Supreme Court Ruling Might Push Planned Parenthood to the Edge
What's going on: The Supreme Court just made it harder for more than 1 million people in South Carolina to access care at Planned Parenthood. Gov. Henry McMaster (R) cut off Medicaid funding to the clinics in 2018, saying taxpayer money was being used to “subsidize abortion providers.” But Planned Parenthood and one of its patients took the state to court. They argued South Carolina violated federal law by denying patients the right to choose their medical provider. In a 6-3 decision, the justices ruled that the clinic didn’t have standing to sue on behalf of patients — making it much harder to challenge similar state moves in court.
What it means: Experts say the justices’ decision could motivate other states to remove Planned Parenthood from their Medicaid programs. It also spells a funding problem for the organization. Medicaid doesn’t cover most abortions, but it helps support Planned Parenthood’s other services, like STI testing and cancer screenings. While Republicans praised the ruling, health experts said it’s part of a larger conservative effort to defund the organization. For now, one Planned Parenthood official said that it’ll continue to operate in South Carolina, including for Medicaid patients. But the question is: For how long?
What it means: Health experts worry these initial recommendations could just be the beginning — with RFK Jr., a well-known vaccine skeptic, at the helm. The panel, known as the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), was founded 60 years ago to guide health officials on who should get which vaccines and when. Its recommendations help shape vaccine availability and determine what insurance plans will cover. While the ACIP chair insists the committee relies on “evidence-based medicine,” health experts warn some of these moves could undo decades of work to keep vaccine-preventable diseases at bay (see: the current measles outbreak).
What's going on: Senate Republicans just hit a major snag in their push to pass President Donald Trump’s sweeping domestic policy bill by July 4. Yesterday, Senate parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough said several key provisions don’t meet the rules needed to bypass a filibuster, because they’re not strictly focused on budget-related changes. The flag means proposed GOP measures totaling $500 billion in spending cuts — including major Medicaid reductions and changes to student loan repayments — can’t be included in the bill. With just days before the deadline, Republicans are now scrambling to rewrite or replace sections of the legislation. Trump, meanwhile, tried to keep spirits high at a White House event yesterday, though he touted a provision that isn’t even in the bill.
What it means: Republicans are now in the same boat Democrats were in during 2021, when MacDonough blocked their plans to raise the minimum wage and expand immigration access. Some GOP lawmakers, including Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), want her fired, accusing her of pushing a “woke agenda.” Others, like Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), are quietly working on backup plans. Lawmakers could overrule MacDonough, but they’re the ones who appointed her to follow the rules. It’s a tough pill to swallow when things don’t go your way no matter what side of the aisle you’re on.
✈️ Travelers just crowned the No. 1 airport in the US (think: craft beer and polite energy). No, Newark Liberty didn’t make the cut.
🍿 Rumor has it we’re getting a Social Network sequel…15 years later. Is this one about Zuck’s husband era?
TOGETHER WITH DOORDASH
Summer Savings
Anyone else dreading the scorching temps, endless requests from kids, and jam-packed travel schedules that come with summer? Same. It typically means more spending on delivery apps — and less savings in our wallets. But you don't have to choose between enjoying summer and staying on budget thanks to the Summer of DashPass. Now through July 30, get up to 25-50% off meals, groceries, and summer essentials. Look out for thousands of weekly deals, including over 120,000 local businesses and a new perk that lets you share your benefits with one other person — zero added cost. One more reason to say yes to summer plans.
Just Trust Us
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
You're probably paying too much for your phone plan. T-Mobile just released four low-cost plans, starting at $25 for four lines. Plus, you can keep your current number.
This clever patch is like a pimple patch for stubborn ingrown hairs. Just stick it on the ingrown and it'll soften and release in a few hours.
Psst…love our recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag).
With all due respect to Sabrina Carpenter, we’ve been waiting to unleash our inner-angsty pop gremlin. And with Lorde’s new album, Virgin, we finally can. Over the past few weeks, the New Zealand pop star has been teasing tracks like “Man of the Year” (inspired by a GQ party) and “Hammer” (yes, that’s her letting pigeons perch on her body in the video). But, now, the full album is here, in all its “raw, wild, and sublime” glory. From the statement-making X-ray cover art to the deeply personal songs (a breakup, an eating disorder, and an exploration of gender identity are all covered), it's clear Lorde’s not just back — she’s cracked wide open.
For more recs...
Check out the Daily Skimm Weekend newsletter, in your inbox every Saturday and Sunday. We'll help you spend your leisure time well.
Game Time
Kick your weekend off with Pile-Up Poker, a brand-new game where poker meets solitaire. Create as many poker hands as possible to earn cash and climb the leaderboard. We’re all in.
