Last night, Trump beat former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, passing his second hurdle of 2024. The former president earned 11 delegates, with 55%of the state’s Republican vote. It’s a blow to Haley's campaign, which had narrowed in on Trump’s lead ahead of the primaries but ended up 11% behind.Still, Haley said “this race is far from over” and is looking forward to South Carolina. Meanwhile, Trump said he “couldn't care less”if Haley stays in the game.
So it’s going to be Trump vs. Biden?
That’s what the betting markets say. Haley still has several contests left, includingSouth Carolina and Michigan, before Super Tuesday in March. Also worth noting: early states in the primary calendar, like Iowa and New Hampshire, don’t always correctly pick the GOP nominee.
What about Biden?
He wasn’t on the ballot last night. That’s because of some infighting between New Hampshire and the Democratic National Committee. The DNC and Biden made South Carolina the first primary state, saying it better represents the party’s diverse electorate. But New Hampshire kept its first-in-the-nation primary status, pointing to state law. Democrats settled for a write-in campaign in New Hampshire that gave Biden a win with 52% of the state's Democratic vote but no delegates.
theSkimm
This was the first direct matchup between Haley and Trump since Gov. Ron DeSantis dropped out of the presidential race. Now, as Trump makes history sweeping both Iowa and NH, the pressure is on Haley to deliver a win.
What's getting ready to be added to the group chat...
Sweden. Yesterday, Turkey’s parliament approved Sweden’s application to join NATO, bringing it one step closer to membership. After Russia invaded Ukraine, Sweden and Finland decided maybe now was the time to join the world’s largest military alliance. One key obstacle: they had to win over Turkey and Hungary. Both had grievances with the Nordic countries, accusing them of things like providing safe harbor to separatists or criticizing their governments. Still, Finland got the green light to join NATO last year, after working things out with Turkey and Hungary — becoming the first country to join NATO since 2020. Now, Sweden passed a similar hurdle with Turkey and only has Hungary left to win over. That could happen soon: Hungary is inviting Sweden’s prime minister over to “negotiate.”
What people are watching…
Gaza. Yesterday, the Israeli military said it encircled the southern city of Khan Younis, which it called a “significant stronghold” for Hamas. The update comes after more than 20 Israeli soldiers were killed near the Gaza-Israel border, in what Israel called the deadliest day for its forces since the start of the war. Meanwhile, photojournalist Motaz Azaiza said he “had to evacuate” Gaza “for a lot of reasons.”
…Oh and, the US said yesterday that it attacked three locations in Iraq used by Iranian-backed militias as a "direct response" to ongoing attacks on American forces in the region.
What loves a good plot twist…
Netflix. Yesterday, the company said it added more than 13 million new subscribers last quarter, beating Wall Street expectations and sending the company stock soaring. Looks like the reviews are in: password sharing and ad-supported subscriptions are (so far) helping keep the profitable streaming company’s critics happy. Yes, Netflix, we are still watching.
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Skimm Picks
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. Hydrating drink mixes that taste like hot chocolate.
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This e-bike retailer sells brand-name bikes for up to 60% off retail prices. Shop their winter sale for up to $1,000 off their already discounted prices, and use SKIMM2024 for an extra — and exclusive — $100 off.*
4. The underrated kitchen tool you never knew you needed.
These sturdy shears slice cleanly through pretty much everything: meat, thick flower stems, annoying plastic casing, you name it. Fundamental to any well-stocked kitchen.
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On Our Vision Board
Making time for our passion projects — because creative pursuits deserve our attention, too. Get inspo to help you stay on your creativeA-game, and make something beautiful (or gloriously ugly, you do you) this year.
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.
Happy and healthy…Ilyssia C (GA). She recently launched her own business which promotes health and wellness for Black women.
(Some) Birthdays…Carol Schulweis (NY), Phil Voss (CA), Briana Miles (NE), Kamdyn Fogo (CO), Samantha Gerken (NE), Sarah Weigle (GA), Kaitlin Goldin (CA), Molly Ho (NY), Carolyn Warren (TX), Paige Butterfield (IA), Teri-Ann Scott (MI), Kathryn Kotowski (WI), Lauren Marlowe (PA), Samantha Carnevale (NJ), Izzie Raitt (CO)
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Skimm'd by: Rashaan Ayesh, Anacaona Rodriguez Martinez, Chantal Vaca, Maria del Carmen Corpus, and Julie Shain
Photos by Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images, Brand Partners
