Skimm’d with Hibiscus tea
January 6, 2022
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Daily Skimm

Skimm’d with Hibiscus tea

Quote of the Day
Quote of the Day

"Save me from an arranged marriage" — A British bachelor who’s using billboards to find a match. Roses are so last season.

Attack on Democracy

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The Story

It’s been one year since the January 6th attack.

Walk me through it.

For months, then-President Trump had worked to undermine the outcome of the 2020 presidential election. But on January 6, 2021, Congress gathered to certify President Biden’s victory. And around 2:15pm ET, a mob of pro-Trump protesters breached the US Capitol. They scaled walls, shattered windows, broke into federal offices, and stole furniture. Capitol Police tried to uphold order. But lawmakers still feared for their safety. Some were evacuated. Others barricaded themselves inside their offices and hid under desks. Five people died and dozens were injured. It was the first major attack on the Capitol since 1814.

Let’s talk about the aftermath.

It was swift. Days later, House Democrats drafted articles of impeachment against Trump. This time, for “incitement of insurrection.” House Democrats — along with 10 Republicans — voted to give him the boot, making Trump the first US president to be impeached twice. But the Senate voted to acquit. And Trump — who stayed quiet for 187 minutes before calling off the attack  — maintains that his language to supporters that day was “totally appropriate.” After the attack, several prominent Trump allies turned on the president. Today, an estimated 70% of Republicans want Trump to run for re-election.

So what happens now?

The US is still reckoning with the events of that day. More than 700 people have been arrested. But to date, about 30 have been sentenced to prison time. It’s part of the FBI’s largest investigation in history. Meanwhile, the House has put together a Select Committee to investigate the attack and the circumstances surrounding it. And has subpoenaed several Trump associates while it looks through thousands of documents. It comes as the US experiences heightened political polarization. And as one-third of the country believes that violence against the government is sometimes justified.

theSkimm

One year ago today, America saw just how vulnerable its democracy really was, as the world looked on in horror. Now, the country is preparing for midterm elections while many haven’t recovered from the last one.

PS: We're talking about the legacy of January 6th and rising extremism on tonight's episode of "Skimm This." Tune in tonight at 5pm ET.

And Also...This

Where things are escalating quickly…

Kazakhstan. A Russian-led military alliance is sending peacekeepers to Kazakhstan as it deals with political unrest. Thousands of Kazakhs have condemned the country’s rising fuel costs after the gov lifted price controls last week. Protesters set several government buildings ablaze and seized the country’s airport. The demonstrations expanded to include calls for political reform. Police have responded by using tear gas, stun grenades, and say dozens of demonstrators have been killed. Authorities have declared a state of emergency, the internet’s shut down, and the government resigned. But the protests — the biggest in at least a decade — haven’t slowed.

  • Russia-ing in: Kazakhstan’s gov has long been allied with Moscow. And Russian President Vladimir Putin isn’t likely to be thrilled that citizens of a neighboring country are pushing their autocratic government toward collapse. Nyet in his backyard.

  • More at stake: Kazakhstan's reputation as a stable country and as an oil producer has attracted hundreds of billions of dollars in investments. Now experts fear that the instability in the region could threaten already struggling global oil supplies.

Who’s getting grand slammed…

Novak Djokovic. Yesterday, Australia canceled the Serbian tennis star’s visa after border authorities said he failed to provide appropriate evidence to meet entry requirements. This comes a day after the Australian Open said Djokovic had a medical exemption from its COVID-19 vaccine requirement, allowing him to play later this month. But Australia's government said 'that's news to us' — since the visa he applied for doesn’t allow medical exemptions. It came amid backlash over the Australian Open’s decision, as Melbourne residents have spent more than 260 days in lockdown since the start of the pandemic. Now, conservative PM Scott Morrison is saying “rules are rules.” And that no one — not even the world’s No. 1 men’s tennis champ — is above them. Might be game over for Djokovic.

Who’s feeling the impact from COVID-19…

Kids. Yesterday, the CDC recommended Pfizer boosters for kids as young as 12 years old. Meaning, children could get their third dose as soon as today if they’re five months past their second shot. It comes amid a sharp rise in children’s hospitalizations, with admission rates more than doubling since last week. Meanwhile, little ones are also seeing a wave of school closures, with all Chicago public schools closed since yesterday. Schools in Newark, Atlanta, Milwaukee, and Cleveland have also switched to remote learning, impacting hundreds of thousands of students.

