Good morning and Happy Pride Month. After last week’s historic verdict, I did my best to unplug a bit from the news. Was I successful? Of course not. I blame it in part on the notifications of JLo’s canceled tour, which really got loud. But if that saves her from a potential bat encounter, then I think it might be worth skipping the stage (thinking of you, Taylor Momsen). Anyway, this weekend also had me wondering: What’s in a name? And are Tajín and other spices in drinks having a big moment? You can tell us if you’re feeling the heat in today’s poll (don’t miss it at the end). Alright, let’s get to the news…
— Maria del Carmen Corpus / Editor / Madison, WI
What's Happening
US News
President Biden’s Son Goes on Trial
What's going on: Today, jury selection in Hunter Biden’s gun case is scheduled to begin in Wilmington, DE — not far from his dad’s campaign headquarters. The president’s son faces three felony charges, including allegedly lying about his drug addiction in order to purchase a gun in 2018. Hunter, who’s been open about his struggles with addiction, pleaded not guilty to the charges. If he is found guilty, Hunter could face up to 25 years in prison and reportedly $750,000 in fines. First-time offenders, like Hunter, typically don't get a maximum sentence. A verdict could come in as little as two weeks.
What it means: It’s the first time in US history that the child of a sitting president will go on trial. It also comes days after former President Trump’s conviction. The trial could also stand to air some of the Biden family’s dirty laundry since the witness list includes Hunter’s ex-romantic partners, like his late brother’s widow. Meanwhile, Hunter faces another trial in September on charges of tax evasion, just weeks before the November election.
What's going on: Claudia Sheinbaum won Mexico’s presidential election, according to projections. Voters in Mexico headed to the polls yesterday to decide whether leftist Sheinbaum or conservative Xóchitl Gálvez should be the country’s next leader. The two women were the country's leading contenders, with a third male candidate trailing far behind in the polls. Sheinbaum is a Nobel Prize winning scientist, the former mayor of Mexico City, and an ally of outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Gálvez is a former Mexican senator, who vowed to be tougher on criminals.
What it means: Crime was a top voter issue, amid rising cartel-linked violence, with more than a dozen political kidnappings and assassinations leading up to the election, as well as femicide. Sheinbaum will have to navigate the challenges surrounding crime and Mexico's relationship with its northern neighbor.Mexico plays a key role in helping control immigration at the southern US borderand in curbing the flow of drugs like fentanyl into the states. Sheinbaum will serve a six-year term, starting in October.
What's going on: Over the weekend, researchers presented the results of aphase 2 trial for a male contraceptive gel. Here's how it works: Men in the trial apply the gel, which contains testosterone anda synthetic hormone calledNestorone,to their shoulders once a day. The trial, which includes over 200 men, found that the gel dropped sperm levels to nomore than 1 million sperm per milliliter of semen in 86% of the participants. Typical sperm counts can range from 15 million to200 million per milliliter. As for side effects, one user reportedly noticed upper back acne and possibly some weight gain.
What it means: The gel could reportedly be one of the most advanced birth control options available for men, if it gains FDA approval. There are currently no male birth control drugs on the market, despite decades of attempts. In one survey, 75% of cis-gender men said they'd take birth control. Researchers say a hurdle for developing male birth control is funding.
Working out but not seeing results? When it comes to a fitness plan, nutrition and exercise go hand-in-hand. Example: If you’re trying to build muscle, you’ll want to eat plenty of complex carbs (like sweet potatoes and quinoa) and high-quality proteins (like Greek yogurt, nuts, and beans).
Want help tracking your progress? Meet MyFitnessPal. It can show you the quality (aka nutrient information like protein, carb, and fat content) and quantity of food that’ll help you reach your health and fitness goals. Oh, and it automatically syncs your exercise details to keep you on track. Download the free app to get started.
Skimm Picks
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
Hearing devices that’ll save you from ever asking “what?” again.
These tiny, game-changing aids have helped 385K+ happy customers tune out the noise and hear what matters. Plus, they’re smartphone- and Bluetooth-compatible, practically invisible, and German-engineered for crystal clarity. Hear, hear.*
The balance transfer card experts can’t recommend enough.
These industry experts reviewed dozens of credit cards with 0% intro APR offers and found one where you won’t pay interest on balance transfers until nearly 2026 — and could earn up to 5% cash back on qualifying purchases.*
How to clean your home, according to a professional organizer.
You can never go wrong with some nice, collapsible storage bins. And don't sleep on slim velvet hangers to maximize your closet space. More organizing tips, up ahead.
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Game Time
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.
Gender bias plays a large role in how health care is treated in the US — especially when it comes to women's pain. To get the care they need, women have no choice but to become their own best advocates. We can help.
Every week Skimm Well, our health and wellness newsletter, gives you scripts (when you’re not sure what to say at the doctor’s office), expert-backed advice, and a round-up of the headlines most relevant to your wellbeing. Because your health can’t wait — so neither should you.
