Daily Skimm Issue

October 14, 2021

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Julianna Margulies On making big life decisions

Skimm’d while talking to award-winning actress Julianna Margulies

Quote of the Day

“Heaven” – The good doggo who was crowned World's Cutest Rescue Dog. We’ve found Heaven in a place on Earth.

Bottleneck

The Story

Supply chains are causing quite the freight.

I see what you did there.

It’s all about the delivery. And that’s something a lot of Americans are waiting on right now. When the pandemic struck, factories and ports around the world shut down. That led to supply shortages, including for computer chips. Stimulus checks and WFH encouraged Americans to hit ‘add to cart.’ But high demand and labor shortages have led to backlogs on things like online shopping, medication delivery, and school lunches. It’s all created a perfect storm that’s still unfolding.

Let's unpack this.

The supply chain shortage has contributed to the jacked-up prices all around. Not helping: the USPS cutting back on package and mail deliveries. Yesterday, the Labor Dept said consumer prices increased 5.4% last month from a year ago. Meaning, Americans are already paying more for things like furniture, rent, and food. And now they’re paying(and waiting) more for their package and mail deliveries. With the holidays right around the corner, experts are telling people to do their holiday shopping now. Or, they could risk giving their loved ones an IOU in their stocking.

How can we expedite solutions?

The Biden admin is on duty. And said that the Port of Los Angeles – one of the busiest in the country – will be operating around the clock. And UPS and FedEx (which apparently ship 40% of US packages) are ramping up work hours for employees. (Burnout, much?) But experts reportedly say it’s not enough to address the widespread bottleneck across supply chains. They suggest the admin help boost employment in industries like retail and trucking. And get rid of Trump-era tariffs on Chinese products, which have forced US companies to pay up.

theSkimm

Americans are wishing for a holiday miracle on their package delivery date. But the supply chain problems extend beyond their front porch.And prove the pandemic's had devastating effects on more than just our health.

Psst…our gift to you is this guide on making a holiday budget. Jump on it.

And Also...This

What’s got people reading labels…

Phthalates.Earlier this week,an NYU study said that exposure to the synthetic group of chemicals could be leading to about 100,000 early deaths per year. The “everywhere chemicals" can be found in makeup, shampoos, and toys.And have been linked to reproductive, brain, and immune system problems.Now, researchers say that they could be connected to thousands of premature deaths among people ages 55 to 64. But that there’s still more research to be done.

Not the only one: Earlier this year, another study found that toxic "forever chemicals" (aka PFAS) linked to cancer, birth defects, and several diseases were found in everyday makeup.

What’s catching wind…

Wind power. Yesterday, the Biden admin announced plans to expand wind farms along the country’s coastline. And hopes to lease areas like the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf of Maine to develop clean, renewable wind power energy by 2025. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said it would “accelerate the nation’s transition to a cleaner energy future.” But it’s just a proposal and could come across many obstacles, including from fishing groups and landowners living along the coastline.

Who's speaking out....

Suni Reid. Yesterday, the Black transgender actor – and former "Hamilton" cast member – filed a formal complaint against the show. Reid, who is nonbinary, says other performers and managers harassed and intentionally misgendered them for years. And that they were fired from the show after requesting a gender-neutral dressing room. "Hamilton" denied the claims.

Who’s tired of feeling salty…

The FDA. Yesterday,it releasednew guidelinesin efforts tocut Americans’ averagesaltintakeby about 12%over the next two and a half years. Important, because too much sodium could increase your blood pressure and risk of heart disease.

Psst...If you need a reminder on what sodium and other terms on the nutrition label mean, here's theSkimm.

What’s earned lots of (honeycomb) stars...

“Squid Game.”

Fashion Fact

Good Jeans

Raise your hand if you're wearing jeans. OK, now raise your hand if you've worn jeans in the last week. Turns out, you're in good company. Anthropologists estimate half the world's population wears jeans on any given day. Excuse us while we change out of our sweats.

If you’re looking for your new faves, meet Revtown. Their premium pairs are flattering, durable, and made of Italian-milled denim with built-in stretch. So they’re comfy, too. Plus their designers use real, everyday women (instead of “industry standard” models) to create their fits. And four new styles launch (drumroll, please) today. Don’t miss ‘em. These are the kinda jeans you’ll wanna wear every day.

On theSkimm Screen

A brain. An athlete. An outcast. A beauty. A criminal. It might sound like we’re describing a certain ‘80s cult classic. But we’re actually talking about the latest Peacock Original show. Meet...

“One of Us Is Lying”

It’s...an addictive murder mystery about five high school students who wind up in detention. Spoiler alert: Only four make it out alive.

And...it’s based on a #1 NYT bestseller with tons of coming-of-age drama, twists, and turns.

Plus...every single character is a suspect. And they've all got something to hide.

Btw, “One of Us Is Lying” is streaming now on Peacock. Serious suspense, coming right up.

If you love spooky season, meet "The October Effect." Aka the perception that stock prices are destined to fall this month. That's because some big market crashes have happened in past Octobers. Read more about whether this Wall Street superstition is just a bunch of hocus pocus or worth your attention. And get our tips on what to do with your investments when the market drops.

PS: Sign up to get more money news and tips from our Skimm Money newsletter in your inbox every Friday.

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

1. Sneaks so comfy, they’ll be the only shoes you wear this fall. You heard it here first. These cult-fave kicks are finally back in stock. In pumpkin-patch-friendly styles. Think: grey suede, camel suede, and off-white canvas. They’re never discounted. But Skimm’rs get a special offer.*

2. The only menu item that matters right now. We mean Panera Bread’s brand-new grilled mac and cheese sandwich. It’s the perfect combo of...you guessed it...their classic grilled cheese and creamy mac, on freshly baked bread. Yes, really. Sweet dreams are made of cheese.*

3. A podcast to help you live your best financial life. And learn from others who are already doing it. Fidelity’s new pod includes stories from people who navigated life’s trickiest money issues. And survived (and thrived) to tell their tale. Talk about inspo. Tune in.*

4. Melatonin gummies to help you regulate your snooze cycle. If you've been struggling to fall asleep, these gummies work to get you back on track. They're made with a blend of lavender, chamomile, lemon balm, and valerian root. Psst...we've also tried them and didn't experience any next-day grogginess.

5. Toothpaste tablets that'll polish and strengthen your teeth without creating extra waste. The container is reusable, so once you go through them, you can order refills in compostable paper pouches. The tablets contain fluoride and are FDA-approved. You can try 'em as a one-time purchase or sign up for a subscription.

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

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.

Getting the word out…Rise Against Hunger (NC). The org started a growing global movement to end hunger by empowering communities, nourishing lives, and responding to emergencies. Amid the pandemic, hunger is a rapidly worsening crisis that impacts 690 million people worldwide. And since Saturday is World Food Day, Rise Against Hunger wants to encourage individuals and corporations to take action and join the movement to end global hunger. Get involved here.

(Some) Birthdays...Dorothy Malcolm (OR), Angela Sullivan (IL), Jillian Boccia (NY), Debi Lee (CT), Megan Sweeney (GA), Jill Riley (MA), Kristen Connors (FL), Rachel Berman (NY), Lindsay Cooper (CA), Mary Craig (UT), Sara Ford (AR), Karlynn Gould (PA), Sarah Fries (MI), Darci Vick (WA)

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

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