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June 28, 2021

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Quote of the Day

"I had some free time" â A dentist who apparently pulled out his own wisdom tooth at work. Meanwhile, when we have free time: Your screen time was up 100% yesterday for an average of 23 hours.

Florida

The Story

Florida is in mourning.

Tell me.

Last week, a section of a 12-story condominium collapsed in Surfside, a town near Miami. So far, 37 people have been rescued. At least nine people have died. 152 are still missing. Rescue crews continued to search for survivors amid fire and smoke. Miami-Dade County's Mayor Daniella Levine Cava (D) says there's no evidence of foul play that led to the collapse. But some have concerns the building wasn't up to code.

What do you mean?

The cause of the collapse is still unknown â and could have been due to a range of factors. In one explanation, some experts believe a column or concrete slab gave way below the pool deck, taking the rest of the building down with it. In 2018, an engineering report found "major structural damage" to the building. And urged the building managers to fix the "abundant cracking" found in columns, beams, and walls of the parking garage below the pool deck. Some reported damage was likely due to corrosion from consistent water leaks and years of salty air along the coastline. The repairs would've reportedly cost $9 million or more. A lawyer for the building operator said they'd seen nothing to suggest the collapse had anything to do with the 2018 review. But concerns remain â especially over the structural integrity of a sister building by the same developers.

What's being done?

Rescue teams are still looking for survivors. Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) has called the event "traumatic" and declared a state of emergency, allowing FEMA to step in with recovery efforts. Meanwhile, officials are promising "changes" to Florida building codes. And family members are setting up makeshift memorials near the rubble for those still missing. As for the sister building, it's been up to the residents to decide whether to evacuate.

theSkimm

There is a staggering number of people missing â each one with loved ones waiting for answers. It may have been the deadliest accidental collapse of a building in US history. Here's how you can help.

And Also...This

What everyone is watching...

The Delta variant. On Friday, Israel reimposed its indoor mask mandate amid a wave of new COVID-19 infections. At least 70% were caused by the Delta variant. And about half of those infected were believed to have been fully vaccinated with Pfizer. Reminder: vaccines prevent hospitalization and death in many cases, but infections are still possible. In this case, the infections were believed to be asymptomatic or mild. But even mild cases can result in long-haul symptoms. The news is raising alarms about the new variant â especially since Israel has a high vaccination rate. In the UK, the variant's surge has delayed reopening plans. The rest of Europe is keeping a close eye. Now, the World Health Organization is advising people who are fully vaccinated to continue to practice COVID-19 safety precautions (like wearing masks and social distancing) to prevent further spread of the variant.

Psstâ¦If you're planning to travel this summer, here's how the Delta variant could affect those plans.

Who's talking UAP, UAP, UAPâ¦

The US intel community. On Friday, it released a highly anticipated report on "unidentified aerial phenomena" â government speak for UFOs. The report did not say aliens exist. But it also did not *not* say aliens exist. Here's what we learned: Since 2004 there have been 144 reports of flying objects â 143 of which the gov can't ID. In more than a dozen of those cases, the gov has no idea how the objects moved the way they did, exceeding the known tech of countries like Russia and China. *Cue "The Twilight Zone" music.* In only one case could the gov identify what an object was: a large deflating balloon. *Cue the sound of a large deflating balloon.*

UFOMO: The intel community still wants to get to the bottom of these flying objects. So it's proposing a plan to better collect data and upgrade its surveillance capabilities.
Next up: The plan flies over to Congress's desk within 90 days for its UAPproval.

Who's going to prisonâ¦

Derek Chauvin. On Friday, the former Minneapolis police officer was sentenced to 22.5 years in prison for the murder of George Floyd. The sentence is less than the 30 years prosecutors wanted but more extensive than what the defense requested (think: probation and time served). Floyd's family said they didn't want to see "more slaps on the wrist" and pleaded for Chauvin to still get the maximum prison time. But experts believe Chauvin could be eligible for parole in just 15 years. Chauvin offered his "condolences to the Floyd family."

