Good morning.
I’ve always loved a deadline — probably explains why I’ve stuck around newsrooms this long. This week, Washington’s racing the clock on several big ones: Lawmakers have until EOD Tuesday to pass a spending bill or risk a government shutdown (and here’s how that could hit your wallet). The White House is pressing more than a dozen drug companies to slash prices under President Donald Trump’s “most favored nation” policy. Early signs? Not promising. And while it’s less deadline, more date to watch: Hundreds of generals and admirals will meet Tuesday as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth unveils new “warrior ethos” standards, according to ABC News. My ethos? Be on time for newsletter edits and the bedtime story. Now, let’s get to the news…
— Marina Carver / Senior Editor / Brooklyn, NY
What's Happening
US News
Trump Sets His Sights on Portland
What's going on: This weekend, President Donald Trump ordered the Pentagon to send troops to “war ravaged” Portland, Oregon, authorizing the use of “full force” if necessary. Why Portland? Secretary of War Pete Hegseth pointed to the ongoing protests at an ICE facility. While largely peaceful, the demonstrations against the Trump administration’s immigration policies have led to at least 20 arrests and injuries to multiple federal officers. Still, Portland officials called Trump’s move “counterproductive,” and they pointed to the city’s falling crime rate. Yesterday, the Oregon attorney general filed a lawsuit against the administration, calling the deployment of 200 state troops “unlawful federalization.”
What it means: Trump’s announcement puts a spotlight on his history with the left-leaning city. In 2020, he sent federal troops to Portland in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests, which saw clashes between law enforcement and demonstrators. Meanwhile, the move also comes less than a week after he labeled Antifa a domestic terror organization and promised a sweeping response to the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Legal limits could restrict how far the administration can go. As Portland battles the deployment, residents have taken to social media, posting pictures of life in the city and jokingly tagging their posts with #WarRavagedPortland.
Related: Gunman Kills Four, Injures Eight in Targeted Act of Violence During Michigan Church Service (ABC)
Health
Is a "Shadow CDC" Growing?
What's going on: It’s no secret that Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has created deep divisions in the health care world. Since taking control of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), RFK Jr. has fired all 17 members of the leading vaccine advisory panel, ousted the CDC’s director, and scaled back immunization guidance. Now, several doctors and policymakers — including a former CDC director — are taking matters into their own hands by creating the Vaccine Integrity Project. The group’s recommendations don’t carry the weight of official government guidance, and it doesn’t have access to all the CDC’s data or make vaccine policy itself. But members hope their work will help doctors navigate the flood of vaccine information. They have been analyzing piles of research — including on flu, RSV, and COVID-19 shots — and plan to share their work soon.
What it means: There are many seeking clarity amid confusing vaccine guidelines, and the Vaccine Integrity Project aims to be that resource. While some applaud the effort, others warn against creating a “shadow CDC.” One former CDC leader said it could “become very complicated” for state leaders. The Vaccine Integrity Project said it’s not trying to replace the CDC, but wants it “to be restored to its previous level of excellence.” In the meantime, states and professional medical societies are also taking matters into their own hands — at times breaking with the government to ensure vaccine access.
Related: Pregnant Women Grapple with Trump’s “Surreal” Advice on Tylenol (NYT Gift Link)
Sports
The Whistle Wars Just Got Louder
What's going on: The WNBA suspended Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve for one game following a now-viral ejection and her explosive postgame comments about officiating. It started Friday night when refs didn’t call a foul against a Phoenix Mercury player who made contact with Lynx star Napheesa Collier. (She sat out last night’s loss on a scooter, injured). Reeve stormed the court, shouting and pointing at officials as they walked away — and players and staff eventually had to hold her back. After the game, she said the referee calls were “f*cking malpractice” and demanded league-wide change.
What it means: Reeve’s outburst highlights ongoing frustration with officiating across the league. The Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham have been among the most outspoken about the officiating — even mocking their own fines. But the pressure hasn’t cooled in the postseason. Golden State’s coach Natalie Nakase was fined for her comments after the Valkyries’ first-ever playoff game, and Las Vegas coach Becky Hammon called the physicality “out of control” and said it wouldn’t fly in the NBA. The league says it’s paying attention — as Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said during the All-Star weekend: “We review every call … all of that goes into our training.”
Related: Tennis Player’s Outburst at Chinese Crowd Sparks Backlash (NBC)
Moms Who Get It Awards
Pregnancy is emotionally and physically transformative. It’s also a time when you’ll need a lot of stuff you’ve never even considered before (nipple butter, anyone?) — and with so many options, it can get overwhelming fast. Let us get rid of your decision fatigue. Here are the products Skimm moms swear by:
A pregnancy pillow that won’t require mid-sleep readjustments, and comes with a washable cover.
Maternity clothes that are cute, comfy, and don’t cost a fortune.
And more of our airtight recs, featuring prep books, recovery bras, and things to help you heal.
Game Time
Wake your brain up this Monday with a game of Flipart. Just rotate the pieces to fit within the frame and get ready to feel the rush when they all fall into place. Get into it.
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