News: Daily Skimm: Waiting on the world to change

Thursday, February 24, 2022

Daily Skimm: Waiting on the world to change

February 24, 2022

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Daily Skimm

Quote of the Day

"That's my mom. Hold on" — A reporter on camera after his mom surprised him on the job. Probably to say 'you're doing great, sweetie.'

Attack on Ukraine

The Story

Russian President Vladimir Putin has attacked eastern Ukraine.

Explain.

Last night, Putin announced a "special military operation" in Ukraine after months of escalating tensions and troop reinforcements along the border. He said it's because separatists from Donetsk and Luhansk had called for backup. And claimed that Russia had received threats from Ukraine. (A seed of disinformation Russia has planted for days.) Now, tanks have begun rolling in — all under Putin's orders for the "demilitarization and denazification" of Ukraine.

This is a lot.

It is. He also warned the world that if anyone interfered, they would face consequences. But Putin still claims he never meant to (and won't) "occupy Ukraine." Immediately after his announcement, there were reports of explosions heard near Kyiv's Boryspil airport. Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, and over a dozen other cities were hit with missiles. Russia allegedly first targeted military buildings. And is reportedly getting help from Belarus.

How's Ukraine reacting?

President Volodymyr Zelensky declared martial law and cut diplomatic ties with Moscow. It comes as Zelensky has said he's prepared to defend the country. And has called on military reservists to fight. Meanwhile, the country's foreign minister maintains Russia launched "a full-scale invasion of Ukraine." And authorities reportedly say more than 40 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed and dozens are wounded.

And the world?

President Biden condemned Russia's "unprovoked and unjustified attack." He could announce more on the US response today. But only 26% of Americans say the US should get involved in the conflict. Meanwhile, the EU is looking to approve another round of sanctions, calling the attack "barbaric." The UK said it will work with allies to "decisively" respond. And France called on Putin to end military operations "immediately."

theSkimm

Russia's decision to launch an attack on Ukraine is something that the US, Ukraine, and European allies have been hoping to avoid — especially because it could be the beginning of Europe's biggest war in decades.

PS: A lot has unfolded between Russia and Ukraine in recent weeks. Here's how we got here.

And Also...This

What could be getting revamped…

NYC subways. Yesterday, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) — the nation's largest public transit system — said it's testing out platform barriers at three stations. The goal is to keep people off the tracks amid an uptick in violence in the city's subway system. Earlier this year, the city mourned 40-year-old Michelle Go after she was pushed in front of an oncoming train. And last year, 30 people were pushed onto the tracks. It's got people advocating for change. Now, after years of resisting an MTA upgrade, the city's saying 'we'll try it.' The plan could get platform barriers up in some stations by 2024. But it's still years behind other major cities like Paris, Hong Kong, and London that have already set things up.

There's more: NYC also announced a new plan to better address homelessness and crime in the subway system. Think: by expanding the number of police officers and mental health care workers and crackdown loitering at stations.
Raising alarms: It comes as there's been an uptick in hate crimes on the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. More than 9,000 hate crimes since the beginning of the pandemic. And at least 10 major US cities set new homicide records last year, including Philadelphia and Portland.

Who's saying 'I'm pulling up on you'...

US truckers. Yesterday, a group began their drive from California to DC to protest COVID-19 restrictions — even as states are easing up on pandemic rules. They're taking cues from Canada's "Freedom Convoy" protests that paralyzed the country's capital. Now, more than two dozen truckers are calling themselves the "People's Convoy." And are expected to make their way to DC by the end of next week. The US gov is saying 'we're ready.' And is preparing to have 700 National Guard troops at the ready.

What women in the US shouldn't have to be dying from...

Pregnancy or childbirth. Yesterday, the CDC released a new report that found US maternal deaths jumped 14% between 2019 and 2020. That number represents 861 women who died in 2020. And Black women were disproportionately at risk, representing one third of those who died. Experts say COVID-19 "likely" contributed to the rise. Pregnant people are at higher risk for severe disease if they catch COVID-19 and have low vaccination rates. But the US already has the highest maternal death rate of any developed nation — and the rate continues to rise. Year after year after year.

Who's saying 'wrap it up'...

The FDA. Yesterday, it authorized a new condom made for both front and back shenanigans. Because safety first.

