Since early 2021, the Biden admin has required masks on public transportation like planes and trains. Refusing to wear them could result in hundreds of dollars in fines or being denied access to travel. Last week, the CDC extended the requirement into May amid a rise in COVID-19 cases. But yesterday, a federal judge in Florida ruled it was “unlawful” saying the CDC exceeded its authority.
What are people saying?
The Biden admin called the decision “disappointing.” And may choose to appeal. Others were relieved. Some industry leaders have been saying masks don‘t “add much” protection because air filters already provide such clean air. And some airline workers say forcing passengers to wear masks puts their safety at risk. But for those with chronic illnesses, the pandemic is far from over.
What about my travel plans?
The TSA says it won’t enforce the mandate for now. Airlines like Delta and United are also ditching the mask mandates they had in place. In the meantime, the White House is recommending travelers continue to wear masks.
theSkimm
Since the pandemic, mask mandates have gone up and down in popularity. Now, one federal judge is saying ‘masks over,’ putting the choice back on Americans and airlines for how far to protect themselves and others.
And Also...This
Where people are watching...
Eastern Ukraine. Yesterday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia began a new offensive in the Donbas region. The announcement came three weeks after Russian forces retreated from the capital earlier this month. And amid reports that Russia had been rebuilding its forces for a second phase of the conflict. Now, this phase is expected to be more deadly for Ukrainian forces, with Russia better positioned to resupply. The pivot comes as Ukrainian forces continue to withstand a Russian invasion in the port city of Mariupol. And as Russian missile strikes yesterday in the western city of Lviv left seven people dead.
Where people are outraged…
Sweden. Yesterday, police arrested over 25 people in two cities during violent clashes between a Danish anti-Islam group and protestors. Last week, the extremist group's leader — who advocates anti-Islam, anti-immigrant policies — sparked protests after saying he’d burned copies of the Quran and had plans to burn more at rallies. Cue: outrage. Now, dozens have been injured — including police officers — and a wave of countries including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan are reportedly condemning the anti-Muslim group.
Who’s making moves…
Apple employees. Workers at Apple’s Grand Central Terminal location are making moves to form a union. They’re looking for $30 per hour for all workers and upgrades to a lot of their benefits. If successful, it’d be the first Apple retail store to unionize. It comes as employees at other big companies (looking at you, Starbucks and Amazon) are also trying to improve job conditions through collective bargaining. Genius.
PS: Want to dive deeper? We've got more on labor unions here.
Americans ordered 2.6 billion breaded chicken sandwiches in 2020. We’re impressed, tbh. Buuut not all chicky sands are created equal.
If you want the best of the clucking best, check out Panera’s new Chef’s Chicken Sandwich. It’s made fresh with clean ingredients, including a buttery brioche roll. And it’s juicy as heck. Plus you can get it signature or spicy. Oh, and if you order it on the Panera Bread app, the delivery fee’s only $1. Soooo what’ll it be?
#ShowUsYourLeave Live Event
Paid family leave impacts everything from maternal mental health to the gender wage gap. (Yep, it matters even if you’re not planning a family.) Sign up for our free, virtual conversation, #ShowUsYourLeave: The Reality of Paid Family Leave Today, streaming tomorrow, April 20 at 1pm ET. theSkimm’s co-founders and co-CEOs, Carly Zakin & Danielle Weisberg, will lead a conversation with Allyson Felix, athlete, mother, and co-founder and president of Saysh, followed by a panel discussion on the realities of paid leave in the US and how we can push for change. RSVP here.
Skimm Picks
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. Colorful, cult-fave sneaks you won’t wanna take off. That’s how comfy these canvas kicks are. It’s truly no wonder they’ve got 15K five-star reviews. Psst...they’re also never on sale. But Skimm’rs get an exclusive offer. Get after it.*
2. Wardrobe essentials to help you ring in spring. This brand has everything you need to say ‘catch ya later, cold.’ Think: jumpsuits, tees, tanks, and shorts that are easy to style. So you can wear them again and again…and again. PS: Here’s 20% off.*
3.Step-by-step instructions that can help you live the retirement you dream about. No matter what that looks like. With Fidelity‡, you can build a free† plan that helps you balance your short- and long-term goals. Aaaand make adjustments along the way. Because life. Get started.*
4. Cookware that’ll help you make more with less. This brand’s versatile pots and pans were designed to do alllll the heavy lifting. While saving you space and adding some color to your kitchen. And right now, everything (yep, everything) is on major sale. Bon appetit.*
5. Underwear that’ll free you from the pad aisle forever. This brand’s ultra-soft, planet-friendly underwear absorbs periods, bladder leaks, and more. And for every 800-pad-replacing pair purchased this week, they’ll donate a pair to help end global period poverty. Here’s 15% off with code SKIMM15.*
*PS: This is a sponsored post.
†Expenses charged by your investments and other costs and fees associated with trading or transacting in your account apply.
‡Fidelity Brokerage Services, Member NYSE, SIPC
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.
While eyes are on Coachella...There's another Harry S worth talking about. Last week, this year’s Harry S Truman scholars were announced. You know it's not the same as it was.
Sustainable showers…Andreia Q and Victor L (FL). Most shampoos are 80% water. So they created a line of bottle-free, cruelty-free, waterless shampoo and conditioner bars using natural ingredients. The kind that can help you cut your water and plastic use. PS: Skimm’rs get 15% off with code THESKIMM15.*
Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
*PS: This is a sponsored post.
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