News: Daily Skimm: 3 AM and I'm still awake

Tuesday, November 16, 2021

Daily Skimm: 3 AM and I'm still awake

November 16, 2021

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Daily Skimm

Skimm'd while shopping our holiday village

Quote of the Day

"Wisdom of Mr. Feeny" – William Daniels, aka Mr. Feeny, endorsing Taylor Swift's album, "Red." He knows All Too Well.

Glow Up

The Story

Grab the hard hats, America's getting some renovations.

Sounds like we're in for a fixer upper.

A big one. Earlier this month, Congress passed a $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill after months of negotiations. Originally, President Biden had proposed a $2.3 trillion plan to revamp the country's transportation and energy systems. But the price tag came with pushback. So, the admin compromised in hopes of getting the bill over the Hill. It worked. Now, Biden's officially signed the new bill into law – divvying up funds for the country to get some TLC. It's the biggest investment in American infrastructure in more than a decade.

Tell me about it.

Over the next five years, the US will be getting $550 billion in new gov funding (courtesy of things like new tax revenues and unused pandemic funds). Among the investments: $110 billion for roads, bridges, and new projects. $65 billion to give the country's broadband a boost. And $7.5 billion to give an extra spark to the EV charging industry. The rest of the money (hello, hundreds of billions of dollars) is going toward things like the electricity grid and water systems. Meanwhile, states from California to Michigan to New Jersey already have big dreams for the funds. Think: protecting waterways like the Great Lakes, building new tunnels to ease road congestion, and wildfire prevention. The Transportation Dept (hi, Sec. Pete Buttigieg) could start depositing funds into states' accounts as soon as next month.

What are people saying?

Biden said the new law shows that Democrats and Republicans "can come together and deliver results." But some Republicans have called out members of their own party for supporting the bill, calling it socialism. Now, Dems are shifting their attention to a separate $2 trillion social spending package, which could include money for paid family leave and climate change (don't forget to recycle). The House hopes to put it to a vote this week. But even if it passes, it faces a hurdle in the Senate – where moderate Dems have squashed previous versions of the measure over its sticker shock. But that's not the only thing giving Congress a headache (see: potential gov shutdown, looming debt ceiling crisis).

theSkimm

One poll found that more than 80% of Americans are in favor of infrastructure upgrades. After months of back-and-forth negotiations, lawmakers have finally found some common ground. It's a win for President Biden and raises hope that lawmakers may be able to compromise on the range of other issues facing the nation.

And Also...This

What everyone is watching…

The Kyle Rittenhouse trial. Yesterday, the judge in the case threw out a weapons charge ahead of closing arguments. Rittenhouse is on trial for homicide after killing two people and injuring a third during a BLM protest in Kenosha, WI, last year. He was also facing a misdemeanor charge of carrying a dangerous weapon as a minor (he was 17 at the time). But Rittenhouse's attorneys argued that the WI law applied to minors with short-barrel rifles. Aka...not the AR-15-style weapon Rittenhouse used. Now, the judge said 'I hear you' and dismissed the charge – which many thought would be a legal slam dunk.

Closing arguments: Yesterday, prosecutors told jurors Rittenhouse can't claim self-defense for "a danger" he created. Rittenhouse's defense said there'd been a "rush to judgment."
Public pushback: Jury deliberations could begin as early as today. Now, Kenosha is on high alert for protests. And has 500 National Guard troops on standby.

Who deserves an apology…

The families of Sandy Hook victims. Yesterday, a Connecticut court found far-right broadcaster and conspiracy theorist Alex Jones liable in a defamation case. For years, Jones has spread false claims that the 2012 Sandy Hook shooting – which claimed the lives of 20 children and six staff members – was staged. Some of the families of the victims sued Jones for defamation in four separate lawsuits. Including three in Texas, where he also lost. The families argued that Jones profited from the false claims. He has since backpedaled and agreed the shooting was in fact real. Now, juries in TX and CT are set to decide how much Jones should pay the families in damages.

Who's making moves…

President Biden. Yesterday, he signed an EO in an effort to protect Native Americans against violence. About 1,500 American Indian and Alaska Native people have been recorded missing across the country. And more than 1.5 million Indigenous women have experienced violence in their lifetime. But that's likely an undercount due to racial profiling and systemic racism in law enforcement. Now, the Depts of Justice, Interior, and Homeland Security have less than a year to create a strategy, address specific law enforcement issues, and support Tribal Nations.

Action plans: In April, the Interior Dept created the Missing & Murdered Unit for Indigenous people. It puts the "full weight" of the federal gov behind investigating cases of missing and murdered Indigenous people.

PS: Indigenous women and girls are more often reported missing and as homicide victims, compared to women of other races and ethnicities. Here's why.

