text/html; charset=utf-8

FEBRUARY 20, 2020

READ IN BROWSER

Skimm'd while tackling our taxes

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"Who needs Pisa? We have the Leaning Tower of Dallas" â A Twitter user, after a tower demolition didn't go according to plan. So cancel your trip to Italy, because everything you're looking for is right here.

THE GLOVES ARE OFF

The Story

What happens in Vegas...can get feisty.

I'm listening...

Last night was the ninth Democratic presidential debate. And it went down in Las Vegas, ahead of Nevada's Democratic caucuses this weekend. With voting in two states down, the pressure was on all the candidates to prove themselves. And it showed with some tense face-offs.

Over what?

All the things. Here's what the candidates on stage had to answer for:

Former NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg...the new guy on stage was first called out for his controversial stop-and-frisk policy that disproportionately targeted minorities. And for his comments on the LGBTQ+ community and women. He was pushed to release female employees from their NDAs. His response? Some of the women just "didn't like the joke." Also, he "can't speak for all billionaires" but he wants you to know he's too rich to file regular-people taxes.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)...the one who came out swinging. But mainly because what she has to answer for is a lack of traction with Iowa and New Hampshire voters.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT)...his Medicare-for-all funding. His brand of democratic socialism. And the recent behavior of his Bernie Bros. Something we get into more here.

Former South Bend, IN Mayor Pete Buttigiegâ¦his big donors. And his ability to throw stones when he hasn't been in the "arena." But he pointed out that DC isn't the only arena in town.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)...her voting record. And for missing the name of the president of Mexico in a Telemundo interview. Her response? People make mistakes. And that she has all the experience needed, thank you very much.

Former VP Joe Bidenâ¦very little. Serving as a reminder that he's no longer the front-runner everyone feels the need to attack.

theSkimm

These six Democratic candidates are trying to make the case that they're strong enough to take on President Trump in November. But last night, their main target was...each other.

AND ALSO...THIS

What people are watching...

Germany. Yesterday, a gunman killed at least nine people in Hanau, a town just outside of Frankfurt. Officials are treating it as a terror attack, saying that the suspect â who was found dead â may have had a far-right motive. Germany's president reportedly condemned the "racist hatred" and said the country will "stand up for peaceful coexistence."

What has a whole new outlook post-divorce...

The UK. Now that Brexit's done, the UK gets to make its own rules. And yesterday, it unveiled new immigration rules, restricting work visas for low-skilled workers and those who can't speak English. The gov says this will let the UK "take back" control of its borders and reduce migration. It also says it'll make it easier for high-skilled workers (scientists, engineers, academics) to come from beyond the EU. But employers aren't convinced. And worry this could lead to a staffing shortage â especially in the senior care industry. The rules are set to go into effect next year after the post-Brexit transition period ends in December.

Cues from around the globe: Last year, President Trump pushed for a new immigration system in the US prioritizing highly-skilled workers (think: doctors, engineers) who speak English. The UK also unveiled a new point system (similar to the one in Australia) to determine if someone can work in the UK.

What we can't just blame on gassy cows...

Methane. A new study shows that methane emissions from fossil fuels could be 25-40% higher than previously thought. Methane can be released in many ways, from animals (see: cow burps), to geological sources (like mud volcanoes), to fossil fuels (like oil and gas production). In all cases it's a problem, since methane can warm the planet 80 times as quickly as CO2. This study focused on the types of methane that are released by the earth, whether naturally or from human extraction. Scientists wanted to know whether humans are to blame for the uptick in those emissions since the 1700s. Spoiler alert: yes. And the oil and gas industry could be the main cause.

Next steps: The study's author reportedly wants the industry to improve its monitoring of methane emissions. This comes as the Trump admin is proposing to roll back regulations on methane.

What's helping women dress to impressâ¦

M.M.LaFleur. Earlier this week, the clothing company said it will lend free clothing to women running for public office "at any level." From town council to Congress...to president. The ultimate goal: see more women win.

What you wish you could shake offâ¦

This image of a moldy burger.

SKIMM MONEY

Meet Rachel. She went from sharing a 3-bedroom apartment rental to owning a 3-bed, 2-bath home all to herself. And her dog. Watch our video to see how she did it. And get her tips.

SKIMM PICKS

For when you need about a million more hours in the dayâ¦

Asked and answered. With H&R Block Tax Pro Go, you can upload your tax docs and a tax pro will do the rest. It's expert tax prep without the office visit. Cue a sigh of relief.*

For when coffee just isn't your cup of teaâ¦

Chew on this instead. These energy bars pack as much caffeine as a shot of espresso. Plus they come in four flavors (think: Coconut Chai and Salted Peanut Butter). Skimm'rs can try all four for free. Just pay for shipping. Try before you buy.*

For when you've got a long wait at the DMVâ¦

Get comfortable. These jeans will do the trick. They're made from Italian-milled denim. And have the right amount of stretch for added softness and comfort. So they fit and feel just right. Try 'em.*

FYI - Donât miss our monthly SmarterPack newsletter for more of our favorite picks. Sign up here.

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

SKIMM'RS

A+ workâ¦Courtney L (TX). She received a grant allowing her to buy review books for her students' AP tests in May. Score: 5/5.

Lights, camera...Ursula T (CA). She is one of eight female filmmakers selected to participate in the See It, Be It Filmmaker Fellowship â an initiative to foster voices from underrepresented groups.

(Some) Birthdays...Lynne Madorsky (IL), Jaime Patel (CA), Trevor Noah (NY), Ben Preziosi (NY), Lex Kimmel (FL), Gina Hayes (CA), Joseph Berson (AR), Abi Rychtik (WI), Rafaella Schor (CO), Tracy Stetson (IL), Laura D'Angelo (MA), Karla Chavez (CA), Sherin Tebbi (CA), Caitlin Brey (KY), Caitlin Brey (KY), Julie Kreikemeier (NE)

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

SKIMM SHARE

Skimm HQ is working through apartment issues. Share theSkimm with your friend who always offers their couch for friends to crash on.