Daily Skimm: I will not feel shame about the mall pretzels

"I promise never to repeat this error"

— A Canadian MP, after videoing into a parliamentary session from the bathroom. If multitasking is wrong, we don't want to be right.

Destined to Fail

The Story

Democrats failed to protect abortion rights.

What's the latest?

Yesterday, the Senate voted on the Women's Health Protection Act. It already passed the House last year. If the Senate passed the bill, it would have protected the right to abortion under federal law. But that's not all. It also would have barred states from restricting or delaying abortion access in a variety of scenarios, before and after fetal viability.

You keep saying 'would have.'

That's because the vote failed 49-51, shocking exactly no one.

So…why did the vote happen?

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) — who's been in office for over two decades — called for it a week after a leaked draft decision from the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade.

What did we learn?

Where senators stood on abortion — something their legislative websites usually include. In order to pass the legislation, 60 senators had to vote to debate on it. That was not expected to happen in a Senate with a 50-50 split. Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) voted with Republicans against the bill, saying it would "expand" Roe rather than preserve it.

What happens next?

Two GOP senators — Susan Collins (ME) and Lisa Murkowski (AK) — are working on alternative legislation they say would "maintain" the current legal framework for abortion rights. They said yesterday's bill went too far beyond Roe v. Wade in limiting state regulation of abortion. Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) agreed, calling the Dem bill "extreme."

theSkimm
In the nearly five decades since Roe v. Wade was decided, there have been multiple instances where Dems had majorities in the House and Senate. Never did they codify abortion rights. Now, SCOTUS's final decision could come within weeks.

PS: What happens if lawmakers don't take action on abortion rights — and the Supreme Court reverses Roe v. Wade? Here's a preview.

And Also...This

Who could be getting answers...

Indigenous communities. Yesterday, a government report revealed at least 500 Native American children died in US boarding schools. The report — commissioned by Interior Secretary Deb Haaland — also found more than 50 burial sites across the country. Officials expect the number to rise as they continue to investigate. Dating back to the 1800s, the US gov took Native American children from their communities and forced them to attend boarding schools. The goal: get them to assimilate and take their tribal land. The children suffered from physical and sexual abuse, malnourishment, and overcrowding. Some were also placed in solitary confinement. The report came without a formal apology from the US gov for its role — something Indigenous communities have called for.

Eerily familiar: If this finding sounds familiar that's because countries like Canada and Australia have gone through a similar reckoning. Since 2021, Canada has uncovered hundreds of unmarked graves. In Australia, hundreds of massacres have been accounted for.

Who's going back to the drawing board…

Florida. Yesterday, a judge struck down parts of Gov. Ron DeSantis's (R) congressional district map calling it "unconstitutional." Last month, the Republican-controlled state legislature approved what DeSantis called a "race-neutral" map. But that map eliminated a district represented by a Black Democrat — prompting outcry from local Black legislators. Now, a judge agrees the map is out of line, saying it "diminishes African Americans' ability" to elect reps of their choice. The judge plans to issue an order — as soon as today — to stop the map from going into effect. DeSantis plans to appeal. But Florida isn't the only one...

The Big (bad) Apple: New York's Democratic-drawn congressional map got thrown out because of partisan gerrymandering. Now, a court-appointed special master will draw new maps. Meanwhile, NY's primary election could be moved to late August.

Who people are mourning…

Shireen Abu Akleh. Yesterday, the veteran journalist was shot and killed while reporting on an Israeli military raid in the West Bank. Witnesses say the Palestinian-American Al Jazeera reporter was killed by Israeli gunfire. Her employer is calling on the international community to hold Israel accountable for her "blatant murder." Israel said the raid was a military counterterrorism operation — amid a wave of recent terror attacks. At first, it blamed Abu Akleh's death on stray fire from Palestinians. The government is promising a thorough investigation. But the Palestinian Authority said it would investigate independently, and declined to hand over the bullet that killed Abu Akleh for analysis.

Where people can start healing...

Surfside, FL. Yesterday, survivors and victims' families reached a nearly $1 billion tentative settlement with building developers and insurance companies. Last June, a section of a 12-story condominium collapsed in Surfside, leaving 98 people dead. The cause of the collapse is still under federal investigation. But the lawsuit claimed that the building was "badly damaged and destabilized" causing the collapse. Now, once finalized, the settlement will aim to compensate families and survivors for their loss.

Who's pretty fly…

This guy.

Thing to Know

Together with

20,000

The number of pores on the human face, according to research. Another thing to know? Proper hydration can help you take care of each and every one.

When your skin is feeling oily, adding more moisture may be the last thing on your mind. But oily does not equal hydrated. (Read: Oily skin needs moisture too.) PCA SKIN's new HydraMatte gel moisturizer gives oily and breakout-prone skin the hydration it needs. Plus leaves a powdery finish behind. Aaand Skimm'rs can use code SKIMM12 for a free Breakthrough Hydration Kit (HydraMatte included) with their $135+ PCA SKIN purchase. Please and thank you.

Save Your Seat: Future-Proofed

"Alternative" is no longer a word reserved for rock music. Yep, we're talking about alternative investments like cryptocurrencies and NFTs. And it's time women join the conversation. Join us next week on Tuesday, May 17 at 7:30pm ET for our free, virtual event, Future-Proofed: Closing the Crypto Gender Gap with crypto experts Laura Shin, Maggie Love, and Mags Kala. Sign up and let's get even.

Skimm Picks

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

1. A bite-sized boost for your daily routine. GEM Daily Essentials packs 15+ vitamins, minerals, and herbs into one real-food bite. No pills or gummies necessary. And Skimm'rs get 30% off their first month. Pro tip: Go for the new lemon raspberry flavor.*

2. The shoes you'll slip on over and over again this summer. And beyond. These sustainably made, handwoven leather sandals are soft, breathable, and go with literally everything. Plus, Skimm'rs can get 20% off their first purchase with code SKIMMNEW this month. Perfect timing.*

3. Something to support a stronger, calmer you. This subscription gives you access to 25 live online yoga sessions daily. Plus thousands of on-demand workouts. So you can stretch, relieve stress, and get your flow on — anywhere. Psst…use SKIMM50 for 50% off.*

4. Advice from an incredibly inspiring entrepreneur. In the latest ep of our "9 to 5ish" podcast, sponsored by BlackRock, Cindy Eckert shares her tips for overcoming challenges and building strong teams. Plus how she plans to make other women rich. Listen here.*

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

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.

Not all heroes wear capes…Anna R (NY). She's raised tens of thousands of dollars for Maloto, a foundation that feeds, educates, and empowers women and children in Malawi. Check it out here.

(Some) Birthdays…theSkimm's Olva Timorry (MA), Kathryn Maguire (NY), Jessica Artille (FL), Sarah Kosid (KY), Lauren Mason (IA), Alicia Muzzi (MA), Chad Gent (NE), Katie Humphries (AL), Emily Stone (CA), Monique Skordas (UT), Maureen McNamara (CO), Caitlin Estes (OR), Maria DiCamillo (CT), Julia Kresky (CA), Taylor Hosey (OH), Kaitlin Rathe (CA)

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

theSkimm Loyalty Program

Exclusive discounts from some of our fave retailers just for members? Yep. And even more perks when you sign up for our Loyalty Program. Check it out and get access here.

Skimm'd by Rashaan Ayesh, Melanie De Lima, Kate Gilhool, Julie Shain, and Mariza Smajlaj