Who's saying 'goodbye'…

Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT). Yesterday, the Senate's longest-serving member announced he's retiring after 46 years on the job.

...Oh and speaking of elections, former Rep. Beto O'Rourke (D-TX) is throwing his (cowboy) hat in the ring for the Texas governor's race.

What "Downton Abbey" fans are saying...

How Pleasing.

Whose new address is 123 Sesame Street…

Ji-Young.

'Tis the Season

Meeting old friends for long walks. Caroling in the park. Bustling from store to store. The holidays tend to include a lot of outside time. Enter: Old Navy. They've got plenty of cozy goodness you'll wanna wear — and gift — as the temps drop. We're talking…

Printed flannel pajamas. The kind you wanna be seen (or snapped) in.
Jogger leggings that look smooth on the outside. But feel cuddly on the inside. Thanks, brushed fleece lining.
An extremely colorful sherpa half-zip. Stripes on stripes on stripes.

Skimm Well

Shorter days. Chilly nights. Themed coffee cups. It is officially that time of year. Yes, the holiday season. Buuut also cold and flu season. And according to the CDC, adults have an avg of two to three colds every year. Ugh.

Of course, keeping your hands clean can help you avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Enter: OLIKA's hand sanitizer. It's effective against 99.9% of germs. Plus it's got aloe vera and glycerin. So it's intensely hydrating, too. Oh, and it comes in a refillable, recyclable (and adorable) dispenser. Shop now for 20% off. So you can stay healthy. And enjoy the holidays to the fullest. Psst...the clip-ons make great stocking stuffers.

Virtual Village

Holiday shopping is ho-ho-here, which means you're searching for wow-worthy gifts for everyone on your list. Since you may not be visiting stores in person, we decided to bring the holiday magic to you...

Introducing theSkimm's Virtual Holiday Village, our interactive experience packed with our absolute fave gift ideas. Head to our Cozy Cabin for presents for the person who loves canceled plans. Or stop by Lovers' Lounge to get something sweet for your partner. If you wanna score big on designer finds, swing by our Chic Steals Chalet, created in partnership with our friends at Saks OFF 5TH. We've got something for everyone (including you).

Skimm Picks

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

1. A NASA-backed way to get the most out of your skincare. This physics-powered device infuses derm-approved serums (think: retinol and collagen) 20x deeper into skin than traditional skincare. Via vegan, cruelty-free micro-mists. PS: Skimm'rs get $100 off for the (pre-)holidays. To glowy skin and beyond.*

2. Festive wine you'll want for all your holiday gatherings. Because it's dry, delicious, and juuuust the right amount of fizzy. Celebrate the season with this female-founded brand's zero-sugar sparkling rosé, white, and red wines. Psst...shipping's always on them. Here's 20% off your first order.*

3. How to advocate for yourself, according to Emily Ratajkowski. Our latest ep of "9 to 5ish with theSkimm," sponsored by Fidelity's Modern Life, dives deep into the model-turned-author's most transformative career moments. Aaaand her life as a mom. Listen up.*

4. An early Black Friday tip you'll wanna write down. Or screenshot. Because a Walmart+ membership is the only thing that'll matter in your group chat today. Members are getting access to their biiiiiiggest online discounts four hours before everyone else.† Happy shopping.*

5. A must-have for the craft-obsessed. Cricut's portable cutting and writing device makes it easy to create custom decals, cards, and labels. And you can buy now and pay at your own pace with Affirm. With plans starting at $28 a month.‡ Yes, really.*

6. Artificial Christmas decorations that'll make your holiday cleanup ten times easier. We're eyeing this pre-lit tree, this mini option, and this snow-crusted wreath. To make wrapping gifts even simpler, snag this paper cutter and ribbon curler. Hacking the holidays.

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

PPS: Check out our selection of the best holiday gifts for everyone on your list.

†Not available to trial members. While supplies last.

‡Rates from 0-30% APR. For example, a $800 purchase might cost $73/mo over 12 months at 15% APR. Payment options through Affirm are subject to an eligibility check, may not be available in all states, and are provided by these lending partners: affirm.com/lenders. Options depend on your purchase amount, and a down payment may be required. CA residents: Loans by Affirm Loan Services, LLC are made or arranged pursuant to a California Finance Lenders Law license.

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.

Polaroid power...Sarah A (MI). She left her job six months ago to pursue her growing photography business full-time. And that includes boudoir sessions so people can feel empowered and their most-authentic selves. Take a snap.

All about the science...Cate W (CA). She graduated with a PhD in metabolic biology this year and launched a private nutrition practice. Cate's goal is to help others understand the science behind healthy choices. Check it out.

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

Skimm More

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