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March 8, 2022
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Quote of the Day
Quote of the Day

“If you need a pep talk from kindergartners, press 3” — A hotline offering pep talks from students. The news we needed.

Florida

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The Story

Florida officials are saying healthy kids don’t need COVID-19 vaccines. 

Tell me more.

Yesterday, the state’s surgeon general contradicted CDC guidance and recommend against COVID-19 vaccines for healthy kids. The announcement came during a roundtable hosted by Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) — who has banned mask requirements at schools, opposed vaccine mandates, and more.

So what’s the latest?

Florida’s surgeon general, Dr. Joseph Ladapo, says we’re “scraping at the bottom of the barrel” when it comes to quantifying the benefit of vaccines for kids. The news comes as new COVID-19 cases in the US are down. And as many states have largely eased restrictions this year. Studies have shown that vaccines may struggle to protect kids against infection. And that children are also significantly less likely than adults to get severe illness.

And yet the CDC is recommending the opposite…

Right. Breakthrough infections happen. But vaccines continue to prove effective at preventing hospitalization and death. That includes 91% efficacy against symptomatic illness for kids ages 5 to 11. And with close to 1,000 children ages 5 and up in the US having died from COVID-19. We’re also still learning about the potential impacts of long COVID-19. A study this week found that even people with mild cases may show tissue damage and loss of gray matter.

theSkimm

Parents want what’s best for children — and many have been trying to figure out what that looks like. But they’re trying to work it out amid a culture of misinformation. Here are some answers to concerns around vaccines for kids.

War ‘Z’

Over the weekend, Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak was criticized for wearing a 'Z' symbol next to a Ukrainian athlete at a World Cup event. It's the same letter Russian tanks have sported as they made their way to Ukraine’s border. Here’s what you need to know…

What it means: It signals support for Russia's invasion. And was first spotted on tanks last month. Some think the letter could stand for "zapad" aka "west." Others are guessing "za pobedy," Russian for "for victory." Some even reportedly see it as shorthand for Russia's No. 1 target: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. It's raising a lot of eyebrows considering the letter 'z' doesn't show up in the Russian alphabet.

Where it's popping up: Mostly in Russia. It's no secret the Kremlin is fighting a propaganda war. Now, state-funded network RT is reportedly selling merch. Schools are apparently having children line up in Z formations to show support. And one local official even renamed his region to KuZbass so the letter can be included.

More than 4,300 people have been arrested in Russia for protesting the war in Ukraine. And a letter is apparently supposed to help drum up support.

And Also...This

Who’s not facing the Supremes…

Bill Cosby. Yesterday, the Supreme Court said it won’t review a court decision that got Cosby out of prison. More than 60 women accused Cosby of sexual assault or misconduct — dating back to the 1960s. But in 2006, a district attorney promised Cosby he wouldn’t face criminal charges if he made any incriminating statements in a civil case. In 2015, a prosecutor brought charges against Cosby and he was ultimately convicted of indecent assault in 2018. Last year, Pennsylvania’s highest court ruled Cosby’s due process rights were violated as a result. Now, SCOTUS decided it doesn't want to hear the case to possibly reinstate Cosby’s conviction. Meanwhile, Cosby’s maintained his innocence, with a spokesperson calling the decision a “victory.” And Cosby’s apparently considering a final standup tour. The news came the day before International Women's Day, created to celebrate the many achievements of women.

What’s finally made it through Congress…

The Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act. Yesterday, the Senate unanimously passed a bill that would make lynching a federal hate crime that’s punishable by up to 30 years in prison. It is named after the 14-year-old Black boy who was tortured and murdered in Mississippi in 1955 in a racist attack that sparked the civil rights movement. The House first passed the legislation in 2020 (not a typo). But it failed to pass the Senate after Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) objected to it arguing the language needed to be strengthened. Now, the passage reportedly comes a century after the first anti-lynching bill was passed. And finally heads to President Biden for signature after lawmakers' 200 attempts to pass similar legislation.

  • Long overdue: One analysis found that 6,500 people, mostly Black people, were lynched between 1865 and 1950. Perpetrators went free in 99% of cases.

Where progress is being made…

The Philippines. Yesterday, the country’s President Rodrigo Duterte reportedly signed into law a bill that raises the minimum age of sexual consent from 12 to 16 to protect minors from rape and sexual abuse. UNICEF found that the Philippines had one of the world’s lowest minimum ages of sexual consent — reportedly only behind Nigeria. A UN report also found that over 20 countries have laws that allow rapists to marry their victims to avoid prosecution. Think: Russia, Thailand, and Venezuela. Now, the law reportedly says anyone who is engaging in sexual contact with someone under 16 would be committing statutory rape. Unless, the age difference is within three years, it was consensual, and not abusive or exploitative.

Who people want answers about…

Brittney Griner.

