The Daily Skimm

The Story

Arkansas' governor just handed the LGBTQ+ community a small win.

Explain.

Yesterday, Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) vetoed an anti-trans bill passed by lawmakers last week. The SAFE Act (Save Adolescents From Experimentation Act) would have banned gender-affirming medical care for transgender youth (think: puberty blockers, transition surgery). And doctors giving this type of care could have lost their medical licenses. Arkansas was the first state to bring such a ban to the governor's desk. But Hutchinson called it "vast government overreach" and said it would interfere with the rights of parents and physicians.

Sounds more like a big win than a small one.

Yes and no. The Trevor Project called the veto a "huge victory" for transgender and nonbinary children in Arkansas. But it's not the only restriction hurting the LGBTQ+ community in the state. Hutchinson has already signed two restrictive bills in recent weeks. One bans transgender women and girls from playing on women's sports teams. The other allows health care workers to refuse treatment on moral or religious grounds. And Hutchinson's veto of the SAFE Act may not do much.

What do you mean?

The bill now heads back to the Republican-controlled legislature – which only needs a simple majority in both chambers to override the veto. Given the overwhelming support behind it, the bill could still pass into law. And Arkansas isn't the only state where transgender youth are being targeted. Alabama could pass similar legislation as soon as this week. And over 25 states have intro'd over 60 bills targeting trans youth just this year.

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Medical experts and LGBTQ+ advocates fear these laws could make matters worse for a community that's already at high risk for depression and suicide. And while Hutchinson's saying 'maybe we took it too far,' lawmakers in Arkansas have their minds set on making decisions when it comes to people's bodies.

And Also...This

Who's crunching the numbers...

Treasury Sec Janet Yellen. Yesterday, she called on countries to back a minimum global corporate tax rate. And hopes to work with G20 countries (the top 20 economies) to help make it happen. Companies worldwide have relocated money offshore – aka found homes for their accounts in places with low to zero corporate tax rates (like Bermuda and the Cayman Islands). All to evade taxes. So Yellen's urging world leaders to agree to a global minimum tax rate. Because if corporations faced the same rate, they could be less likely to relocate their money offshore, there could be less competition among countries to keep their rates the lowest, and governments could actually use the tax revenue for "essential public goods."

Playing offense: Yellen's push comes as the Biden admin promotes its $2 trillion infrastructure plan, which would raise the US corporate tax rate. If a global minimum tax happens, US companies could be less likely to shift their earnings if they see a US tax hike.

Who's saying 'wait for me'…

China. Since last year, the country's been testing out its newly created digital currency: the digital yuan. Think of it as digital cash living in cyberspace. But unlike bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies, the digital yuan is controlled by China's central bank. In a trial, about 100,000 users have reportedly been able to make payments via digital yuan by using their phone or a special card. And while Beijing plans to expand the use of the digital money, it's raising concerns about increased gov surveillance. Especially since the money can be programmed to expire and traced to any user.

'I'm not jealous': Some US analysts say the digital yuan spreading to other countries could pose a threat to the US dollar – which has been reigning global finance since WWII.

What's getting poked...

Facebook. Over the weekend, the personal data of over 500 million Facebook users from 106 countries was posted to a website for all to see. Think: phone numbers, email addresses, birthdays, full names, and bios. The data appears to be several years old, but it's another reminder that (1) Facebook's collecting your info and (2) the social media giant's prone to security issues. Facebook said the leak was from an old data issue that it fixed in 2019. But the info could be a gold mine for cybercriminals who are looking to scam or impersonate the users hacked.

Facebook execs, they're just like us: CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook co-founders Chris Hughes and Dustin Moskovitz are among the users reportedly affected. Here's how to check if your Facebook info was too.

Psst...certain types of data breaches can affect your credit and your bank account. Here's how to protect yourself.

Who had a beary good night...

Baylor.

Thing to Know

GOAT

Stands for the greatest of all time. Often used to describe a certain football player with seven championship rings and a tennis superstar who's won more than 20 major titles.

Aaaand now, Augustinus Bader. That's right. The three-year-old, science-backed brand was recently ranked the number one greatest skincare of all time by 300 beauty industry experts and insiders. Talk about making a great impression, fast. Inspired by more than 30 years of research, Augustinus Bader's award-winning moisturizers support cellular renewal and reduce the signs of aging. With your skin's long-term health in mind. Translation: they'll dramatically improve your complexion, so your skin looks and feels smoother, softer, and younger. Win-win-win.

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

1. A flight club that could help you save $500 on your next getaway. Think: roundtrip flights to Iceland from $196 or Hawaii from $107 on airlines with flexible change policies. Skimm'rs can join for just $1 for the next 48 hours. Adventure awaits.*

2. Sleek, supportive leggings with not one, not two, but three pockets. Made from recycled materials, these Athleta tights hold you in while wicking sweat away. Psst...the pockets keep essentials (hi, phone) in place while you work out. Move it, move it.*

3. Some personal news. We are very excited to share that we're partnering with the "Thunder Force" cast to donate $25K to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Which will help a lot of kids get matched with a mentor. PS: we couldn't do it without you (yes, you)...so, thanks.*

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PS: Like what you see here? Make sure you're signed up to get more picks like these in your inbox every Monday. We've got exclusive shopping recs, streaming ideas, life hacks, and more.

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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.

Cell-ebrate...Olivia M (VA). After six years of teaching and working to earn two advanced degrees, she's been offered her dream position. As a Science Curriculum and Instruction Coordinator, she'll help create engaging STEM experiences.

Feeling insured with...Kim B (OH). She launched InsureWomen on International Women's Day to empower women in the insurance buying process to feel confident, educated, and treated with the respect and attention they deserve. Learn more here.

(Some) Birthdays...Kathy Desjardins (MA), Megan Piepkorn (MN), Elizabeth Hegarty (DC), Taylor Sherman (IL), Kate Cunningham (IA), Amanda Freeman (CA), Jamie Kronfeld (NY), Felicia Palmer (CA), Elisha Greenwald (NY), Jordyn McClain (MN), Jeanettae Gerger (IL), Jennifer Nelson (NC), Annabelle Janssens (NY), Nicole Bradshaw (FL), Theresa Strawn (CA)

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

Questions about the latest investing manias? Our guide explains a few popular ones. Plus, which ones you should actually invest in.

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Skimm’d by Maria del Carmen Corpus, Mariza Smajlaj, Clem Robineau, and Julie Shain