Skimm'd while closing the pleasure gap

"There's not enough liquor in the world" – Matt Damon, who wanted to keep mum on the return of 'Bennifer.' Maybe this time the sequel is better.

Blow Me Away

The story

Wind turbines are moving near Martha's Vineyard.

I'm jealous.

So are we. Yesterday, the Biden administration approved the first-ever large-scale offshore wind farm in the US. The project, dubbed Vineyard Wind, aims to install 84 wind turbines 12 nautical miles off the coast of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, Massachusetts. The whole thing is expected to take about two years before it's operational, cost $2.8 billion dollars, and create nearly 3,600 jobs. And the turbines could power 400,000 houses every year.

I'm a fan.

So is the Earth. The move brings the US one step closer to shifting toward renewable energy – something we are way behind on. Think: there are currently only seven offshore turbines in the entire country. And Europe's got 5,000+. This project has been decades in the making – suffering delays in funding and objections from the previous admin. But President Biden's promising to speed things up – especially since he hopes to get the US to net-zero emissions by 2050. Now, all of this could help the US produce over 30,000 megawatts of electricity by 2030. And cut down the country's dependence on fossil fuels.

Wind, win.

Maybe. But not everyone is celebrating the move. Fishermen are worried that the turbines would make it dangerous for them to do their jobs and would cut off access to fishing in those areas. Environmentalists are concerned that the numerous wind machines could kill birds and negatively impact wildlife habitats. So far, developers have reportedly agreed to pay $37.7 million to commercial fishermen in MA and RI to cover their future losses. But many aren't taking the bait.

theSkimm

Biden's wind project marks a historic upgrade for the US energy sector. And it's just the beginning, as turbines could start sprouting along the coast from Maine to North Carolina. But some think the fan-fare isn't all it's cracked up to be.

And Also...This

Where tensions are escalating…

Israel and Gaza. Today, violence between Israelis and Palestinians continued. Tensions have been high for weeks over the potential evictions of Palestinian families from East Jerusalem. After Israeli police stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound – Islam's third holiest site – during Ramadan, Hamas responded with rockets. Now, both sides are trading near-constant airstrikes. Yesterday, Israel struck a high-rise building in Gaza it said was housing Hamas militants after reportedly warning civilians to evacuate. Hamas launched hundreds of rockets at Israeli cities. Many were intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome defense system but some reached coastal Israeli cities, killing three people. Meanwhile, Gaza health officials say a total of 43 Palestinians – including at least 12 children – have been killed. And UN officials fear things are heading toward a "full-scale war."

• International community: The White House has denounced the rocket attacks by Hamas and said Israel had the right to defend itself but called for things to de-escalate. The Red Cross also reportedly called on both sides to stand down and reminded everyone that international law prohibits attacks on civilians.

Who might be packing her desk…

Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY). Today, House Republicans will vote on whether to remove her as the House Republican Conference Chair (aka the no. 3 GOP leader in the chamber). Cheney's been in the hot seat ever since she voted to impeach then-President Trump for his role in the Jan 6 Capitol riots. And has broken with many Republicans in condemning Trump – most recently saying she would not "sit back and watch in silence" while the GOP joins Trump's crusade "to undermine our democracy." Now, Republicans look set to boot her from the role. And could replace her with Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), who's defended Trump throughout his impeachments.

• Flashback: The GOP failed to boot Cheney back in February, and will need the go-ahead from two-thirds of House Republicans to make it happen this time.

What's rethinking its birth plan…

China. Yesterday, it reported the slowest population growth in a decade. China is the most populated country in the world. But its former one-child policy and the rising costs of raising children could push it to lose that title to India. Economists warn that there aren't enough workers to subsidize older generations in China. And that a shrinking population could complicate China's vision for economic dominance. Meanwhile, China's Communist leaders are apparently looking at raising the retirement age to better meet labor demands.

Who's driving off into the sunset together…

The Biden admin, Uber, and Lyft. Yesterday, the White House announced it was partnering with the ride-sharing companies to provide free rides for all Americans to vaccination sites. Vroom.

Who's making news, breaking ceilings…

Sally Buzbee and Versha Sharma.

