News: Daily Skimm: I'm getting used to you

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Daily Skimm: I'm getting used to you

September 15, 2021

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Skimm'd while celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

Quote of the Day

"There's no place like home" – Kristin Chenoweth welcoming fans to the reopening of "Wicked." It's the start of a new act.

Americans' Wallets

The Story

The annual check in on Americans' finances is in.

Go on.

Yesterday, the US Census Bureau delivered its 2020 review of income and poverty in the US. (Note: Last year, the average poverty threshold for a family of four was about $26,000. It jumps down to around $13,000 for a single individual.) Early last year, America lost 22 million jobs as the pandemic rattled and closed entire industries. And saw a record high of unemployment applications (over 6 million in one week). Now, the gov's providing a clearer picture of just how big of an impact the pandemic and gov aid has had on Americans' wallets.

Good or bad?

Both. The US poverty rate rose to 11% last year. That's more than 37 million people struggling to make ends meet. (For reference, that's about 3 million more Americans than 2019.) It marked the first time poverty increased, instead of a steady decrease like the last five years. But once you factor in the five relief bills under then-President Trump, poverty actually dropped to just over 9% – the lowest on record. Stimulus checks and weekly federal unemployment boost kept over 17 million people from poverty. But it's important to note that Black and Hispanic Americans reportedly experienced more poverty regardless of gov aid.

What are people saying?

Experts say this shows that gov aid helps. Democrats hope this report highlights the importance of passing the $3.5 trillion spending bill that could include child care, parental leave, and an extended child tax credit. Last month, Congress passed the blueprint for the spending bill along party lines. But conservatives have remained wary about high gov spending, saying it increases the federal debt and keeps people from working.

theSkimm

The pandemic made it clear that millions of Americans were living paycheck to paycheck. Now as the country's economy faces a shaky recovery, it'll be up to lawmakers to decide how to best carry Americans out of a once-in-a-century pandemic.

PS: If you've lost income, here's theSkimm on how to make a new financial plan.

And Also...This

Who's got people saying 'you win some, you Newsom'...

Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA). Last night, projected results showed he survived California's second-ever gubernatorial recall election. Critics have tried to remove Newsom as governor at least five times. But amid growing frustration over his handling of the pandemic (among other things), one recall effort made it on the ballot. For weeks, Californians have been voting on whether Newsom should be fired. Now, the Golden State is letting him keep doing his job. It's a sigh of relief to Dems who worried a new governor could appoint a senator in the event of a vacancy and tip the 50-50 Senate divide. But some state Republicans are already throwing around words like 'voter fraud' without any evidence. As for Newsom, he's channeling his inner Pottery Barn and saying he's "humbled" and "grateful" to have survived the recall.

What's taking note…

The Justice Dept. Yesterday, it said it's restricting the use of chokeholds and "no-knock" warrants among federal agents. Last year, Breonna Taylor was killed by police in her home following a no-knock warrant. Her name became a rallying cry at racial justice protests against police killings of Black Americans. And was a catalyst in national calls for police reform. Some local govs have since banned no-knock warrants and neck restraints (including chokeholds). Now, the DOJ's making similar moves. Attorney General Merrick Garland said the move would help improve law enforcement "safety and accountability."

Restrictions, not bans: Under the new policies, no-knock warrants would need approval from a federal prosecutor and the officer's police department. And federal law enforcement can't use chokeholds unless an officer believes they are in "imminent danger."
A few more steps: The DOJ can't reportedly change local police departments' policies. But law enforcement officials have pushed for them to follow federal "best practices."

Where people are pointing fingers...

Haiti. Yesterday, a chief prosecutor accused Prime Minister Ariel Henry of being tied to late-President Jovenel Moïse's assassination. In July, gunmen attacked Moïse's Port-au-Prince home, killing him and wounding his wife. Dozens of suspects have been arrested but authorities are still investigating. The prosecutor says Henry spoke to a key suspect hours after the attack. And that he failed to show up for questioning. Now, he wants Henry charged and barred from leaving the country. Henry's response? 'You're fired.'

