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“The Tortured Poets Department”

— Taylor Swift, announcing her new album that’s coming out in April. The wait’s torture.

Top Story

Moody Night Shot of Border Wall Between El Paso Texas USA and Juárez Chihuahua Texas at Puerto Anapra

Border Deal

The Story

Senators have unveiled a border deal.

What is it?

It’s a bipartisan approach to tackle the migrant crisis at the US-Mexico border, which saw more than 2.4 million apprehensions in the last fiscal year. If passed, the $118 billion package would require President Biden to shut down the border as necessary and would tighten asylum requirements. The deal would also include money for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan, as well as humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza. President Biden urged Congress to get the bill to his desk. Still, the measure faces an uphill battle, with an initial vote expected this week. It comes as the Fed warns that the US needs to check its wallet.

What do you mean?

Yesterday, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell gave a “60 Minutes” interview in which he said the US is on “an unsustainable fiscal path.” Powell, who clearly has no respect for the concept of the Sunday Scaries, also indicated that Americans shouldn’t expect lower interest rates next month — but instead possibly sometime later this year. Powell made it clear that he wants inflation down to predictable levels so Americans can get groceries in peace before he loosens controls.

theSkimm

Americans have a range of issues they’re prioritizing for 2024, with polls showing the economy and immigration topping the list for many. Now, on the heels of one of the most unproductive years in Congress’s history, many are looking to see if lawmakers can deliver on something that's top of mind.

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And Also...This

What had musicians singing a high note…

The Grammys. Yesterday, women took over the 66th Grammy Awards, dominating nearly every category. Miley Cyrus is probably surrounded by flowers after taking home her first two Grammys. SZA likely didn't want to hit snooze on the night, after winning best progressive R&B album. Billie Eilish learned she was made for song of the year. Victoria Monét won for best new artist. Taylor Swift took home album of the year again — setting a new record. Speaking of album of the year, Jay-Z had a word with the Recording Academy. Some of the other artists who had the crowd on their feet: Céline Dion, Joni Mitchell, and Tracy Chapman’s duet with Luke Combs. Cue: all the nostalgia.

…Oh and speaking of what else people are watching, much of California is experiencing an atmospheric river-fueled storm. More than a month’s worth of rainfall could hit the state in the span of days. Up to 37 million people in the state are under flood alerts and at least 800,000 people have lost power.

What researchers are trying…

A new cancer treatment. Cancer patients in London became the first in the UK to receive an experimental treatment known as mRNA therapy. It’s part of a trial to assess the therapy’s safety and effectiveness in treating melanoma, lung cancer, and other solid tumors. The treatment works by using mRNA to show the patient’s immune system common tumor markers and train it to target cancer cells. Still, testing is in the early stages, and it could take years before the therapy reaches the market.

Where people are watching…

Chile. Over the weekend over 100 people died in fires across the country. President Gabriel Boric raised concerns that the death toll would “increase significantly.” There are currently 161 fires still burning. In order to aid firefighters in containing the spread of the fires, Chilean authorities put in a curfew for 9 PM in some areas.

Skimm Picks

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

1. Here's how to start a journaling practice, according to an executive coach.

First thing's first: Start small. A beautiful journal and some smooth-glide pens help, too.

Get started

2. A pair of house slippers you can throw in the wash.

Sweaty feet are no match for these slippers. We also love the memory foam sole and soft ribbed upper that feels like cashmere (without the price tag).

Add to cart

3. Wedding guest dresses you'll end up wearing again.

Wear this slip dress to your friend's wedding one weekend, then with boots and a blazer for dinner dates the rest of the season. Because we're not doing the "27 Dresses"thing this year.

Shop now

4. The $9 incense kit that's trending on TikTok.

The understated marble base looks expensive, and the order already comes with lavender-scented charcoal incense sticks. Heads up: This'll sell out quickly.

Buy it

Psst…love our recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag).

THESKIMM BETA

We're building a tool to help you cross off the to-dos keeping you up at night. Meet theSkimm Beta, a space where you can learn how to manage your debt and get more pleasure. Check it out.

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.

Looking good…Lauren M (TN). Along with her business partners Abi and Jesse, they launched their own interior design business in 2022. They’ve been working with other small business owners to create their dream space.

(Some) Birthdays…theSkimm's Allie Hoey (NY), theSkimm's Karlyce Edwards, David Lane (AUS), Lauren Anderson (MI), Aditi Nim (CA), Jeanette Dahl (UT), Benita Brooks (FL), Christy Powdrill (AR), Colleen Taylor (IL), Carrie Milbrath (VA), TM Henderson (MN), Phillip White (TX), Ashleigh Dickson (NC), Jan Engels (TX), Laura Smith (NJ)

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