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Quote of the Day

"Just a mask" – The only thing Philly Naked Bike Ride participants will have to wear this year. That'll make for some fun tan lines.

Like a G7


The Story

It's going down. Janet's Yellen 'taxes.'

How fun.

Yes, well. On Saturday, the G7 countries (some of the world's richest) agreed to a global minimum corporate tax rate of at least 15%. Since 1980, companies have been paying less and less in taxes. That's in part because big companies (hi, Facebook, Google, and Amazon) have been able to pit countries against each other and base their HQs in places that charge less. But the Biden admin – and Treasury Sec Janet Yellen in particular – have been pushing for countries to team up and hold companies' feet to the fire. Enter: this tax rate.

Go on...

It means companies operating in some of the world's biggest economies (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the US) would pay at least 15% in taxes – including on profits from overseas. That last part is key. Supporters say it will reduce the incentives of companies to move their profits to a tax haven...since they would still owe those taxes back home. Critics – including US Republicans – aren't so sure this would keep companies from evading taxes. They also don't want EU countries getting more power to tax US tech companies.

What happens next?

The only countries backing the plan right now are the G7. But they're hoping to loop in the bigger G20 group, which includes China, Russia, and Brazil, when their finance ministers meet up in Italy next month. If all goes as planned, a final deal could happen by the fall. But countries still need the go-ahead from their respective legislatures. And with Republicans firmly in the 'I'm skeptical' camp it's not a done deal.

What else are people saying?

Some tech companies actually say they're all for it...if that means countries drop their tech-specific digital taxes. Tax havens like Ireland are, surprise, not fans. Yellen is doing a victory lap for getting countries to agree to a tax rate in record time. Meanwhile, President Biden is hoping if countries agree to this he can raise corporate taxes at home to pay for domestic priorities like infrastructure...without sending Silicon Valley packing.

theSkimm

The pivot to a global minimum tax rate isn't a done deal. But this is the closest countries have come in such a short time. It marks a shift from the US's 'go it alone' method under the Trump admin to a multilateral approach under Biden's. And could change how Big Tech does business.

And Also...This


Where the gun debate has taken center stage...

California. On Friday, a federal judge scrapped the state's decades-old ban on assault weapons. In 1989, California became the first state to ban assault weapons like AR-15 rifles following a deadly elementary school shooting. Six other states and DC have banned them too. AR-15s have been used in some of the country's most violent mass shootings – including Tree of Life synagogue, Pulse nightclub, Parkland, and Sandy Hook. But in 2019, gun rights advocates and a California resident sued the state attorney general, saying it's their Second Amendment right to use assault weapons. Now, a fed judge is saying 'I agree.' And said AR-15s are no different than Swiss Army knives as a "perfect" home defense weapon. Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) called the ruling a "threat to public safety."

  • Paperwork: The ruling could take effect in 30 days. But state officials are already planning an appeal. And the case could make its way to the Supreme Court.

  • Taking notes: If SCOTUS does take it up, many gun control advocates hope the conservative-leaning bench could use it to overhaul nationwide gun laws.

What's not getting 'likes'...

Nigeria. On Friday, the gov indefinitely suspended Twitter for deleting a tweet from Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari. Earlier last week, Buhari had tweeted that he would treat people there he described as "misbehaving" in "the language they understand." And he evoked the country's 1967-70 civil war, which left more than 1 million people dead. The tweet was widely interpreted as a threat to the secessionist movement in the southeast, which has been blamed for a wave of arson attacks against electoral offices. Some also saw it as a broader threat to the Igbo ethnic group in the region. Twitter said it violated the company's policy on abusive behavior. Now, Buhari's threatening to arrest and prosecute any Nigerian who uses the platform. Twitter says it's "deeply concerned" with the gov's actions and is working to restore access.


...Oh and speaking of social media bans, Facebook says former President Trump can't get his profile back for at least two years.

Who's set the bar...

Simone Biles. Yesterday, the Olympic gymnastics champion won her seventh US title – a record. Stick it.

Who's receiving a royal welcome...

Lilibet 'Lili' Diana Mountbatten-Windsor.

Monday Motivation


Mondays get a bad rap. But they also give us the chance to start fresh. So we teamed up with our friends at Buick to give you some tips to make the most of 'em.


