We heard your weekends were getting a little lonely without us. So we’ll be coming to you every Saturday to break down the biggest talker of the week and give you the context you need to be part of the conversation. Plus, our recs to get the most out of your downtime.
...in your therapist's chair: Not getting back with your ex. Even if it worked for Bennifer.
All Rise
Design: theSkimm | Photo: Getty Images
New Justice, Same SCOTUS Problems: Ketanji Brown Jackson’s historic confirmation made headlines this week. But she’s walking into a court that many think needs an overhaul.
The Story
Late this week, after those hearings, the Senate confirmed KBJ to the Supreme Court. The judge won’t be sworn in until this summer when Justice Stephen Breyer retires. But the orientation is bound to be…interesting. That’s because the court is deciding on cases that stand to reshape American life. And its public approval is nearing an all-time low.
Tell me more.
Strap in. There are lots of arguments to cover, like...
Partisan interference. From publicity-grabbing antics to party-line votes, SCOTUS confirmations are all about party politics. That wasn’t always the case: Up until the ‘00s, justices often got bipartisan — sometimes even unanimous — approval. That all seemed to change after the Merrick Garland snub. So, it's no surprise that one poll found only 16% of Americans think justices are truly impartial. But (reminder) they’re supposed to be — especially since they’re ruling on matters as critical as the future of Roe v Wade, affirmative action, and the most important Second Amendment case the court has heard in over a decade.
Code of ethics. In light of a certain someone’s texts (u up, Ginni Thomas?), there’s been a big Dem push for the Supreme Court to adopt a formal code of conduct…à la every other federal court in the country. But that would require Congress passing new legislation. And it’s unlikely to get the bipartisan support it would need. Add it to the list of other major overhauls that are sitting in the corner (see: court packing and term limits).
Emergency docket (aka shadow docket). Something that even Chief Justice John Roberts has called an abuse of the court’s emergency powers. It’s when the Supremes rule on cases without the typical rounds of arguments and deliberations. And without signing or explaining their decisions. Historically, this happened mostly for death penalty cases. But more and more, in cases that change the rights of millions of Americans. (Think: Texas’s abortion law, EPA rules, vaccine mandates.)
theSkimm
Some of the most impactful decisions that affect our rights come down to the nine justices of the Supreme Court. That's why there are such strong opinions on whether it’s equipped to address the challenges of today. This week, the court got a pretty big update: a new member. While KBJ’s confirmation does not tilt the balance on the bench, her position on it brings overdue representation and diversity to a centuries-old institution — where, for the first time ever, white men will not be the majority.
Bookmark'd
The weekend means more time to do the things you love. For many of us, that’s reading. But we can’t Skimm it all for you. So instead, we’re giving you a look at the reads we’ve saved, texted, and emailed to our friends…
How Serena Williams Saved Her Own Life…in her own words, one of the greatest tennis players of all time describes her near brush with death during childbirth.
Downtime
Design: theSkimm | Photo: iStock
Downtime doesn’t have to mean doing nothing. Here’s one idea for making the most of your weekend.
What if we told you spring cleaning could be all about the things that bring you joy? A method called quieting helps make decluttering a way to refocus.
Step 1: Remove everything from a room (yes, everything).
Need recs? You’re in luck. We’ve rounded up stuff that can make life easier, aaand save you time and money.
1. Tons of skincare recs that’ll make you glow this season. From sunscreen (the key is to reapply) to warm-weather must-haves that’ll hydrate to bargain finds that actually work. We rounded up things that’ll treat your skin after a long, dry winter.
2. What to buy if your closet is in desperate need of a refresh. Usher in the spring season with brand-new socks, underwear, and transitional clothing that'll keep you comfy as the weather warms up. You = looking good.
3. Up to 30% off pet products at Wild One. National Pet Day is around the corner, so don’t forget to snag some must-haves like their treat pouch and walking harness. Psst…use code SKIMM10 for an extra 10% off. If you’re looking for more for your furry friend, check out our guide on problem-solving pet products.
Skimm More
More Skimm, less problems. Here’s what else to check out…
Partner swapping leads to peak chaos in "The Ultimatum"
Everything you need to know about your student loans
Like ours, your work and personal calendars are probably hectic. So here are some events you should know about...
On Monday, any American who chooses to mark their gender as 'X' on their passport will finally be able to do so.
CMT Music Awards. The CMAs little sister. With performances by Cody Johnson, Mickey Guyton, and Kelsea Ballerini.
America’s royal family of reality TV is back. And there’s a lot to keep up with.
PS: Want more events like this on your cal? theSkimm App gives you a heads-up on when everything from holidays to sports games to awards shows are going down. Download it here.
theSkimm Loyalty Program
Design: theSkimm
We launched our new Loyalty Program and you’re invited to join. Engage with our content, earn points, and use those points to unlock rewards. Think: swag, exclusive content, sweepstakes, and more. Start earning and get in on it here.
Skimm'd by Rasheeda Campbell, Xian Chiang-Waren, Melissa Goldberg, and Clem Robineau