Thing to Know

Keratosis pilaris

The medical name for those little bumps and rough patches you might get on the back of your arms and thighs. Aka chicken skin or KP. It's what happens when a protein called keratin clogs up hair follicles. Usually because your skin's super dry or not exfoliated often enough.

Now that you know the name for that problem, here's the solution: First Aid Beauty's KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub and KP Smoothing Body Lotion. They're both hydrating, vegan, cruelty-free, and dermatologist-tested for all skin types. And contain 10% alpha hydroxy acids, which exfoliate and smooth skin. Pro tip: scrub once or twice a week and use the lotion on non-scrub days. Ahhh, much better.

Fructose. Dextrose. Maltose. Sucrose. Corn Syrup. Sorbitol. Fruit juice concentrate. Added sugar by any other name still tastes as sweet. But it doesn't typically offer much nutritional value. And has been linked to negative health effects, including weight gain, heart disease, depression, and kidney disease. So be sure to look out for all those terms on food labels.

One place you definitely won't find added sugar? Sakara's best-selling Metabolism Super Powder. In fact, it's got Gymnema Sylvestre (hint: an herb that can help regulate body sugar) in it. Meaning it can help curb sugar cravings. Plus eliminate bloat and decrease puffiness. Btw, Skimm'rs get 20% off. What a treat.

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

1. Strapless bras that aren't the worst. This female-founded company knows what you've been through. So they made wire- and strap-free bras that are comfy AF. And actually stay up. PS: Skimm'rs get 15% off their first purchase. Here you go.*

2. Sneakers that'll brighten up your summer. This brand's best-sellers were 2020 Skimm Faves – and we're still big fans. All their fashionable, comfy, sustainable kicks come in summer colors like white, rose, and yellow. And Skimm'rs get 15% off for a limited time. Pick your pair.*

3. What to buy if you're new to plant parenthood. For when you're thinking about expanding your leafy family or could use some tips to make that thumb a lil' greener. Our guide will take you from zero to 'what, like it's hard?' in no time.

4. Produce savers that'll prevent your food from molding too soon. These containers regulate oxygen and carbon dioxide flow, so your fruit and veggies last way longer. Plus, the built-in filter never needs to be replaced. Huge win.

5. Two products that'll organize your closet like a dream. These S-shaped hangers and storage bags are must-haves. The hangers will stack pants, ties, and scarves neatly, while the bags are perfect for heavier sweaters, bed linens, and extra towels. Score.

PS: Like what you see here? Make sure you're signed up to get more picks like these in your inbox every Thursday. We've got exclusive shopping recs, streaming ideas, life hacks, and more.

Skimm’rs

Just like us, Fidelity understands how much healthcare workers have sacrificed day after day to help their communities during these unprecedented times. Together, we're honoring Skimm'r nurses, doctors, physician assistants, EMTs, pharmacists, and other frontliners. From the bottom of our hearts: thank you.

Superwoman...Molly A (CA). She's worked tirelessly at Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa during the pandemic as a night nurse. In 2017, she helped evacuate the hospital using her own car during a firestorm. And has continued to stayed committed to her job, community, and patients.

Best friends...Danielle D and Julie G (NY). These two women are not only health care providers but they're also entrepreneurs who co-founded Fourplay, a (double) dating app where single friends team up and match with other pairs for a more fun, less awkward, and safer way for singles to meet. Check it out.

(Some) Birthdays...Sammy Simon (NY), Sarah Kosid (KY), Lauren Mason (IA), Alicia Muzzi (MA), Chad Gent (NE), Katie Humphries (AL), Emily Stone (CA), Monique Skordas (UT), Maureen McNamara (CO), Caitlin Estes (OR), Maria DiCamillo (CT), Julia Kresky (CA), Taylor Hosey (OH), Kaitlin Rathe (CA), Diane DeLauro (FL)

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

Meet: Aisha Patterson. We spoke to her about what it's like to have breast cancer as a mom of four. Plus, how she dealt with the diagnosis and stayed strong to keep fighting for herself and her family.

And if you're looking for other smart ways to spend your time…

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Skimm’d by Kamini Ramdeen, Mariza Smajlaj, Clem Robineau, and Julie Shain