While you're still not over "Inventing Anna"...

Some Spider-Men are here to make memes come true.

More Than Skin Deep

Fact: Nourishing your skin and body from within can get you glowing. More facts: Matcha is packed with catechins, which can keep your skin looking firm and bright and help rev your metabolism. It's also filled with chlorophyll, which supports your body's cleansing process. Aaand L-theanine, an amino acid that can help balance your mood, reduce stress, and give you on-the-go energy without the crash.

But not all matcha is created equal. Pique Life's Sun Goddess Matcha has more L-theanine than your avg blend. It's also quadruple screened for purity. Plus, it tastes creamy and rich — especially in a latte or smoothie. Did we mention Skimm'rs get 18% off through March 11? Drink up.

Asking for a Friend

We're back with another homebuying Q, sourced straight from Skimm'rs. Here's what REALTORS® (aka members of the National Association of REALTORS®) had to say…

Q: Is it better to put off buying a home until I have 20% for a down payment

REALTORS®: Wanna know a little real estate secret? Most buyers don't. The median down payment for first-time buyers is 7%, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. Without putting 20% down, your monthly payments will likely be higher (we see you, private mortgage insurance). But you don't have to miss out. In fact, there are several first-time homebuyer loans and grants that can help you make a purchase with less than 20%. Some even require less than 3%. The more you know.

Psst…REALTORS® are members of the National Association of REALTORS®.

Skimm Life

Design: theSkimm | Photo: Alleyoop, Lola, Sanuk

Winter can be a real drag. Dreary weather and way too much time spent indoors may have you craving some good ol' vitamin D. To help brighten your days before spring makes its official entrance, we rounded up some recs that'll boost your mood (and give you an excuse to head outdoors). Sunny days ahead.

Skimm Picks

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

1. Newly launched sneakers you'll want before spring starts. Trust us. This Skimm-fave brand's new eco-friendly kicks are an instant wardrobe staple. They're comfy enough to wear all day, and chic enough to wear with…well, everything. Run, don't walk.*

2. Stress relief and resilience-building 101. Noom's newest psych-based program is all about living more mindfully — in ways that work for you and your sched. Think: 10-minute lessons, mood trackers, one-on-one coaching, and more. Class is in session.*

3. Where to turn when your closet is begging for leggings. Because who are we to deny its needs? Enter: Athleta. They've got so many styles, you'll never have to wear buttons again. Personally, we're eyeing their new Elation Rib Crop Flare. Check 'em out.*

4. How to get more bang for your beef. This service sends high-quality meats right to your door. And for the next 48 hours, they're giving Skimm'rs two free pounds of grass-fed beef with every box (plus a special discount) with code SKIMM20. Don't wait.*

5. How to give your skin the glow it deserves. Sans filter. This viral brand's lightweight gel-primer will brighten and dew-ify any look. You can use it alone or mix it with your fave foundation. But don't wait. It sells out fast. Here's 15% off.*

6. An expert's guide to learning on the fly. On this week's "9 to 5ish," sponsored by Porsche, LIVELY's founder and CEO tells us how she went from searching 'business plan examples' to reaching a $105 million valuation. Listen up.*

*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.

Travel arrangements…Tracey M (IL). She turned her passion for traveling in style into a business. And her chic wristlets, toiletry bags, and jewelry organizers can help you spend less time unpacking and more time vacationing.*

(Some) Birthdays…Sarah Greig (NY), Audrey Aviles (FL), Lauren Cellucci (MA), Jinal R. Patel (IL), Jessica Kuppan (NY), Margaret Wade Sayre (MN), Alejandra Navas (FL), Lindsay McBride (VA), Darcey Still (VA), Roger Ward (FL), Lindsay Walton (AR), Dana Pehrson (CA), Kaitlynn Baksa (MI), Chelsee Dalessandro (PA), Kelly O'Connor (MI)

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

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

Skimm More

Design: Camille Rapay | Photo: Courtesy of Kathryn Finney

For Black History Month, we've been speaking with women who are carrying Black culture forward. Enter: Kathryn Finney, a renowned entrepreneur and investor. We discussed how to survive in a white, male-dominated industry. And how she uses her fund to invest in Black founders. Plus, learn about her fave book, podcast, and company pitch. Check out the full interview here.

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