— Lil Nas X on delaying a concert so he could poop. He tried riding it out ‘til he couldn’t no more.
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Brazil
The Story
The world's fourth-largest democracy doesn’t have a new president…yet.
Weren’t elections yesterday?
Yes. But neither candidate got 50% of the vote needed to win. So, Brazil will move to a runoff election on October 30. President Jair Bolsonaro — who’s been in office since 2019 — is running against former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva — the country's first working-class president from 2003 to 2010. Both politicians have a checkered past. Think: da Silva was imprisoned in 2018 on corruption charges…but the Supreme Court later threw out the conviction after ruling the case was biased. And Bolsonaro has faced criticism for his handling of COVID-19.
What's at stake?
The economy, for one. Brazil has one of the highest COVID-19 death rates per capita, leaving Latin America’s biggest economy struggling to recover financially. Now, the country’s facing high inflation, and its economic growth is at a standstill. Low-income families are especially feeling the impact.
What’s on their to-do lists?
Both Bolsonaro and da Silva promise to boost government spending on the poor if they win. That’s about where their similarities end. Da Silva is vowing to raise taxes on the rich, up the minimum wage to keep up with inflation, and fight deforestation. Bolsonaro — who some call the “Trump of the Tropics” — plans to cut taxes and defend the traditional family by opposing abortion and transgender education in schools. Bolsonaro also defends expanding mining and agriculture — though many are concerned about the implications for the Amazon as well as disproved claims of election fraud.
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The election comes as economic problems and corruption have led other Latin American countries, like Chile and Colombia, to shift to the left. But others worry going too far left would drive the country into an even bigger economic crisis (See: Venezuela). And that a runoff could mean a month of political violence.
Yesterday marked 100 days since SCOTUS overturned Roe v. Wade. Today, more than a dozen states ban abortion at or before six weeks, when many women don’t know they’re pregnant. That list includes several states — like Texas and Alabama — that don’t include exceptions for rape or incest. On the flip side, at least 15 states have worked to expand abortion access. It comes as a solidly conservative-leaning SCOTUS kicks off its new term today with freshman Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. On the docket: affirmative action, voting rights, and LGBTQIA+ rights.
Speaking of abortions…voters will be weighing in during the midterm elections. Kansas voters already rejected an amendment to its state constitution that would remove abortion access. And on Nov 8, voters in California, Michigan, and Vermont will decide whether to preserve abortion rights in their constitutions. With Roe gone, state and local lawmakers play a key role in abortion laws. And so far, signs show women are registering to vote in higher numbers. To keep up with all the voting latest, Skimm your ballot here and make sure you’re registered to vote.
And Also...This
Where many are still reeling…
Florida. Over the weekend, the death toll in FL from Hurricane Ian rose to more than 80 people. Four others died in North Carolina and three in Cuba. The Category 4 storm devastated dozens of communities with some seeing a storm surge of up to 18 feet. Since then, over 600,000 people in Florida are apparentlystill without power. Others have not gotten access to basics like food and water. Rescue operations are still underway in places like Sanibel Island and Pine Island. And residents in St. Cloud, FL, have had to evacuate because floodwaters continue to rise. Insurers are expecting over $40 billion worth of damage. Officials say the death toll could rise as the search for survivors continues.
Indonesia. Over the weekend, at least 125 people were killed and more than 300 were injured in one of the deadliest disasters in sporting history. It started on Saturday night after Arema FC lost its first match against Persebaya Surabaya in 23 years, and angry fans stormed the field. Witnesses say officers beat them with sticks and riot shields to stop the violence — before firing tear gas directly into the crowds. That sent the fans stampeding toward an exit, trampling and suffocating those who fell. FIFA’s president says the football world is “in a state of shock.” Indonesian President Joko Widodo has ordered an investigation into what happened — and is suspending matches in the meantime.
Where the world is watching...
Ukraine. On Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy submitted an “accelerated” application for NATO membership. It came the same day as Russia officially declared the annexation of four occupied regions of Ukraine. As an alliance, NATO has a policy that an attack on one member is an attack on them all. And because of Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, NATO members would have to send troops to fight off Russia…and spark another world war.
