Daily Skimm Issue

October 18, 2021

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Quote of the Day

“I just drive up and down the road” – A woman hoping to come across roaming zebras in Maryland. Maybe zebras have stripes because they don’t want to be spotted.

Haiti

The Story

A group of American missionaries were kidnapped in Haiti.

What happened?

Over the weekend, a street gang kidnapped 17 people – including five children. They're associated with Christian Aid Ministries, an Ohio-based org. And were traveling from an orphanage when they were abducted. Authorities say the 400 Mawozo gang –reportedlyone of the most dangerous in the country– is behind the attack. The gang's allegedly responsible for nearly 80% of mass kidnappingsin the country. And the tactic has become very common in Haiti.

What do you mean?

Haiti has struggled with kidnappings for months.But ever since President Jovenel Moïse's assassination in July, the country's seen a rise in violence. Many have tried to flee. But gangs have taken control over parts of the country and half of the capital. And by one count, kidnappings rose nearly 300%. There are reports of gangs kidnapping children, police officers, and pastors so they can make a buck off of ransoms. Or to use the fear and terror to gain control of territory.

What’s next?

Finding them. There's no ransom out yet. But Haitian officials are reportedly investigating – and keeping the State Dept updated. The dept says Americans' safety is "one of the highest priorities." Meanwhile, Christian Aid Ministries is calling for "urgent prayer." The UN could also be keeping a close eye on the kidnapping – seeing as it happened just one day after its security council voted to extend its mission there.

theSkimm

An attack on Americans is putting the spotlight on a country that's long been in crisis mode. But whether that attention translates into more compassion for those seeking to escape remains to be seen.

And Also...This

Where people are mourning…

The UK.On Friday, a Conservative member of Parliament, Sir David Amess,was stabbed to deathwhile meeting with constituents. Authorities are calling a terrorist act. And have arrested a 25-year-old suspect. They haven't determined a motive. But they say an early investigation reveals links to Islamist extremism. Politicians across the aisle condemned the attack. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the UK "lost a fine public servant."

Background: Years ago, the suspect was apparently referred to a program that aims to stop people from being drawn to terrorist-related activity.
Raising concerns: The killing comes five years after another lawmaker was shot and stabbed while also meeting with voters. It's got some wondering whether MPs should get more security.

Who’s signing off…

An FDA advisory panel. On Friday, they unanimously recommended a booster shot for every J&J'er age 18 and up. More than 15 million Americans have gotten the one-shot vaccine to protect against COVID-19. But studies show it's less effective than Modernaand Pfizer. Cue some committee members saying that at this point, J&J should be a two-dose vaccine rather than one. Those who got J&J must wait at least two months after their first dose to get dose no. 2. Now, the FDA could make a final decision in the coming days. The news comes a day afteran FDA panelrecommended a Moderna boosterfor people age 65+and those at high risk.

Tweens and teens: For now, the FDA is holding off on authorizing theModernavaccinefor kids 12 to 17.They're still looking into the risk of myocarditis – an inflammation of the heart muscle.

Where things aren’t always picture-perfect…

Hollywood.Over the weekend, the union representing 60,000 employeescame to a tentative three-year agreementwith filmand television studios.Employeesfrom make-up artiststo sound techs to camera operatorswere set to go on strike todayfor better wagesand benefits. But they seem to have avoided a production shutdownin an industry already reeling from COVID-19. Under the deal, the union said employees would get 3% pay increases,more time off,and better funding for health plans.The union president called it “a Hollywood ending.”Next up: union members vote on whether to approve the deal.

Who made a slam dunk…

The Chicago Sky. Yesterday, the women’s basketball team beat Phoenix Mercury 80-74. And brought home the franchise’s first WNBA championship ever. Sky's the limit.

While we're all listening to Adele...

Travis and Kourtney are hearing wedding bells.

Who’s sending us a Bat-Signal…

Robert Pattinson and Zoë Kravitz.

New Monday Mood

Happy Monday. Even though it miiight seem cheesy, we suggest starting with some motivation. There are two kinds, btw. Extrinsic motivation is what gets you going when there’s external pressure and/or rewards on the line. And intrinsic motivation is all about emotion and inner growth.

If a good compliment can help you start your week on the right foot (we see you, extrinsic motivation), meet DKNY’s 24/7 collection. It’s full of smart silhouettes and staple pieces that make a stylish statement people will definitely notice. Bonus: These go-to pieces all go with each other. Maximum impact and minimal effort? Sounds like the best possible combo. Shop now.

Thing to Know

Less than 0.1%

That's the percentage of people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19.* Compare that to a vaccine leader like Portugal’s numbers (86.4%)* and you’ll see why inequitable distribution is such a hot topic.

If you want to help, we have good news: the annual Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign is back. And all the funds raised this year will help get 1.4 billion vaccine doses — plus masks, soap, sanitizer, and diagnostic kits — to 180 countries by the end of the year. Learn how you can add some meaning to your Halloween-ing here. We are genuinely all in this together.

*Source: Our World in Data

True or false: Your body gets used to getting less sleep. Dream on, because that’s a myth. There’s no proof that we adapt to getting fewer Zzz’s. But hey, we love a busted myth. And a nap. We have tips for getting better sleep in our guide, so you can say ‘lights out’ to bad habits and ‘good morning’ to the ones that will leave you more rested.

PS: Speaking of improving your health…let's talk insurance. We’re working on a guide to help maximize your benefits. Submit your questions here.

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

1. How to keep eyes on your property 24/7. Without actually being there. SimpliSafe’s new outdoor security camera connects to an app on your phone, so you’re always in the know. And can act fast. Plus, Skimm’rs get 30% off new systems rn.*

2. Lounge-y footwear to help you kick your feet up. And look cute while doing it. These slippers are non-slip, supportive, and designed to keep your toes toasty. Plus they come in prints you can’t find anywhere else. Here’s 20% off your first purchase.*

3. Our fave, most addicting reads we just couldn't put down. We’re talking the ones you cancel all your plans to finish, the ones you stay up way too late to keep on reading, and the ones you complete in a single sitting by the fire. Page = turned.

4. Major discounts at Amazon's massive beauty haul event. From now until Saturday, shop deals on tools like the iconic Revlon styling brush. You can even snatch a Waterpikwhile you're at it. Don't miss out.

5. Space-saving products that'll organize your home. Prepare to be amazed. These drawer dividers, these vacuum storage bags, and this shoe rack are about to turn your home from messy to...not. See ya never, clutter.

*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.

F is for friends...Barb S and Beth O (IN). These two women – who’ve been friends for over 50 years – are sharing wisdom, advice, and life experience in their new podcast.

Raise the roof...Luca F (OH). After some time in the healthcare field amid a pandemic, they’re back to working in campaigns again. And are proud to be elevating a Black woman candidate for office.

(Some) Birthdays...theSkimm's Alyssa Mathews (NY), Sabrina Burda (NY), Ellie Wertheim (NY), Taylor Dilley (OH), Clarissa Mitchell (GA), Virginia Albert (TX), Helena Ilardo (MD), Jillian Ziarko (NY), Sally Bohlinger (IA), Jennifer Newberry (NC), Pat Williams (IL), Molly Horst (OH), Kelli Morgan (LA), Theresa Cao (NJ)

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

ICYMI: theSkimm launched our newest pod, “Pop Cultured with theSkimm,” last week. Listen to the first ep on Nicki Minaj, her latest controversies, and why they matter. And don’t forget to tune in tomorrow for a new episode, dropping at 5pm ET.

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

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Skimm’d by Rashaan Ayesh, Mariza Smajlaj, Clem Robineau, and Julie Shain

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