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It's a Barbenheimer World

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‘Barbenheimer’ is officially here.

I'm ready for the big screen.

Today, a box office showdown is going down with the two most anticipated movies of the year: “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer.” After months of anticipation, fans will be able to watch Greta Gerwig’s take on life in plastic and Christopher Nolan’s biopic on the scientist behind the atomic bomb. The films, dubbed ‘Barbenheimer,’ have already sold over 40,000 tickets combined worldwide. Many are planning for nearly five hours of movie watching in one day. However, while many get ready to strut Nicole Kidman-style (sorry, Chloe Fineman) into the theater, Hollywood is seeing another showdown play out off-screen.

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The writers’ and actors’ unions are striking with no end in sight, bringing nearly all productions to a standstill. The demonstrations threaten to hurt the film industry, which lost around $7 billion during the pandemic. Still, the shows must go on. “Oppenheimer” and “Barbie” are expected to bring in $40 million and $80 million respectively this opening weekend. But, at least for “Barbie,” the movie has brought along criticism from lawmakers and foreign countries. As fans embrace the countless Barbenheimer memes and trends, the films’ directors are promising audiences will walk away with more — from messages of perfectionism to the meaning of life.

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Barbenheimer is making going to the movies exciting again. Even as Hollywood sorts out its own drama, fans are gearing up for a double feature weekend. Don’t forget to mute your phone.

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And Also...This

Where people are on high alert…

Iraq and Sweden. Yesterday, Iraq kicked out the Swedish ambassador and brought home their charge d'affaires from Sweden amid heightened tensions between the two counties. Last month, Sweden granted permission to an Iraqi refugee to burn the Quran during broader anti-Islam protests outside a Stockholm mosque. Then yesterday, another planned Quran burning protest was scheduled to take place by the same refugee, who stomped on the holy book. Iraqi protesters responded by storming and setting fire to parts of Sweden’s embassy in Baghdad. Now, Iraq is threatening to sever diplomatic ties with the Nordic country amid the turmoil and has revoked a Swedish telecom giant’s license to operate in Iraq. Iraq’s prime minister and Sweden’s foreign minister have condemned the protests at the Swedish Embassy. At least 20 people have been arrested.

What’s got many concerned…

Florida’s new teaching standards. Earlier this week, the state’s Board of Education unanimously approved new teaching standards on Black history. The curriculum will teach children in middle school that enslaved Black people “developed skills” that “could be applied for their personal benefit.” It’s the latest development in the state that’s banned critical race theory in schools and rejected offering AP African American Studies courses to high schoolers.

What’s paying up...

New York City. Earlier this week, the city agreed to pay more than $13 million to 1,300 protesters who were arrested or beaten by police during racial justice demonstrations in 2020. The protesters said police officers violated their First Amendment rights with unlawful arrests. However, the city won’t have to admit any wrongdoing. Now, NYC could be paying protesters about $10,000 each if a judge signs off on the settlement. It's considered to be one of the priciest settlements in a lawsuit involving mass arrests.

What’s got a goal in mind…

US Women's National Team. Today, the team kicks off its bid to keep its World Cup title against Vietnam at 9 PM EST at this year’s tournament in Australia and New Zealand. If the USWNT keeps hold of its title, it would be the first national soccer team — male or female — to win three titles in a row. This time, female players will be paid at the same rate as the US men's national team, which has never won a FIFA World Cup. (The women's team has won four, but who's counting?)

Who's got us checking timelines...

Ariana Grande with her new man.

Who's in their spooky era...

Kim Kardashian and Cara Delevingne.

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

1. Size-inclusive brands we love.

From Tanya Taylor to Target, these brands are making extended sizing the standard, and we're here for it.

Get dressed

2. Accessories that’ll have you surviving summer with ease.

From a shoulder bag that's under $50 to a cherry-adorned claw clip, these finds will make summer a breeze.

Let’s go

3. Our favorite breathable white sneakers for summer.

White sneakers + a summer dress = the perfect outfit.

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.

Mindful healing…Marian V (PA). After surviving cancer five times, Marian wrote a book to help those who’ve been affected by cancer manage their emotions through self-reflection.

(Some) Birthdays…Marc Haves (NY), Ana Fraioli (NY), Torie Conn (IL), Olivia White (NJ), Haley Gould (MI), Liz Cutting (MD), Michelle Miller (MO), Charlotte Norsworthy (GA), Claudia Rauch (DC), Sharon Tadmor (MD), Haley Cripe (IN), Lynn Rys (CO), Maliha Mannan (CO), Drew Elizabeth Unseth (AL), Lauren Schilaty (WA)

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