Who you should hit up if you need more COVID-19 tests…

The US gov. Here's how to order a few more.

Skimm Well

Longer days, warmer nights, and all. the. pollen. Spring is coming. Do you know where your allergy meds are? 

Real talk: If you have allergies, now is the time to take action. Because some allergy medications take weeks to kick in. That’s right. Weeks. But our friends at Picnic can help with that. They develop personalized treatment plans using clinically proven medications. So you can experience more symptom-free days. And learn everything you’re itching to know about your allergies (get it?). Btw, Skimm’rs get an exclusive 50% off their first order. Plus free shipping. You just have to answer a few short Qs to get started. Easy, peasy, no more sneeze-y.

Asking for a Friend

Got real estate questions? We thought so. That’s why we tapped REALTORS® (hint: members of the National Association of REALTORS®) to get you answers. Here’s the latest…

Q: How do I pick a buyer’s agent?

REALTORS®: Here are a few questions you might wanna ask when you interview agents:

  • Do you focus on the market area and price range I’m targeting?

  • How do you plan to help me? 

  • What differentiates you from other agents?

  • How are you being compensated? 

  • Are you an agent and a REALTOR®?

Psst…REALTORS® abide by a strict code of ethics. So you can be confident in the info, advice, and expertise they share. You can also look for a REALTOR® with an ABR®, or Accredited Buyer’s Representative, designation. Which means they have specialized training for working with buyers.

Psst…REALTORS® are members of the National Association of REALTORS®.

Women’s History Month
Design: theSkimm

It’s International Women’s Day and we’re celebrating a little differently this year. Let’s raise a toast to the women who Scrap the Rules — the trailblazers revolutionizing their industries and inspiring others to follow (power) suit. Tap here to learn more about the writer behind Marvel’s first Muslim superhero, the computer scientist uncovering bias in AI, the first Asian American mayor in Boston, and more. As Ciara once said, watch us “level up.”

Skimm Picks

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

1. A delicious coffee add-on that can help your metabolism act younger. (Yes, that’s a thing.) This female-founded brand’s super powder is packed with plant-based ingredients that help curb sugar cravings while revving your digestive system. The best part? Skimm’rs get 20% off.*

2. Something that’ll make your Mondays less Monday-y. Emmy®-winner Pamela Adlon’s critic-fave series is back. And the fifth and final season is just as hilarious, raw, and heartwarming as the first four. New eps drop Mondays on FX. Stream on Hulu.*

3. The news you need, in podcast form. Hear about the Ukraine refugee crisis, the global financial crackdown on Russia, Biden’s SOTU address, the MLB player-owner drama, and more in our latest ep of “Skimm This,” sponsored by Sephora. Headphones, in.*

4. Chic home accessories that’ll light up your world. Or at least your entryway. These battery-powered lanterns add the perfect glow — and pop of color — to any space they’re placed. Choose from five pastel shades.*

5. A melatonin-free solve for better sleep. *Trips over our feet running to get some.* This brand’s sleep solution is made with only four natural ingredients. And it can help you fall and stay asleep…without causing grogginess or dependency. Dream a little dream.*

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

Skimm'rs

Like us, Athleta takes International Women’s Day seriously. (They’ve even partnered with Alicia Keys on a series of limited-edition collections that support well-being grants and celebrate the power of all women.) So together, we’re highlighting Skimm’rs who are going above and beyond to support the fight for gender equality. Happy International Women's Day indeed.

Laying the foundation…Karen W (TX). She is celebrating “Women in Construction Week” with the National Association of Women In Construction. They want to raise awareness about opportunities for women in the construction industry. Learn more.

Getting that degree…Tammy T and Christen B (NY). A decade ago, they launched “She’s the First” as a video on YouTube. Now, they’ve turned it into a nonprofit that helps girls across the world get an education and feel heard. Take a look.

(Some) Birthdays…theSkimm's Lindsay Lange (NY), Jordan Castleman (PA), Allegra Ben-Amotz (MX), Harvey Klein (NJ), Nancee Martin (FL), Kirbi Walters (SC), Jamie Hillman (AL), Sunita Ramnarinesingh (FL), Lorena Palacios (DC), Maria Karukas (CT), Danielle Keyser (LA), Jane Scheiner (NY), Madeline King (AL), Nora Rioux (CO), Eileen Wolejsza (NY)

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

Skimm More

Laurie Segall started at the bottom and now she’s here…as founder and CEO of Dot Dot Dot. On our newest ep of “9 to 5ish,” Laurie shares how different jobs (even the bad ones) get you closer to your dream career and why she left CNN to start her own venture.

And if you're looking for other smart ways to spend your time…

Skimm’d by Rashaan Ayesh, Kate Gilhool, Julie Shain, and Mariza Smajlaj

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