Skimm’d with an app that actually makes investing easier
February 3, 2022
Read in Browser
Woman at campfire watching sunrise
Daily Skimm
Quote of the Day
Quote of the Day

"To get to the Pentagon" — An animal welfare org on why a hen apparently crossed near the DOD. Question. Answered.

Making Waves

Getty Images

The Story

USA Swimming’s got a new policy for transgender athletes. 

Let’s dive into it. 

Earlier this week, the org overseeing competitive swimming in the US relayed new rules for trans swimmers ages 13+ in elite events. Aka those competing in events like USA Swimming Nationals, Junior Nationals, and US Olympic Team Trials. The policy — effective immediately — allows a panel of three medical experts to decide whether trans athletes have a “competitive advantage” over their cisgender female competitors. And to make sure trans swimmers have testosterone levels under a certain level. USA Swimming says the new rule supports “competitive equity.” But it comes amid a larger debate over trans athletes’ participation in sports.

Go on.

Last year, more than 30 states intro’d bills restricting trans people from playing on teams that match their gender identity. At least eight states have signed them into law. USA Swimming’s change comes amid controversy surrounding University of Pennsylvania swimmer Lia Thomas. She previously competed for UPenn’s men’s swim team. But after undergoing more than two years of hormone replacement therapy, she’s now beating records on the women’s team. And not everyone’s showing Thomas support.

What are people saying?

Critics say cisgender women are at a disadvantage against trans athletes who underwent puberty as males. USA Swimming pointed to data showing that a top-ranked female swimmer in 2021 wouldn’t even rank in the top 300 for male events. Other research shows that trans athletes don’t have an unfair advantage. And a member of the Olympic committee's medical commission says there’s “no such” thing as a level playing field. Especially since everyone’s different (see: Michael Phelps’ wingspan). Still, orgs like the NCAA are also hitting ‘edit’ to their policies. Last month, the association said it would determine trans athlete participation based on the rules set by each sport’s national governing body, international federation, or theInternational Olympic Committee — and will now reportedly review USA Swimming’s update.

theSkimm

The sports world’s trying to create an even playing field for transgender and cisgender athletes. But how that’s done varies across sports organizations and seems to be a freestyle event. And it could put athletes’ sports aspirations at risk. 

And Also...This

Who’s keeping policy near the heart...

President Biden. Yesterday, the White House announced plans to cut cancer death rates in half by 2047 and “end cancer as we know it today.” Virtually every American family has been touched by the disease, including the first family. In 2015, then-VP Biden’s son Beau passed away from brain cancer. The following year, Biden led the Cancer Moonshot — an initiative aimed at accelerating the fight against cancer. Now, six years later, he’s relaunching an effort to strengthen prevention, screening, and research.

  • The fine print: The initiative aims to improve the experience of those living with and surviving cancer. And calls for increased access to cancer screenings, investment in new treatments for rare and childhood cancers, and to address inequities (think: ensuring every community has access to cutting-edge cancer diagnostics).

  • Show me the money: In 2016, Congress provided $1.8 billion to the Cancer Moonshot through the 21st Century Cures Act. About $400 million remains. Now, Biden’s pleading with Congress to provide more funding. Meanwhile, some experts say the admin’s goals aren’t aggressive enough.

…Oh and speaking of beating cancer, a new report is showing promising signs for one treatment’s ability to fight — and potentially defeat — leukemia.

What’s got people hitting refresh…

Ukraine.Yesterday, President Biden ordered the deployment of about 3,000 American troops to Eastern Europe. It comes as things along the Ukrainian-Russian border have been escalating.The Kremlin’s got about 100,000 troops there. And it’s got NATO and the US on edge. Now, Russia’s calling the deployments “destructive.”But that could be the least of Russia’s concerns. Since the US has a separate 8,500 US troopson standby. 

Who’s stepping down…

CNN’s Jeff Zucker.Yesterday, he resigned as the media company's president after acknowledging a “consensual relationship” with a colleague. In a memo to employees, Zucker says he was “wrong” for not disclosing the timeline of the relationship to the company. It comes weeks after CNN fired anchor Chris Cuomo amid accusations of sexual misconduct.

What's reinventing itself in 2022…

The Washington Commanders.

