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| | Quote of the Day | | "Does not look like it had a particularly good 2020" â A Twitter user on the Rockefeller Center tree. But fir real, who has? | | |
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The Story Boeing's troubled planes have been cleared to take to the skies. I'm checked in. Great, now let's get you up to speed. Last year, Boeing grounded all 737 Max jets â its best-selling model â after deadly crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia killed a total of 346 people. Since then, investigators and lawmakers have learned that a fleet of problems including design flaws, lack of federal oversight, and mismanagement (in part to save money) led to the accidents. But the main cause: a faulty sensor that pushed both planes into nose dives. Now, after 20 months on the ground, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) gave Boeing's jets the green light to take flight again in the US. So, the planes are safe now? That's what the FAA is saying since Boeing made software, design, and training changes. But don't expect US airlines to be jetting off on these planes soon. The FAA still has to approve things like pilot training procedures and the planes' systems have to be updated. And *checks calendar* yup, it's still 2020, so demand amid a pandemic is far from soaring. So far, only American Airlines expects to fly the planes as early as next month. Others like Southwest and United are holding off until next year. As for international travel, regulators in other countries are still working on their approval process for the Max. Idk, I'm still a little wary. You're not the only one. Some relatives of the plane crash victims questioned whether Boeing was really ready, with one person saying "aviation should not be a trial-and-error process." And Boeing recognizes the need to rebuild its reputation with the public following its nearly two years of turbulence. Its CEO said the company will "never forget" the victims of the crashes and will "ensure accidents like these never happen again." theSkimm Boeing was once sitting in first class in the world of aviation. But the devastating crashes that claimed hundreds of lives have tainted the company's reputation. Now, it's facing an uphill battle to build trust when people aren't flying as much. | | |
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What's not getting better⦠COVID-19 cases. Yesterday, the US recorded over 250,000 coronavirus deaths. This comes as the virus continues to rage across the country (see: North Dakota, Colorado, California, and pretty much everywhere else). Some states have upped restrictions to prevent further spread. Starting today, NYC's entire public school system â the largest in the country â will be temporarily closed amid the surge. Meanwhile, pharmaceutical companies are racing to provide a safe vaccine. Pfizer (who was the first to announce its 90% effective experimental vaccine) bumped its number up to 95% yesterday â shortly after Moderna came out with its own 94.5% effective vaccine. A friendly competition we can get on board with.
Unemployment. Roughly 12 million Americans could lose jobless benefits the day after Christmas, according to a new report. That's because two government relief programs under the CARES Act are set to expire next month. One of the programs provides aid to freelance and gig workers, and the other extends jobless aid. It comes after the $600 weekly federal unemployment bonus ended in July, cutting income for many Americans left jobless amid the pandemic. Now, experts warn that these cuts could push households into poverty and hurt the country's economic recovery in the long run. Especially since Congress is taking its sweet time to pass another stimulus bill.
Psst...here's how to stretch your money while you wait to see what Congress does next. | | |
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Who's holding onto her gavel⦠House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA). The Democratic leader is poised to be House speaker once again â but she suggested this might be her last term. She's been the House Dem leader since 2002 and although her vote was uncontested (unlike in 2019), she could have a tough battle ahead of her. This year, Republicans gained at least eight seats in the House and left Dems holding on to a very thin majority. They're also manifesting to win the majority in the 2022 midterms. But it's not just the opposing party she has to worry about â it's also her own. The Democratic Party has had infighting between progressives and moderates, who disagree on things like Medicare for All and the Green New Deal. And although they put their differences aside to support President-elect Joe Biden, the party still remains divided, and it will be up to Biden and Pelosi to try to unify it. | | |
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Who's swiping their Apple Card⦠Apple. Yesterday, the tech giant agreed to pay $113 million in a settlement with 34 US states and DC. The states alleged that the iPhone maker slowed down old phones to cover up its battery issues and to get people to buy the new versions. Aka "batterygate." And while $113 million may sound like a lot, it's less than the company makes in just one day. iCan't. | | |
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 | | The holidays might look different this year, but that doesn't mean they're any less stressful. So we've teamed up with QVC to bring you a kit to help you get through the holidays. Aka things that you can buy for gifts, or keep for yourself to make the holidays a bit more relaxing. Ready, set, shopâ¦
An iRobot Roomba i3 ($299.98). It's got special sensors to expertly move around furniture. So yes, it can vacuum up pine needles around your tree while you...do anything else. You're welcome.