PS: Here's what we know about the Omicron variant (so far).

While the Grammys are facing the music…

The Golden Globes are still putting on a show. For no one. Thanks to…drum roll, please: Omicron. 

Skimm Well
Photo: Sakara Life | Design: theSkimm

Planning some health maintenance for the new year? Here’s something to keep in mind: You aren’t powerless against a slowing metabolism. In fact, research shows getting 8 hours of sleep and eating foods high in healthy fats (avocados, nuts, olive oil, chia seeds, etc.) can help improve lipid metabolism (aka the process where your bod turns stored fat into energy). 

So can Sakara Life’s plant-powered Metabolism Super Powder. It also supports digestion and overall gut health. Plus helps curb sugar cravings and ease bloat. We know. We’re impressed, too. Start 2022 right by grabbing some — with a Skimm’sclusive 20% off.

Change Our Minds

No matter what you’re hoping to accomplish in the year ahead, we’ve got a tip: Be specific with your goals. For example, if you’re looking to be physically stronger by the time 2023 rolls around, try picking a number of push-ups you wanna be able to do. That way, you’ve got a prize to keep your eyes on. And something to measure your progress against. 

Another tip? Try Noom. It’s a tech- and psychology-powered program that can help you understand how you make choices. So you can make healthier ones. Just answer these short questions to start your free trial. You’ve got this.

How to Skimm Your Life Challenge

Warning: This challenge will make you hungry. Today, cook a meal that gets you out of your comfort zone. That might mean cooking a protein you don’t normally bite into or testing out a new culinary skill. We have a recipe roundup for everyone ranging from novice to know-it-all (we know you’re out there). This will make your taste buds and head happy — because trying new things is good for your brain. Let the bon appétit begin. 

PS: We’re also cooking up an episode on Skimm This that’s all about making your paycheck work harder for you. Submit your Qs about 401(k) matching, HSAs, FSAs, commuter benefits, and more here. And ICYMI, all of our challenges live here.

Skimm Picks

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

1. Hype-worthy cookware to start the year off right. Bring on ‘22 with this non-toxic ceramic set. It’s designed for healthier (read: teflon-free) cooking. Plus comes in seven phone-eats-first-worthy colors and makes cleanup a breeze. Psst…Skimm’rs get an exclusive $50 off.*

2. Eco-friendly TP for a cleaner, greener 2022. New year, new habits, arewerite? 27K trees are cut down every day to make toilet paper. But zero are harmed in the making of this 100% bamboo three-ply. Bonus: Skimm’rs get 22% off their first order.*

3. A post-vacation vacation for your skin. Bring back that OOO glow with this brand’s award-winning tech and detox kit. Together, they’ll get derm-approved ingredients like collagen and retinol deep into your skin. And tackle stress-related blemishes and fine lines. Plus, Skimm’rs get a special deal.*

4. New OOTDs for a new year. Whether you’re returning to office, returning to workouts, returning to dating….or just wanna return to bed, this brand’s gotchu. Their ethically made, transparently priced, designed-to-last clothes, shoes, PJs, and accessories are seriously hashtag stylish. Shop now.*

5. What you need to start the new year on the right foot. Like a weighted sleep mask, a magnetic dry-erase whiteboard, and a sunrise alarm clock. 2022 is here and you’re ready for it.

6. Our guide to face masks for every situation. Whether you're working out or heading to the office, we've got a mask for that. If you wear glasses and deal with lots of fog, here are some solutions for that too. Your face = covered.

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

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.

We’re all smiles…Taryn C (FL). After a decade in finance she gave it all up to start a nonprofit organization helping foster kids get access to free orthodontics. Check it out.

Ahead of the game…Renatta G (IL). Paid off her law school debt seven years ahead of schedule. 

(Some) Birthdays

Lauren Roberts (NY), Mary Dubois (IL), Chris Essner (NJ), Dennis Hanowitz (NJ), Gina Angrisano (NY), Norah Cox  (CA), Ellen Seercewski (CT), Arlene Geis (NC), Catherine Ross (NC), Dianne Field (TX), Melissa Picha  (TX), Catherine Fu (D.C.), Liz Strickland (CA), Siobhan Sadiq (CA), Robert Kurzon (FL)

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

Skimm More

theSkimm is hiring. Interested in joining our team? Check out our career page for open roles.

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Skimm’d by Rashaan Ayesh, Kate Gilhool, William Horn, Julie Shain, and Mariza Smajlaj

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