While about 100 million people are under weather alerts…

Punxsutawney Phil’s predicting more winter.

Change Our Minds

January has come and gone. But if you’re still busy with New Year’s goals, we’ve got a tip that can help you stay motivated: Incentivize yourself to hit mini-milestones. Bonus points if you pick rewards that are relevant to your goal. Think: a shiny new workout ‘fit as a prize for hitting the gym.

Another tip for anyone trying to make positive changes in 2022? Try Noom. Aka the digital health platform that uses behavioral science techniques to help users get — and stay — in control. Their new program, Noom Mood, is all about managing stress and getting empowered to take on any challenge. It’s full of tools you can put into practice right away. Learn more here.

No Wires, No Problem
Image: LIVELY | Design: theSkimm

Total support. Flexible shaping. Confidence-boosting style. These are a few of our favorite things (in a bra). But uncomfortable pokey wires? Not so much. Enter: LIVELY’s chic, no-wire styles. They're made by women, for women. And Skimm’rs get 15% off their first purchase. We’d go with…

Skimm Money

You may have noticed your investment portfolio isn’t feeling '22. It’s burning red. (Not Taylor's version.) January was the worst month for US stocks since March 2020 with major mood…er, price…swings nearly every day. Meet market volatility. It's totally normal, but can be pushed to extremes for lots of reasons. Think: major Fed moves, Russia-Ukraine tensions, and Omicron concerns. One thing you can do when markets get bumpy: shake it off. Here’s what you need to know about volatile markets.

Skimm Picks

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

1. Cult-fave kicks that are fresh off a 34K waitlist. You’ve probably seen these suede and canvas sneakers allllll over the internet. They’re crazy comfy, durable, and eco-friendly. And now, there are a bunch of new colors to choose from. PS: Skimm’rs get a special offer.*

2. A luxurious lip gloss collection inspired by golden hour. Your IG is shaking. Maybelline New York’s Lifter Gloss makes lips look fuller and glowy. Oh, and comes in five new sun-kissed shades. Catch ‘em all.*

3. How to know when to quit your day job. In our latest ep of “9 to 5ish,” sponsored by Porsche, we chat with Briogeo Hair Care’s founder slash CEO about what it really takes to turn a passion into a career. Tune in.*

4. The secret to getting serious beauty sleep. This bedtime tea is packed with antioxidants andadaptogens (hint: chill-inducing plants) that’ll soothe your mind and body. Plus a plant-based collagenic blend that supports hair, skin, and nail health. PS: Skimm’rs save 15% with code Skimm15. Cheers.*

5. How to hit ‘refresh’ on your oral care routine. And take it up a few notches. This electric toothbrush has a built-in timer, six cleaning modes, and a four-week battery life. Oh, and Skimm’rs get $15 off. Plus free shipping. Say cheese.*

*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.

A helping hand…Carol G (MN). She launched a business training and certifying travel companions to fly individual seniors safely and comfortably to new homes, weddings, and vacation destinations. Now, she’s helping others start their own travel companion businesses. 

Eat Pray Love to see it…B A C (FL). She got promoted, moved abroad, and wrote a bestselling book.

(Some) Birthdays…theSkimm's Aviva Auslander (NY), Dylan Lewellyn (MA), Meredith Birnbaum (NJ), Tara Crowley (NJ), Laura Pope (TN), Emma Zlotowitz (NY), Melissa Carter (TX), Alyssa Limberakis (NJ), Cherelle Crenshaw (GA), Christophe Lagrange (IL), Gabrielle Hoover (NC), Benita Routman (MO), Tori Kennedy (IL), Ann Pieri (MN), Mickey Valella (CA)

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

Skimm More

theSkimm is hiring. Interested in joining our team? Check out our career page for open roles.

Want more from theSkimm?

Skimm’d by Maria del Carmen Corpus, Kate Gilhool, Julie Shain, and Mariza Smajlaj

Skimm'd something we missed?

skimmthis@theSkimm.com

Issues?

help@theSkimm.com


Copyright (c) 2022 theSkimm, All rights reserved.

TheSkimm, Daily Skimm, and all Skimm-based marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of TheSkimm, Inc.


Our mailing address is:

theSkimm Inc. 50 West 23rd Street, Suite 5B
New York, NY, 10010, United States

See our full sponsor agreement