A Vintage Wine Estates Holiday Advent Calendar ($89). Aka the perfect grown up countdown to the holidays. This one includes 12 different red, white, and sweet wines. Cheers.
A Theragun Mini Handheld Massager ($167.40). Because you need some relaxation this winter season. This one is lightweight and comes with different attachments.
PS: Skimm'rs who are new to QVC get a voucher for $10 off purchases over $25 with code OFFER. Feeling better already. |
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| Fact: you don't need a huge holiday budget to give thoughtful gifts. We Skimm'd savings tips that can help you get the job done without breaking the bank. Think: by getting creative, redeeming credit card rewards you aren't using for travel this year, and buying discounted gift cards...to name a few. So you can go into the holiday season feeling merry, bright, and on budget.
PS: Want more money how-tos like this one? Sign up to get the Skimm Money newsletter in your inbox every Friday. |
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| Here are our favorite picks to help you take a break today...
1. How to find the perfect Thanksgiving vacation rental. Because flying across the country to see your crazy uncle for one big meal might not be your best bet this year. So if you can stay local and want to do a safe staycation, here's where to start.
2. A bra for when you wish you didn't have to wear one. This comfy one has no wires, so you'll almost forget you've got it on. But it still offers the support you need. PS: Skimm'rs get 15% off their first purchase. Breaaathes out.*
3. Comfy jeans that hug in alllll the right places. This brand's high-rise skinny jeans are made with super soft, stretchy fabric. So you can WFH in real pants...but still feel like you're wearing leggings. Btw, Skimm'rs get free shipping, exchanges, and returns. Get dressed again.*
PS: Want more? Sign up to get weekly recs in your inbox. | | *PS: This is a sponsored post. |
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| For when you're embracing new traditions this year... That's the spirit. Whether it's driving home instead of flying or mailing gifts to your fam because you're in different bubbles, Cole Haan can help make it easier. Most of their styles are on sale right now during their Grand Month of Giving Event. Check out the deals.*
For when the fine print makes your wallet hurt... Affirm feels that. Their payment option is a transparent, flexible alternative to credit cards. They never, ever charge hidden or late fees. And their new contest will give 100 winners $10,000 each. Yep, $10,000. Just in time for the holidays. Learn more.*â
For when Thanksgiving has you feeling grateful for your people⦠Say it loud and proud. From tasty treats, to beautiful flowers, to the simplicity of a thoughtfully written card...this list has everything you need to give a big 'thank you' to someone special. Hashtag blessed. | | *PS: This is a sponsored post.
â Payment options through Affirm are provided by these lending partners: affirm.com/lenders. No purchase or account necessary to enter or win a prize. A purchase or payment, or utilizing any Affirm services or products will not increase your chances of winning. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S.&D.C. who are at least 18 years of age or older or the age of majority in their state of residence as of 11/19/20. Limit one entry per person. Contest ends 11:59:59 PM PT on 12/10/20. Void where prohibited. To enter and view Official Rules including entry requirements, judging criteria and prize details, visit here. |
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| In times like these, community matters more than ever. Let us know how you (or someone you know) is making an impact by helping others.
For a cause...Emelie S (NY). She's selling shirts to fundraise for families in Honduras impacted by Tropical Storm Eta. The funds go toward rebuilding their communities with things like clothing, canned goods, and basic needs. Check it out.
Cup of tea...Eliane A (NY). She's part of St. George's Society of New York, which has adapted charitable programs to help and protect some of the city's most vulnerable. They're also holding a virtual event called the British Bash on Dec 3 to fundraise. Read more.
(Some) Birthdays...Camilla Morgan, Victoria Krause (MD), Shayna Albertson (NY), Maria Farina (CT), Mitch Blum (FL), Jen Nwuli (TX), Jade West (GA), Maggie LaMar (IN), Mary Rice (MD), Yvonne Leak (LA), Lindsay Boylan (DC), Cassandra Winter (CA), Jane Meyerson (DC), Suzanne Kirkland (CA), Christine Schwall (NY)
*Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured. |
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| Skimm HQ is buying ingredients for its virtual Thanksgiving cooking class. Share theSkimm with the fam and friends you're celebrating with virtually this year. |  |  | | Or use this referral link theskimm.com/?r=98d063bf |
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| Skimmâd by Maria del Carmen Corpus, Mariza Smajlaj, Niven McCall-Mazza, Clem Robineau, and Julie Shain |
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