Daily Skimm Issue

September 23, 2021

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Gabrielle Union On standing up for yourself at work

Skimm’d while talking career lessons with Gabrielle Union

Quote of the Day

“Sort of like Bette Davis, Angela Davis, and Yoda all rolled into one” – A description of Betty Reid Soskin, America’s oldest park ranger, who just turned 100 years old. You a happy birthday, we wish.

Immigration

The Story

The US-Mexico border is in chaos.

What do you mean?

We're talking about the recent surge of Haitian migrants in Del Rio, Texas. Haitians have been migrating to the US for years. After the deadly 2010 earthquake struck the Caribbean island, tens of thousands left Haiti in search of a better life. And many found it for a while in countries like Brazil and Chile. But economic instability and strict immigration policies in South America forced many Haitians to pack up again. The pandemic only exacerbated people’s quest for new opportunities. Especially given the constant setbacks hitting their home country.

Go on.

It’s been a challenging decade for Haiti. The island nation still hasn’t fully recovered from a number of natural disasters: the 2010 quake, Hurricane Matthew in 2016, and another deadly earthquake and Tropical Storm Grace in August. And foreign aid can only go so far when an entire island nation needs rebuilding. But it's not the only strife Haitians have had to face. For years, corruption was the lay of the land. Concerns of a dictatorship grew, as did socio-economic woes. And just as the country was getting its first coronavirus vaccines this summer, President Jovenel Moïse was assassinated. As all of these crises have come to a head, about 14,000 Haitians have fled to the southern border – a mixture of hope, misinformation, and help via messaging apps like WhatsApp leading the way.

How's that working out?

The US hasn’t exactly been welcoming. Haitians have been living with little access to food or water as immigration authorities process their paperwork. And images of Border Patrol agents have led to accusations that they whipped migrants with horse reins – prompting the gov to start an investigation. In the meantime, the Biden admin is flying hundreds of Haitians back to their home country – despite criticism from Democrats. And is releasing others (think: families, pregnant women) into the US. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) has stepped up border patrols. And Mexico’s also getting involved, busing and flying Haitians away toward its border with Guatemala.

theSkimm

Thousands of Haitians have made an arduous and dangerous journey in search of a new life. But as they fight for a chance in the US, they’re also putting a spotlight on America’s immigration policies – and reigniting the debate on how to address the southern border.

And Also...This

Who’s singing ‘this I promise you’...

President Biden.Yesterday,he vowed to donateanother 500 million Pfizer COVID-19vaccine doses to poorer countries. Earlier this year, the president saidthe US would give out500 million dosesto combat the spread of the virus. Now,he’s doubling that number. And called on world leaders to join in helping vaccinate70% of the global population by next September. So far, the US has shipped out about 160 milliondoses, donating more than any other country. But the number still falls short of the 11 billion doses the WHO says are needed to end the pandemic.

By the numbers: The announcement comes amid wide disparities in vaccine equity. One analysis found that about 43% of the world population has gotten at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine, but only 2% of people in low-income countries have gotten at least one dose.
To booster or not to booster: Despite the WHO urging the US and others to hold off on boosters for now, the FDA approved a third Pfizer dose for people 65 and older, and those who are high risk.

What people are looking into…

The long-term effects of sexual assault. A new study showsthat women who have been sexually assaulted are more likely to suffer fromdementia and stroke later in life. More than 1 in 3 women experience sexual assault at least once in their lifetime. And past studies have shown that the trauma is linked to increased risks of heart disease, depression, and anxiety. Now, researchers are urging doctors to ask their patients if they’ve experienced sexual traumaand to take that into consideration when monitoring their health.

PS: If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline here or by calling 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

What’s keeping things low, low, low…

The Fed. Yesterday,it left its benchmark interest rate near zero – but signaled things could hike up in 2022. Interest rates have remainedlow since the beginning of the pandemic to help the economy as businesses closed down and a record number of Americans lost their jobs. Now, the Fed's saying the economy's on the up and up. And we could find out more after the group's next meeting in November.

PS: Read more about how the Fed's moves affect the economy and your wallet.

Why things are looking sweet for Netflix…

A new documentary is on the radar.