What's taking the filter off social media…

The Wall Street Journal. Yesterday, the newspaper reported that Facebook's known about Instagram's harmful effects on teen girls. And that it's been researching it since 2019 – including its impacts on teens' anxiety, depression, and body image issues (like "Instagram face"). The research has even been reportedly reviewed by top Facebook execs. But the company has allegedly been downplaying the reviews for years.

Who's being remembered...

Norm Macdonald. Yesterday, the comedian known for his role on "SNL's" "Weekend Update" died at age 61 after a long battle with cancer.

While Apple has unveiled new iPhones…

Make sure you update your current one.

Simply the Chest

Real talk: Bras are a pain in the boobs. But the support can be nice. If only there were a way to combine the comfort of bralettes with a liiittle extra lift. Enter: LIVELY's soft, shaping, stylish options. We're partial to...

This no-bra bra with light, lightly lined cups ($35). It's an all day, every day kinda thing.

This bralette with removable pads ($35). So you can wear it on the days you need more structure. And the days you don't.

This wireless hybrid with a deep V-neckline ($35). Whoever invented front-adjusting straps gets our vote for the Nobel Prize.

Psst...Skimm'rs get 15% off their first purchase. Bra-mazing.

We're kicking off this year's Hispanic Heritage Month with an interview featuring Leslie Garcia and Karen Garcia, the creators of Daughter of an Immigrant. In 2017, the duo launched their streetwear line in response to the divisive rhetoric around immigration in the US. Tap here to learn more about their brand, its empowering message, and a look into how they established their business.

PSA: A 2,000-calorie diet — which has been the daily value on nutrition labels since as long as we can remember — isn't a perfect fit for most people. Especially for active millennials who likely need more than that to do their thing. We talked to a registered dietitian for our latest guide, which breaks down what you need to know about calories, carbs, fat, and more. We know you're gonna eat it up.

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

1. How to save $500 on upcoming holiday travel. Hold the stress. This flight club sends their members deals (on deals on deals). Like round trips to Europe from $251 or Hawaii from $123. With flexible change policies. Join for $1 for the next 24 hours.*

2. An all-natural solution to your tossing and turning. Catch some serious zzz's with this nighttime blend. It's full of feel-good ingredients, like Full Spectrum Hemp Oil with CBD and CBN (which helps promote sleep naturally, btw). Plus, Skimm'rs get 20% off and free shipping. Nighty-night.*

3. The virtual beauty event of the season. Clear your cal. And get ready to learn from the experts at this free Beauty Bash event on Sept 18. Think: interactive booths, product demos, panels, and a digital scavenger hunt (psst...with prizes, we hear). Learn more.*

4. A smartphone made especially for kids. This brand's devices give your little ones all the tools they need to reach you. But without the distractions of social media, web browsing, or mobile games. Cue a sigh of relief. Oh, and Skimm'rs get 30% off.*

5. Our guide to actually filling snacks you can buy online. No 3 pm slumps here, thank you very much. We talked to nutritionists to separate fact from fiction when it comes to labels, protein, and carbs. Munch away.

*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.

Nothing can stop...Kaci L (MO). She recently graduated with an MBA while working full time as a physician. And seeing patients during the coronavirus pandemic.

One of a kind...Holly R (MN). She co-founded Petite Palm, a socially conscious business in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Its goal: empower women with dignified employment and create jobs in the country. Show your support.

(Some) Birthdays...Ann Rosen Spector (PA), theSkimm's Alexis Goldstein (NY), theSkimm's Alessandra Silva Kroeff (FL), Lisa Wahl (RI), Halle Beeler (TX), Maria Verardi (PA), Mel Phillips (NC), Kristin Loreaux (NJ), Jodi Grizzel (VA), Maricarmen Cubas (FL), Emily Kronyak (RI), Mayra Lemus Rangel (NY), Amanda Gerzog (NY), Meg Haney (TX), Maya Pande (OR)

We texted with Kesha about her go-to karaoke song and the celeb who people might not know made a cameo in her hit song "TiK ToK" (hi, P. Diddy). Plus, theSkimm on her new pod, "Electric Easy."

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

Listen to our news podcast "Skimm This" for clarity on the biggest stories of the week.
Tune in to our podcast "9 to 5ish with theSkimm" for tips to navigate your career.
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