Maybe pumping himself up for 2024. Last night, Biden gave his second State of the Union address, this time before a divided Congress. Here were the big talkers from the night:
Bipartisanship…as in, it seemed possible at the beginning of the night, less so by the end. Biden kicked off his speech by sharing a nice moment with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA). As he put it, "I don't want to ruin your reputation, but I look forward to working with you." But tensions with Republicans soon rose over Social Security and Medicare. Good news for consensus: everyone (maybe) agreed to not cut those. So amid more heckling and crowd work, at least there's that.
The economy…a leading concern for Americans. The president talked up last month's near-record-low unemployment rate and the 12 million jobs added since 2021. He acknowledged inflation, calling it a global issue — but said it was coming down. And was less talkative about the wave of recent layoffs and recession rumors. Instead, he talked up infrastructure investment, buying 'made in America,' and cracking down on corporate taxes. Oh, and he gives the oil industry "at least another decade."
Everything else…like what he wants Congress to tackle next: including cracking down on Big Tech, passing paid family leave, and restoring the Child Tax Credit. Biden wants less identity fraud and fewer hidden fees from credit cards and concert tickets. He also wants to avoid the US going into default. And free pre-K and college.
Biden's second SOTU was his first address to a divided Congress. And with 2024 on the horizon, it remains to be seen how much the Dems and GOP can work together. But at least the night ended without any ripped speeches.
Hybrid work. Yesterday, a company that focuses on hybrid work released its first report on flexible work trends. According to Scoop, about half of the 3,000+ US companies surveyed offer some degree of work location flexibility, with one-third able to go fully remote. But the other half still make employees show up every day like it's 2019. Of course, flexibility depends on the industry: tech and media companies are among the most flexible while restaurant and hospitality — surprise — rank toward the bottom. The report had other interesting findings, too: If you're in a hybrid situation, chances are high (72%) you're in the office on a Tuesday…but not a Friday (6%). Now, the company has launched the Flex Index, a tool to let people on the job hunt look up a company's remote policy to know what they're getting into. (While you're at it, maybe check out their leave policy, too.)
…Oh and speaking of remote work, Zoom. The company that pretty much defined the 2020 pivot to remote work is now laying off 15% of its workforce. It's a reminder that location flexibility from the tech industry is nice...but you need to be able to have the job to enjoy it.
Where the search continues…
Turkey and Syria. The death toll from the earthquake has now soared to more than 9,600 people. But countless are still believed to be trapped under thousands of collapsed buildings. Now, hospitals are overloaded. Hundreds of thousands of people are sheltering in government centers and hotels. And rescue teams are up against time — and freezing temperatures — to try to find survivors. It comes as the worst may not be over: experts say at least 100 aftershocks have been reported in the region since Monday's quake.
Who people are talking about…
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Today, he's expected to address Britain's Parliament in a surprise visit. The UK is one of the largest weapons suppliers to Ukraine. And has helped train 10,000 Ukrainian troops. The visit comes weeks before the one-year anniversary of Russia's invasion in Ukraine. Zelenskyy's expected to ask for more aid. And will meet with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and King Charles III. This is the Ukrainian president's second international trip since Russia's invasion.
What's popped up to the surface…
The Chinese spy balloon. Yesterday, the US Navy released photos of the now-popped surveillance balloon. The Navy pulled the debris out off the coast of Myrtle Beach, SC. It was about 200 ft tall and weighed more than a ton. Do you ever feel like a plastic bag...
Raise your hand if you have go-to travel pants. OK, now keep 'em up if you've got go-to WFH pants. Going out pants? Walking pants? Us too. If only there was one pair of pants that could do it all. The dream.
Allow Athleta's Brooklyn Ankle Pant to reintroduce itself. The sleek and lightweight stretch fabric — made from recycled water bottles — is polished, wrinkle-resistant, and suuuuper easy to move in. Did we mention they come in a wide range of colors? Make these pants your new go-to for lunchtime strolls, long flights, and everything in between. Once you put 'em on, you won't wanna take 'em off. Trust. Brb, stocking up.
Skimm Tested
Ever wonder what products are really, really worth it? Our series Skimm Tested — where we try out and review items so you know what to add to cart — aims to answer that Q. Check out:
Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. Mood-boosting gifts that'll instantly make them smile. We rounded up some of the happiest homeware items, trinkets, and other "just because" gift ideas. Cue all the smiles.
2. The best engagement rings on Etsy under $2,000. That's right: You can buy engagement rings on Etsy. Here are our fave affordable options with unique shapes, diamonds, colors, and more.
3. January's bestselling beauty products, reading essentials, and more. All the items Skimm'rs added to cart the most these past few weeks, plus some of our absolute must-haves.
Psst...looking for more discounts on brands Skimm'rs love? Check out all of our exclusive promo codes here.
On Our Radar
Up to 50% off home items at Macy's, plus an extra 10-20% off select products with code HOME. Go, go, go.
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.
Lawsome…Whitney H (VA). After serving in the military for almost a decade, she was accepted to Georgetown Law for an advanced degree in Global and National Health Law. Case open.
(Some) Birthdays…Christine Vardaro (NJ), Leslie Blair (OK), Leilani Larsen (TX), Gabi Saleh (NC), Jamie Johnson (LA), Ida Kim (CA), Stephanie Hood (IL), Chantry Carroll (KY), Courtney Beam (NC), Richard Gaedner (MA), Laura Peck (CAN), Amy Morse (NY), Clare Barcelona (CA), Patti Williams (FL), Riccardo Berto (IT), Jean Phillips-Weiner (NC)
PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
Skimm More
We hit your inbox with the need-to-know stories every morning. But for those moments you want to dig a little deeper: follow theSkimm on Apple News. We publish articles on product recommendations, money, wellness, and more. (Psst…this is for Apple users only.) That's an app-solutely yes.
Skimm'd by: Skimm'd by Melanie De Lima, Mariza Smajlaj, Xian Chiang-Waren, and Julie Shain
Photos by Jacquelyn Martin via Getty Images, Brand Partners
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