As part of a $95 billion foreign aid package, the House approved a bill over the weekend that could potentially ban TikTok. The legislation, which mirrors an earlier measure that stalled in the Senate, would give China-based ByteDance up to a year to sell the app or face a ban. This time around, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said the upper chamber could vote on the package as soon as tomorrow. President Biden, who applauded the bipartisan House effort, signaled he would sign the bills into law.
Is this really going to happen?
TBD. By tacking on the TikTok bill to funding for Ukraine and Israel, House Republicans put pressure on the Senate to fast-track approval of the package. Even if the upper chamber gives it the green light, expect a battle in the courts. TikTok, users, and some lawmakers have questioned the bill’s constitutionality. China has also indicated it would block any forced sale of the app. Meanwhile, US officials maintain a sale or ban is necessary to protect the data of the roughly 170 million Americans who use TikTok.
theSkimm
For years, US lawmakers have tried to ban TikTok in the name of national security. If the bill is approved in the Senate, it would be the first time the government passes a measure that threatens to pull the plug on a social media platform.
Columbia University. Today, its president moved its classes online after protests over the Israel-Hamas war continued for the fifth straight day on campus this weekend. The demonstrations are raising safety concerns, with one rabbi at the school urging hundreds of Jewish students to stay home amid reports of antisemitic harassment. In a statement, the White House said calls of violence and physical intimidation against Jewish students and the Jewish community are “blatantly antisemitic, unconscionable, and dangerous.” Meanwhile, at least one Republican lawmaker is calling on Columbia University’s president to step down, saying the school’s leadership “lost control” of the campus. Just last week, police arrested more than 100 pro-Palestinian protesters at the university.
What’s entering a new phase...
The hush money trial. Today, opening statements in former President Trump’s trial are set to begin. Prosecutors will start presenting their case to the main jury of seven men and five women, laying out Trump’s alleged scheme to cover up negative stories in efforts to protect his 2016 presidential campaign. Trump pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. If convicted, he could face up to four years in prison. The trial, which is expected to last six weeks, won’t be televised. Witnesses like Trump’s former lawyer Michael Cohen and adult-film star Stormy Daniels are expected to testify.
What turned heads for a second time…
Coachella. Over the weekend, artists came back to the desert for a second round. Grimes reportedly poked a little fun at her previous performance. Lana Del Rey and Camila Cabello had fans ‘luv-ing’ their collab. Sabrina Carpenter splashed some bathwater onto her outro. Oh, and this baby experienced it all before knowing how to sing along.
Wayfair’s BIG Outdoor Sale is here, making now the perfect time to snag everything you need for MDW and beyond. Shop all week long for major discounts — and fast shipping. We’re talking…
Decor that’ll complement any outdoor aesthetic. Eclectic pillows, beachy umbrellas, you name it (or invent it), they can help you make it happen. Oh, and it’s all up to 50% off.
We know it’s the thought that counts. But when it comes to graduation gift-giving, how much, err…“thought” should that be exactly? In 2023, gifters spent an average of ~$116 on each grad. You can consider that a jumping-off point.
No matter where your budget nets out, Apple Gift Card makes a great gift. Your grad can use it for exactly what they want, including streaming and music subscriptions, movies, games, TV shows, books, apps, AirPods, iPads, a HomePod mini...the list is basically endless.
Skimm Picks
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
Styles your closet — and the planet — will love this Earth Day.
This brand’s staples will take you from spring to summer seamlessly — and sustainably. Their tees, jumpsuits, and denim are made from high-quality organic, recycled, and regenerative materials. Plus they’re certified for healthy working conditions.*
Try this app. It’s packed with lessons, games, podcasts, and live classes to help you learn real-world phrases in 14 different languages — fast. Oh, and did we mention they’re having a pre-summer sale? ‘Cause they are.*
A psychology-backed wellness app you can customize to your needs.
Building — and maintaining — healthy habits is harder than it looks. So this app lets you choose which kind of coaching works best for you. Oh, and Skimm’rs can try it free for 14 days.*
Caraway is offering up to 27% off its bestselling items, including the cookware set that'll have you channeling Ina Garten in the kitchen. PS: This would make a great Mother's Day gift.
Psst…love our recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag).
Flipart
Wake your brain up this Monday with a game of Flipart. Just rotate the pieces to fit within the frame and get ready to feel the rush when they all fall into place. Get into it.
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.
(Some) Birthdays…Kelsey Hirsch (MA), Jaime Gelman (NY), Jodi Clark (ID), Kim Nicholl (PA), Mindy Pedersen (WI), Chelsea Rowley (MI), Stephanie Jacobs (IL), Katie Fallon (MA), Alexia Sikora (DC), Melissa Clark (WV), Sara Dart (MI), Erin Malone (TX), Annie Lillquist (NY), Julie Hernandez (CA).
PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
Skimm'd by: Anacaona Rodriguez Martinez, Chantal Vaca, and Maria del Carmen Corpus
Photos by Anna Moneymaker via Getty Images, Brand Partners
