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December 13, 2021
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"Shall we take another ride?" – Peloton and Chris Noth (aka Big) are snapping back after that shocking "And Just Like That..." ending. See you on the leaderboard, Big.

Kentucky

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The Story

A series of storms have sent six states into mourning.

What's going on?

From Friday night into early Saturday, dozens of tornadoes hit six states: Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. But it was Kentucky that bore the brunt of the damage. Eight people at a candle factory have been confirmed dead and eight others are missing. And at least six have died at an Amazon warehouse in Illinois. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing but more than 100 people are feared dead in Kentucky alone. 

How could this happen?

Tornadoes are not unheard of in the Midwest and South. But storms like this usually happen in the spring. And these took people by surprise. Another concerning update: researchers reportedly say tornadoes seem to be occurring in greater “clusters.” Meanwhile, the candle factory in KY was reportedly the third-biggest employer in the area. The tornado struck while workers were on the late shift amid the holiday rush and pressure to deliver on gift orders.

What's next? 

Search and rescue. Tens of thousands of people are also still without power. President Biden has approved an emergency declaration in KY which frees up federal resources there. As he put it, “the federal government is not going to walk away.” There could also be questions over the companies’ safety protocols for employees. Amazon CEO Andy Jassy says he’s “heartbroken over the loss of our team members.” The candle factory’s CEO said they too were “heartbroken.”

theSkimm

This weekend marked what Kentucky’s governor called the “most devastating tornado event in our state’s history.” It’s something FEMA’s administrator warns is “going to be our new normal” as climate change gets worse. And as we continue to be slow to take action.

PS: Kentucky’s governor set up a fund to help those impacted by the storms. Here’s where you can donate.

And Also...This

What’s got us checking our spending limits…

Inflation. On Friday, the Labor Department released last month’s Consumer Price Index – aka a temperature check on the cost of goods and services.It showed the sharpest annual rise in inflation since 1982. Prices rose by 0.8% in the month of November alone, and are up 6.8% from last November. A lot of things saw a price hike but things like gas, energy, and clothes (hi, sweatsuits) were hit especially hard. These historic ratesare due to a strong combination of consumer demand and supply chain issues.* Thanks, COVID-19. 

  • Looking ahead:* It comes over a month after the Fed announced plans to roll back its pandemic stimulus program. But is expected to keep interest rates low for now.

Psst...need a refresher on what's happening to prices? Watch here and then read up on the seven ways to protect your wallet.

What's still got abortion on its mind...

SCOTUS. Last week, the highest court in the land left in place Texas's six-week abortion ban but allowed providers to challenge the law in federal court. The controversial law is one of the most restrictive in the country. This means that the case will return to a district court. 

  • Not allowed: SCOTUS said that the Texas judges and clerks can't be sued. Meaning any further injunctions on the case won’t actually block the law.

  • The court’s spoken: Some justices said the decision“betrays not only the citizens of Texas but also our constitutional system.”But the conservative majority said the petitioners “are not entitled to a special exemption.”

What’s on the move...

Omicron.* The variant first flagged in South Africa last month has now been found in more than two dozen states in the US. Delta is already pushing cases up across the country. But if trends follow Europe and Africa, another explosion of cases is expected in the coming weeks. That could include fully vaccinated people (like those who’ve gotten two doses, or one if you’re J&J). The science still isn’t settled about how vaccines hold up against omicron. But there is some good news: a new study out of Israel showed that a Pfizer booster protected well against the variant – even as the variant has been found in breakthrough cases.

While Taylor Swift can't shake off this lawsuit...

Formula One can't shake off yesterday's controversial race.*

What you'll need ahead of your cookie swap...

This sweet guide.*

*PS: Not a Washington Post subscriber? Check out their exclusive offer just for Skimm’rs.

Thing to Know

Hyaluronic Acid

That’s hai-uh-lur-aa-nuhk. But you can call it ‘HA’ for short. It’s a substance that your body naturally produces. You see it next to the word “hydrating” on skincare products because it can absorb up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Aka it helps keep skin healthy, plump, and glow-y. 

If you’re thinking “hi, hello, where do I sign up?” PCA SKIN®'s gotchu. Their boosting serum, award-winning overnight mask, and lip balm all use HA to moisturize and nourish. Pro tip: These pro-grade, science-backed products work best together. Btw, Skimm’rs get a winter glow kit when they spend $150+ for a limited time. Complete with samples of their pore-refining treatment, brightening serum, and collagen hydrator. So don’t wait. Glow get ‘em. 

