“Could be penalised” – What could happen to your boss if they text you after work hours in Portugal. One-way trip to Lisbon, please.
Belarus
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The Story
Belarus is being accused of encouraging a migrant crisis.
What’s going on?
The Eastern European country is run by Alexander Lukashenko, also known as “Europe’s last dictator.” Last year, his gov violently cracked down on protesters who claimed the presidential election (which he won) was rigged – arresting about 33,000 people and brutally beating thousands. In response, the EU hit the gov with sanctions. Now, at least three of Belarus’s neighbors (which are part of the EU) are seeing a surge of migrants. And the EU is accusing Belarus of causing the crisis.
How could that happen?
After sanctions were announced, Lukashenko threatened to allow the flow of migrants, drugs, and even nuclear materials into the bloc. Since then, thousands of desperate migrants fleeing violence in the Middle East and Africa have apparently been given visas. But instead of letting migrants stay in the country, Lukashenko’s being accused of directing them toward the borders of EU countries like Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. That brings us to the latest crisis.
Go on.
An estimated 2,000 migrants are now stranded along theBelarus-Poland border, where they’ve experienced freezing temperatures. At least eight people have diedas pregnant women and childrencontinue to look for shelter and food.Migrants have also reportedly said that Belarusian authorities have taken away their phones and pushed them toward the border. But Belarus isn’t the only one that’s said to be at fault here.
What do you mean?
Polish troops have been accused of using tear gas, strobe lights, and loudspeakers to keep migrants away. It’s prevented journalists and aid orgs from reaching certain areas – making it difficult to get a clear sense of what’s going on. Meanwhile, Lukashenko's denied he's responsible for the crisis.And he and his bud Russian President Vladimir Putin are pointing fingers at Poland for its military presence.The EU’s calling for more sanctions on Belarus.And Poland is saying it won’t be “intimidated and will defend peace in Europe.”
theSkimm
Thousands of migrants are trying to flee war, violence, and poverty in search of a better life. Now, governments appear to be taking advantage of innocent peopleand using them as a ploy in their political games.
And Also...This
Where people are pushing for equal rights...
Spain. Last week, the country’s health minister extended free fertility services to the LGBTQ+ community. Fertility treatments (think: IVF or IUI) are cost-free in Spain. But in 2014, the ruling conservative party limited the zero-cost benefits to heterosexual women with a partner. For years, LGBTQ+ rights groups have called on the gov to scrap the limitations. Now, Spain’s Socialist gov has followed through, calling it a “restitution” of rights. The move could benefit thousands.
EU know the fight continues: Spain’s gov – where a majority of the cabinet ministers are women – is an outlier in Europe. Countries like Hungary and Poland are increasingly cracking down on LGBTQ+ rights.
...Oh and speaking of fertility treatments, a California couple has sued a clinic for allegedly mixing up their embryo with another family’s.
What had a lightbulb moment...
General Electric. Yesterday, the Boston-based industrial giant said it’s splitting up into three companies. In 1892, Thomas Edison (yes, that one) co-founded GE, which has become a household name and is in the S&P 500. The company rolled out lightbulbs, jet engines, kitchen appliances, and more. But GE has been struggling since the 2008 financial crisis. Things got so bad that it was booted from the Dow a decade later. And GE has struggled to keep up with tech giants like Apple, Amazon, and Microsoft. Now, the company says it’ll stand alone as an aviation company. It will also roll out a health care and energy company over the next few years.
While everyone’s still trying to adjust to daylight saving time ending...
Here’s another thing to mess with your sleep routine. Yesterday, researchers said there’s such a thing as a perfect bedtime: between 10 and 11pm. They analyzed data from over 88,000 adults. And apparently found that catching Zs any earlier or later than 10-11pm can increase the risk of heart disease by as much as 25%. Problem, since heart disease is the number one cause of death in the US. So, time to get that shut-eye in. But not too early, not too late. No pressure.
PS...One-third of adults said they’ve suffered from sleep problems. Here are some tips to drift off at night and stay on during the day.
What people are watching…
US household debt. Yesterday, the Fed said it passed $15 trillion in the third quarter – a new record. It comes as Americans face higher prices on just about everything.
Psst...The holidays are near, we’ve got tips on how to budget and still spread cheer.
Danes say hygge is worth the hype. But Norwegians are partial to pieskos (aka that feeling you get sitting in front of the fireplace). And Scots are crazy for còsagach (think: snug vibes). No matter what they call it, everyone seems to be about the cozy life. And Athleta can help you live — and gift — it. Thanks to soft styles like…
Cooler temps. Colorful leaves. Thankful vibes. November is a real cozy month. It’s also one of the most delicious. But before you start planning your turkey and sweet potato prep, hit up Panera. Their craveable comfort foods are packed with seasonal flavors. Aaand fresh, clean ingredients you can feel good about. We’re falling for their...
New Cinnamon Crunch Latte. That’s right. Their mouthwatering Cinnamon Crunch Bagel walked so this cup of deliciousness could run. And yes, you can get it iced.
Autumn Squash Soup. It’s baaaack. And filled with all the creamy, vegetarian, spicy goodness you remember.
Psst...delivery’s just $1. Yep, one. Order up.
Skimm Picks
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
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2. Financial planning support for when you’re prepping for the next chapter. Sounds kind of exciting, tbh. And thanks to Prudential, it can be. They’ve got lots of tools and the guidance you need to invest, insure, and build your financial game plan.*
4. An easier, breezier way to refinance. Is there such a thing? This company says ‘absolutely.’ They can help you get a loan estimate in seconds (and pre-approval in about three minutes) when you apply. Plus access to a dedicated loan officer. Don’t wait.*
5.How to shop early Black Friday deals before everyone else. Like, four hours before. Walmart+ members get exclusive early access to Walmart’s biggest online discounts starting tonight at 7pm ET.† That’s four hours of add-to-carting you don’t want to miss. Learn more.*
6.Something to satisfy your wanderlust. Travelzoo members get a hand-picked, curated list of deals for local and global destinations and experiences. Join so you can stop guessing. And keep going. Oh, and did we mention it’s free? Get in on it.*
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Programming Note
Skimm HQ is off on Veterans Day to honor those who've served. Meaning no Daily Skimm tomorrow. See you back in your inbox on Friday.
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.
Support system...Monica F (IL). She and her husband founded Esther’s Friends. It’s a nonprofit that honors the memory of their daughter. It’s on a mission to help children, and families of children, who are facing long-term hospitalizations. More here.
Banding together...Charlotte B-V S (NJ). She’s part of Wave Back, which is on a mission to create a safe environment for teens to lift themselves up through positive content. And sells bracelets to support the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA). Learn more.
(Some) Birthdays...Skimm Dad Ken Zakin (NY), Kim Stabinsky (NJ), Mike Aprati (AZ), George Coleman Jr. (IL), Lauren Bowyer (GA), David Deuel (MI), Krista Smith (NH), Kimberly Stetson (ME), Caitlin Beasty (NY), Nicole Wylie (IL), Colleen Saitz (FL), Meg Buda (CT), Teresa Wollen (NE), Natalie Kutney (KS), Mara Childs (WA)
*Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
Skimm More
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