Yes. Tomorrow will be three years since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. Since then, the global death toll has surpassed 6.8 million people — more than 1.1 million of those deaths were recorded in the US. Here’s where we stand with…
The virus and vaccines…COVID has been mutating. Earlier this year, XBB.1.5 accounted for about half of infections in the US. When the US first rolled out vaccines, the hope was that they could limit transmission altogether. That’s no longer the case. But updated Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have been shown to cut symptomatic infection from XBB.1.5 by about half. Rapid tests also remain largely effective at detecting the virus. And of course, there are masks.
Long COVID…could affect one in five people who get the virus, as many as 20 million Americans. It can impact a range of organs, including the heart, lungs, and kidneys. Long COVID can also cause digestive problems, neurological issues, and hormonal changes. Good news: one large study found that for those with mild cases, most long COVID symptoms go away within a year. Age and vaccination status may play a role. But three years out, some are still struggling.
Global impact…COVID hasn’t just endangered people’s health — it’s also reshaped the global economy and impacted…everything. Supply chains have been disrupted. Inflation is still high. And the word ‘recession’ is on everyone’s lips. Remote work is up over 300% from pre-pandemic levels…for those who haven’t been laid off. Meanwhile, students’ education levels and mental health have taken a hit. And the virus has had a lasting impact on social norms.
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COVID has changed us all. Gone are the days of hunting for toilet paper at our worst and nightly applause for medical workers at our best. Now, three years in, many are still mourning, adjusting, and finding our footing.
Germany. Yesterday, a deadly shooting at a Jehovah’s Witness hall in Hamburg killed eight people, including the alleged gunman. Local media reported that at least 25 others were injured and that the attacker is believed to be a former member of the religious community. Police told residents near the scene to stay in their homes, as they closed streets off. Officials are investigating and said “there is no reliable information on the motive.” Hamburg's mayor called the shooting “shocking.”
What’s for the girls…
The FDA. Yesterday, the agency announced new mammogram standards in hopes of helping more women detect breast cancer earlier. Under the new guidelines, mammogram providers must notify women if they have dense breast tissue and recommend additional screenings as needed. The density of breast tissue can make it difficult to detect cancer. Women with dense breasts — which affects nearly half of women over 40 — are four times more likely to develop breast cancer. Now, the new rules could encourage women to seek help earlier with additional screenings. Doctors say the new guidelines will support “innovation to prevent, detect, and treat cancer.” The American Cancer Society estimates nearly 300,000 women will have invasive breast cancer in 2023. Providers have 18 months to adopt the changes.
Who's crunching the numbers…
President Biden.Yesterday,Bidenunveiled his more than $6 trillion budget plan for 2024. TLDR: it raises taxes on the country's wealthiest people by imposing a 25% minimum tax. $835 billion will go to the military with the goal of countering China and helping Ukraine.Those making over $400,000 will have their Medicare tax go up from 3.8% to 5%. And he hopes to restore the pandemic-era child tax credit. One of the biggest goals? Cut the federal deficit by nearly $3 trillionover the next decade —the big elephant in the room after the US hit its debt ceilingearlier this year. However, Biden’s proposal isn’t expected to hold up in the GOP-led House. Republicans believe the budget should include spending cuts instead of increases. In a tweet, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) called the budget“completely unserious.”
Who people are wishing a speedy recovery to…
Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY). Yesterday, his office said the Senate minority leader is being treated for a concussion at a hospital. McConnell fell while at a fundraising dinner. He will remain under observation for the next few days.
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Skimm Tested
Ever wonder what products are really, really worth it? Our series Skimm Tested — where we try out and review items so you know what to add to cart — aims to answer that Q. Check out:
March is a time dedicated to celebrating, supporting, and acknowledging women. But that doesn’t mean our feeds should go back to normal come April. Women are in crisis, and it’s about time we extend the conversation.
83% of women told us they’re sick of the status quo. 84% wish men would step up. And 71% of women feel it’s their job to constantly worry. The state of women today? It’s not working. You get it, you’re living it. theSkimm’s State of Women is here to help change it. Kicking off with a proprietary study conducted with the Harris Poll, we're helping women get informed, affirming all they have endured, and providing them the resources they need to rewrite the narrative.
Let us help you feel seen. Tap into our resources and dig deeper into our data. Share your stories with us on social and tag @theSkimm. Then, help us get loud and inform others. Send our stats to your friends. Your partner. Your doctor. Your boss. Because we can’t create change if those around us aren’t aware of the problem.
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. A cookie launch from Levain.
Say hello to their new vegan and gluten-free chocolate chip walnut delight. It uses cashew butter and is a plant-based version of the classic you know and love.
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.
Helping minds…Shanice D (NY). Six years ago, she started her company, Witted Roots, to help millennial women of color gain better access to mental health tools. She’s now trying to put together a docuseries to share some of these women’s stories. Find out more.
(Some) Birthdays…Joe Schechter (FL), Dani Lazarus (CA), Joanne Stein (NY), David Alpert (DC), Jane Zimmerman (NY), Alejandra Ospina (DC), Amanda Schwartz (CA), Ann Marie Callahan (NJ), Brandis Cutts (VA), Cassandra Powers (TX), Christina Claxton (PA), Dan Dippel (SC), Jenna Andreozzi (RI), Jillian Madocs (NY), Kristina Marquardt (GA), Lindsay Burney (CO), Melanie Gottlieb (DC), Peggy Foldes (VA), Rachel May (MI), Taylor Antoine (OK), Thyme Osborne (CA), Valerie Yuryk (IL)
PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
Answer: C. Today’s subject line (There’s a darkness inside of me) is from “Scream VI” because Ghostface apparently couldn't get the job done the first five times. Run, Jenna Ortega, run. Meanwhile, across the pond, "You" know Joe's got his own battles. If you've had enough of the darkness, find some light in Miley Cyrus’s new album, "Endless Summer Vacation." (But maybe not if you’re Liam Hemsworth.)
Skimm’d by Rashaan Ayesh, Melanie De Lima, Maria del Carmen Corpus, Julie Shain, and Mariza Smajlaj
