News: Daily Skimm: I’m like cat here, we’re a couple of no-name slobs

Thursday, October 7, 2021

Daily Skimm: I’m like cat here, we’re a couple of no-name slobs

October 7, 2021

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Skimm'd while bingeing our new favorite murder mystery

Quote of the Day

"I went out and bought a dog" – Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, who disliked the movie "Cats" so much he got himself a pup. You cat unsee it.

A Shot of Hope

The Story

There's a new tool to combat one of the world's deadliest diseases.

Are we talking about COVID-19?

Not this time. We're talking about malaria. The mosquito-borne disease is one of the world's oldest diseases (up to 30 million years old). It kills over 400,000 people each year, and can seriously weaken the immune systems of those who survive it. Forty countries and territories around the world (including the US) have used things like insecticides and antimalarial meds to get rid of it. But nearly 95% of malaria deaths happen in Africa – mainly among children under 5. Mosquitoes thrive in sub-Saharan Africa in part because of its tropical climate (ideal for the insects to spread the disease). And the region's been waiting for a miracle.

And now we have one?

We might. In a historic move, the World Health Organization backed the world's first malaria vaccine for children. After decades of research, the shot (Mosquirix) got the green light for distribution in Africa and other high-risk areas (think: Southeast Asia, the Eastern Mediterranean). The four-dose vaccine attacks the deadliest of malaria parasites. And trials involving 800,000 kids in Kenya, Malawi, and Ghana showed the vax reduced severe cases by about 30%. (Note: no data yet on whether it's lowered the death rate.) But one study found that when combining antimalarial drugs with the vaccine, hospitalizations and deaths decreased by about 70%. But it's not a miracle cure – the WHO still suggests using things like medications and insecticide-treated bed nets.

What are people saying?

Health experts see it as a game changer. One study found the vax could prevent over 5 million cases and 23,000 child deaths every year. But some are raising concerns about Mosquirix's efficacy rate. It's far lower than other childhood vaccines like measles and polio, which are over 90% effective. And that could deter global orgs from investing in the shot's distribution. Not ideal, since it could already take more than a year to get doses out. And COVID-19 only complicates that process. Still, the WHO's saying 'anything is better than nothing.' Especially since other malaria shots are reportedly five years behind Mosquirix.

theSkimm

In recent years, lack of funding and political support have snagged malaria eradication efforts around the world. And while there are still some unknowns with Mosquirix, the world's celebrating a scientific breakthrough that could save millions of lives.

And Also...This

Where a federal judge is (Roe v) Wading into the picture…

Texas. Yesterday, a federal judge blocked the new abortion law there. Specifically, the one that bans abortions as early as six weeks into a pregnancy and puts the onus on private citizens to witch hunt on each other. Sound familiar? The law stunned many, apparently even some who are anti-abortion rights. But despite protests and pleas for the Supreme Court to step in, it went into effect last month. Now, a Texas judge is hitting the brakes. He accused state legislators of an "aggressive scheme" to rob citizens of their constitutional right to get an abortion. And halted the law immediately.

Window of opportunity: Abortion providers have seen visitations plummet since the law took effect. Now, those who've been afraid to get an abortion have a window of opportunity to get medical care.
But it could be slim: Texas has already filed an appeal. Meaning, it now goes back up to a conservative-leaning appeals court that essentially allowed Texas to enforce the abortion ban in the first place.

What's got the Biden admin's attention…

Student loan forgiveness. Yesterday, the Education Dept said it's overhauling the gov's Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Under the 2007 law, the gov forgives remaining federal student loan debt for public servant employees...only if they've made monthly payments for 10 years while working in their role. But the program's been hard to figure out. And customer services aren't exactly providing, well, services. Only about 5,500 people have had their balances go down to $0. Now, the Education Dept's saying 'we're working on it.' And will make it easier for military members and other fed employees to also benefit. The move could help over 550,000 borrowers.

