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February 8, 2022
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Quote of the Day
Quote of the Day

“I was homeschooled” — Chlöe Bailey after a man on Twitter said she tried to talk to him in high school. Have mercy.

Why Aren’t You in Uniform?

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The Story

Democraticstatesare rolling back mask mandates.

Where do we stand? 

Nine states right now require masks indoors — including in schools.All are led by Dems. In recent months, other states have let their mask mandates expire…if they had them to begin with. Yesterday, New Jersey, Connecticut, Oregon, and Delaware said ‘we’re rolling them back,’ ending school mask mandates later this month or next.

Why now? 

COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are dropping. All while an FDA advisory committee is meeting next week to talk about COVID-19 vaccines for kids under five. It comes as a poll show some Americans are yearning for a return to normal. Especially if the politicians enforcing the rules aren’t following them. But that’s just one side of the coin.

Tell me the POVs. 

The evidence is clear: high-quality, tight-fitting masks(hi, N95s) can block 95% of airborne particles. But many kids are wearing cloth masks. And fidgeting with them, wearing them below their noses, you name it. Some research shows that masks can impact speech development in young kids. And for kids with hearing impairments,masks can cut off lip-reading — making it harder for them to learn and socialize. 

What about teachers?

A 2020 study found that one in four teachers (think: nearly 1.5 million people) have a condition that puts them more at risk of serious illness from COVID-19.But teachers — like nearly everyone else — are divided on the topic of masks. Meanwhile, kids are still at-risk for COVID-19. Pediatric hospitalizations soared during the Omicron wave. And vaccine rates for children remain low.

What happens next? 

Many states are leaving it up to districts to decide.Others like New York could follow suit. 

theSkimm

School mask mandates have proven to be divisive among parents, school boards, and just about everyone. Republican states have gone without masks for a while. Now,Democrats are saying ‘it might be time to reconsider.’

And Also...This

Who's saying 'cameras off’...

The IRS. Yesterday, it said 'oops never mind' about using facial recognition. Last year, the Treasury Dept tapped ID.me — an identity verification company — to require that taxpayers set up facial recognition tech before accessing their online accounts. Because, fraud and identity theft. But something about a private company having that data didn’t make too many people happy, including lawmakers from across the aisle. Now, the IRS is working to find another way to authenticate people. Maybe like asking the name of our first pet. 

Who’s got everyone’s attention…

Peng Shuai. Yesterday, a French sports newspaper released an interview with the Chinese tennis star — who announced she's retiring. Peng’s been in the headlines since last year after she accused a former Communist Party official of sexual assault. Peng disappeared from the public eye for weeks. But later made public appearances and walked back her allegations. Now, she’s saying she “never disappeared” and that it’s all been a “huge misunderstanding.” Her comments have left many concerned.

What’s taking it one step at a time…

Electrodes. Yesterday, a new study found that electrodes are helping people who are paralyzed gain movement. Three participants reportedly had 16-electrode devices implanted between their vertebrae and spinal cord membrane — receiving a current from a pacemaker. And are remotely controlled from a tablet. The research has been three decades in the making. Now, all three are able to stand, walk, swim, and cycle. About 17,000 Americans suffer a spinal cord injury every year. And this latest development could be giving many some hope.

Who’s preparing for takeoff…

Frontier and Spirit. Yesterday, the two largest low-cost carriers announced they are merging to become the fifth-largest airline in the country. Maybe the deal can throw in free snacks and water.

Who's not nominated for a Razzie Award…

Leslie Jones. 

Skimm More: That's not the only controversy surrounding the Winter Olympics. Here's what else you need to know.

Skimm Well

Our bodies are always busy. In fact, at any given moment, cells are both breaking molecules down for energy and using energy to build new molecules. Wild, but that’s how metabolism works.

There’s a catabolic phase (hint: the breakdown) and an anabolic phase (think: the build-up). Psst…if you wanna keep these processes running as smoothly as possible, consider adding Sakara Life’s super powder to your routine. It’s a plant-powered supplement that supports metabolism, digestion, and overall gut health — all while helping to ease bloat and curb sugar cravings. And it tastes great blended into a latte or smoothie. Even better? Skimm’rs get 20% off. Go on. Take advantage.

Everyday Investments

Investing can seem intimidating. But you actually make investments all the time. We partnered with our friends at Betterment (who make $$$ investing easier) to share a few examples.

Inside jokes. Daily DMs. Happy hours around the office. Getting along with your coworkers can make work a LOT more fun. But it can be productive for your career, too. Because who knows who your work wife knows or where they’ll be in the future? And based on your connection (and impressive skills ofc), they’ll be thinking of ya.

So next time you feel guilty gossipping on the clock, keep in mind you’re basically networking. And investing in your career and future. Speaking of, Betterment can help you put your money where your goals are. Get into it here.

PS: Investing involves risk and performance is not guaranteed

Black History Month
Design: Camille Rapay | Photo: Courtesy of Dia Simms

To celebrate Black History Month, we interviewed female culture carriers, who are championing Black culture across different industries. These trailblazers are creating representation in spaces that have notoriously lacked diversity.

For our second interview, we spoke with Dia Simms, the CEO of Lobos 1707 Tequila and Mezcal. We discussed inequity in her field and the obstacles she has faced. Scroll further to see her fave books and Black-owned nonprofit. Check out the full interview here.

Skimm Picks

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

1. Skincare tech developed by MIT scientists and backed by NASA. We're impressed, too. And beauty insiders are obsessing over this groundbreaking device. It transforms serums into tiny micro-droplets that can get 20X deeper than traditional skincare. Bonus: Today, Skimm’rs get 20% off with code SKIMM20.* 

2. The perfect après-ski drink. Even if your version of après-ski is sitting in sweats, enjoying a (virtual) fireplace. These canned mimosas have 80% less sugar and 60% fewer cals than regular-schmegular ones. Plus Skimm’rs can get a free four-pack with any purchase — and free shipping.*

3. A vibrator for anyone who enjoys the ‘finer things in life.’ Yes, even you. Lelo’s luxurious, rabbit vibrator was (c)literally engineered to help you orgasm every. single. time. Plus it’s fully flexible. And has 12 different pattern options. Here’s 20% off.*

4. Where to go when you need someone to talk to. This company makes it easy to connect with a therapist based on your needs and preferences. Just fill out their questionnaire to get started. PS: Skimm’rs get 10% off their first month.*

*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.

Leveling up…Jill U (HI). After spending many years in school, she’s taken the leap and opened up her own law firm. All while overcoming serious and chronic health issues, supporting other future lawyers, and becoming the director of the Maui County Bar Association.

Let’s get physical…Danielle F (NY). She published her first book earlier this year. It’s all about the history of women and exercising. Think: jogging, Jazzercise, and Jane Fonda.

(Some) Birthdays…Chris Malcolm (OR), Bella Moritz (VA), Nora Li (PA), Kate Roth (IA), Robin Foskey (NC), Christine Vardaro (NJ), Leslie Blair (OK), Leilani Larsen (TX), Gabi Saleh (NC), Jamie Johnson (LA), Amanda Scholz (SC), Michelle Alfano (WA), Courtney Wendel-Stevenson (WA), Ida Kim (CA), Stephanie Hood (IL)

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

Skimm More

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