Daily Skimm: Late nights in the middle of June

The Story

The FDA approved a drug to fight severe alopecia areata.

What is that?

An autoimmune disease. In this case, white blood cells go after hair follicles, causing hair to fall out in patches or completely. The disease — which affects more than 300,000 people in the US each year — doesn’t necessarily hurt physically, but it can be emotionally painful.

But now there’s a treatment?

Yep. Earlier this week, the FDA approved Olumiant, the first treatment that targets the entire body for the disease. The drug, which requires one pill per day, was already approved to treat other inflammatory and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, as well as COVID-19. Now, it’s been found to successfully regrow hair. In one study, nearly 40% of the patients who took the drug had complete or near-complete hair regrowth in about 36 weeks.

What are people saying?

The FDA says the approval helps “fulfill a significant unmet need for patients.” Eli Lilly — the pharmaceutical company which makes the drug — called it “historic.” The drug reportedly costs about $2,500 a month. But thanks to FDA approval, insurance companies could move to front the bill.

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This drug has a long list of side effects (read here in the sped-up voice used at the end of drug commercials). But it may also provide hope for hundreds of thousands of Americans.

PS: The term ‘alopecia areata’ might sound familiar, because it became a talking point at the Oscars. Here’s everything you should know about it.

What’s got people's attention…

The UK. Yesterday, a European human rights court grounded Britain's first flight to move asylum seekers to Rwanda. In April, British PM Boris Johnson announced a more than $100 million deal to deport people who entered Britain illegally to the East African country, where they could apply for asylum. As part of the agreement, the UK would cover the cost of housing, integration, and more. Supporters said that move was intended to prevent dangerous English Channel crossings and people smuggling. Johnson said that any opposers would be “abetting” criminal gangs. But critics from human rights groups to religious leaders called the policy “immoral.” And it reportedly received a rare rebuke from a member of the royal family. But the UK’s Home Secretary says the gov won’t be deterred and is preparing for the next flight.

Who’s saying ‘winter could be coming’...

Crypto experts. Yesterday, Coinbase — the largest US crypto exchange — announced it’s laying off 18% of its staff. The company’s CEO said a potential recession could lead to “another crypto winter.” Aka when prices go down and remain low for an extended period, which is something we’re starting to see. Earlier this week, Bitcoin fell to its lowest level since the end of 2020. One currency temporarily halted all withdrawals. Factors like the war in Ukraine and inflation have had investors jittery. While some originally saw crypto as a potential hedge against inflation, naysayers are saying ‘told you so.’ And that they can actually be riskier than our standard stocks and bonds.

PS: Get the background on Bitcoin to understand how it got here.

Who Americans want home, now…

Brittney Griner. Yesterday, a Russian court reportedly extended the WNBA star’s detention to July 2. It's the third time her detention has been pushed back. Since February, Griner — the best offensive player in the history of the WNBA — has been detained in Russia for allegedly carrying illegal vape cartridges. Last month, the Biden admin said the WNBA star was wrongfully detained there. Now, the State Department says she shouldn’t be detained “a single day longer.” And a teammate says her return is their “No. 1 priority.”

PS: We've got more on Brittney Griner and why she was arrested here.

What we're watching...

Primary elections. Yesterday, voters in Maine, Nevada, North Dakota, and South Carolina, turned out to pick their primary candidates for the November midterms. In the Palmetto State, five-term congressman Rep. Tom Rice (R-SC) was ousted by Trump-backed challenger state Rep. Russell Fry. Rice was one of 10 House Republicans to vote to impeach Donald Trump. And the first Republicans who voted to impeach to lose his primary. Meanwhile, in Texas, Republican Mayra Flores is projected to flip a Dem-held House seat in the state's special election. She will hold the seat until January.

Why so not serious...

Because Lady Gaga might play Harley Quinn in a musical sequel to “Joker.” Questions?

What’s the main draw…

Serena Williams.

While BTS dropped dynamite on fans…

“Squid Game” IRL is going next level.

We’re halfway through Pride month. And we’re celebrating the power of representation and its impact on your health, career, and identity. Dive into our conversations and resources that highlight the queer experience from pop culture to policy:

Angelica Ross talks about trans representation on screen, her iconic TV roles, and more on “Pop Cultured.”

We break down ways to celebrate Pride month with parades, queer creators, and more.

Blair Imani tells us her favorite LGBTQ+ orgs, beauty hacks, and public speaking tips.

Stay tuned for more content all month (and all year) long.

The right to an abortion is a divisive issue in America. And as the country awaits the Supremes’ final decision on the issue, it’s sparking conversations about people’s own views and where public opinion stands. But humans...are complicated. And their views on abortion? Even more so.

So theSkimm asked experts: What's America's real stance on abortion? Here’s the truth behind America's abortion views, what they mean and why they matter.

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

1. Something that’ll help your skin actually absorb your skincare. This device can get collagen molecules (which help fight wrinkles, but are up to 300x too big to absorb topically) past your skin’s barrier. Giving you glow-y results. Fast. PS: Skimm’rs get 20% off with code SKIMMDEEP.*

2. How to get more time paying your bills. With Pay Over Time from American Express, you can carry a balance with interest on the Green, Gold, or Platinum Card up to your Pay Over Time Limit.† More flexibility and control, coming right up.*

3. An electrolyte drink mix that means business. And by business, we mean hydration. This delicious drink mix is loaded with plenty of salt and no sugar. Aka, only the essentials. Aaaand Skimm’rs get a free gift with any purchase. Stay salty.*

4. Wine-night vibes without the next-day headache. This brand’s non-alcoholic wine tastes just as crisp and refreshing as its alcoholic counterparts. So skipping the booze doesn’t mean missing out. Plus they’re vegan, gluten-free, and low-sugar. And Skimm’rs get 20% off with code SKIMMSURELY. Sip-sational.*

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.

Beaming with Pride…Erryca R (TX). She started working in a new role at her dream company. Now she gets to promote diversity and equality in the workplace and get paid to do what she loves — just in time for Pride Month.

(Some) Birthdays…theSkimm's Tara Denman (NY), theSkimm's Jess Li (NY), theSkimm's Melissa Goldberg (NY), Chloe Himmel (DC), Allison Labovitz (GA), Colleen Meehan (PA), Rachel Stempel (NY), Danielle Blazek (IL), Stacy McDowell (FL), Breana Rosenbaum (TX), Kara Pernice (MA), Divyanka Pillai (WA), Brianna Stevens (CA), Jennifer Tachell (ID), Cara Marie Peppers (MO)

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

Meet: Kamala Khan, a Pakistani-American teen from New Jersey — and the Marvel Universe’s first-ever Muslim superhero. We sat down with actor Iman Vellani as she Skimm’d “Ms. Marvel,” her dream superpower, and more. Check it out.

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