Daily Skimm

“Space to work things out”

— What Ariana Grande is allegedly giving her SpongeBoyfriend, Ethan Slater. It’s still a lot to absorb.

Top Story

Loan-ly, We Are So Loan-ly

The Story

The Biden admin is testing out a new student loans plan.

I'm listening.

Yesterday, the Biden admin launched its beta website for SAVE, its new income-driven student loan repayment program. The Education Dept says that with the new plan, more than 1 million borrowers could be eligible for $0 payments. The plan, funded through the Biden admin’s approval of $116.6 billion in student debt relief, comes after the Supreme Court struck down Biden’s earlier student loan debt-relief program in June. Unlike that version's more than $400 billion price tag, this one will cost the gov anywhere from $138 billion to $230 billion over the next 10 years.

How does it work?

Starting this week, borrowers can use the website to calculate payments based on their income and family size. Single filers who make less than $32,805 and families of four making less than $67,500 could qualify for $0 payments. Those making more than $15 an hour could save $1,000 per year. The process should take 10 minutes. It could be a welcome break for thousands of borrowers who are bracing for federal student loan payments to kick off in October.

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After a three-year pause, tens of millions of borrowers will go back to writing checks. This plan could save Americans hundreds or thousands of dollars per year. Meanwhile, critics say the plan is a backdoor attempt to make higher education free.

Related Stories

And Also...This

Who people are worried about...

An American nurse in Haiti. Over the weekend, a local nonprofit confirmed a 31-year-old nurse from New Hampshire and her child were kidnapped near Haiti's capital. Alix Dorsainvil had been working as a school and community health nurse and is married to the nonprofit's director. The US State Dept said they are in contact with Haitian authorities and “have no higher priority than the safety and security of US citizens overseas.” It comes as Haiti has been in civil unrest since 2021 — and amid a rise in kidnappings in the country. At least 40 people were kidnapped since May as the country falls further into poverty.

Where there’s unrest…

Niger. Yesterday, thousands of protesters attacked the French embassy in the country's capital of Niamey. The attack comes days after a military-led coup. The French embassy became a target because of the country's lasting colonial influences on Niger before its independence in 1960. Pro-coup supporters took to the capital and waved Russian flags, smashed windows, and set fire to one of the doors. Meanwhile, in Pakistan at least 44 people were killed and more than 100 others were injured after a bomb exploded at a political rally. Authorities believe the attack was carried out by an ISIS-affiliated suicide bomber.

Who dropped the mic…

Cardi B. On Saturday, the rapper hurled her mic at a concertgoer in Las Vegas after they threw a drink at her. In a viral video, Cardi B can be seen performing her hit “Bodak Yellow” before the incident went down. No comment from either of them since. The violence comes amid a wave of recent attacks against performers, including one last week in which a crowd member threw a purse at Drake.

While we’re still not over Timothée Chalamet’s little hat…

Travis Scott might not be a Willy Wonka fan.

Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…

1. A new kind of probiotic Halle Berry calls ‘life-changing.’

This capsule contains a patented probiotic strain known as Akkermansia, which can help strengthen your intestinal wall while increasing the levels of good bacteria in your gut. Even better? Skimm’rs get 20% off with THESKIMM20.*

Go gut some

2. How to celebrate National Orgasm Day.

Grab a new vibrator and hit the sheets. Just don't forget some lubricant.

Have fun

3. What to buy from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.

It's officially the last week of the sale, so don't wait. PSA — later this week we’ll be rounding up the best deals still in stock.

Yes, please

4. Our guide to comfy summer shoes your feet will thank you for.

Sneakers, slides, and sandals that'll go the distance without a blister in sight.

Lace up

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.

Big bro…Joey P (NC). After helping fundraise for years he became part of the board of directors at the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina Board.

(Some) Birthdays…Elena Gallo (IL), theSkimm's Megan Beauchamp (CA), theSkimm's Michelle Simon (NY), Julie Ellis (VA), Sally Ostendorf (MA), Megan Mulligan (DEU), Samantha Jackson (FL), Laura Kopp (NH), Mandy Bui (TX), Ana Sofia Fabre (SC), Marissa Dorfler (CA), Ural Grant (NY), Mariya Greeley (MA), Nicole Conway (IL), Alexia Benner (FL)

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