News: Daily Skimm: Can I make it any more obvious?

Friday, November 5, 2021

Daily Skimm: Can I make it any more obvious?

November 5, 2021

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Daily Skimm

Skimm'd while talking to Huma Abedin about working her way up at the White House

Quote of the Day

"Doug" – The name of a large ugly potato found in New Zealand. We think he's just spud-tacular.

On Trial

The Story

The trial over Ahmaud Arbery's killing begins today.

Tell me.

In February 2020, former police officer Gregory McMichael and his son Travis chased and shot Arbery down, killing the 25-year-old Black man while he was on a jog. The gunman allegedly used a racial slur after shooting Arbery. And a third man recorded the shooting. The case sparked outrage after video of the shooting went public. And after reports of failures within the county DA's office. Arbery's family called it a modern lynching. Protesters demanded justice. Now, the three men are on trial in Brunswick, Georgia, for murder and face life in prison. They claim they killed Arbery in self-defense during a citizen's arrest. But already, there's concern that the trial isn't a fair one.

Why's that?

Well first, docs the judge had thrown out as evidence were reportedly left on the court's website for all to see (including potential jurors). Then, after nearly three weeks of jury selection, turns out all but one of the 12 jurors are white. (For reference the trial's happening in a county that's more than 25% Black.) The defense team had removed eight potential Black jurors. Prosecutors asked the judge to jump in, calling the move "unconstitutional." But the judge said 'yeah there's some intentional discrimination there but just not enough for me to be able to do something about it.' Now, Arbery's mom says she feels discouraged and has "concerns about getting a guilty verdict." It's not the only trial people are watching.

Go on.

Earlier this week, Kyle Rittenhouse's trial began in Kenosha, Wisconsin. In August 2020, he shot and killed Anthony Huber and Joseph Rosenbaum and injured a third person during protests following the police shooting of Jacob Blake – a 29-year-old Black man. Just two days in, the trial's already garnering some concern and facing accusations of racial bias. A juror's been dismissed for joking about Blake – who is now paralyzed. And the judge has banned prosecutors from calling Rosenbaum and Huber "victims." But said "rioters" and "looters" is just fine if the defense can prove that's the case.

theSkimm

The shootings at the center of these trials came amid America's racial reckoning. Now, over a year later, racial tensions and the legal system are on public display in what many see as tests for justice.

And Also...This

What's got updates…

The Steele dossier. Yesterday, federal authorities arrested Igor Danchenko, a Russian analyst who provided opposition research on former President Trump. That research was made up of largely unverified allegations that then-candidate Trump was conspiring with Russia to beat then-candidate Hillary Clinton. Danchenko was the one feeding into the dossier which was later used in reports by former British spy Christopher Steele – hence the name. (Still with us? Great.) But a 2019 DOJ report found that Danchenko's intel was more speculative. Now, authorities have arrested him on charges that he lied to the FBI about how he got his intel. He appeared in fed court and is out on bond.

Sound familiar?: Danchenko is the third person to be arrested in connection to the Steele dossier. Last year, a former FBI attorney pleaded guilty for altering an email in connection to the case. And in September a cybersecurity lawyer was charged for lying to the FBI.

Where people are watching…

Ethiopia. The conflict there is threatening to erupt in full-scale war. This week marked one year since Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed launched military operations against the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) – a regional ruling party in the country's northern Tigray region. He said it was because the TPLF attacked a military base and tried to steal weapons and artillery. Since then, thousands of people have died and over 1 million others have been displaced. The UN has accused both sides of potential war crimes and crimes against humanity. Now, the Ethiopian gov has declared a state of emergency. Abiy has urged citizens to "bury" TPLF members approaching the capital – a statement Facebook has since removed. Meanwhile, there are reports that the government is rounding up ethnic Tigrayans in the capital and arresting them in house-to-house searches. The US and UN are calling for an immediate ceasefire.

What's adding to its COVID-19 tool box…

The UK. Yesterday, it became the first country to approve use of a COVID-19 antiviral pill. Last month, NJ-based pharma giant Merck said molnupiravir (say that five times fast) cut hospitalizations and deaths by about half. It's considered a game changer since other COVID-19 treatments require an IV or injection. Now, the UK wants to give citizens the option to treat the virus at home. And has already agreed to purchase 480,000 doses of the drug. The British health sec said it was a "historic day." And recs its use as soon as possible.

Across the pond: The drug hasn't gained approval in the US yet. But an FDA panel will review it later this month. If all goes well, it could be available to Americans as soon as next month.

...Oh and speaking of COVID-19, the Biden admin has announced a Jan 4 deadline for companies with 100+ workers to have all employees vaccinated or get tested weekly. It affects an estimated 84 million people. We Skimm'd more on vaccinations in the workplace here.

