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"It's. Personal."

— Lana Del Rey, promoting her new album with one single billboard…in her ex's hometown. She's the board, the lightning, the thunder.

Top Story

Title 42

The Story

There's confusion at the US-Mexico border.

Explain.

For weeks, thousands of migrants have made their way to the US southern border ahead of Title 42's anticipated expiration today. In March 2020, the CDC — under the Trump admin — invoked a decades-old public health order. It basically gave Border Patrol the power to expel migrants and asylum seekers trying to enter the US in order to stop COVID from spreading. Since then, border agents have expelled over 2 million migrants. President Joe Biden had promised to hit 'undo' on Trump's immigration policies when he was on the campaign trail. But the Biden admin has continued to keep the policy in place for nearly two years. Now, the Biden admin's acknowledged that the rule has "outlived its public health justification" and is ready to bring it to an end.

Tell me more.

Earlier this week, the Supreme Court extended Title 42 after 19 Republican-led states asked the high court to intervene. They argued ending it would lead to a surge in illegal immigration. Meanwhile, the Justice Dept urged SCOTUS to reject Republicans' request for an extension. And even though the gov can't justify Title 42 anymore, it asked SCOTUS to keep it until Dec 27 so it could form a transition plan. Immigration advocates say the policy stops those who need asylum from getting it under the guise of public health. El Paso, TX, has declared a state of emergency and officials say 20,000 migrants may be waiting in Mexico to cross over. It comes amid a broader immigration crisis in the US.

Let's talk about it.

This past fiscal year has been the deadliest year on record for migrants trying to make it to the US. At least 800 people died while trying to cross the border. Many migrants — including from Nicaragua, Cuba, and Haiti — are fleeing economic troubles, violence, and other threats at home. VP Kamala Harris — who's the White House's point person on immigration — said the Biden admin's looking to add more agents at the border and improve how it processes asylum cases. But she also called on Congress to pass broader immigration reform.

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Immigration has never had a one-size-fits-all solution. Title 42 allowed officials to turn away millions for over two years. It might come to an end later this month — and the federal government still doesn't seem to have an answer on how to handle immigration.

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Where the lesson plans are changing…

Afghanistan. Yesterday, the Taliban banned women from attending universities until further notice. The move comes about three months after thousands of women and girls took university entrance exams. And is the latest in the militant group's crackdown on women's rights. Since its return to power last year, the Taliban has barred girls from most secondary schools, introduced gender-segregated classrooms, and set restrictions on the subjects women can study (think: no medicine or engineering). Historically, the Taliban has treated women as second-class citizens. Now, the Taliban is returning to its 1990s ways. And it's likely to affect humanitarian aid at a time when the country's on the verge of famine. Since the Taliban's takeover, Afghanistan has reportedly lost most of its foreign aid, which made up 80% of the country's budget.

Who may be giving Anna Delvey a run for her money…

George Santos. This week, the openly gay GOP congressman-elect from Long Island, New York, is facing mounting accusations that he's a conman. Last month, Santos flipped a blue seat red — helping Republicans win a slim majority in the House. Santos's campaign focused on his story as an immigrant who achieved the "American dream." But turns out, the incoming congressman might've embellished a lot on his résumé. One report said there was no evidence that Santos worked at the places he listed. And that there's no record of the animal rescue charity he claimed to run or his family firm. The schools he said he got degrees from also said they had no record of him. And just last month, Santos claimed that four of his employees died in the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting. But an investigation couldn't find any evidence connecting the victims to him. Santos's lawyer called the allegations "defamatory" and a "smear" on his client's "good name."

Spelling potential trouble: If there are any gaps in Santos's records, he could face the House Ethics Committee. TBD how this could affect the Republican's razor-thin majority.

What we may soon get insight on...

Former President Trump's wallet. Yesterday, the House Ways and Means Committee voted to release six years of his tax returns to the public. It's a move Trump — a presidential candidate for 2024 — has long resisted. The info's expected in the coming days — allowing time to remove sensitive personal information like Social Security numbers. The committee did release a separate report that said the IRS failed to audit Trump during his presidency and included recommendations for Congress to codify a mandatory audit program. A spokesperson for Trump said the decision was proof that Democrats "are playing a political game they are losing."

...Oh and speaking of things people are waiting for: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to visit President Biden at the White House and address Congress today. The Biden admin could pledge more assistance during the meeting.

Whose 'Just Do It' policy went too far…

Nike's. This week, reports revealed the contents of more than 5,000 documents in a gender discrimination lawsuit against the company. In 2018, a group of female employees sued Nike, alleging sexual harassment and gender discrimination. And began documenting their experiences in surveys that have now become public. In one survey, a woman detailed how her male coworkers told her to "dress sexier." Another said she caught a male executive receiving oral sex from a lower-ranking female employee. The surveys also revealed how men got "sloppy drunk" and exerted their power and influence over women in lower positions. Nike reportedly tried to keep the surveys under wraps. And hasn't commented due to the pending lawsuit.

What's apparently got some 'splaining to do…

TikTok. Yesterday, the social media platform said it'll start telling users why it's making certain video recs in an effort to boost transparency. A little FYI for your FYP.

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2022 Skimm Faves

It's a wrap. In honor of this year coming to a close, we're looking back at what Skimm'rs loved (and purchased) the most in 2022. Check out…

Skimm Picks

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

1. How to get Christmas cards to everyone on your list in an instant. Literally. Punchbowl has free digital greeting cards for your bestie, mother-in-law, pet sitter and…anyone else. Pro tip: Add a gift card or video message for a lil' extra magic. Done and done.*

2. New Year's Eve party outfits that are actually comfortable. No pinching, pulling, or itching here. We even threw in some shoes.

3. Face washes and makeup removers 101. We spoke with a dermatologist to give you all the facts, including what to use and when. Dive on in.

4. Our favorite winter wedding guest dresses. Whether it's a Christmas nuptial, a New Year's Eve soirée, or a dead-of-winter celebration, look to rich fabrics, deeper hues, dark florals, and long sleeves to keep you warm.

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.

Tuning in to...Catherine E (MD). The postdoctoral fellow at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health just got interviewed by NPR. And spoke about her research on the rise of anxiety in the US amid COVID. Listen here.

(Some) Birthdays…Amanda Aprati (IL), Mary Gallagher (NY), Gillian Schulman (FL), Mackenzie Cutruzzula (NJ), Nancy Schwemler (PA), Morgan Cole (SC), Rece Goodman (CA), Alexandra Smith (VA), Carina Deandreis (DC), Sarah Cohen (NY), Mary-Chandler Izard (MS), Jennifer Faldt (California), Brittany Daughenbaugh (IA), Meredith Shepard (OK), Janna McCormick (MT)

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