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January 20, 2022
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Today's Challenge Skimm your snack time
Daily Skimm
Quote of the Day
Quote of the Day

"It's alarming how charming I feel" — Bill Murray singing “I Feel Pretty” in Washington Square Park. So he's got that goin' for him, which is nice.

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The Story

It’s been 365 days of the Biden admin.

A full year, already?

You know it. On January 20, 2021, President Biden was sworn in amid a backdrop of masks…and mittens. It came at a time when US democracy seemed to be hanging on by a thread. But Biden’s win came with a laundry list of promises — on everything from climate change to immigration to the economy. Here's where we stand with...

COVID-19…In his victory speech, Biden said he’d work to get COVID-19 “under control.” That includes mass vaccine availability, nationwide testing, and keeping schools open. Fast forward to now: only 67% of eligible Americans are fully vaccinated. Testing demand has at times exceeded supply — and the admin is only now sending them to Americans. Cases have hit over 1 million per day while hospitals across the country are overwhelmed. So no, the pandemic isn’t under control.

Economy…Inflation has reached a record high. But so has the stock market. The admin signed a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package. And a bipartisan $1 trillion infrastructure bill. But the president’s Build Back Better plan — which includes funding for everything from universal pre-k to climate incentives to expanding Medicare — has stalled in the Senate.

Other promises…are a mixed bag. Biden pulled US troops out of Afghanistan, ending America’s longest war. But the Taliban swooped right in. Biden urged the Senate to pass the Equality Act and bypass the filibuster to approve voting rights legislation. But despite a last-ditch effort, Dems weren't able to change filibuster rules to make it happen. And still no word on forgiving student loan debt, paid family leave, and other campaign promises.

theSkimm

The Biden admin still has a long list of promises to get through. Now, with a 40% approval rating and midterms around the corner, the pressure is on for his admin to deliver.

And Also...This

Who doesn’t want a rap sheet…

Musicians. This week,“Rap Music on Trial”legislation passed through an initial stage in the New York state senate.Since the ‘90s, police and prosecutors have used rap lyrics to pursue criminal cases against rap artists.In some cases, lyrics have been presented as evidence rather than viewed as artistic expressions. Now, theNY bill — first introduced in Nov —would prevent prosecutors from using an artist’s lyrics in criminal cases. If all the artists throwing their support behind it jumped on a song together, it’d probably be a banger. Think: Jay-Z,Meek Mill, Big Sean,Fat Joe, and Kelly Rowland.Bronx native Fat Joe said lyrics “are a creative form of self-expression and entertainment — just like any other genre.” And Jay-Z’s lawyer said this was “a long time coming.”Next up: It heads to the state senate for a vote.

  • Drakeo the Ruler:In 2018, the late California rapperDrakeo the Ruler was convicted of murderafter prosecutors used his lyricsto prove he was guilty. But he was later acquitted in 2019.

Where justice is being served…

Michigan. Yesterday, the University of Michiganannounced a $490 million settlement with more than 1,000 people. There are allegations dating back to the '60s that a former sportsdoctor, Robert Anderson, sexually abusedstudents, athletes, and others during routine medical exams. For those getting déjà vu, it's because convicted sex offender Larry Nassar also worked at a university in Michigan. But this is a different case, at a different school. As with Nassar, Anderson's abuse spanned decades.Ultimately, Andersonretired in 2003, and he later died in 2008.One report found that the school missed many chances to stop the abuse.Now, the1,050victims will receive $460 million. And an additional $30millionhas been set aside for future claims. A lawyer representing hundreds of victims say the settlement will provide “justice and healing” for the men and women who came forward.

...Oh and speaking of UMich,over the weekend, the school’s president was fired for an inappropriate relationshipwith a university employee. 

Who has us doing the sniff test…

Procter & Gamble. Starting next month, the company is going to raise the cost of its laundry detergents and other goods (think: Tide, Downy, Gain, and Bounce) to offset inflation costs. Time to load up.

Who's giving “Cool Runnings” a reboot irl...

Jamaica's four-man bobsled team.

While we don't talk about Bruno...

We should be talking about prenatal testing.

How to Skimm Your Life Challenge

Food rhymes with mood for a reason — what you eat affects how you feel. Today, Skimm your snack time by eating something with marked health benefits. Foods rich in antioxidants (like berries) and omega-3s (like fatty fish) have been linked to lower stress levels. Or grab a banana — they’re high in vitamin B, which helps synthesize feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. We’ve got more on foods that are good for your mind here. 

PS: Keep the good mood going by clicking through all our previous challenges.

Pop Cultured with theSkimm

TV, movies, music, sports, culture — so much to know, so little time. This week on "Pop Cultured with theSkimm" we’re talking about ‘Euphoria’ and why we’re so obsessed with teen dramas. New episodes drop every Tuesday at 5 pm on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen. Oh, and follow our pod so you don't miss out. Headphones, in.

Skimm Picks

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

1. Shipped-to-you aligners that’ll straighten your smile No braces, no problem. This impression kit comes with everything you need to start the journey toward perfect pearly whites. And Skimm’rs get it for just $15. Confidence boost, coming right up.*

2. A cozy, stylish flannel you’ll wanna add to cart this winter. We feel toasty just thinking about it. This best-selling blanket shirt is (sustainably) made with the softest organic cotton. Plus it comes in 26 different colors and patterns. PS: Skimm’rs get 20% off.*

3. How to get the most from your dolla dolla bills (y’all). *Raised hands emoji.* Betterment’s tools can help you invest for whatever future you’re planning. Whether you’ve got $10 or $10 million. Bonus: You can do it all from your phone. Learn more.

4.  Red accessories to help you bring in the Lunar New Year. Celebrate the Year of the Tiger with Hammitt’s new, limited edition collection. Each bag features their signature, buttery soft leather and the purr-fect (get it?) touch of gold. Paint the town.*

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

Investing involves risk and performance not guaranteed.

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.

Hitting a home run…Michelle K (RI). She decided to change careers and completed several unpaid internships. Now, she’s moving across the country to become a strength and conditioning coach for a minor league baseball team. 

Nailing it…Patti M (NY). She’s bringing awareness to Cervical Cancer Awareness month and reminding people to get screened. All through her teal nail polish color.

(Some) Birthdays…Catherine Levene (NY), Heather Hartnett (NY), Morgan Keeler (TX), Kayti Coonjohn (AK), Helene Venegas  (CA), Aaron Kusch (CO), Cameron Schaeffer (NY), Kaylee Mathews (RI), Rita Graham (OH), Jill Fessler (KY), Ashley Burke (TX), Shannon Mascia (NJ), Adam Brown (PA), Bennett S. Rinaudo (LA), Jane Palmer (PA)

*Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.

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