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“‘I’ve been told we should meet’”

— Priyanka Chopra Jonas on what Nick Jonas first DM'd her. That's one way to kick off forever.

Top Story

Opill

The Story

The US is one step closer to getting its first over-the-counter birth control pill.

I’m all ears.

Yesterday, two FDA advisory panels unanimously agreed the oral contraceptive pill, Opill, could be sold without a prescription. Opill, created by French-based HRA Pharma, is a progestin-only pill that’s reportedly more than 90% effective at preventing pregnancy when taken daily. In 1973, the FDA approved the pill as a prescription drug. Countries like Canada, Mexico, and most of Europe already offer OTC birth control pills. Now, health experts are recommending the US does the same by putting Opill on store shelves.

What are the next steps?

The FDA — not just an FDA panel — needs to approve the medication first. The agency is expected to make a decision this summer. Supporters say Opill could reduce barriers to contraception access and help prevent unintended pregnancies, which have accounted for almost half of US pregnancies — mostly among teens. However, some FDA officials questioned whether people would be able to understand the drug's labeling instructions. If approved, HRA Pharma said it could begin OTC sales later this year.

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For years, there's been a push for an over-the-counter birth control pill — a form of contraception that many also use for acne, to regulate menstrual cycles, and a number of other health challenges. Now, Opill could hit store shelves at a time when states are working to protect or restrict reproductive health care.

Related Stories

The End of Title 42

Tonight, a pandemic-era policy that’s helped manage illegal crossings at the US-Mexico border is set to expire. Since 2020, former President Trump and President Biden have used Title 42 to expel migrants 2.7 million times on the notion the move could stop COVID from spreading. Now that the order is expiring, experts warn the US could see 10,000 people trying to cross into the US every day. Here’s what’s being done ahead of Title 42’s end…

At the border: Starting today, a new Biden administration rule will deny asylum to migrants at the US-Mexico border who don’t apply online or ask for asylum in a country they passed through. It’s similar to a Trump admin measure that didn’t take effect because it was blocked by the courts. Other plans include sending 1,500 active-duty troops to the border and reportedly deploying about a thousand asylum officers to help expedite screenings. Meanwhile, the Biden admin is also setting up processing centers in Latin America to give qualified migrants the option of entering Canada or Spain instead of the US.

In cities and states: Border cities like Brownsville, El Paso, and Laredo have issued emergency declarations, which give the city more resources to deal with the influx of migrants. Chicago, which has seen thousands of migrants bused in from Texas, issued its own emergency declaration. In NYC, the mayor has suspended portions of its right-to-shelter rules. It comes as some NY counties have condemned the city’s move to send migrants upstate. Meanwhile, earlier this week, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) took new steps to send migrants to Democratic-led cities.

As the clock strikes midnight, all eyes are on how the Biden admin plans to handle the influx after the president and VP promised to be more welcoming to immigrants on the 2020 campaign trail.

And Also...This

Who appeared in federal court…

Rep. George Santos (R-NY). Yesterday, the freshman lawmaker surrendered to federal authorities after being charged with 13 counts, including wire fraud, money laundering, and stealing public funds. The charges stem from Santos allegedly using political donations for personal expenses, lying to Congress about being a millionaire, and unlawfully collecting unemployment benefits. Now, Santos has pleaded not guilty and is out on a $500,000 bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for June 30. If convicted, Santos could receive up to 20 years in prison. In the meantime, Santos said he won’t resign and called his indictment a “witch hunt.”

What’s offering hope…

A pangenome. Yesterday, scientists unveiled a more diverse human genome (aka genetic code) that could help transform medical research. For 20 years, doctors have relied on a genome that's largely based on the genetic info from one mixed-race man from Buffalo, New York. Now, this new pangenome includes the genetic maps of 47 people from African, Asian, Caribbean, American, and European ancestries. Researchers hope the pangenome will help develop more effective treatments that can help people of all backgrounds. It may also help scientists identify genetic variations that can lead to conditions like heart disease. Up next: Expanding the pangenome to include 350 genetic blueprints from all over the world.

Correction: An earlier version of this newsletter stated Rep. George Santos as a Democrat from New York. This has been corrected to show Santos is a Republican.

Thing to Know

Together with

Bundkuchen

A German word that roughly translates to “a gathering cake.” Psst…this is how Bundt Cakes got their name. Bundt, please.

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

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4. Reads that belong in your beach bag this summer.

Here are our picks of the most delightful, funny, light, sweet, and smart reads that you’ve just got to devour this summer. Sunglasses sold separately.

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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.

A greener planet…Kelly D (NJ). She recycled almost 4,000 pounds of plastic as part of a local elementary school challenge. After coming in first place, she’s decided to challenge herself to recycle even more throughout her community.

(Some) Birthdays…Keirstin McHenry (FL), Carrie Edwards (NJ), Tamara AL-Yassin (CA), Mariana Hyslip (NJ), Jessica Paz (CA), Chelsea Gray (NY), Lorenzo Edwards (MI), Jennifer Scott (NM), Melanie Platt (GA), Jill Spry (TN), Jordan Litt (TX), Cheri Davidson (DC), Randy Sue Weiss (MO), Caroline Benoit (LA)

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