Daily Skimm Issue

September 17, 2021

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Dr. Anthony Fauci On boosters, mandates, and his biggest mistake

Skimm'd while talking to Dr. Fauci

Quote of the Day

“Because I want to” – A 101-year-old woman on why she's still hauling lobsters. Shelling it like it is.

Rolling in the Deep

The Story

The US has muddied the waters with France.

Oh, buoy.

Yep. Earlier this week, President Biden announced a new security pact with the UK and Australia (aka AUKUS). Under the deal, the western countries will help the Aussie gov arm its military with nuclear-powered submarines. Big deal, since the US has only ever shared its nuclear tech with Britain. And Australia doesn’t have nuclear weapons – and likely never will, thanks to a treaty it signed. The agreement comes as China’s been flexing its power in the South China Sea (a major global shipping route), bullying Australia, trying to exert control over Taiwan, and beefing up its military presence in the area. Now, Biden’s saying AUKUS will help Aussies address the ruckus happening in the region. But France is saying ‘pas cool.’

J'écoute.

The new agreement unravelled an existing deal between Australia and France worth tens of billions of dollars. In 2016, both countries had agreed that the French would build a dozen conventional (read: not nuclear) submarines. And France was banking on the agreement because $$. Meanwhile, an EU official ripped AUKUS, calling the three countries "belligerent" for forming an alliance "against China." (The bloc wasn't consulted.) But now that the US and UK have offered more high-tech submarines (think: ones that can move faster and stay underwater longer), Australia’s saying ‘au revoir’ to its original pact. And the deal may be leaving another alliance underwater.

Continue full steam ahead.

For decades, France and the US have had a strong bond. And officials were set to dance the night away in DC to commemorate a historic moment in their relationship. Now, France is calling the US’s actions a “stab in the back” – accusing Biden of taking a page out of former President Trump’s playbook. And stopped the music, canceling tonight’s gala. The US reportedly maintains its deal with Australia is part of a "network of alliances"and said France remains a "vital partner." And Australia's telling France 'don't take it personally.' (Ménage à trois, much?) Meanwhile, China’s not smiling either, saying the new security pact undermines "regional peace and stability.” Note: Australia won't get the submarines overnight. AUKUS plans to launch an 18-month consultation period to figure out how to move forward.

theSkimm

The US’s and UK’s effort to gain influence in the Asia-Pacific region has created a big splash. And could strain both countries’ relationship with Europe at a time when China’s actions in the region are raising alarms.

And Also...This

What else has France in the news...

A vax mandate. This week, about 3,000 health workers in France were suspended for not being vaccinated against COVID-19. In July, President Emmanuel Macron gave health workers roughly two months to get at least one dose or face suspension – without pay. The rule affected over 2.7 million people, including those who work in retirement homes.Now, thousands remain without a job until they get their vaccine.France’s health minister doesn’t appear too worried. And expects most of the suspensions to be “temporary”as people come to terms with the mandate. But some unions have warned that losing people could affect quality of care.

Some, not all: Protests reportedly broke out outside of one hospital in Nice, where nearly 450 workers have been suspended. And another city hospital is now canceling non-urgent surgeries since they have a shortage of vaxxed staff.

Where things are on the fence…

Washington, DC. This week, officials ramped up security around the Capitol building ahead of the "Justice for J6" rally tomorrow. The far-right protest is expected to draw in hundreds of people. Many hoping to show support to the 600 who face charges for their role in the insurrection. Lawmakers say police seem better prepared this time around. And Capitol Police could be getting reinforcements (think: the National Guard).

Doubling down: Former President Trump, who was impeached for inciting the insurrection, is still standing by those involved – saying "our hearts and minds" are with those “unfairly” facing charges.

Psst...Get a refresh on the Capitol insurrection and its aftermath here.

Who’s got a sweet offer…

Charles Schwab. Earlier this week, the foundation unveiled financial literacy programs for teens. The goal: to help middle and high schoolers get financial education, for free. And for fun. All by 2025. Oh and Girl Scouts are getting in on it. Chip chip hooray.

