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Monday, April 18, 2022
Daily Skimm: My heart's pounding like I'm watching Oprah's farewell season
— Brett Goldstein aka Roy Kent teaching kids the 'F' word. Hint: 'F' is for 'fairness.'
Lockdown
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The Story
COVID-19 is on the rise in Shanghai. And so are tensions.
Catch me up.
Last month, the city became the epicenter of China's largest outbreak since the beginning of the pandemic. And went into lockdown. ICYMI, the country has a zero-tolerance COVID-19 policy. Meaning: mass testing, mandatory quarantines, and lockdowns. Fast forward to today: 25 million people in Shanghai are still trapped in their homes, some separated from family members. As food and medicine run short. And people there are growing more frustrated by the rules every day.
Go on.
People who test positive are sent to quarantine centers. Some have complained about the poor conditions there (like reports of no showers and lights staying on all night). And authorities are kicking people out of their homes to convert them into additional facilities. Residents have taken to the streets to protest — and videos on social media (which have since been taken down) show protestors being taken away by police in hazmat suits.
So is this policy working?
Depends who you ask. Today, officials confirmed three elderly people died due to COVID-19 — the city's first deaths since this latest outbreak hit. A record number of nearly 20,000 cases were reported there over the weekend (though they're largely asymptomatic). And as China's financial hub, the strict rules in Shanghai have led to factory closures and delays at ports — causing a ripple effect and adding to ongoing supply chain issues. But officials are painting a more positive picture, and have reportedly set a goal to reach "zero-COVID at the community level" by Wednesday.
theSkimm
Like the rest of the world, people in China continue to deal with the brunt of COVID-19. But where things differ is that most of the suffering in China is now coming from the gov's efforts to curb its spread. Leaving many isolated, without basics like food or money.
And Also...This
Where people are keeping an eye on…
Mariupol. On Sunday, Russia gave Ukrainian forces in the city an ultimatum: surrender or die. Instead, Ukrainian officials vowed "to fight to the end" as Russian troops encircle the port city. But the situation in Mariupol remains "dire." After 50 days of fighting, much of the city is in ruins. Up to 22,000 people have died. And the 100,000 who remain there are running out of water and food, fast. While several attempts to evacuate civilians have failed.
Putin's prize: Mariupol would be Russia's first major win since the start of its invasion. Because it's strategically placed, linking Crimea with other Russian-backed territories. It would also strangle Ukraine's economy by cutting off major ports.
Where state officials are keeping busy…
Texas. On Friday, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) backtracked on a new truck inspection order following bipartisan backlash and protests. In an effort to "secure the border," the order required extra inspections for commercial trucks entering TX from Mexico. But it caused major traffic jams — up to 30 hours long. And left $150 million in fruits and vegetables stalled at the border. Now, Abbott is scrapping his plan. And partnering with Mexican officials to create better ways to beef up border security.
Florida. Last week, the state's Department of Education rejected over 50 math textbooks. The reason? They include "prohibited topics" like critical race theory (CRT). The Sunshine State banned CRT from being taught in classrooms last year, amid a conservative push to limit conversations aboutrace and racism in schools. Now, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) is praising the move, while critics argue it turns classrooms into "political battlefields."
Who thinks Elon Musk is a tough 'pill' to swallow...
Twitter. On Friday, its board of directorsadopted a "poison pill" plan. Which would help it avoid a hostile takeover by reducing a person's or group's control over the company. Cough, Elon Musk, cough. Remember: He bought a 9% stake in Twitter, making him the largest shareholder. And made a bid to buy the company for about $43 billion. But Twitter is saying 'not so fast.' Its new plan would allow shareholders to buy more shares at a discount if Musk bought more than 15% of the company. So don't be surprised if this fight goes 'til the Twitter, er, bitter end.
The weather's getting warmer. Days are getting longer. And we're all dreaming about fun in the sun. In other words, now's the time to order some new swimsuits. Andie's supportive, stylish ones are made for women, by women. In size XS–XXXL, classic and long torso length. The best part? Skimm'rs get 15% off their first order with code SKIMMYDIP. Here are some of our faves:
'Tis the season of flower bouquets, brunch reservations, and quality time with your fam. To help you score something perfect for the most special person in your life, we rounded up our foolproof recs to help make her moment magical. Love ya, Mom.
Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…
A new, binge-worthy series from a (very) familiar fam. Alert the group chat and clear your cal because Hulu's "The Kardashians" is fiiiiinally here.† And it's got all the sister-momager drama, billion-dollar empire BTS, and intimate confessionals we were hoping for. Add to kueue.*
A conversation about COVID-19 that parents won't want to miss. In a special episode of Skimm This, sponsored by Boston Children's Hospital, we talked to a pediatrician about everything from the vaccine to managing mental health. And got info that will really help. Listen in.*
A workout program that'll keep you accountable. This brand can help you set realistic fitness goals. Then give you unlimited one-on-one coaching to make sure you stick with them. Because teamwork makes the dream work.Psst…Skimm'rs get 50% off their first three months.*
Scarlett Johansson's advice for keeping an open mind. In our latest ep of "9 to 5ish," sponsored by Porsche, we chat with the Hollywood star and skincare business owner about bouncing back from rejection and saying "yes" without looking back. Tune in.*
*PS: This is a sponsored post.
†Sponsored by Hulu. Hulu subscription required.
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.
Next-level self-care...Stephanie L (CA). She created an emotionally intelligent personal care brand that's redefining self-care. With BIPOC-mental-health-professional-approved products that can be used any and (just about) everywhere. Psst...she's giving Skimm'rs 15% off with code SKIMM15.*
(Some) Birthdays…Amy Eisen Bakst (NY), Emily Holm (IA), Devyn Lamon (GA), Sara Reed (NY), Jessica McCall (MA), Rachel Rogers (AR), Sara Turner (UT), George Dai (CA), Cece Metzdorff (IL), Bernadette Antoon (DC), Kylie Yocum (LA), Makayla Steiner (IA), Heather Howerton (CO), Tim Allen (GA), Aly King (CT)
Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
*PS This is a sponsored post.
Skimm More
Black Widow. Nicole Barber. Samantha. Whatever you know Scarlett Johansson from, she didn't become one of the world's highest-paid actors without some hustle. Listen to our ep of "9 to 5ish," where she shares everything from how she's reframed rejection to starting her new skincare line, The Outset.
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