Who's not getting their peaches from Georgiaâ¦

The DOJ. On Friday, US Attorney General Merrick Garland announced that the DOJ is suing Georgia over its new voting laws. Earlier this year, the state's governor signed a bill that limits the use of ballot drop boxes, shortens the early voting period for runoffs, and sets up new ID requirements for absentee ballots. Now, the DOJ says the new law is intended to restrict Black voters' access to the ballot box. And is suing for parts of the law to be struck down and for federal observers to be required in future Georgia elections.

Just the beginning: The move marks the Biden admin's first major challenge to state-level restrictive voter laws that were passed after the 2020 election (learn more about them here).
Reactions to the action: Gov. Brian Kemp (R-GA) called the lawsuit "baseless" and "quite honestly disgusting." Garland says this lawsuit is "the first of many steps" to protect Americans' right to vote.

Who's thee bestâ¦

Megan Thee Stallion. Yesterday, the artist swept up wins, including best female hip hop artist. Cardi B is having another Cardi Baby. Queen Latifah is a queen. Lil Nas X had the audience calling him by his name. And everyone remembered DMX.

Who's had enough of the status quoâ¦

Black TikTokers.

On the Road Again

Flexibility. Freedom. The alphabet game. There's a lot to love about road trips. So it's no wonder they're having a moment this summer. If you're trying to get that wind-in-your-hair feeling, we've got some Walmart products you miiight want to add to cart first. Like...

A roadside safety kit ($30). Complete with booster cables, tire inflator, 50-piece first aid kit, and an emergency power bank. Better safe than sorry.

This compact but powerful cooler ($85). Because no drive is complete without snacks and drinks.

Sunshades that fit (almost) any car ($13). These fold in and pop out in seconds. And keep things up to 44 degrees cooler. Yes, please.

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

1. A 24-hour home security system delivered to your door. SimpliSafe has everything you need to protect your home. Sans contract. Sans hassle. Think: smart locks, water sensors, and smoke detectors. Shop now for 30% off and a free camera. Talk about a safe bet.*

2. Vet-approved, personalized food for your pup. This brand knows there's no dog quite like yours. So they created a quiz to find the right nutritious formula tailored to his or her specific needs. And they always ship free. Add to cart for 80% off.*

3. A refreshing, better-for-you beverage to bring to your next BBQ. This 4th of July, try hard kombucha from this brand. It's low in sugar, gluten-free, and made with real, organic ingredients (with 6% ABV). Here's free shipping and 20% off your first purchase. Cheers.*

4. Barely there underwear with a barely there price tag. This brand is having their biggest summer sale yet. Their newest collection of neutrals comes in soft, fully recycled fabrics (think: silky, breathable mesh). Shop now for 30% off all orders and free shipping. Bare-lieve it.*

*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.

Throwing it backâ¦Allie R (IL). She started a podcast with her pal Val about Disney Channel Original Movies called DCOMentaries. On a biweekly basis they offer a dose of nostalgia as they chat about the films. Learn more here.

Humanizing homelessnessâ¦Adina L (NY). She created the nonprofit Knock Knock Give a Sock, which helps bring neighbors living in homeless shelters and neighbors living in homes together one sock at a time. Check it out.

(Some) Birthdays...Carolina Kelrick (CA), Carol Dukes (CA), Marianna Griva (UK), Emily Zito (CO), Jodi Anne Cisewski (DC), Melissa Bailey (CA), Stephanie Matalone (UT), Lisa Carter Noecker (NC), Judy Link Cuddehe (VA), Dana Abel (WI), Carli Berner (FL), Courtney Lesser (NJ), Megan McAuley (MA), Irving Friedman (NY), Caitlin Roth (NY)

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

Planning to say "see ya" to your current job? You're not alone. Our guide breaks down the right way to quit. Plus, tips on how to get your money in order before putting in your notice.

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

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