Go Now, Pay at Your Own Pace

Looking for something special for that impossible-to-please person on your list? (Yep, we’ve all got one.) Try skipping the physical gifts. A recent Affirm† study found that 54% of Americans plan to spend more on experiences this year. In fact, they found it’s the #1 type of gift people plan to give. And yes, you can use their BNPL (hint: buy now pay later) plans on things like concert tickets, museum visits, and vacations. We’d rec…

†Your rate will be 0% APR or 10–30% APR. Payment options through Affirm are subject to an eligibility check, may not be available in all states, and are provided by these lending partners. Options depend on your purchase amount, and a down payment may be required. CA residents: Loans by Affirm Loan Services, LLC are made or arranged pursuant to a California Finance Lender license.

Virtual Holiday Village

It’s the final stretch, the buzzer is about to sound: Is your holiday shopping finished yet? With less than two weeks left to cross off the last few people on your list, we’ve got ya covered. 

TheSkimm’s Virtual Holiday Village — our 3D, interactive experience — has lots of great gift ideas. Head to Stocking Stuffer Station for small presents with even smaller price tags. Or stop by the Gadgets & Gizmos Workshop to get something for your tech-obsessed friend. Wanna score designer finds? Check out our Chic Steals Chalet. Sigh of relief sold separately.  

Skimm Picks

Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…

1. Cozy looks for that winter wardrobe haul you’ve been thinking about. It’s time. And Madewell is here to help. Their comfy, stylish pieces will compliment everything you’re keeping in your sweater weather rotation. Plus, Skimm’rs get 25% off their purchase. Shop on.*

2. How to add extra magic to your holiday mornings. Rise and really shine with this brand’s original canned mimosas™. They come in classic orange, peach, mango, and cranberry flavors. (Yep, we’re drooling too.) Aaaaand ship right to ya. Plus Skimm’rs get 25% off. Bottoms up.*

3. A gift for yourself (and your partner) that’s truly a vibe. Apologies. The Eva from Dame Products is hands-free, and designed to give you clitorial stimulation during penetrative s-e-x. Oh, and Skimm’rs get 15% off. Come one, come all.*

4. Cloud-like intimates that are better for the planet. Calling all nature lovers. This bralette and underwear collection features an insanely soft, sustainable Tencel fabric that’s processed using 95% less water than cotton. And pairs start at just $14. Here’s 20% off your $25+ purchase.*

5. Running tights designed to keep you warm and toasty. Whether you’re running errands, running late for a coffee date, or ya know...exercising, these performance tights from On can keep up. Peep their comfy elastic waistband, functional ankle zipper, and (drumroll, please) pockets. Yes, way.*

6. Our bestselling products from November to grab now. The results are in and your most-loved products have been announced. Here's everything Skimm’rs couldn’t stop buying last month.

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

PPS: Check out our selection of the best holiday gifts for everyone on your list.

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.

CPAwesome...Leza HS (TX). She passed the CPA exam after many delays due to the pandemic. Now, she’s an official CPA. 

Sparkle with...Na L (VA). She started a minimal jewelry company from her home. Na&Co serves women by helping them boost their confidence and spark joy. Check it out.

(Some) Birthdays...Dana Jacobson (DC), Sydney Wiener (NY), Amy Sharma (TX), Sydney Wahl (RI), Christina Kelso (UK), Karisa Desjardins (NY), Vindi Kaur (WA), Ricki Dorman (CA), Dana Spector (FL), Paul Strachman (NY), Irving Azoff (CA), Anna Roszak (IL), Tonia Candelario (TX), Vindi Kaur (NJ), Elizabeth Gregory (NJ), Taylor McCall-Mazza (CT), Cidnye Weimer (OH), Carrie Johnson (PA), Elizabeth Spencer (GA), Tammy Renzi (CA), Carol Harper (OH), Mary Timmons-Schneider (GA), Kathryn Detmer (IL), Alyssa Clements (NJ), Katelyn Beer (CA), Francesca Tossona (PA), Jing Qu (CA), Aiden Rogr (VA)

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

Skimm More

We recently spoke to model, actress, and author Brooke Shields on “9 to 5ish” about her life in the limelight, how she’s stayed true to herself in the face of scrutiny, and her protectiveness over Drew Barrymore. Want to know what comes between you and this episode? Nothing. Listen now.

And if you're looking for other smart ways to spend your time…

Skimm’d by Rashaan Ayesh, Maria del Carmen Corpus, Kate Gilhool, William Horn, Mariza Smajlaj, Clem Robineau, and Julie Shain

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