— A cover of the Plain White T’s "Hey There Delilah" that might feature Drake. The internet and the T's are confused.
What's Happening
Politics
A Vote to Protect Contraception Failed in the Senate
What's going on: Yesterday, GOP senators voted 51-39 to block the Right to Contraception Act, which would guarantee access to birth control nationwide. The measure fell short of the 60 votes needed to advance in the upper chamber. Democrats first introduced the legislation after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, warning that conservatives would next restrict access to birth control. Republicans called the measure a partisan stunt and saidit wasn’t necessary since contraception is already legal.
What it means: Democrats got Republicans’ vote against birth control on the record. It comes as one survey found that about 20% of Americans believe access to birth control is under threat. Post-Roe, conservative states like Tennessee and Virginia have blocked efforts to protect access to contraception. Ahead of the election, Democrats will push more reproductive health care bills, including a package to protect in vitro fertilization.
Report: Israel Used Fake Social Media Accounts To Influence US Lawmakers
What's going on: Yesterday, the New York Times reportedthatIsraelallocated $2 million to target US lawmakerswith pro-Israel comments through hundreds of fake accounts on X, Facebook,and Instagram. The NYT says the campaign started in October, targeting BlackandDemocraticlawmakers —like House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) and Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA) — and urgingthem to keep funding Israel’s military. The report said Israel used OpenAI’s ChatGPT to generate most of the posts and that some accounts are still active on X. Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs denied involvement in the campaign.
What it means: The operation could markthe first documented case of theIsraeli government organizing a campaign to influence the US government. Meta and OpenAI said Israel's campaign didn't appear to have a large impact, with the fake accounts failing to gather a large following. Still, the report puts a spotlight on the alleged efforts Israel has taken to maintain US support. A recent pollshows 55% of Americans disapprove ofIsrael’s actions, as Palestinian deaths continue to climb in Gaza.
Smile, You’re On (Body) Camera at TJ Maxx and Marshalls
What's going on: The parent company of fan favorites TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods said it’s giving its security workers body cameras in hopes of deterring shoplifters. TJX isn't alone: The National Retail Federation said 35% of US retailers have been looking into using body cameras. This comes as the NRF reports lost inventory, including theft, totaled more than $112 billion in industry losses in 2022.
What it means: This is the latest move by retailers to ramp up security measures — they've already started putting certain products under lock and key and removing self-checkout stations. But experts reportedly say that body cameras may do little to deter shoplifting, and that companies should consider investing in training and better staffing their stores.
🛑 Taylor Swift is done with people commenting on women’s bodies.
😏 “Joe and Demi are just friends.” You be the judge.
Skimm Picks
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
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Extra Credit
Watch
It’s never too late to change your mind — which is what 30-somethingLucy realizes after admitting she wants to date women. "Am I OK?",a new dramedyon Max, stars menswear icon and fake-lime-enthusiastDakota Johnson as Lucy, who is attempting to navigate this uncharted territory with the help of herbest friend, Jane (played by Sonoya Mizuno),who reassuringly says: “You try 20 different flavors of ice cream before you settle on a single scoop.”Directed bycomedianTig Notaroand her wife and fellow comedian, Stephanie Allynne,“Am I OK?”is about going after what you want — which, for the record, should always include ice cream.
For more recs...
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Settle This
Everyone has an opinion on tipping these days, as those matcha latte prices get out of hand. Where do you stand on the scale?
Looking for a crossword that’s not impossible to solve? You’re in luck. This one even offers hints when you get stuck. The faster you finish, the better your score — and the more impressed the group chat will be. Go on.
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.
