News: Daily Skimm: Draw me like one of your French girls

Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Daily Skimm: Draw me like one of your French girls

January 26, 2022

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Daily Skimm

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Quote of the Day

"We have a lot in common" — Mila Kunis to Demi Moore in a new AT&T commercial. Like...a(sh)ton.

I'm the Map

The Story

Alabama has to roll out a new map.

What's this about?

Gerrymandering. Every 10 years, the US Census gives a pulse check on how many House seats each state should get. The process gets state legislatures and commissions to start redrawing maps like millennials taking on a pandemic-era coloring book. In theory, these new maps should reflect changes in population size. But the party in power has sometimes used this as an opportunity to draw outside the lines — and sketch the map to keep themselves in power. Enter: Alabama.

Tell me.

Last year, the state's Republican-majority legislature approved a newly drawn map that had only one majority-Black district and essentially said, 'Picasso, I like it.' But the state is about 27% Black, so lawmakers and voters sued. And said there should be at least two significantly Black districts. This week, a federal court agreed, saying the GOP map likely violates the Voting Rights Act — the landmark law that bans discriminatory voting practices. And told the state legislature 'back to the drawing board.'

How often does this happen?

It's common. Earlier this month, Ohio's Supreme Court said 'redo' over a map favoring Republicans. Republicans in Maryland and Illinois are suing over maps that allegedly favor Democrats. The Justice Dept sued Texas over its redistricting maps. North Carolina just got the OK from a panel of judges upholding their latest map. And New York is throwing its hands up over a partisan stalemate. It comes amid a broader trend of states cracking down on voter rights.

theSkimm

How district lines are drawn can affect everything from federal funding allocation to hospitals and schools — to voting power for this year's midterms and beyond. And so far, gerrymandering is leaving a stain.

Skimm More: Here's how redistricting could impact your vote in the 2022 election.

And Also...This

Who's saying 'my fault'...

The Australian Open. Yesterday, the tennis tournament reversed its ban on fans wearing t-shirts saying "Where is Peng Shuai?" Last year, the tennis star disappeared for 18 days after accusing a former Communist Party official of sexual assault. Since then, Peng has retracted the claim — causing concern that she's only changed the story after pressure from Chinese officials. She's appeared rarely since. And with the star missing from the Australian Open, fans started a movement to draw attention to her whereabouts. Over the weekend, the tournament told them to hold off on the t-shirts, citing its longstanding ban on political statements. Cue: outrage. Now, organizers say spectators are allowed to wear the shirts as long as fans remain "peaceful."

What's on our minds…

Babies. Earlier this week, a study found that giving low-income mothers just $333 per month changed their baby's brain activity, and developed stronger cognitive skills. A neuroscientist called the findings "proof" that even a small amount of money leads to better brain development. And the report comes just weeks after the federal gov's pandemic-era child tax credit expired. It could boost calls for more direct cash transfers to America's poor — with more than 37 million people in the US living in poverty. But the study still requires more research. That's because the effect size was relatively modest. And it's still not clear what the lasting impact may be.

...Oh and in DC, a pilot program will give new and pregnant mothers living in the area $900 in monthly cash assistance. Cues, taken.

Skimm More: Most Americans don't have access to paid family leave. Here's a look at the reality of child care in the US.

Who's out to get Omicron…

Pfizer and BioNTech. Yesterday, they announced the launch of clinical trials for an Omicron-specific vaccine. In the US, the Omicron peak is expected to come next month. But results for this trial aren't expected for several months at least. It comes as Regeneron and other antibody drugs are struggling against the variant. But as the CDC found existing vaccines and boosters still provide protection against hospitalizations and death.

Skimm More: Here's what you need to know about the Omicron variant.

Who's saying 'pencils down'..

The SATs.

How to Skimm Your Life Challenge

When it comes to makeup and skincare, clean is the word. So today's How to Skimm Your Life challenge, presented by Sephora, is to add clean to your routine. One clean beauty product, that is. The kind without unwanted ingredients. Psst...Sephora's got a list of clean brands and products riiiight here. How b-e-a-utiful.

PS: Keep sparking joy by checking out allll our challenges here.

Skimm Well

In honor of hump day, we've gotta ask: Do you ever get a sudden, seemingly random urge to get busy in the bedroom? That's called spontaneous desire. Talk about bow chicka wow wow.

Responsive desire, on the other hand, might hit after sexy time starts. If that feels more familiar, we've got a few things you can work into your down and dirty time. Think: exchanging massages with your partner(s), watching something steamy on TV, and playing with Dame's Pom vibrator. The Pom is waterproof, flexible, and small enough to fit in the palm (get it?) of your hand. Order now to get it in time for Valentine's Day — and get 15% off. Oh, yes.

Skimm Picks

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

1. A money move that could save you some serious cash. Quicken Loans® takes all the guesswork out of refinancing your home. ‡With real-time quotes, 24/7 access to your loan status, and a speedy application process. Answer these short questions to get started.*

2. A 13-in-one blender you need in your kitchen right now. We know you hear a lot of things do it all. But this mixer actually does. it. all. Plus it's easy to clean, BPA-free, and comes with a cookbook for a little extra inspo. Shop on.*

3. Feel-good supplements that might just make you a morning person. That third snooze button? Not needed. Because this brand's delicious gummies, powders, and wellness boosts can help you start every day off right. Psst…Skimm'rs get 20% off until Jan 31 with code SKIMM20. Rise, shine, repeat.*

4. No-fail gifts for those special people in your life. Maybe you're looking for the perfect birthday gift under $50 for someone in your fam. Or something truly unforgettable for the guy who claims he doesn't need anything. Either way — we've got ya covered.

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

‡NMLS #3030

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.

Look good, feel good…Elaine W (BC). She's the co-chair for Dress for Success, a non-profit helping empower women to achieve economic independence.

Who's a runner, a track star… Alexis R (KY). She's training for a marathon this spring to raise money for Parkinson's in honor of her dad.

(Some) Birthdays…Sydney Pepper (NJ), Chelsea Wheeler (NY), Whitney Yount (MD), Mille Davis Alderman (AR), Maridee Charlton (CA), Kera Recce (PA), Cristina Ramos (NY), Ely Cabrera (NY), Chris Fretz (NJ), Alex Melton (CA), Miral Gothi (NJ), Niccole Wilson (IL), Donna Grosser (FL), Taylor Moore (CA)

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

Skimm More

ICYMI: theSkimm announced a new semester of SkimmU, this time with a focus on wellness. Sign up for SkimmU Well courses on mental health, sustainable nutrition, sleep hygiene, and financial wellness. Oh, and it's free.

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

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