The dog days of summer are officially over. And as your cal starts filling up again, it probably feels easier to order takeout than to cook up healthy meals. The good news: Daily Harvest offers a happy medium. As in, super convenient and delicious frozen breakfasts, lunches, dinners, desserts, and more delivered right to your door. All built on real fruits and vegetables. And ready in actual minutes. We’d rec their best-selling:

Strawberry Peach Smoothie. For an easy transition to a still flavorful fall.

Sweet Potato and Wild Rice Harvest Bowl. Plant-based protein with a hint of smoky sweetness? Yes, please.

Chocolate and Midnight Fudge Scoops. So rich. So creamy. Zero ingredients you can't pronounce.

PS: Skimm’rs get up to $40 off their first box. Do it to it.

Thing to Know

10X

The increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations among Americans ages 0-4 between late June and mid-August. Aka as the highly contagious delta variant started to really spread.

Psst...it’s hit young people harder than earlier variants. Data also shows that pediatric hospital cases were three to four times higher in states with the lowest vaccination rates compared to states with the highest percentage of vaccinated residents. If you wanna do your part to protect kids from the coronavirus, the CDC recs wearing a mask in public indoor spaces, schools, and childcare centers. And finding a vaccine site near you. Btw, vaccines are free of charge no matter where you get them: pharmacies, doctor’s offices, wherever. Learn more.

Spooky season hits (your budget) different after a summer of spending. So we made a checklist to help you make sure your finances are on track this fall. Here's one task: Prep your holiday budget. Yes, this early. We Skimm’d how to get it done, plus 10 other money moves you can make to end 2021 strong.

PS: For more money info and tips, sign up to get our Skimm Money newsletter in your inbox every Friday.

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

1. Why teens should see “Dear Evan Hansen.” According to the president of the Child Mind Institute. In an op-ed, he talks about the power of honest storytelling and how the movie can help young people know that it’s ok to ask for help. Read more.*

2. Cult-favorite, tinted moisturizer that almost always sells out. No joke. Probably because this clean, award-winning cream’s got broad-spectrum SPF 35 and hydrating ingredients for that dewy, no-makeup makeup look. Did we mention it comes in 11 new shades? PS: Skimm’rs get 15% off.*

3. How to make the perfect burger (or hot dog...or veggies) at home. From this food prep cart to these stainless steel tools, Walmart has all the ingredients for a delicious backyard BBQ. Grill Master Award, here we come.*

4. The denim sale of your dreams. We know, we’re preeeetty pumped. This brand’s giving Skimm’rs an exclusive 30% off their comfiest, most flattering jeans. Think: high-rise skinny, high-rise straight or classic straight (oh my). Psst…the sale only lasts 24 hours. Run, don’t walk.*

5. Bakeware you won’t want to stop using, like, ever. Can’t stop, won’t stop. This brand’s new line is 100% non-toxic and available in five chic, IG-worthy colors. Shop as an 11-piece or five-piece set, or à la carte. Organizers included. Here’s 15% off.*

6. Non-alcoholic wine for your next BYOB event. Holidays, we’re ready for you. Thanks to this delicious low-calorie wine. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and has zero added sugars. Plus, it comes in four refreshing flavors. And Skimm’rs get 20% off and free shipping for a limited time.*

*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.

Big hugs to...Mary Beth M (CA). She’s decided to donate her kidney to someone in need. Because this year has shown her how important it is to look out for one another.

Madame President...Jessica G (VA). She’s the president of the Women’s Society of Cyberjutsu, an org that supports girls and women in cybersecurity and IT. And is helping create a US team for the International Cybersecurity Challenge in Greece in December. Learn more.

(Some) Birthdays...Carole Crystal (NY), Dustee Jenkins, Lexie Zimmer (NY), Dustin Hebert (LA), Jamelyn Lederhouse (IL), Martina Maroun (CT), Barekah Fisher (ME), Liz Neville Blecker (CT), Casey McCain (TX), Susan Zavala (CA), Meredith Manguno (TN), Sara Lytle-Pinhey (CA), Megan Matesic (NJ), Monica Padilla (CA), Ruby Gonzalez-Jimenez (CA)

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

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

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