Approval process: To join, all 30 members need to approve it. Nine countries have reportedly given Ukraine the thumbs up. But the White House says the process “should be taken up at a different time.” And the head of NATO says the alliance’s main focus is “providing immediate support to Ukraine.”
Who’s calling a penalty…
The NFL Players Association (NFLPA). Over the weekend, it reportedly fired the neurotrauma consultant that cleared Tua Tagovailoa to go back to the field after a head injury. Last week, the Miami Dolphins’ QB hit his head during a game and was evaluated for a concussion. Tagovailoa was cleared and returned to the game. Then during a game on Thursday, he suffered another head injury. As he lay motionless, his fingers flexed in what appeared to be a fencing response. Aka a potential sign of a traumatic brain injury. Tagovailoa was taken off the field in a stretcher and to a hospital. Now, the NFL and NFLPA are investigating the handling (or lack) of concussion protocols. And say modifications to the protocols will be made to protect the players — but the updates are TBD.
Not tree-bound bird sounds. It’s an adventure made for seeing fall foliage in full effect — whether that’s in a city park, suburban spot, or the countryside. Sounds like our kind of fun.
Headed out for this (or another fave) autumnal activity? Stitch Fix can hook you up with the outfit essentials you need to take to the trees in stylist-selected pieces picked just for you. So you get ‘fits that fit perfectly delivered straight to your door. Unbe-leaf-able.
Maybe it’s the sweet smell of fall. Or the holidays knock-knock-knockin’ on the door. Whatever it is, event season feels close. And Thrive Causemetics is here for it. With clean, skin-loving beauty products that’ll get you looking your best. May we suggest…
But wait. There’s more: Skimm’rs get 15% off all things Thrive.
Skimm Picks
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. Everything you didn’t know but always wondered about MDD. Psst…that’s Major Depressive Disorder. And it’s more complex than you think. So, with your friends at Takeda Pharmaceuticals and Lundbeck,† we chatted with April to get the As to all our Qs. Peep her story.*
2. Premium cookware top chefs are obsessing over. This brand’s pots, pans, and knives (to name a few) are here for a good time aaand a long time. No wonder over 1,500 restaurants use ‘em daily. Psst…Skimm’rs get 15% off their first purchase.*
3. Cute and comfy house slippers. Because why go barefoot in your home when you can walk around in padded, super warm, or fuzzy options instead? Yep, we thought so.
4. What you need to prep for Halloween. It's spooky season, and that means it's time to start planning costumes not only for yourself, but for your pets and your kids too. We've got you covered.
*PS: This is a sponsored post.
†Paid content from Takeda Pharmaceuticals and Lundbeck
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.
Making a splash…Brandon M (NY). He’s raising money to support Waterside School, an independent school serving lower-income students.
(Some) Birthdays…Ronnie Pollidoro (NY), Dale Gray (NY), Julie Meyer (DC), Megan Glessman (NY), Cara Wulf (MA), Channing Neikirk (KY), Caroline Wolf (CA), Miriam Dillard Stroud (TN), Kate Martin (WI), Jax Giovannoni (WA), Sarah Rosen (NY), Brittani Horton (TX), Dallas Crocker (NC), Emily Harman (FL), Amanda Silvera (TN)
PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
Skimm More
Kristen Bell’s mental health isn’t always in the good place. But on our recent episode of “9 to 5ish” the actress explains how a story about her family’s mental health struggles was a gift. Plus, her definition of confidence and the importance of strong creative partners. Listen now.
Save Your Seat: Book’d with Kelly Ripa
Design: theSkimm
Skimm Reads: Book’d with Kelly Ripa — our take on book club — is Thursday, October 6 at 7:30pm ET. Sign up to hear Kelly discuss the behind-the-cover details of her new collection of essays, “Live Wire: Long-Winded Short Stories.” Tickets are $30 and include a copy of the book, mailed right to you. (PS: As an extra thank you for attending, you’ll get some exclusive post-event content too.) Get your ticket.
Skimm’d by Melanie De Lima, Kate Gilhool, Julie Shain, and Mariza Smajlaj
