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April 19, 2024

Daily Skimm

 

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“$143,000”

 — What one man racked up on his T-Mobile bill during hisEuro trip. Talk about post-vacation blues.

 
Top Story
Caitlin Clark poses with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected first overall pick by the Indiana Fever

State of Play

The Story

The WNBA’s No. 1 draft pick is putting pay disparity in the center circle.

This is about Caitlin Clark?

Yes.Earlier this week, the Indiana Fever added the Iowa college basketball star to its roster. After setting multiple records this year, Clark’s move to theWNBA didn’t come as a surprise. But the same couldn’t be said about her rookie salary. In her first year, Clark will be paid $76,535.That’s way less — roughly 137 times less, to be exact — than the NBA’s top draft pick, who’s expected to earn $10.5 million in his first year. News of her contract has many people scratching their heads. 

Why the gap? 

It’s what many are asking. The leagues set up the contracts, with the NBAgranting its players 50% of the league’s total revenue. The WNBA reportedly only gives about 10%. For decades, female basketball players have called for a fairer cut of the pie — even if that pie is smaller.Case in point: The WNBA brings in $200 million in revenue a year, compared to the NBA’s more than $10 billion. Still, the tide could be changing.

Go on.

Last year, the WNBA had its most-watchedregular season in 21 years.The league could also expand to 16 teams by 2028.The WNBA’s rise in popularity may bring in more investments from networks and advertisers.Maybe then, female players won’t need to travel abroador rely on endorsement deals to try and even the playing field. 

theSkimm

Clark’s salary has put a spotlight on pay disparity.It’s got many highlighting how far leagues like the WNBA have to go when it comes to investments in women’s sports. 

 
And Also...This

What people are watching…

Iran. Last night, US officials said Israel carried out missile strikes against Iran. Iranian state media also reported explosions were heard in the central city of Isfahan. The strikes come days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone and missile attack against Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had said Israel would decide how to respond, amid warnings from world leaders to show restraint. The Iranian foreign minister had warned that its response to Israel’s retaliation would be “immediate and at a maximum level.” But, Iran appeared to downplay the strike in what could be a move to avoid a wider regional conflict.


What reached a milestone…

Former President Trump’s trial. Twelve jurors have been selected in Trump’s hush money case. It comes after Judge Juan Merchan excused two jurors yesterday, amid privacy and credibility concerns. At least one alternate juror has also been picked, with five more needed. Once that’s done, the trial could move on to opening statements as early as Monday. In the meantime, Merchan — who’s kept prospective jurors’ names private — has ordered journalists to stop reporting on the jurors’ employers due to privacy reasons.


Where people made their voices heard…

Google. Earlier this week, it fired 28 employees following protests against the company’s tech contract with the Israeli government. Employees staged sit-ins at Google’s offices in New York and California. Google said the protesters violated its policies when they prevented other employees from accessing the company’s facilities. The firings mark the latest point in tensions between employees and Google amid the Israel-Hamas war.


What’s causing a stir…

An apparent album leak. Swifties went berserk after a Google Drive link allegedly containing Taylor Swift’s new album leaked online. “The Tortured Poets Department” dropped at midnight, and has reportedly received mixed reviews. Hopefully there’s no bad blood.


Where consumers should toss their fresh basil from Trader Joe’s…

These 29 states.


What you should file this one under…

Another way you could have become a millionaire.


Whose July 4th will be sweeter…

Prince Harry’s.

 
Shop Now
The best problem-solving products under $50 we've ever bought
 
Skimm Picks

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

Blendable eyeshadow sticks from a cult-fave brand.

This 24-hour waterproof eyeshadow trio makes it easier than ever to smudge, blend, define, or line your eyes — sans flaking or creasing. Even better? You can snag it today for under $50.*


How to spring clean your dog’s diet.

Freshen up your pup’s bowl with delicious, human-grade food made from real, gently cooked meats and veggies delivered riiiight to your door. Psst…Skimm’rs get a major discount off their first box.*


The unlimited cash-back match turning heads.

This credit card offers up to 5% cash-back that gets matched after your first year — on top of its generous 0% intro APR period. That's up to 10% back on qualifying purchases in your first year. We know, right?*


Mother's Day gifts for every kind of mom.

Picky moms? Practical moms? Moms whose tastes are way more expensive than your budget allows? Here's what to buy for her.

 
Game Time
Rotating Gif of Puzzmo Games

Unleash your competitive side with today’s games and puzzles. Choose from an anagram word search, digital jigsaw puzzle, or crossword (with a twist). Better yet: Try them all.

Meet Us On The Leaderboard

Flipart | Spelltower | Crossword | Typeshift

 
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.

Standing on business…Amanda B (OH). After two years of studying, she passed the final exam she needed to become a certified management accountant.  

(Some) Birthdays…theSkimm's Anacaona Rodriguez Martinez (NY), Richard Franco (NY), Jacki Toms (OH), Katherine Smythe (OH), Natasha Webster (NC), Megan Zech (CA), Amanda Thomas (KY), Laura Edge (WI), Katie Paskar (NE), Jenny Andrejack (NC), Niki Kazakos (CA), Vinutha Lakshminarayanan (IL), Julie Powell (MA), Karen Eng (IL), Grace J. Lee (CA)

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