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“Statue of Liberty”

— What fans are comparing a 21-foot tall Shakira statue to. And that's the deal, my dear.

Top Story

Dreary January weather on a busy street in Washington, DC, USA

New Year, New Laws

The Story

States are kicking off 2024 with new rules.

Like what exactly?

Several new laws went into effect yesterday. Here’s a look at how new state laws impact...

Gender: At least 20 states with Republican-controlled legislatures passed bans or restrictions on gender transition care for minors last year. That includes Louisiana and West Virginia. Meanwhile, Ohio’s governor vetoed a ban on gender-affirming care for minors just a few days before the new year. In California, major retailers are now required to have gender-neutral toy aisles.

Abortion: California now legally protects doctors who ship abortion pills to states criminalizing the procedure. In Washington, all state-regulated health insurance plans are required to cover abortion costs. That's as Illinois police can’t share license plate info with other states that want to penalize women for getting an out-of-state abortion.

Guns: As of yesterday, Californians can't carry guns in most public places. Illinois is no longer selling high-powered semi automatic rifles and high-capacity magazines. Colorado is joining at least 10 other states banning ghost guns. In Minnesota, authorities will now be allowed to ask the courts to temporarily take guns away from people viewed as a threat to others or themselves.

What else?

22 states are raising the minimum wage, with many giving $15 an hour or more for some or all employees. Texas is closing down diversity, equity, and inclusion offices at publicly-funded colleges. Meanwhile, Illinois is now banning book bans in libraries and allowing drivers to hang things like fuzzy dice from the rearview mirror. Buckle up.

theSkimm

Congress didn’t exactly get much done last year. States did. As the US gears up for an election year, state legislators are making the case for their reelection. Now, the pressure’s on for Congress and President Biden.

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And Also...This

What’s back in the spotlight…

Israel’s court system. Yesterday, the Israeli Supreme Court narrowly struck down Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s judicial overhaul law. The controversial reform would have limited the high court’s power by allowing the government to overturn decisions it deemed “extremely unreasonable.” The plan triggered mass protests in Israel last year, with hundreds of thousands of people taking to the streets. The eight judges who ruled against the law said it would cause “severe and unprecedented damage to the basic characteristics of the State of Israel as a Democratic state.” Critics of the law welcomed the court’s decision. Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s Likud Party called the ruling “unfortunate.” The decision threatens to reignite tensions amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

Where people want answers…

South Korea. Today,an unidentified manstabbed South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae-myung in the neck.Lee was attacked while speaking to reporters at the site of a new airport in the southern city of Busan. Authorities arrested the attacker but haven’t provided information on his motives. Lee, who narrowly lost South Korea’s 2022 presidential election to conservative Yoon Suk Yeol, was taken to a hospital for treatment. A Democratic Party official said Lee’s in a “conscious” state, and police said his injury was not life-threatening.President Yooncondemned the attackand ordered authorities to investigate.

What's on alert…

Japan. At least 48 people died after a 7.6 magnitude earthquake hit the west coast of Japan’s main island, Honshu, yesterday. The quake sparked concerns of tsunami waves amid a series of aftershocks. Thousands have been forced to spend the night at evacuation centers. Officials are still surveying the extent of the damage, as rescue crews try to free people believed to be trapped under the rubble. In a statement, President Biden said the US “stands ready to provide any necessary assistance.”

Who’s got people talking…

Gypsy Rose Blanchard. Over the weekend, she took to social media to tell everyone she is “finally free.” In 2016, Blanchard pleaded guilty to second-degree murder charges for the death of her mother, Clauddine “Dee Dee” Blanchard. The story captured national attention as many believe Dee Dee suffered from Munchausen syndrome by proxy — a mental illness in which a caretaker makes up fake symptoms or causes real symptoms to make a child look sick. As a result, Gypsy spent years believing she was ill and confined to a wheelchair. Now, she has been released early after serving eight years in prison.

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Skimm Picks

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

1. Delicious greens that’ll help you start 2024 off right.

Target’s #1 best-selling supplement combines 30+ good-for-you ingredients (like fruits, veggies, and antioxidants) to help reduce bloating, boost your mood, and support your gut. Oh, and Skimm’rs get an exclusive 15% off.*

Get your greens

2. A twisty psychological thriller that had Mindy Kaling up all night.

Amina Akhtar’s “Almost Surely Dead” follows a would-be murder victim who disappears without a trace, and the hit true-crime podcast that’s determined to bring her back. PS: It’s free for Prime members this month.*

Read now

3. Winter boots to keep your feet dry and warm.

*This* is the year you find a pair of snow boots you actually feel cute in.

Start shopping

4. Beaded bags for every occasion.

From the cult-fave shoulder bag we can't stop thinking about to a vintage-inspired purse, this is the arm candy we'll be toting throughout 2024. It's out with the old, in with the beads.

Add to cart

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

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.

Giving back guide…Michele W (DE). She has a passion for nonprofit work and has volunteered in various leadership roles over the years. Michele took all of that experience and has published a comprehensive guide to start a nonprofit.

(Some) Birthdays…Lori Desoutter (GA), Shelley Henderson (FL), Ashley Bossong (NJ), Lauren Goodell (MN), Colleen Seitel (TX), Lindsey Belt (TN), Bobbi Kurronen (CO), Amy Moses (MO), Susan Bunch (TN), Avery Carmichael (NY), Marissa Ruelli (IL), Stephanie Kincaid (OH), Stephanie Fisher (IL), Kellie Barahona (TX)

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