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 QUOTE OF THE DAY  |
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"Actually I was, there were so many in the race" – A dog owner on the surprise that her dog, Murfee, was elected pet mayor of a Vermont town over the other animals in the race. Paw-litics, amirite.
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The Story
Greece and Turkey are in a standoff over the flow of migrants.
Explain.
In 2015, Europe experienced an influx of migrants and refugees, many escaping the Syrian civil war. That influx slowed when the EU reached a 2016 deal with Turkey to block migrants and refugees from entering the bloc through Greece – which it shares a border with.
What happened?
The Syrian regime has been trying to retake Idlib (a northwestern province near Turkey) from rebel control. For weeks, Turkey has clashed with Syrian forces over this. The humanitarian crisis there has caused almost 1 million Syrians to flee toward Turkey.
How is Turkey handling that?
By opening its doors to Europe through the border it shares with Greece. Since Saturday, Greece says it's stopped more than 30,000 people from coming across the border, using things like tear gas and water cannons. Now, Turkey is deploying police to its border to stop Greece from sending migrants back its way.
That's intense.
The EU is siding with Greece on this one – and wants Turkey to abide by the terms of the 2016 deal. Turkey says the EU isn't giving it enough money to support the roughly 4 million Syrian refugees there and is seemingly using this as a negotiating tactic to get more funding.
Got it.
Now, if you're wondering, could more sides be involved in this...the answer is yes. Russia. Yesterday, Turkey and Russia agreed to a cease-fire in Idlib where fighting is going down. Russia backs the Syrian government and there were fears that the fighting was going to lead to a direct conflict between Turkey and Russia. The hope is this cease-fire will prevent that.
theSkimm
A few years ago, the migrant crisis had the world's attention. Now, Turkey feels it has to face it alone. And seems to be risking a standoff with Greece to make the case for additional support. In the meantime, thousands of migrants are apparently caught in the middle.
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What's still a concern…
COVID-19. As of today, 20 states have reported infections as officials try to keep the virus under control. The president is expected to sign an $8.3 billion emergency spending bill to fund things like research for vaccines and expanding health care to seniors and others on Medicare. Meanwhile, there's the financial impact. Bond yields are down – which prompted the Fed to cut its benchmark interest rates earlier this week. And yesterday, mortgage rates hit a record low as a result. Meaning, you could get better borrowing terms when you buy or refinance a home. Something we get into more here.
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What the ICC has its eye on...
Afghanistan. Yesterday, the International Criminal Court gave the go-ahead for a possible investigation into alleged war crimes in Afghanistan. If the prosecutor moves forward, she could look into incidents involving the Taliban, Afghan forces, and the US. It would be the first time the ICC would be investigating the behavior of US forces – something the US gov is not a fan of. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called the timing of the ruling "reckless," coming days after the US and the Taliban signed a historic deal. But human rights groups are supporting the decision.
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Who's bowing out...
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). Yesterday, the Democratic presidential candidate said 'I'm out' after disappointing results on Super Tuesday, including losing her home state of Massachusetts. Warren – a progressive who ran on cracking down on corruption – hasn't endorsed anyone just yet. Her exit leaves only one other female Dem candidate in the race: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI), though polls show her far behind the two other Dem candidates, former VP Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT).
...Oh and speaking of women, a new UN study found almost nine out of 10 people are biased against them. And that almost 50% feel men are superior political leaders. So that's fun.
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"Anna K" by Jenny Lee
If we still had spring break, we'd bring this in our suitcase. In this modern retelling of Tolstoy's "Anna Karenina," a Korean-American 'it' girl must choose between her picture perfect boyfriend and a playboy slash "Count." This one spans from NYC nightclubs to elite Connecticut society and will have you whispering "good morning, Upper East Siders." Oh and it's already been scooped up for TV, so read the book first.
PS: It's Women's History Month. To honor the female authors we know and love, we present you with the 15 books every millennial woman should read. Think of it like a syllabus...except it's fun and you'll thank us later. Andddd class dismissed.
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For when Women's History Month has you feeling inspired...
Here's a podcast for you. Auctioneer and author Lydia Fenet joined our latest episode of "Skimm'd From The Couch," sponsored by Estée Lauder. She gives encouraging career advice and reveals the craziest item she's ever sold. Listen in.*
For when that big presentation has you stressed out...
Wind down with Dame Products. They're a women-founded company that makes sex toys designed to close the pleasure gap. Psst...Skimm'rs get 15% off at checkout with code THESKIMM15. Treat yourself.*
For when your favorite style is variety…
Gotchu. This online shop has clothing, wellness, cookware, and more. From brands you know and ones that are harder to find. Oh, and they offer price matching. PS: Skimm'rs get 20% off. Add to cart.*
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*PS: This is a sponsored post.
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Skimm'r of the Week…Regan Huneycutt (DC). She's the chief development officer for the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and the nonprofit has kicked off Dress in Blue Day to raise money and awareness. Learn more and donate here.
(Some) Birthdays…theSkimm's Alex Palazzo (NY), theSkimm's Erika Trombley (NY), theSkimm's Lindsay Lange (NY), Kenny Lane (NY), Jordan Castleman (PA), Brendan Dubois (IL), Janet Hershaft (NY), George Alba (MA), Juliette Daley (NY), Allegra Ben-Amotz (MX), Harvey Klein (NJ), Ann Vidoloff (MN), Holly Tyrrell (FL), Jessica Sacher (GA), Sylvia Vail (IL)
*Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
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theSkimm50 West 23rd Street, Suite 5B; New York, NY, 10010, United States Update Profile
