Today, the world is remembering Pope Francis, who passed away at age 88 on Monday morning. In this newsletter, we’re looking back on his life and legacy. We’ve also got the latest on the Supreme Court temporarily halting deportations, and a major change to the influencer economy. Let’s get to the news...
— Marina Carver / Senior Editor / Brooklyn, NY
What's Happening
International
World Reflects On the Legacy of Pope Francis
What’s going on: Pope Francis, the oldest sitting pope in the past century, died Monday at the age of 88. Earlier this year, he was hospitalized with pneumonia in both lungs. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in 1936 in Buenos Aires to an Italian immigrant railway worker, he rose through Catholic Church ranks to serve as Archbishop of Buenos Aires, where he was known for his modest lifestyle — living simply, taking public transit, and engaging with lower-income communities. In 2013, he became the first Latin American and first Jesuit pope. During his more than 12-year papacy, Francis led a divided Church and advocated for reform and greater inclusivity. He appointed women and LGBTQ+ supporters to key roles, sparking both conservative backlash and liberal impatience. The way he handled clerical abuse received mixed reviews, while his use of a slur against gay men underscored the Church’s ongoing challenges with LGBTQ+ issues. Before his death, he appointed the first female to govern Vatican City.
Tell me more: The selection of a new pope will follow the traditional conclave process (yes, that movie starring Ralph Fiennes couldn’t have been more timely). Per tradition, cardinals from around the world will gather in Vatican City to vote in the Sistine Chapel. Just over a week before his hospitalization in February, Francis extended the term of the College of Cardinals' dean to ensure the conclave process aligns with his vision, Politico reports. There’s no clear successor, at least not one that’s been publicly named, but the Church will likely consider several high-ranking cardinals, including Cardinal Pietro Parolin of Italy, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, and Cardinal Robert Sarah of Guinea. Ultimately, the College of Cardinals will make the final call — a decision that will shape the Church’s future and is bound to get political.
What's going on: The Supreme Court just pumped the brakes on a fast-tracked deportation plan. On Saturday morning, the justices temporarily blocked the Trump administration from deporting a group of Venezuelan migrants detained in Texas. The decision followed an emergency appeal from the migrants’ attorneys, who argued their clients weren’t given proper notice or due process to challenge their deportation. The White House claimed the Alien Enemies Act, a 1700s wartime law, justified the removals. The decision came after ICE buses, carrying the migrants, were on their way to a Texas airport Friday night, only to abruptly turn back. Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas dissented from the ruling, but the administration quickly requested the Court’s approval to continue the deportations under different legal grounds.
What it means: The Court's extra-quick intervention (see: Alito didn't even have time to finish his dissent) shows SCOTUS is pushing back against the administration’s rush to deport without full legal review. Some experts see this as a turning point: The Court may be drawing firmer lines around executive power, especially when due process is at risk. Instead of deferring to the White House, SCOTUS is becoming more skeptical of the government's actions. With birthright citizenship on the docket next month, the big question is whether SCOTUS will break with the administration's immigration agenda again.
What's going on: Influencers, out of touch? Never. But as “recession core” starts to go from a meme to a potential reality, TikTok and Instagram users are turning on the very people they once loved (or at least, loved to hate). Many influencers, who flaunt expensive (sorry, “aspirational”) lifestyles, luxury hauls, and free trips and merch, are getting called out for being out of touch as people struggle to afford basics and as consumer confidence plunges. As one user put it in the comments, “Skip caviar next week and pay my rent.”
What it means: The $250 billion influencer economy — built on selling the dream — is getting a wake-up call from the real one. One of the only industries where women out-earn men, the creator class is now navigating tighter brand budgets, with companies shifting to performance-based payouts over flat fees. Influencers are also adjusting their content to stay relevant, with more posts focused on deals, budgeting, and everyday life. (Think “how to clean your air fryer” instead of “what’s in my Bottega bag.”) Women financial influencers are also gaining traction in the process, helping audiences navigate inflation, debt, and money anxiety. But, never fear — whether it's so-called “flat tummy” tea or a slice of humble pie, influencers are still trying to sell you...something.
Ready to Level Up Your Career? Here’s Your Make-It-Happen Plan
Repeat after us: You’re ready for the Big Job — whether that’s becoming a manager, a director, or an exec. Why? You’ll boost your long-term career trajectory and earnings, for one thing. You’ll shrink the gender gap in leadership positions (according to a report published last year, women held just 29% of C-suite roles in 2024). And you’ll help reset unfair expectations that women should leave the workforce or work part-time to cover more at home. Plus, more women in leadership means more advocates for the rest of us.
So don’t wait. Don’t wait until the economy’s better (oof) or you’ve settled down or the kids are older. The time to go for the Big Job is now, and we’re here to help. Let us know below where you are in your career, and each day this week we’ll provide the tips and guidance you need to get the best role for your career.
Come back tomorrow for specific tips for how to position yourself for a more senior role — yes, even in this job market – so you’ll be ready when the opportunity comes your way.
Just Trust Us
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
One editor has been a terrible sleeper for as long as she can remember, but these products have offered some relief. This is your sign to make a Sleepy Girl Mocktail tonight.
Never again let that random half of an onion go to waste with these dishwasher-safe silicone produce savers. Plus, you won't have to keep repurchasing plastic wrap.
Psst…love our recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag).
Ever find yourself staring at the fridge, wishing dinner would just...appear? (Welcome, you’re among friends.) When that happens, we whip up a big batch of this White Bean Tuna Orzo — as close to magic as dinner gets. The fast and fuss-free recipe — included in Jessica Merchant’s new cookbook, Easy Everyday — turns pantry staples like canned tuna, tender orzo, cannellini beans, roasted red peppers, and quick-pickled onions into a satisfying, protein-packed salad that’s even better the next day. So double the recipe and you’ll also have plenty of not-at-all-sad desk salads.
For more recs...
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Game Time
Wake your brain up this Monday with a game of Flipart. Just rotate the pieces to fit within the frame and get ready to feel the rush when they all fall into place. Get into it.
