An Ignoble Experiment: Daily Skimm Weekend: It's Gonna Be May

We heard your weekends were getting a little lonely without us. So we'll be coming to you every Saturday to break down the biggest talker of the week and give you the context you need to be part of the conversation. Plus, our recs to get the most out of your downtime.

What's Happening

...in your wardrobe: Style inspo from the coastal grandmothers shaking up TikTok. And the men lighting up the lingerie industry. Just don't forget your fake Birkin.

…in your local watering hole: Martinis. Mocktails. Carryout cocktails. Plus, a note of wildfire smoke?

…in your travel plans: What to pack, whether to wear a mask, and how to support LGBTQ+ businesses along the way.

...in your watchlist: Mirror, mirror on the wall, what's "Not So Pretty" after all?

Who Run the World?

It's a Billionaire's World: Elon Musk's Twitter takeover reminded everyone that we're all just living in it. But that might change.

The Story

Americans are facing a possible recession. And decades-high inflation. And a devastating income gap. None of which is news. But this week, more people seemed to notice — after a certain someone agreed to buy Twitter for $44 billion. It's an amount of money most people can't wrap their minds around. And a decision that affects millions. But that's capitalism, baby.

Go on.

Of course, billionaires can do whatever they want with their money. They can try to change Washington. They can buy a sports team. They can start their own charity, or fund other ones (hi, MacKenzie Scott). Or in the case of Musk (and plenty of others), they can buy the ways through which millions of people get their news. And that's just the billionaires we know about. But as the internet exploded with better ways to spend $44 billion (think: ending world hunger), others pointed out a flaw in that logic.

Which is?

We can't rely on the whims of rich people to solve society's problems. That's the gov's job. In the US, everyone from a mom working three jobs to Musk is taxed primarily on income instead of wealth. Enter: 'How Not to Pay Taxes 101' — a class reserved for the ultrawealthy. They often take ridiculously low salaries, preferring to park their wealth in stock. And pay for their lifestyles with loans taken against assets. All while stashing wealth in property or investments that aren't heavily taxed until they're sold.

Is that even legal?

Yes, that's how our tax system is structured. Which some believe lets the rich create innovative products and jobs that benefit many. But others question whether wealth really trickles down. Now, 'tax the rich' may be gaining traction. Last month, President Biden proposed a tax for the superrich (think: households worth $100 million or more) on income and asset gains. TBD if that ends up making it through Congress. Or whether it's constitutional.

theSkimm
Americans spent the last week talking about Elon Musk and how he spends his billions. But don't hate the player, hate the game. And remember to vote if you want the rules to change.

Bookmark'd

The weekend means more time to do the things you love. For many of us, that's reading. But we can't Skimm it all for you. So instead, we're giving you a look at the reads we've saved, texted, and emailed to our friends…

Get Ready for the New, Improved Second...why scientists say now's the time to change the definition of the second.

Epiphany in the Baby-Food Aisle…because motherhood and 'the Nom-Nom years' are a hero's journey, too.

The Worst Boyfriend on the Upper East Side…the competition is surely fierce, but this con artist takes the cake.

What Moms Want

Together with

Flowers. Special outings. Gift cards. Jewelry. The National Retail Foundation says these were some of the most popular Mother's Day gifts last year. No shade to all that, but we think this could be the year to shake things up.

Our idea? Give the moms in your life everything they need for an amazing Mother's Night. Think: luxe robes, cozy henleys, and an extremely dreamy long-sleeve sleep set from Lunya. Aka exactly what they'll wanna curl up in after a long day. Psst…order by Tuesday morning with express two-day shipping (and gift wrapping) to get it in time for the big day. Fave child status, here you come.

Downtime

Downtime doesn't have to mean doing nothing. Here's one idea for making the most of your weekend.

April showers bring May flowers. Also, lots of fresh produce to reinvigorate your recipes. If your meal prep could use a spring refresh, check out this slate of fun cookbooks. All of which serve up much-needed inspiration and delicious dishes (that are just as good as lunchtime leftovers).

Dig into some comfort food, courtesy of "Rodney Scott's World of BBQ" or "Jew-ish." Spice things up with "The Pepper Thai Cookbook." Eat like royalty with "The Official Wakanda Cookbook." Or take a page from "Arabiyya" — one Palestinian-Syrian chef's labor of love.

This section contains affiliate links, which means if you buy through a link, theSkimm may earn a commission.

Skimm Picks

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

1. An inspiring podcast ep you'll wanna add to your commute queue. In a very special episode of "9 to 5ish," sponsored by Porsche, Carly and Danielle chat with Baked By Melissa's co-founder about maximizing time and staying confident. Don't miss it.*

2. Birth control without any hormones — or side effects. Yes, way. This FDA-cleared, science-backed app works with your body. Whether you're trying to prevent or plan pregnancy. Plus, Skimm'rs get 20% off their first year and a free thermometer. Score.*

3. The satin pillowcase of your dreams. This brand has sold over 2 million of their silky soft, frictionless, non-absorbent pillowcases. Which can help you say 'bye forever' to frizz. And 'hey there' to healthier hair and skin. PS: Skimm'rs get 30% off with code SKIMM30.*

4. How to wake up to incredible iced coffee every morning. One tablespoon of this coffee concentrate's all you need to recreate your coffee shop faves in seconds. Sans coffee shop prices. And Skimm'rs get up to 25% off their first order. Plus a free gift.*

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

Skimm More

More Skimm, more knowledge. Here's what else to check out…

TikTok's Dylan Mulvaney keeps it real and vulnerable
What do Harry Styles and adopted pups have in common?
Everything you need to know about fertility options and C-sections
Be inspired by a conversation and lots of life-changing books about autism
Calling all 'hot girls with stomach problems'

Save the Date

Like ours, your work and personal calendars are probably hectic. So here are some events you should know about...

The Met Gala, aka the 'Oscars of Fashion.' Expect lots of gilded glamour, bathroom selfies, and future pop songs.

Cinco de Mayo — which, by the way, has more to do with Mexico's unlikely victory over France than margaritas. (Leave your culturally appropriative costumes at home.)

The Kentucky Derby. Grab your fanciest hat and a mint julep, and you'll be off to the races.

PS: Want more events like this on your cal? theSkimm App gives you a heads-up on when everything from holidays to sports games to awards shows are going down. Download it here.

theSkimm Loyalty Program

We launched our new Loyalty Program and you're invited to join. Engage with our content, earn points, and use those points to unlock rewards. Think: swag, exclusive content, sweepstakes, and more. Start earning and get in on it here.

Skimm'd by Rasheeda Campbell, Xian Chiang-Waren, Melissa Goldberg, and Clem Robineau