“Dobby” — The name of a British zoo’s baby aardvark because of his resemblance to the “Harry Potter” character. Dobby is a good aardvark.
Emergency, Emergency
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The Story
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is cracking down.
Fill me in.
For weeks, thousands of people calling themselves the “Freedom Convoy” have been demanding an end to COVID-19 mandates (think: for masks and vaccines). They’ve paralyzed downtown Ottawa, surrounding Parliament Hill where gov officials meet. And blocked a major US-Canada border crossing for nearly a week, costing millions of dollars in trade each day. Now, Trudeau has invoked emergency powers to end the protests.
Keep going.
Yesterday, the PM became the first Canadian leader to use the Emergencies Act. The never-before-used law gives the federal gov powers for 30 days to basically do whatever is necessary to restore public order. The gov could do things like issue travel bans, remove people or property from certain areas, and impose fines for rule breakers. But it’s not a done deal yet. Parliament has to approve Trudeau’s move within a week — something that’s expected to happen.
What are people saying?
Trudeau said the act is a “last resort” to address protests that have disrupted daily life and the economy. It comes as critics have pointed the finger at police for not doing enough to stop the protests from escalating. But several other gov leaders — including from Quebec — have said invoking emergency powers could make the situation worse. And Canada’s not the only one dealing with protests.
What do you mean?
Copycat protests against vax mandates have popped up around the world. Over the weekend, France’s so-called “Freedom Convoy” took over central Paris, prompting police to use tear gas. In New Zealand, officials took a different approach, playing "Baby Shark” and James Blunt’s “You’re Beautiful” to disperse protesters. Demonstrations have also popped up in Australia, Belgium, Israel, Alaska, and New York.
theSkimm
The protests in Canada are not an isolated event. They've spiraled into a movement that spans continents and political ideologies, reportedly ranging from anti-vaxxers to neo-Nazis and white supremacists. Now, after several weeks, Canada is saying 'enough' — or at least it's trying to.
And Also...This
What’s got people holding their breath…
Russia. Today, the Defense Ministry said it was pulling back 10,000 troops from the border withUkraine. But the pullback hasn’t yet been confirmed — and it’s out of an estimated 130,000 troops at the border.The news comes as US officials reportedly warn Russia could attack Ukraine as soon as tomorrow. And as the US has been relocating its embassy from Kyiv. President Biden has said US troops won’t fight in Ukraine. And that any Americans who haven't yet left would be on their own. The tensions are putting a spotlight on the Biden admin’s foreign policy approach just months after the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Skimm More:Here's your Skimm on Russia and Ukraine's rocky relationship.
What got the green light…
This new COVID-19 treatment.On Friday, the FDA authorized a new monoclonal antibody drug geared to fight Omicron and BA.2 — a subvariant. Eli Lilly’s bebtelovimab (say that five times fast) is available for adults and kids 12+ with mild-to-moderate COVID-19. Hundreds of thousands of doses are expected this month and next. The FDA’s approvalcomes as Dr. Anthony Fauci says the US is exiting its “full-blown pandemic phase of COVID-19.” And as new cases decline across the country.
Kamila Valieva. The 15-year-old Russian skater is competing in today's women's short program, despite failing a drug test back in December. Russia is no stranger to doping scandals. But this week, the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled that Valieva wouldn't be suspended just yet — in part because she's a minor subject to different rules. It decided to let her continue competing ahead of a full investigation. If Valieva wins another medal, the ceremony will be on hold while it’s under review.
This doesn’t track: The court's decision made waves across the athletic world. Track and field star Sha’Carri Richardson — who was suspended and disqualified from the Summer Games – weighed in. And said that the difference between her and Valieva is that “I’m a Black young lady.”
From page to screen, so much of pop culture is Black culture. And we're highlighting that this month over on the "Pop Cultured" podcast. This week, we talk to Glory Edim, founder of Well-Read Black Girl, to get her top reads from Black authors. And be sure to catch next week’s ep as Trey Mangum of Shadow and Act throws it back to our fave Black sitcoms from the ‘90s. Subscribe and listen now.
Skimm Picks
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. How to make your money work for you. No matter what your goals are. Betterment will guide you through portfolio options, goal setting, and tax-smart strategies.† You can even connect all your accounts and manage your entire financial life in one place. Yes, please.*
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3. How to narrow the pleasure gap. We partnered with Dame to explore why men report orgasming more frequently during sexual intimacy than women. And what it’ll take to create a more equitable…playing field. Get down to it.*
4.Fresh meals you can heat and eat in two minutes. This brand will handle all the prepping, cooking, and delivering. You just have to choose from their delicious keto, low-cal, and vegetarian options. Btw, Skimm’rs get $120 off their first three orders. Chef’s kiss.*
5.All the fertility things you’ve been wondering about. Take this at-home test to get personalized reports about your ovarian reserve (aka egg count), thyroid health, and other fertility factors. Without paying any clinic fees. PS: Skimm’rs get $20 off, and the rest is HSA/FSA-eligible.*
*PS: This is a sponsored post.
†Investing involves risk and performance is not guaranteed.
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.
Stroke of change…Eric H (DC). After his Peace Corps service, he was inspired to pursue his dream of becoming an artist. Now, he’s working full time in the art space and holding exhibitions. Check out his work here.
*Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
Skimm More
The pandemic reframed a lot of things, including what it means to be a working parent. Check out this Parents.com article that highlights paid family leave policies in the US, what employees need to return to the workplace, and why our founders launched theSkimm’s #ShowUsYourLeave movement.
And if you’re looking for other smart ways to spend your time...
Listentoour news podcast "Skimm This" for clarity on the biggest stories of the week.