While Microsoft’s letting people say ‘bye’ to passwords…

“Jeopardy!” is saying ‘hi’ to these hosts.

Happy Friday. We've partnered with Dame on a game to help you enter the weekend informed. Step one: Read the below definitions. Step two: Guess which one describes a vulva and which one describes a vagina. Ready, set, show what you know...

A. The outside part, including the labia, vaginal opening, and clit.

B. The muscular canal that connects the cervix to the outside part.

Think you got it? If you guessed B for vagina, you did. If not, don’t worry. Dame’s Eva vibrator can help you get to know your body better. It has flexible wings that nestle under the labia for hands-free partner play or DIY time. Oh, and Skimm’rs get 15% off. Time for the post-game party.

Skimm Reads

“A Lot Like Adiós” by Alexis Daria

All in favor of a hot, friends-to-lovers romance set in NYC, say ‘aye.’ This fresh and steamy novel follows two childhood friends who are unexpectedly brought back into each other’s lives after more than a decade apart. It’s from the author of “You Had Me at Hola,” and you’ll pretty much be begging for a Netflix adaptation once you finish reading. Swoon.

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

1. A conversation with Dr. Fauci. In our latest “Skimm This” ep, sponsored by FOX’s “The Big Leap,” we chat with America’s top doctor about all things vaccine mandates, myths, and what he wishes he knew at the start of 2020. Tune in.*

2. How to straighten your teeth in time for the holidays. And those upcoming ‘say cheese’ moments. Get fast results with this aligner kit. (Which is cheaper than traditional braces, btw.) Bonus: it ships right to your door. Here’s 85% off and a free whitening system.*

3. Fall-inspired CBD products for a soothing night in. Scary movie? Check. Snacks? Check. A little something extra to help you relax? Double check, thanks to this brand’s sustainably sourced, full-spectrum CBD oils, gummies, and more. Shop now for 40% off their Skimm-exclusive bundles (and 30% off site-wide).*

4. Our most-loved products Skimm’rs kept adding to cart in August. Skimm Faves is back again. From car essentials to office must-haves, here’s what you couldn’t get enough of last month.

5. Tons of unique classes to take via Uncommon Experiences. If you're looking for a new way to spend your downtime, why not explore tarot-card reading or a DIY macrame workshop? You can browse all the options here, and to make things easier, you'll get the class materials shipped right to your door.

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

Skimm'rs

It’s Hispanic Heritage Month. So we're honoring Latinx leaders and recognizing Latinx-owned businesses & orgs for doing great things for the world and for their communities. Nominate yourself or someone you know here.

A place in people’s hearts...Dr. Pilar A (MA). She’s an assistant professor at Tufts, who’s passionate about cardiovascular research. And serves as a mentor to her students.

Pressing forward...Hannah G-G (NY). She’s the founder and director of ALMA Communications, a boutique PR agency. And sets up press, partnerships, and publishing deals for international artists, galleries, and more. Read all about it.

(Some) Birthdays...Remy Pearl Censer (PA),Hunter Walk (CA), Paull Young (CA), Jacque Ryal (NY), Alessandra Trifero (ES), theSkimm's Allison Mazzetti (NY), Victoria Diamond (FL), Samantha Feder (NY), Ana Martinez Rodriguez (MI), Karly Mackedanz (MN), Sabina McGuirl (NJ), Kelly Cerrone (IL), Lyndsey Tyhosky (OH), Nicole Prolow (FL), Rachael Breck (SD), Julie Stuck (PA)

It's been two weeks since Texas implemented a strict new abortion law. This week on "Skimm This," legal analyst Caroline Polisi helps us recap the Department of Justice lawsuit against Texas. And why stopping it is going to be so challenging.

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

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Skimm’d by Rashaan Ayesh, Maria del Carmen Corpus, Mariza Smajlaj, Kamini Ramdeen, and Clem Robineau

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