It took an all-nighter and a tie-breaking vote from VP JD Vance, but the Senate passed President Donald Trump’s megabill 51-50 yesterday. The Congressional Budget Office says it comes with a hefty price tag — and plenty of political heat. Here’s what the Senate’s version could mean, by the numbers:
$4.5 trillion in tax cuts to lock in Trump’s 2017 rates, largely benefiting the wealthiest households. It would raise the child tax credit to $2,200 — though many low-income Americans wouldn’t get the full credit.
$1.2 trillion in cuts, largely to Medicaid and food assistance — a change that could leave nearly 12 million more Americans uninsured by 2034 and 3 million without SNAP benefits.
Here’s a closer look at how the bill could affect you. Next stop: the House, where GOP lawmakers have been dropping f-bombs, according to The Hill, as they scramble to meet the president’s July 4 deadline. A vote could come as soon as today. Now let’s get to the rest of the news…
— Marina Carver / Senior Editor / Brooklyn, NY
What's Happening
Immigration
Trump and DeSantis Reunite… at a Migrant Camp in the Everglades
What's going on: Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) haven’t exactly been the best of friends — the president has called him “Ron DeSanctimonious” and “Meatball Ron” over the years. But now, the two may finally build a bridge over reptile-infested waters. That bridge? A new migrant detention center in the Everglades, dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz.” On Tuesday, Trump, DeSantis, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem cut the ribbon on the secluded center, built in record time on a swamp-surrounded airstrip crawling with dangerous creatures. The camp could soon hold at least 3,000 migrants in what would essentially be a tent city (yes, even after Arizona’s infamous “Tent City” was criticized by activists as inhumane — and not just for the pink underwear). The Trump administration says the surrounding swamp will serve as “a deterrent” to prevent escape.
What it means: This isn’t just a detention center — it’s political theater. (Florida Republicans are already selling “Alligator Alcatraz” T-shirts and hats.) For Trump, it’s a hardline immigration flex. For DeSantis, it’s a comeback arc. But Democrats and immigrant rights groups call it a dystopian photo op that dehumanizes migrants. Critics compare it to the Trump admin’s earlier use of memes to promote deportations, and some even draw parallels to the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. Others warn the tents can’t stand up to Florida’s brutal heat, hurricane season, or mosquitoes. (DeSantis insists the facility is humane and says he has the air-conditioners to prove it.) Meanwhile, two advocacy groups have already sued to halt the project, arguing it needs an environmental review.
What's going on: Three years after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, states with strict abortion bans are increasingly directing pregnant people to “crisis pregnancy centers” (CPCs). These centers — often run by religious or faith-adjacent groups — typically offer counseling, ultrasounds, and baby supplies, while quietly (or not-so-quietly) steering patients away from abortion. Take Oklahoma: The state’s health department recently allocated millions of dollars to a group called the Oklahoma Life Foundation. According to The Oklahoman, that money will reimburse a network of CPCs and support a telehealth group called Heroic Media. Until recently, Heroic’s website said its mission was to empower women to “save lives from the evil of abortion.”
What it means: Abortion advocates say states, including Oklahoma, risk cutting off critical information for those seeking abortions by supporting telehealth groups like Heroic Media. This has raised concerns, especially as one in four abortions is now provided via telehealth, according to a Society of Family Planning report. Advocates also say these funding decisions reflect a changing post-Roe landscape, where access and information increasingly depend on who controls the money. As for Heroic Media, it told The Oklahoman it connects callers with free local resources, including providers from “life-affirming” organizations. The debate over CPCs comes as the Supreme Court took up a case involving New Jersey centers accused of misleading women about their reproductive health services.
What's going on: After running her Etsy shop and bringing in $75K a year — one business owner needed help when she got pregnant. But she didn’t hire out… she hired in. Her husband — unhappy in his job as a therapist — joined the business, and 14 years later, they’re still a full-time creative team supporting the family. She’s not alone. Women — who make up 83% of Etsy’s US sellers — are increasingly turning side hustles into full-time businesses big enough to bring their partners on board, Business Insider reports.Think of it as the evolution of the Instagram boyfriend: no longer holding a camera, now wielding packing tape, spreadsheets, and a half-legible note about a vintage vendor.
Tell me more: These Etsy couples are part of a larger trend: nearly one in 10 US businesses were co-owned or co-run by spouses in 2021, according to data cited by BI. Many Etsy shops start as women-led hobbies — selling art, plants, vintage gems, or custom creations that defy explanation — and turn into steady sources of income. Market research shows family-run businesses tend to grow fast and earn more early on. But it’s not all artsy bliss. While inspiration may strike while flipping pancakes with the kids… two hours later, you’re shouting at your spouse about orders. And in this economy, we assume only the strong — and the well-organized — survive.
Theweek's sports news and culture stories, ranked.
Hang it in the Louvre: A’ja Wilson joined the elite WNBA 5k-point club, and the league announced it’s expanding to three new cities. MNBA, who?
Back at it?: Washington Spirit star Trinity Rodman has been putting in the work — and if her caption’s any indication, she’s more than ready to get back on the field.
Upset alert: Coco Gauff just got bounced from Wimbledon — and it wasn’t pretty. Three of the top-five women are out.
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
Your grandma was onto something: this classic nail treatment really works to strengthen and smooth brittle nails. One editor swears by it for restoring her nails post-gel manicure.
This popular swimsuit is mildly sculpting and completely leakproof. Just say no to visible tampon strings at the pool.
We firmly believe you can't own too many maxi dresses. This strapless one is made of the softest jersey material. Also nice: It has gripper tape, so it actually stays up.
Psst…love our recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag).
As soon as temps get...punishing, we become devout members of the Cold-Foods-Only Club. But when we came across this Basil Vinaigrette Pasta from What’s Gaby Cooking? Well, we folded — fast. In addition to being almost too easy (it takes less time to make than an episode of The Bear), the light, bright, and supremely summery dish features delightfully al dente noodles, crunchy zucchini, and slightly sweet shallots. But the real star of the show is a basil vinaigrette so delicious, it’ll occupy your every thought between now and Labor Day (we would know).
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Looking for a crossword that’s not impossible to solve? You’re in luck. This one even offers hints when you get stuck. The faster you finish, the better your score — and the more impressed the group chat will be. Go on.
