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August 19, 2020

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Quote of the Day

"At night, the facility lights up the park like a beautiful lantern" – A description of Tokyo's new transparent toilet stalls. Don't worry, they turn opaque when in use. How Charmin.

Reverse, reverse


The Story

The US Postal Service is suspending its controversial changes.

Let's hear it.

For weeks, the USPS has faced scrutiny after newly appointed Postmaster General Louis DeJoy shook things up. Think: cutting overtime and reducing post office hours. The changes were supposed to help the agency – which is billions of dollars in debt – save money. But they've led to backlogs of mail and delivery delays. Which had many concerned about voter disenfranchisement since millions of Americans could choose to vote by mail in November. Both the House and Senate put some time on DeJoy's cal. And at least 20 states threatened to sue. Now DeJoy's hitting pause on the changes "to avoid even the appearance of any impact on election mail."

Got it. So what happens now?

The Postal Service will allow overtime to process mail, which could help with the backlogs. It won't change retail hours or close any mail-sorting facilities. And plans to remove blue collection mailboxes and mail-sorting machines – something USPS says is routine but heightened concerns about its ability to handle election mail – are also on hold. But only until after the November election.

Oh. Then what?

It's unclear. The House plans to vote on a bill this weekend to grant the Postal Service $25 billion in funding – which could help its daily operations. And DeJoy will face questions from a Senate committee (including Sen. Kamala Harris) on Friday and a House committee on Monday. Meanwhile, several states still plan to move forward with their lawsuits against the USPS, arguing that it should've gotten approval before making the changes.

theSkimm

Americans and lawmakers have delivered a strong message to the Postal Service. But while the agency has changed course for now, it's still up to people to prepare to cast their ballots amid some barriers to voting – both new and old.


Skimm More: We've got you covered on ways to take action, get informed, spread the word, and help get your communities ready to vote in the upcoming election.

And Also...This


What's making it official...

The DNC. Yesterday, Democrats officially nominated Joe Biden as their presidential nominee after a roll call vote from across the country. Also on night two of the convention: 17 "rising stars" in the Dem party – including former GA gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams – gave the keynote. Former President Bill Clinton criticized the Trump admin's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, calling it "chaos." AOC gave a shout-out to Biden's rival-turned-supporter, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT). Another special guest? Dr. Jill Biden, who was back in school. She talked about the family's personal tragedies and said her husband would make the US "whole." Up tonight: Former President Barack Obama and 2016 nominee Hillary Clinton. And Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) will officially accept the VP nomination.

What has people's attention...

Mali. Yesterday, President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta resigned and dissolved parliament hours after rebellious soldiers arrested him and the country's prime minister. Keïta had led Mali for seven years but has been criticized as the West African country deals with an Islamist insurgency, economic woes, and COVID-19. And protesters have pushed for Keïta to resign for weeks. He said he would step down because he didn't want "blood to be shed" to keep him in power. But it's unclear what will happen next – and who will be in charge. Officials from the US, France, and the UN all condemned the soldiers' actions. And the EU warned it could destabilize "not only Mali, but the whole region."

Who's back in the news (nearly 150 years later)...

Susan B Anthony. Yesterday, President Trump pardoned the women's suffrage leader – who was arrested in 1872 for voting as a woman and fined $100 (which she never paid). Trump said Anthony should have been pardoned long ago and chose a special day to do it: the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment – which granted women the right to vote in the US. But critics said her arrest helped draw attention to the movement, and that pardoning her would defeat its purpose.

Who's asking for a change...

Britney Spears.

Where you'll want to be for the holidays...

Where it snows chocolate.

SkimmWell

So you're stressed. Welcome. A little stress can go a long way towards getting sh*t done. But a lot of stress can go a long way towards...insomnia, high blood pressure, stomach problems...You get it. Stress less (or at least give it a try) with our tips.

PressPause

Here are our favorite picks to help you take a break today...


1. 10 books every woman needs to read in their lifetime. They're all about women, by women. And NBD, but your life simply won't be complete unless you read them. Book club plans = confirmed.


2. The best podcasts of the year (so far). Whether you're a fashion fan or a Drake stan…this list has something for ya. Headphones, where you at?


3. The scents aromatherapists say will help you sleep better. Sympathies to all the imaginary sheep out there, we'll never be counting you again. Bahhhh-bye.


PS: Want more? Sign up to get weekly recs in your inbox.

Skimm'Picks

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For when you know the mask makes the outfit…

So does Old Navy. Their masks are high quality, breathable, washable, and made according to CDC recommendations. Plus, they have them for adults and kids. And their kids' critter masks are adorable AF. Go get some.*


For when you've been eating lots of fresh veggies this summer…

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Skimm’rs


In times like these, community matters more than ever. Let us know how you (or someone you know) is making an impact by helping others.


Churning for change...Luke M (VA). After the death of George Floyd and amid nationwide protests, he started making ice cream and sold pints. He's raised over $7,000 and donated all the proceeds to orgs like the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.


Taking initiative...Kate D M (NC). She started the Project for Equitable Access in Remote Learning (PEARL), an initiative to help close the equity gap in remote learning because of COVID-19. This fall, it'll help pair small groups of high schoolers with college and graduate student mentors. Learn more here.


(Some) Birthdays...theSkimm's Rachel Klein (NY), Satya Nadella (WA), Emily Schmitz (NY), Leigh Carpenter (CT), Cristina Barden (AL), Tara Gaffney (NY), Nell Knox (MS), Neha Abassi (TX), Kristin Jacobsen (MN), Hannah Gettleman (IL), Chelsie Cummings (KY), Mindy Bentley (GA), Victoria Waldo (DC), Christiane Gotter (OR), Sarah Hintermeyer (MN)


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

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