (MA)
PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
Answer: C. Today’s subject line (Ready to change the game?) is from the sports biopic “Sweetwater,” out now. It’s not the only film that’s taking audiences on a globe-trotting journey. Toni Collette goes on an action-packed Italian getaway in “Mafia Mamma.” If that’s not your (Vespa) speed, then sink your teeth into Dracula’s world in “Renfield.” You can Count on Nicolas Cage to be in fangs.
Skimm'd by: Rashaan Ayesh, Melanie De Lima, Anacaona Rodriguez Martinez, Chantal Vaca, Maria del Carmen Corpus, and Mariza Smajlaj
Photos by STEFANI REYNOLDS via Getty Images, Brand Partners
