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— Nick Jonas, on looking forward to embarrassing his daughter when she's older. Top to the bottom, just cool.
Top Story
Not New, Not Yet Normal
The Story
President Biden will end the US's COVID emergency status.
Catch me up.
Yesterday, Biden told Congress that the US will end its national emergency and public health emergency declarations for COVID. The move — kicking into gear in May — will end a ton of federal dollars going toward the pandemic. That could mean boosters are no longer free and tests are about to get more expensive (so you may want to stock up now). The news comes as House Republicans pushed for emergency status to end immediately, calling it wasteful. But the admin says that would create "wide-ranging chaos" for hospitals and doctors. It's not the only COVID update from yesterday.
Go on.
A new study found COVID to be the eighth most common cause of death in kids. Children and young people make up about 0.1% of the 1.1 million Americans who've died of the virus. But that's still more than 1,300 people. Now, this study found that COVID has surpassed the flu and pneumonia as a leading cause of death for kids, following shortly after homicides and heart disease. Given the efficacy of vaccines, the study found that COVID may be also the leading vaccine-preventable disease. The news comes as more than 90% of kids in the US under 5 remain unvaccinated — and less than 10% have gotten a booster.
theSkimm
The World Health Organization lists COVID as a public health emergency — but now says the pandemic is "probably at a transition point." Some see reclassifications like this as an overdue acknowledgment of the world moving on. Others see them as humanity wishing the virus to go away…while allocating fewer tax dollars to make that happen.
Tyre Nichols'. Yesterday, Memphis's police department confirmed that it has put two more officers involved in Nichols' deadly traffic stop on administrative leave. That's in addition to the five fired officers who are facing murder charges. The Memphis Fire Department also fired three EMTs. The dept says the technicians violated protocol while at the scene. Meanwhile, MPD says one of the officers, Preston Hemphill, was relieved of duty the same day that the other five officers were suspended — and ultimately fired. During the confrontation, Hemphill used his Taser and can be heard on the footage saying "I hope they stomp his a**." Hemphill's attorney says he wasn't "present at the second scene" and that he's cooperating with the investigation. The Nichols' family lawyer says they want answers on why Hemphill hasn't been charged or fired yet.
The issue of race: Many are speaking against the treatment disparities between white officers and officers of color. In Nichols' case, five Black officers were swiftly relieved from duty. But the white officer's identity and suspension were not announced until days later. As for the seventh officer, his actions and name remain under wraps.
What's got good news for a change…
The IMF. Yesterday, the International Monetary Fund said in its report that 'yes, economic growth isn't looking great'...but that we could maybe avoid a global recession. Specifically, the IMF projects 2.9% global economic growth in 2023 — down from 3.4% last year. It's also a much rosier outlook than the earlier prediction that one-third of the world would go into recession. The reason the IMF is toning down the pessimism: turns out, people still very much love to shop. China's economic reopening could also help. And Russia's sanctions aren't necessarily working. But the institution is warning central banks not to let up too quickly on measures to counter inflation…something the Federal Reserve is about to weigh in on tomorrow. In the meantime, a win is a win.
What's not taking off...
US flights. Today, airlines like Southwest and American Airlines have canceled hundreds of flights ahead of an ice storm hitting the southern US. The storm is expected to last days and impact states from Texas to Ohio with freezing rain and icy roads. It comes after more than 18,000 flights yesterday were delayed or canceled. But while we're waiting on Punxsutawney Phil to let us know if spring is right around the corner, travelers can visit this Department of Transportation dashboard to see if they qualify to rebook for free or more.
That's the estimated number of US adults who drink coffee. With 100 million having a cup every day.
On the hunt for a new kind of pick-me-up? Meet MUD\WTR, your healthier morning habit. Their blends are made with a fraction of the caffeine in your usual cup o' joe. So you can start your day with more energy and less jitters. Pro tip: Go for the original cacao blend, which is packed with herbs, adaptogens, cinnamon, turmeric, and *surprise* cacao. Mid-afternoon crash not included.
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Raise your hand if you're already dreaming about your next beach vacation (because, same). Lucky for us — err, you, Andie Swim's got the perfect one-pieces to help you look and feel your very best as soon as you slam your laptop shut. We're talking…
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Skimm Picks
Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. An expert-fave card your wallet will love. Got a high credit card balance? Don't panic. This card will let you roll it over with no interest due for 21 months. So you can shop stress-free. Phew.*
2. Meal plans for every type of eater. We surveyed a variety, including ones that offer vegetarian and vegan meal kits, meat-based options, and more. Here are our faves.
3. What to buy with your leftover holiday gift cards. To help you narrow down your choices, we rounded up the best self-care products to use them on. So you can kick off the year with some relaxing vibes.
Psst...looking for more discounts on brands Skimm'rs love? Check out all of our exclusive promo codes here.
On Our Radar
25% off select towels, robes, and apparel at Coyuchi. Their lounge dress? Heaven.
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.
Friends forever…Chiara C (MD). She co-founded the non-profit Friends of Tonga five years ago, and so far they've invested over $500,000 helping over 30% of the Tongan population.
(Some) Birthdays…Alex Biehl (GA), Cat Roberts (VA), Jenna Elson (NY), Tabata Gallina (BR), Mona Liddell (NC), Aly Glick (DC), Nairi Esayan (NY), Sue Gravas (ME), Elisabeth Shaughnessy (CT), Maureen Rich Wallace (NC), Terra Marshall (OH ), Leah Forest (MD), Alix Tarnowsky (LA), Sierra Hoffer (UT)
PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
Skimm'd by: Rashaan Ayesh, Melanie De Lima, Kate Gilhool, Julie Shain, and Mariza Smajlaj
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