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 QUOTE OF THE DAY  |
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"Teachers deserve to make a billion dollars a year. Or a week" – Shonda Rhimes after homeschooling her kids for a total of one hour and 11 minutes. Finally, someone said it.
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The Story
Businesses are putting up 'closed' signs to curb the COVID-19 outbreak.
This is getting serious.
It's important to stay safe. Countries from all over the world are trying to do their part to stop the spread of the coronavirus. In the US, closings are happening in a variety of areas...
Social spaces…as in, several states (including New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut) are closing bars, restaurants, and other businesses. And have implemented an 8pm nightly curfew – the latest effort to enforce social distancing as coronavirus cases continue to increase. Retailers are also joining in the fight, with some reducing store hours and others temporarily closing up shop. And today, nearly 7 million people across California's Bay Area (including San Francisco) are under lockdown.
Government...as in, Ohio canceled its primary today to protect poll workers and voters from the virus. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court said yesterday that it's postponing oral arguments scheduled through early next month. President Trump also suggested a pause on most social activities for 15 days and asked Americans not to gather in groups of more than 10.
The economy...as in, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell nearly 3,000 points before markets closed yesterday – its second-worst day in the index's history. The Fed's emergency weekend interest rate cut has not calmed the markets. Now, economists are warning of a recession. Here's what you need you to know.
Travel...as in, Canada announced it's closing off its borders to most non-citizens. And the EU – now considered the new epicenter of the pandemic – is planning to restrict all non-essential travel from foreigners into the bloc for 30 days. In the US, airlines are asking for a $50 billion bailout. US airports are also apparently seeking a $10 billion bailout.
What's the gov doing about this?
Trump says he has the airlines' backs. But it may be the least of the US's problems as hospitals could race running out of key supplies like respirators and ventilators. Yesterday, Trump urged states not to wait on the federal gov for help and to restock on their own if they can.
theSkimm
COVID-19 has affected millions of peoples' daily lives and has rattled economies and industries worldwide. There's no end date to the outbreak, which Trump warns could last for months.
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Yesterday, researchers started testing a potential COVID-19 vaccine on volunteers. Here's what you need to know:
Phase 1 clinical trial
Researchers are testing the vaccine on 45 healthy men and women between the ages of 18 and 55 in Seattle, WA – one area where COVID-19 cases have surged. The volunteers will receive two doses about a month apart. And will be monitored for a year. US health agencies paired up with biotech company Moderna Inc to fast-track the vaccine. And while it was created in record time, a top health official says a vaccine won't be available for at least 12 months, while researchers make sure it's safe and effective.
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While the coronavirus has everyone's attention…
Russian President Vladimir Putin is making power moves. Yesterday, the country's high court approved constitutional changes that could let him stay in power, longer. Putin's been in a leadership role since 1999 – twice as PM and three other times as president. His current term is up in 2024 – but a lawmaker proposed letting him run again, and potentially stay president until 2036. Putin's response: 'why nyet?' Now that the high court gave its blessing, voters hit the polls next month to decide whether to give it the green light.
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What's taken a big bite from the Apple…
France. Yesterday, the country's antitrust regulator delivered a $1.2 billion fine to Apple – France's biggest antitrust fine, ever. The reason: regulators say the tech giant had a deal with two wholesalers (who are also being fined) to control prices on products like iPads. And that this prevented distributors (think: retailers and resellers) from competing. Apple is appealing the ruling.
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What we all need in our step right now…
Spring. For the first time since 1896, spring starts earlier this year (save the date: Thursday, March 19). We can thank the vernal equinox – when the sun is exactly above the equator – for apparently happening nearly 18 hours early. Fun fact: Equinox is Latin for "equal night." The spring and fall equinox are the only two days this year where there will be approximately 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness anywhere on Earth.
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Comedy, drama, and reality...oh my. Did you know you could stream live TV on Hulu? Or binge basically all of your favorite reality shows? We partnered to help you figure out what to watch. Our next rec, coming right up…
"90 Day Fiancé" (TLC)
It's...complicated. Engaged couples in international LDRs have, you guessed it, 90 days to get married in the US. Before their visas say they have to leave the country.
Plus...you can follow some of the couples' journeys closer thanks to sister shows like "90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After?" and "90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days."
Watch with...a lot of time. Because once you start bingeing, you'll be hooked.
Know that...you can catch up on the first five seasons. Because Hulu Has Reality TV. Like, a lot of reality TV. Start your free trial today.
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Here's a new thing people are dealing with: voting in the age of the coronavirus. Though Ohio delayed its primary, Arizona, Florida, and Illinois are still turning out today to pick their favorite presidential candidates. Some polling locations have been relocated away from areas where older people live, like nursing homes. But polling hours and mail-in processes remain, for the most part, unchanged.
It comes amid a national emergency and varying state and local government approaches to COVID-19. President Trump advised against gatherings of more than 10 people. Three states (Louisiana, Georgia, and Ohio) have delayed their primaries. But the states voting today say they feel confident they can hold their primary elections safely with things like hand sanitizer, clean stations, and extra training for poll workers.
Meanwhile, there's a big question mark over how turnout will affect the two leading candidates competing for the Democratic nomination: former VP Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT). Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) is still running, but is hundreds of delegates behind Biden and Sanders. And Bill Weld is still in the GOP race, despite President Trump cruising toward the nomination.
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For when you know you have to do something but can't remember what it is…
It's your taxes. You can DIY them with H&R Block. They let you file online, with pros standing by if you need help. There, it's done.*
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Do it right. This online marketplace will keep your house feeling like home. Think: frozen meats, clean wine, and pantry essentials. Plus Skimm'rs get 25% off and a free 30-day trial. Keep it clean.*
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FYI - Don’t miss our monthly newsletter of our favorite picks. Sign up here.
*PS: This is a sponsored post.
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Skimm'r of the Week…Keith T (NY). He's the president of Modest Needs Foundation, which helps low-income workers struggling to afford a short-term emergency expense. In light of the coronavirus, the nonprofit is also working to provide immediate assistance to low income, hourly workers who've lost pay and are at risk of losing their homes. Learn more and donate here.
(Some) Birthdays...Rebekah Jaffe (MA), Sophia Skorup (PA), Makaela Johnston (IL), Allie Bollman (NY), Tatjana Crossley (UK), Karen Mills (NY), Tim Henderson (VA), Jillian Kemper (WA), Katie Budd (NY), Cate Little (DC), Amanda Wallbrink (NY), Sarah Mooney (PA), Sarah Mooney (PA), Michael Gaier (NJ), Shannon Brunett (CO), Ashley Cleveland (OK)
*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