As for everyone else: Dem lawmakers have repeatedly called on President Biden to cancel $50,000 of student loan debt for every borrower – regardless of if they worked in gov. But Biden's taken a more targeted approach.

PS: We Skimm'd what forgiveness could mean for everyone, whether you have public, private or no student loans.

Where health care disparities are top of mind…

California. Earlier this week, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed a law aiming to close racial gaps in maternal and infant deaths. The "Momnibus Act" will expand state Medicaid eligibility for those who can't afford services. And applies to people up to a year after giving birth, regardless of their immigration status. It will also provide coverage for doulas – professionals who support mothers during pregnancy. And will support the midwifery workforce via a new fund. This is all part of an effort to help reduce racial disparities – an issue that's especially relevant in the US, where Black women are three times more likely to die from causes tied to pregnancy than white women. Advocates for maternal health applauded the measure but are pushing for a federal version.

What's the latest travel hack...

Green flights.

Home Improvement(s)

Whether you've got guests coming over for the first time in a long time or just can't stand to look at the same stuff you've had since college, you might be thinking about hopping on the DIY train. And our friends at Walmart can help with that. Case in point:

This cordless tool kit. Complete with drill, driver, saw, LED light, batteries, charger, and fancy storage bag. Aka absolutely everything you need.
A chic, sturdy bathroom mirror medicine cabinet. Choose from a brushed gold or matte black frame.
Drew Barrymore-approved paint. There are over 27 colors in her FLOWER collection, but we're partial to this satiny peach shade.

Attention, shoppers: If you've got a long list of holiday gifts to buy, you're gonna want to get started ASAP. Because the upcoming holiday season is predicted to be a weird one – with fewer deals and more empty shelves than usual. We Skimm'd more about why you can't afford to procrastinate your shopping this year. Plus some tips on how to do it without breaking the bank.

PS: For more money news 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. Cult-fave sneakers that pair perfectly with sweater weather. These comfy canvas and suede kicks come in chic, fall-friendly colors like camel, off-white, and cloud grey. And they're finally back in stock after a 26K waitlist. (Yes, really). PS: Skimm'rs get 15% off. Add to cart.*

2. Hydrating hand sanitizer you'll want to show off. This brand's misters are sustainable, refillable, and realllllly cute. And their clean formula has aloe vera so your hands won't get dry. Plus it comes in five ah-mazing scents (hi, cucumber basil). Check out their scent sampler.*

3. A flight club that can help you save big. Like $2,000-on-average big. When you're ready to travel again, join this club for the best deals. Think: round trip to Cancun from $127. Or Paris from $275. Join for $1 for the next 12 hours.*

4. Our fave brands to shop during Hispanic Heritage Month and beyond. We've got comfy clothes, chic earrings, a hair-care product to combat frizz, and so much more. Show some love to these Hispanic- and Latinx-owned businesses.

5. Cleansing wipes to get stubborn fingerprint smudges off your glasses. It's time to see clearly. These wipes won't cause streaks and are individually wrapped. They also work on your laptop and phone screen. Ah, the relief.

*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.

Thinking sustainably...Victoria H (CA). She's the co-founder of Conscia – a hair care and wellness company known for their shampoo and conditioner stones that use zero water and plastic. Check it out.

A page-turner...Suzanne A (WA). She published her first book titled "The Deliverers." It stars a strong female lead and her canine sidekick in a dystopian near future. And their journey of starting over.

(Some) Birthdays...Sharon Chen (NY), Stephanie Dueno (NY), Kelly McLaughlin (TX), Justin Pietras (IL), Jade Juan (NJ), Michelle Terpstra (CA), Patsy Phelan (GA), Tommy Betts (MD), Annie Beard (OH), Stacey Nunez (NJ), Taylor Schaffer (IN), Julie Knapp (OH), Shelby Mann (MO), Carly Pupillo (IL), Donnah Whitaker (OH)

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

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