If you're stressed about big projects, break them into smaller tasks. Focusing on immediate, achievable steps can make the work less intimidating. Aaaand less tempting to put off. (Trust.) Another way to stay motivated? Take breaks when you hit mini milestones.


PS: The all-new Buick Envision is all about getting things done. And getting to the good stuff. It has QuietTuning™ technology that blocks unwanted noise, so you can really enjoy your Spotify playlists (yep, the vehicle's got an integration for that) or the latest read thanks to a just-for-Buick-owners version of Reese's Book Club app. Yes, please.

Father’s Day S(h)ave


Everyone's social calendar is filling up as pandemic restrictions loosen. Your dad's included. So, this Father's Day (hint: June 20), help him live his smoothest life with The Art of Shaving. They've been spreading the power of the four-step shave (think: prepare, lather, shave, moisturize) since they opened their first store in 1996. Their elevated essentials can help the men in your life self-care smarter. And they're offering 20% off almost all of 'em. See…


A heated razor from Gillettelabs ($200). Yes, it's waterproof. Oh, and 30% off through tomorrow.


The Sandalwood Full-Size Kit ($95). Complete with pre-shave oil, shaving cream, brush, and after-shave balm. All wrapped up and ready to go.


This Total Beard Care Kit ($120). Hello, smooth, shiny, fresh-smelling facial hair.

Skimm'Picks

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


1. A free, easy way to see if you can save on home and car insurance. Because cutting costs counts as fun when you're an adult. And Policygenius can help you compare rates from the country's top insurers. Learn more.*


2. Healthy, gourmet meals delivered to your doorstep. This brand makes fresh, never frozen meals that are ready to heat and eat in two minutes. And they've got keto and low-carb options, with new menus every week. Psst...Skimm'rs get $90 off their first three orders. Yum.*


3. (Actually) the sharpest tools in the shed. And by 'shed' we mean the kitchen. This brand's German-steel knife trio and cutting board (which doubles as a serving dish) are as sleek as they are functional. Plus, Skimm'rs save 10% with code SKIMMRS10. Chop-chop.*


4. Pet care that's available 24/7. For $19 a month, this pet insurance alternative gives you access to on-demand telehealth, protection for up to six pets, and a $3K emergency protection fund. So your fur baby can feel (extra) taken care of. Sign us up.*


5. The most thoughtful Father's Day gifts under $50. We know how tricky finding the perfect present can be, especially if you're on a budget. So we rounded up some affordable gifts that are guaranteed to knock it out of the park.


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

*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.


Loading skills...Kunle B (NY). He launched CodeIntense, an interactive program taught by real software engineers and developers. It's designed to help those learning HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and React. And tries to help people land jobs as software developers. Learn more.


Career moves...Taylor G (MA). She got her dream job working as a patient advocacy consultant. She'll be helping biotech and pharma companies engage with their patients.


(Some) Birthdays...Lizzie Tisch (NY), theSkimm's Sam Horowitz (NY), Marielle Warner (NH), Rebecca Iannucci (NC), Autumn Carter (NY), Christi Tidwell (TX), Emily Prestridge (LA), Alexandra Kolev (DC), Charlie Massaro (PA), Elaine Gervasi (FL), DeAnna McCarrell (OH), Erika Critchley (NJ), Liz Wessel (NY), Nicolle Potvin (RI), Celina Liu (NY)


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

Skimm More

As life starts to return to normal, the COVID-19 vaccine debate has reached the workplace. Our guide breaks down whether employers can require vaccinations. Plus, what officials have to say.


And if you're looking for other smart ways to spend your time…

  • Listen to our news podcast "Skimm This" for clarity on the biggest stories of the week.

  • Tune in to our career podcast "Skimm'd from the Couch" for tips to build your resume.

  • Subscribe to our "Skimm Money" newsletter to keep up to date with your wallet.

  • Sign up for our "Skimm Your Life" newsletter for curated shopping, reads, and entertainment recs.

  • Follow us on the gram, Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook.

  • Download our app to get it all in one place.

Skimm’d by Rashaan Ayesh, Maria del Carmen Corpus, Clem Robineau, and Julie Shain