Where women are making history…

Vatican City. Yesterday, Pope Francis selected Sister Raffaella Petrini to take on the city's No. 2 position of government. Now, the 52-year-old Italian nun is apparently the first woman in that role, and the highest-ranking woman in the Vatican. Hol-yay.

What's going to give you the Sunday scaries...

Daylight saving time.

PS: Darker days can affect seasonal affective disorder. We Skimm'd what that is and some at-home remedies.

Alllll Made Up

If your beauty routine is "put on your makeup and go," you're not alone. But priming your face before applying products (then adding setting spray after) can help your lewks last. Aaand keep your skin niiiiice and hydrated. If you're lewking (get it?) to add those steps, HSN's got you. Hit their site for...

A creamy, coconut water-infused face primer ($35). The kind that helps moisturize skin. But also makes it look brighter and smoother.
A weightless mist for priming, setting, and refreshing ($34). Talk about a triple threat.
A travel-friendly set with both of the above ($54). So you can get that dewy, luminous finish everywhere you go.

Skimm Well

TTK: Orthorexia

It's a term for obsessing over 'proper' eating and exercise. Think: putting 'clean foods' on a pedestal, calling carbs 'cheat meals,' and striving to burn off every calorie you eat. Though these habits may be well intentioned, they're not the healthiest things for your mind or body. Let us explain.

Skimm Reads

"Our Country Friends" by Gary Shteyngart

And just like that, the great American pandemic novel is here. We've got eight people (among them: a novelist, a psychiatrist, a K-pop-loving child, and even a movie star) living together in a country house in the Hudson Valley in March 2020. It's the literary equivalent of "The Real World" — where everyone stops being polite and starts getting real during the group's six-month stay in isolation. It's free of all the bad vibes you might be feeling when you think of a pandemic-set story. And by the book's end, trust us when we say you'll be sad to see these quirky characters go.

Skimm Picks

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

1. How to get a free turkey this holiday season. This subscription delivers high-quality meats and seafood to your door. And new members get a free turkey in their first box. PS: Skimm'rs get up to $100 off when they sign up today with code TURKEY100.

2. Gifts for absolutely everyone on your list. Thanks to Old Navy. They've got hats, scarves, gloves, fleeces, lined activewear, and all. the. sweaters. In a bunch of fun colors and prints. Talk about happy all-idays.*

3. How to stay refreshed and energized allllll day long. RIP to that energy bar at the bottom of your bag. This brand's drink mixes are packed with immunity-boosting vitamins and electrolytes. Stock up with their newly released tubs for nutrient-filled goodness by the scoop.*

4. A clean, eco-friendly hand and body cream for the ultimate chill session. This brand's anti-inflammatory full-spectrum CBD cream is formulated to relieve pain and boost your mood. PS: Skimm'rs get 40% off exclusive early access bundles. (Plus 30% off sitewide.) Ahhhh.*

5. Our absolute must-have products on Amazon. Holiday shopping has arrived and we're looking for quick delivery. We've compiled great stocking stuffers, last-minute gifts, and more all in one place. Oh, and while you're at it, take a peak at Oprah's Favorite Things too. Time to get ahead of the game.

6. Cleaning tablets that'll do the heavy lifting for you. Because you can't really scrub your washing machine, dishwasher, and garbage disposal by hand. These tablets work to power away soap scum and grime, leftover detergent, and icky odors. You can use them monthly to keep everything spick and span. Mission accomplished.

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

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

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.

App-solutely...Rebecca R (NC). She's making an app for caregivers and people with memory issues. Soon to be in the App Store free of charge.

Taking the lead...Melissa R and Ali E (TX). They launched the Women's Council of Entrepreneurs to provide women business owners with the tools they need to run a successful business. And are expanding their in-person networking chapters all over TX. Learn more.

(Some) Birthdays...Lauren Castleman (PA), theSkimm's Joe James-Rodriguez (NY), Deliliah Schwartz (NY), Arielle Siner (OH), Tommy Melly (NY), Michele Cahoone (PA), Howard Jahre (NY), Neda Norouzi (GA), Tristan Henry-Wilson (NJ), Manny Mossberger (IL), Jessica Presti Otero (PA), Megan Ahlman (OH), Aakriti Agrawal (NE), Natalie Gibbons (CA), Alba Cindy Nyenatee (TX)

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

Skimm More

A lot of businesses (hello, oil companies and fashion brands) claim to have Big Green Energy, when in reality they aren't *that* environmentally friendly. In this week's ep of "Skimm This," we'll dive into the phenomenon of "greenwashing" and share ways to avoid being fooled while trying to cut our carbon footprint.

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

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