Daily Skimm: Shine bright, shine far

The Story

We’re witnessing the most transmissible COVID-19 variant yet.

BA.5?

Exactly. The Omicron subvariant is now dominant in the US, making up an estimated 65% of cases. In New York City, 15% of tests are coming back positive. California’s also seeing its highest test positivity rate since January. And across the US, hospitalizations are on the rise.

Who is it affecting?

Pretty much everyone. The White House says it may have some “increased ability to escape immunity” — including from prior infections and vaccinations. Problem, because even if symptoms may be similar to previous strains, reinfections may carry additional health risks. But health officials still say even with reinfections, vaccines can help prevent serious illness and hospitalizations. Speaking of vaccines...

Go on.

Yesterday, the FDA cleared Novavax. If the CDC agrees next week, it will be the fourth COVID vaccine the US has authorized, after Pfizer, Moderna, and the one we don’t talk about. While Pfizer’s and Moderna’s are mRNA-based, Novavax uses the same tech as vaccines for hepatitis B and HPV. The hope is that some of the 27 million US adults who haven’t yet been vaccinated will feel comfortable with Novavax.

theSkimm

COVID-19 hasn’t gone away. But awareness of risks and tradeoffs is the best way to protect yourself and those around you.

Why so many rape cases go unreported...

Treatment like this. A 27-year-old man has been arrested and charged with rape. This story is gruesome — and caught international attention. After SCOTUS overturned Roe v. Wade last month, an Indiana newspaper published the story of a pregnant, 10-year-old girl. She traveled from Ohio to Indiana since Ohio banned the procedure at six weeks — with no exceptions in cases of rape. President Biden mentioned the story last week. But some dismissed it as a hoax. Yesterday, the Wall Street Journal published an op-ed mocking the story as “too good to confirm.” Now, the girl’s rapist has been charged — and confessed. The Journal has issued a correction.

Who got caught trying to be an international super spy…

This former CIA software engineer. Yesterday, Joshua Schulte was convicted in the biggest heist of classified information in the agency’s history. In 2017, WikiLeaks published thousands of pages of documents on how the CIA can apparently break into everything from Apple phones to internet-connected TV. The leak, called “Vault 7” reportedly left the agency scrambling — including to protect overseas assets and rewrite code. Schulte has admitted to the leak. But he says he’s being treated as a scapegoat. He could now face up to 80 years in prison.

...Oh and speaking of privacy, yesterday it came out that Amazon sent Ring doorbell footage to law enforcement without owners’ permission 11 times so far this year. Amazon says these involved cases of “imminent danger.”

What really needs to calm down…

Inflation. Over the past year, the Consumer Price Index jumped over 9%. Important, since the CPI measures the average price of things like food, clothes, and housing. It’s the highest jump in more than 40 years — with gas, housing, and food seeing the biggest price increases. You know, the necessities. This year alone, the energy index rose more than 41%. Now, a lot of Americans are bracing for bigger interest rate hikes that could tip the economy into a recession. Happy thoughts.

Psst...Here are seven ways you can protect your wallet from inflation.

Who looked at 2022 and thought ‘this needs more panic’…

The NYC mayor’s office.

Who’s making history on Capitol Hill…

Mary McLeod Bethune.

When the Greta Gerwig movie can’t come fast enough...

Enter: Barbiecore.

If you’ve always got 10 tabs open, we feel ya. So much to browse, so little time. Which is why we’ve rounded up some of our fave recent product recs so you don’t miss a thing. Check out…

Comfy sandals for every budget

Smart products to help keep your car clean

You snooze, you lose? Try the other way around. You’ve probably heard sleep’s important for your mental and physical health. But it can impact sexual wellness, too. In fact, research shows sleep deprivation can lead to lower sex drive.

If you’re suddenly hungry for some quality time in the sheets, try Dame’s new Desire Gummies. They’re packed with adaptogens like ashwagandha and shatavari that can help you stress less, boost your mood, and catch better Zzz’s. Plus Skimm’rs get a sweet discount when they subscribe. Better nights, here we come.

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

1. Fresh, human-grade dog food that’s picnic-perfect. Keep your pup happy, healthy, and hydrated this summer with this vet-approved kibble alternative. It’s moisture-packed and made with real meats and veggies. Plus it ships right to your door. Here’s 50% of your first box. Chow down.*

2. A digital program that’ll help you understand your habits. Noom blends tech, human coaches, and psychology. To help you better understand yourself, your brain, and your choices. And help you meet your goals. Ready to get started? Get your quiz on.*

3. Mascara that can handle even the craziest of days. Without ever smudging or flaking. This mascara wraps and defines each individual lash. To give you lift, tint, and length that’s totally smear-free. Aaand Skimm’rs get a free makeup bag with their first order.*

4. Seriously sustainable, summer-ready basics. This buzzy brand is on a mission to end fashion waste. Their clothes are organic, nontoxic, and 100% recyclable. And Skimm’rs get 15% off. They’ll also take your old stuff and give it a new life. That’s what’s up(cycled).*

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.

Bridging friendships…Lydia S (CO). She’s helping low-income Guatemalan mothers sell their handmade products via Handmade by Friendship Bridge to provide a different future for their children.

(Some) Birthdays…theSkimm's Liv Bell (NY), theSkimm's Dae Cason (GA), Rosana Alagna (IL), Sharona Sanieoff (CA), W. O'Connell (CT), Caitlyn Imura (CA), Gloria Miao (CA), Sarah Beckworth (DC), Katie O'Sullivan (CT), Nay Ott (CA), Hayley Freese (OK), Tricia Williams (FL), Alisa Sikorski (TX)

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

Get 'em while they’re hot. Up to 20% off some of our fave self-care staples, gifts, and more with our exclusive discounts? You bet. Log in or join theSkimm Loyalty Program to get access today.