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August 6, 2021

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Skimm'd aheadof the final days of the Olympics

Quote of the Day

"Right now I can't really cross my legs together" â A pregnant Cardi B on trying rhythmic gymnastics. These Olympians better watch out.

The Stolen GenerationsÂ

The Story

Australia's reckoning with its past.

Tell me.

In 1788, Britain began colonizing Australia, where an estimated hundreds of thousands of Aboriginal people were living. With them, they brought new diseases and violent conflicts, killing thousands. And between 1910 and 1970, the gov took between 10% and 33% of Aboriginal Australian children from their families, placing them with white families and institutions (like schools and church missions). The goal: to assimilate them and essentially erase their identities. Many had their names changed and were forbidden from speaking their native language. The more than 100,000 separated children became known as the "Stolen Generations." Now, Australia's saying 'it's time to make things right.'

About time.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a $280 million reparations fund for members of the country's Indigenous population. Those who were under 18 and removed from their families while living in certain Australian territories can get a one-time payment of about $55,000, plus about $5,000 to support their healing. The announcement came months after 800 Indigenous survivors sued the gov. Now, this move could help reduce the social and economic gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians: Indigenous Australians have a shorter life expectancy and poorer health, and are disproportionately incarcerated.

What are people saying?

One Indigenous representative hoped it would give survivors "some relief." But said it'd "never replace growing up with family." These reparations come as other countries address their dark histories. Earlier this year, hundreds of unmarked graves were discovered throughout Canada, shedding light on the country's past and highlighting the systemic abuse of Indigenous communities that saw children taken to residential schools often run by the Catholic Church. In the US, the gov has given minimal reparations to Native Americans. But the country is still grappling with its past, and has launched a review of similar schools that existed in the 19th and 20th centuries.

theSkimm

Western countries have disrupted countless Indigenous communities. Now, Australia's trying to address its past. But a government check may not be enough to course correct the decades of pain, abuse, and discrimination these communities have faced.

And Also...This

Who's trying to shift the nation's gearsâ¦

President Biden. Yesterday, he signed an executive order to get more electric vehicles on the road. By 2030, Biden wants half of all new US vehicles sold to be zero-emission (think: EVs and plug-in hybrids). The transportation sector (including ships, trains, and planes) is the country's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. And EVs can reportedly emit 64% less carbon emissions than petrol cars. Now, Biden's already getting the support of the nation's largest automakers, including Ford and GM. He's also proposing new fuel efficiency and emissions standards â something former President Trump rolled back. The admin says this is all to combat the climate crisis and help create jobs. Critics (like unions) worry the move could lead to job cuts since EVs require fewer parts, which could equal fewer jobs.

Who's got people's attentionâ¦

Ebrahim Raisi. Yesterday, the former head of Iran's judiciary was sworn in as the country's new president. In June, Raisi won by a landslide in an election where many of his opponents weren't able to run. Many Iranians believe the election was rigged in favor of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's mentee and fave candidate. Now, Raisi's embarking on his four-year term. And he's already eyeing up the US, demanding that "all illegal US sanctions" be lifted. But talks to revive the 2015 nuclear deal have stalled. US sanctions have taken a hit on Iran's oil exports and kept the country out of the world banking system, leaving the economy hurting.

To the presidency, and beyond: Many believe Raisi is the main candidate to eventually replace Khamenei. Important, because the supreme leader has more control than the president â he's the commander of the armed forces, has power over the state media, and makes the final call on foreign policy like the Iran nuclear deal.

Where people are chasing dreamsâ¦

The Tokyo Olympics. Yesterday, the US women's soccer team beat Australia 4-3 to take home the bronze. The Americans kicked things off in Japan as the no. 1 ranked team and reigning World Cup champs. But they lost to Canada in the semifinalearlier this week, ending their chance at the gold medal. In yesterday's match, Carli Lloyd and Megan Rapinoe sealed the deal by scoring two goals each. *Victory dance.* Next up: boxing, basketball, and more events wrap up before the closing ceremony on Sunday at 7am ET. (Psst...our app has you covered when it comes to the final big Olympic events.)

...Oh and in other sporting news, Lionel Messi is hanging up his Barcelona jersey after 17 seasons.

PS: We chatted with some of your favorite Olympians. Here's what they had to say about their sports, teammates, and more.

What's trying to move in a new direction...

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association.

Thing to Know

Al Desko

At one's desk. Often used to describe food eaten while working. Like al fresco, but inside. Get it?

One thing we're constantly eating al desko? Snacks. If you're thinking 'same,' meet SnackMagic. With their customizable stashes, recipients can choose their own goodies from over 1,000 food and drink options. It's especially popular for companies that wanna send a delicious incentive to their employees â whether they're working IRL, from home or a mix. So, go ahead. Tell your boss. Tell your office manager. Tell everyone you know. You can also use it to treat yo'self or your team, fam or friends. Did we mention Skimm'rs get 10% off? Learn more.

Skimm Reads

"The Startup Wife" by Tahmima Anam

Disruption? In the tech world? Groundbreaking. This scathing yet hilarious novel follows a brilliant coder who reconnects with her high school crush and joins an exclusive tech incubator. But when they create a viral app and her husband is hailed as the prophet-like figure behind its genius, their marriage is put to the test. It's a compulsively readable novel â and a piercing satire on startup culture and gender politics. Book club, u up?

Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter lifeâ¦

1. Products to add to your skincare routine ASAP. This collection by PCA SKIN includes boosting serums and an overnight face mask packed with hyaluronic acid. Aka a naturally occurring, hydrating substance you'll want more of. Psst...Skimm'rs get a little something extra when they shop.*

2. 24/7 midwife, doula, and nurse support you can access on-the-go. Poppy Seed Health is a woman-founded brand that gives on-demand help to those going through pregnancy, parenthood, and every moment in between. Download their app and connect with birth experts in under a minute.*

3. Your most loved products of July. If this were a yearbook, these things would be voted 'most popular.' Add 'em to cart.

4. Breathable gear to upgrade your warm-weather workouts. Sweating through your clothes before you even make it to the gym? Check out these summer-friendly options.

5. Huge savings at Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale. Their biggest annual event ends Sunday. Shop across tons of categories, from women's clothing to home to beauty. Plus there are over 100 new brands to browse this year. Get your wallet ready.

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

Skimmârs

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.

And that's a lap...Jillian B (CAN). She's been training for over a year to swim across Lake Ontario. And it took her over 18 and a half hours. Jill dived into the deep end to help raise money for London's transplant unit to buy new equipment to help with organ transplants. Learn more.

Highlight history...Kevin W (NC). He just published his first set of six children's textbooks on the topic of racial justice in America. Kevin's books look at the Tulsa Race Riots, Red Summer of 1919, Juneteenth, and more. Take a peek.

Some Birthdays...Anna Gastfriend Shain (DC), Gigi Ruffolo (IL), Emiko Faust (MS), Chelsea Rajagopalan (NJ), Brittany Burgos (NY), Linda Dubroof (Florida), Kristin Slater (CO), Melanie Hollingsworth (NE), Amanda Nehring (IL), Niki Baglivo (PA), Molly Mogorit (CO), Nicki Doane (HI), Lori Wilson (IN), Melanie Schoening (IA), Grace Aduroja Kolker (DC)

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

HBD to MTV. On this week's ep of "Skimm This," we spoke to author Amanda Klein about MTV's evolution from music videos to reality TV, and how to think about its legacy 40 years later.

And if you're looking for other smart ways to spend your timeâ¦

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