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July 8, 2021

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Skimm'd while prepping for the Olympics

Quote of the Day

"I just have an issue making one cheese the state cheese" â A Wisconsin lawmaker on a proposed bill to make colby the official state cheese. Sounds like he wants that idea shredded.

Haiti

The Story

Haiti's in turmoil.

What's going on?

Yesterday, gunmen assassinated the Caribbean country's President Jovenel MoÃ¯se in his Port-au-Prince home. His wife, first lady Martine MoÃ¯se, was wounded and is in critical condition. Authorities killed four suspects and arrested two others hours later. They're believed to be well-trained killers who allegedly impersonated DEA agents to enter the home. Now, interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph's taken over the gov. He declared a "state of siege" â which allows things like putting the military and police in charge of security, closing borders, and banning gatherings. Joseph called for justice and peace. But Haiti's been far from calm for a long time.

What do you mean?

MoÃ¯se, who took office in 2017, had been ruling by decree for over a year and refused to hold elections â prompting concerns of a dictatorship. Haitians took to the streets, angry over his alleged corruption and attempt to hold onto power. And accused him of mishandling the economy. Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the world. And natural disasters like the 2010 earthquake haven't helped. An estimated 60% of Haiti's 11 million citizens live below the poverty line. All the political and humanitarian unrest has led to even more instability (think: escalating gang violence and kidnappings).

What are people saying?

World leaders including from the UK and US have condemned the assassination. President Biden denounced it as "heinous." And said the US â which is Haiti's top aid donor â is ready to help "work for a safe and secure Haiti." The US Embassy in Haiti has closed amid security concerns. The UN could meet today to evaluate the situation. Meanwhile, some Haitians are apparently concerned because security forces are said to be understaffed and ill-equipped. In recent weeks, several officers have died as they've tried to bring order to the country.

theSkimm

Haiti is still suffering from the natural disaster that devastated its economy and plunged it into a humanitarian crisis. Now, the president's assassination amid political unrest has only added to the country's uncertainty.

And Also...This

Who's saying 'see you in court'...

Former President Trump. Yesterday, he sued Facebook, Twitter, Google (which owns YouTube), and the companies' CEOs for kicking him off their platforms. After the Jan 6 Capitol insurrection, the social media companies suspended Trump's accounts for violating their guidelines. Twitter banned him permanently. Now, Trump's fighting back, saying that if "unconstitutional" and "un-American" censorship can happen to him, it can happen to anyone. He called on the court to put an end to social media companies' "shameful censorship" by giving him back his open mic. It's the latest in Trump's battle with Big Tech platforms over censorship concerns. And comes days after a pro-Trump social media app, GETTR, launched. Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube haven't responded.

Crystal ball says: Legal experts predict the lawsuit won't gain steam since private companies can decide what to allow on their platforms.

Who people are talking about...

Samuel Luiz. On Saturday, the 24-year-old man was beaten to death in northwestern Spain. Luiz's friends said he was targeted for being gay and that the attackers shouted a homophobic slur. The attack happened outside of a nightclub. His death sparked nationwide protests and thousands denounced attacks on the LGBTQ+ community. Earlier this week, Spanish officials said they've arrested three people in connection with Luiz's death but are still investigating to see if this was a hate crime. The world's showing its solidarity online with hashtags #JusticiaParaSamuel and #JusticeForSamuel.

A conservative wave: Same-sex marriage has been legal in Spain since 2005. But many reportedly believe there's been a recent rise in homophobia as the country's far-right Vox party's gained popularity.

Where people are mourning...

Surfside, Florida. Yesterday, officials announced search and rescue at the collapsed condo was over. Instead, they'd be moving toward the recovery phase since there's "no chance of life." Two weeks ago, a section of the 12-story condo collapsed. It came after a 2018 report flagging structural damage to the building. So far, 54 people have been confirmed dead, while 86 are still unaccounted for. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava has praised the search and rescue teams from around the world. And officials are hoping this next phase will bring families some closure.

What officials are worried aboutâ¦

Delta. The highly contagious COVID-19 is now believed to be the dominant strain in the US. The most recent CDC data shows it's been responsible for more than half of new infections. And detected in all 50 states, the variant seems to also be putting up a fight against vaccines. One study from Israel found that the Pfizer shot is 64% effective against the variant â down from 94%. But it's still highly effective against preventing hospitalizations and severe illness. And health officials still say that getting fully vaccinated works better in the long run than playing the odds.

What's feeling cool for the summer...

The Tampa Bay Lightning. Yesterday, the team won its third Stanley Cup after beating the Montreal Canadiens 1-0. Ice, ice, Bay-bee.

What's finally set sail...

The "Gossip Girl" reboot.

Outdoor Oasis

Longer days. Warmer temps. Good vibes. We'd like to officially wish a happy patio szn to all who celebrate. And suggest some Walmart products that can help you soak it up in style. Ready, set, shop...

This food prep cart. Say hello to plenty of stainless steel counter space. And goodbye to running back and forth from the kitchen.

A wicker dining set. Four arm chairs. One round table. Endless al fresco memories.

This ladder toss set with a built-in scoring system. Because a little friendly competition never hurt anybody. Game on.

If you've thought about quitting your job lately, join the club. Surveys say a LOT of workers are considering leaving their current employers as part of a new trend called The Great Resignation. Before telling your boss you're going OOO forever, read our tips on how to part ways the right way â for your wallet and your career.

PS: Want more career and money tips? Sign up to get them in your inbox every Friday.

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

1. How to make your jetsetter dreams a reality. And save up to $500 on travel. This club sends its members the best deals. Like a roundtrip to Paris from $275. Or Hawaii from $109. PS: Skimm'rs can join for $1 for the next 24 hours.*

2. Breathable SPF for acne-prone skin. This sunscreen lets you say 'byeee' to oily cream and 'hey, what's up, hello' to a light, gel-cream formula that won't clog your pores. And its sheer green tint visibly reduces redness. Plus, Skimm'rs get 20% off with code SKIMMSPF.*

3. Comfy AF shorts designed to move with you. This female-founded brand's shorts are lightweight, soft, and flattering. Plus, they come in capris, leggings, and flares. So you can live in comfort this summer and alllllll year long. Psst...Skimm'rs get 20% off with code SKIMM.*

4. 21 can't-miss beach reads for this summer. A frothy page-turner and the beach go together like peanut butter and jelly. We rounded up the best new reads you'll want to bring to the ocean, the pool, or wherever you're hunkering down for some sun.

5. Grilling baskets for kabobs. No need for skewers. Just fill each one with your favorite foods and put 'em on the barbecue. Flipping will be easy, and no veggie will be lost between the grates. Time to chow down.

*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.

Pushing change...Amanda K (CO). She's an ambassador for Period Kits, a nonprofit that provides feminine products and underwear supplies to low-income women and women experiencing homelessness in the Denver area. Show them your support.

United together...Robert R (NJ). His foundation presented Juneteenth Unityfest last month. The org is streaming the festival until July 19. More than a million people viewed the event, and you can too. More here.

(Some) Birthdays...Asha Morrow (TX), Ashley White (KY), Brie Sherman (NY), Delores Melton (TX), Emily Farr (IA), Jacque Johnston (PA), Jenni-lynn Newell (PA), Julie Barber (TX), Katrina Swarthout (CA), Kimberly Sadid (HA), Lori Beresford (PA), Maddie Cartwright (TX), Nicole Gregory (NJ), Nyssa LaClair (MA), Sandrine Yang (UT)

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

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