News: Daily Skimm: 'Cause I'm burnin' up

Monday, January 24, 2022

Daily Skimm: 'Cause I'm burnin' up

January 24, 2022

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Daily Skimm

Skimm'd during the final week of our How to Skimm Your Life Challenge

Quote of the Day

"Such is life" — New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern, who canceled her wedding because of the COVID-19 surge. PMs, they're just like us.

'Tis the Damn Tax Season

The Story

Get your calculators ready: tax season is here.

What are we working with?

Backlogs. The IRS is still working through millions of returns from 2020. And this is all brought on by worker shortages, underfunding, and new pandemic-related programs (like child tax credit payments). The Biden admin has called it "unacceptable." Now, today marks the first day you can officially start filing your 2021 tax returns. And you may want to hop to it: rumor has it the early bird gets the early refund. For those who like to live life on the edge, you've got until at least April 18 to get it done.

Any tips?

Parents who've received any child tax credit should be prepared to spend a little more time filling out their tax forms — so save the mail the IRS sends you. The same applies to those who've received their March stimulus check. For any entrepreneurs out there, we've got you covered. But be aware that mistakes can slow your return. So can a bigger refund (rude). But filing electronically and setting up direct deposits could speed up the process. Questions? The IRS has free resources available for help. But maybe stay away from calling — considering the IRS reportedly only answered 11% of 282 million phone calls last year.

theSkimm

Taxes are just another example of how the pandemic has upended everyday life. And the government is still trying to play catch up.

And Also...This

Who's apparently strategizing…

Russia. Over the weekend, the UK accused the Kremlin of planning to install a pro-Russian leader in Ukraine. Things between Ukraine and Russia have been tense lately. More than 100,000 Russian troops have been gathering along Ukraine's borders — and the threat of invasion continues to grow. Ukrainian officials reportedly say the Kremlin's been working to promote discord. Now, this is the second time in a week that a Western nation has accused Russia of crossing a line. The US also says the Kremlin was trying to sabotage its neighboring country by sending in operatives. And has moved to reduce staff levels at the US Embassy in Kyiv — telling nonessential staff and family members to head home. World leaders have been warning Russian President Vladimir Putin of "severe economic consequences" if he steps out of bounds.

Who's saying 'listen to the data'...

The CDC. Last week, officials published data that shows Pfizer and Moderna boosters are 90% effective at preventing hospitalizations from Omicron. The variant has played a role in a major COVID-19 surge around the world — with the US seeing record levels of hospitalizations and about 2,000 deaths per day. Good news: the US is on track to pass the peak as soon as next month. And in some states, that's already happened. In the meantime, experts are saying 'vaccines help' — even if breakthrough infections are more common.

Who people want answers for…

Lauren Smith-Fields. Her family is planning to sue Bridgeport, CT police. Last month, the 23-year-old Black woman died in her apartment after a date with a white man she met on Bumble. The cause of death has not been determined. But her family is planning to sue police, accusing them of being "racially insensitive" in handling her case. They apparently say police didn't do a thorough search of the apartment. And that two weeks later, they did another search, finding a condom and pill in her apartment. Police say the investigation remains "open and active." It comes as the FBI also has an update on the case of…

Gabby Petito. On Friday, the FBI said that ex-fiancé Brian Laundrie admitted killing the 22-year-old white woman in a notebook uncovered near his remains. Petito's family thanked the FBI for its support. The Laundrie family's lawyer said they hope the families can "begin to heal and move forward."

Skimm More: Gabby Petito's case opened up the conversation around missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls around the country. Here's what you need to know.

Who people are remembering...

Thierry Mugler. Yesterday, the iconic French fashion designer died at age 73. Mugler's creations helped redefine the female silhouette in the late '80s. And his pieces made headlines with celebrities from Cardi B to Kim Kardashian to Beyoncé. Tributes poured in for the ballet dancer turned fashion designer, including from Brian Atwood who remembered Mugler as a "visionary."

What's got us one step closer to Super Bowl LVI...

The AFC and NFC championships.

While the lack of paid family leave in the US has consequences…

One woman's story is going viral.

How to Skimm Your Life Challenge

It's the last week of our How to Skimm Your Life New Year's Challenge, presented by Athleta, Fidelity, and Sephora. Anddd there's still one thing on your list: making one. Because together, "to" and "do" might be the most stressful words ever. So meet the to-do list remix: the "get-to-do" list. Instead of framing your tasks as chores, make them (or trick yourself into thinking they are) desires. Try writing sentences that begin with "I get to ____'' instead of a laundry list of anxiety-inducing bullet points. Your stress levels will thank you, and sh*t will still get done — with some added joy. We've got more ways to give your workday a remix, here.

PS: Keep the stress down and the good vibes up by checking out all our previous challenges here.

Skimm Picks

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

1. The only credit card your wallet needs. Whether you're swiping for groceries, gas, dinners out, or…anything else. With this Ascent-fave card, you can earn up to 5% cash back on everyday purchases. Plus, there's zero annual fee. And a prettyyyy sweet sign-up bonus. Learn more.*

2. A tightening, brightening eye cream that's basically beauty sleep in a bottle. This formula is full of powerful ingredients like green tea and shea butter. It instantly smooths skin and helps reduce the appearance of dark circles. Plus Skimm'rs get 15% off. How eye-deal.*

3. A bra that understands the urge to go braless. Stay with us. LIVELY's plunge, push-up, t-shirt, and bralette styles are designed with comfort in mind. And without pokey wires, awk padding, or straps that dig. Plus Skimm'rs get 15% off their first purchase. Easy bra-zy.*

4. A workout program that's all about endor-fun. Yeah, we said it. Make your move with obé's live and on-demand classes. Led by former Rockettes dancers, Broadway performers, and other pros. Psst…Skimm'rs get their first two months for just $2 with code SKIMM2.*

5. How to grocery shop smarter. With this membership, you can get fresh produce, pasta, and anything else you're hungry for delivered free from your local Walmart.† As soon as the same day you order it. Psst...Skimm'rs can try it free.*

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

†$35 order minimum. Restrictions apply.

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.

Write on…Julie M (AZ). Julie recently published her very first book, "Barbed." It's a memoir that captures her vulnerability as she fought to save her marriage and family business. Check it out.

Making moves…Shanna G (VA). She was recently promoted to nurse educator at her hospital. All in the face of the pandemic.

(Some) Birthdays…Carol Schulweis (NY), Phil Voss (CA), Emma Lawler (NY), Kristen Koko (DC), Briana Miles (NE), Kamdyn Fogo (CO), Samantha Gerken (NE), Sarah Weigle (GA), Kaitlin Goldin (CA), Molly Ho (NY), Carolyn Warren (TX), Kathryn Kotowski (WI), Lauren Marlowe (PA), Samantha Carnevale (NJ), Izzie Raitt (CO)

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

Skimm More

Not many of us would say career setbacks are helpful. But we're not Lindsey Vonn. Last week on "9 to 5ish," we spoke with the Olympian skier about mental toughness, life after skiing, and more. Check it out.

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

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