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 QUOTE OF THE DAY  |
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"Mambo" – The name of a donkey you can apparently hire to crash your company-wide Zoom call. Calling foal play on this one.
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The Story
President Trump says he's hitting pause on immigration to the US.
Wait. What?
Last night, Trump tweeted that he would sign an executive order temporarily suspending immigration in order to combat COVID-19. The order is reportedly still being drafted. But Trump could sign it as soon as today.
This seems huge.
It could be. Hundreds of thousands of people immigrate legally to the US each year. And many more come illegally. Trump didn't provide a ton of detail on the plan. But an admin official reportedly said the order could include exceptions for migrant farm and health care workers. And that it's not expected to target immigrants already in the US or the visa renewal process. Part of Trump's stated goal is to "protect the jobs of our great American citizens."
That sounds familiar...
It's a theme Trump has talked about for years. He's long claimed that immigrants have been "stealing" US jobs. In office, his admin has issued travel bans, implemented restrictions for asylum seekers, and set up a "zero tolerance" policy, among other moves. Immigration advocates are noticing a trend...and are worried that the president is now using collective focus on the virus as an opportunity to advance his agenda.
And Trump's response is?
He hasn't said. The announcement comes as more than 22 million people have filed for unemployment since last month, with at least 42 states issuing stay-at-home orders. But there's apparently little evidence that immigrants have replaced Americans for those jobs.
theSkimm
This move wouldn't be the first by the president to restrict entry to the US during the pandemic – in recent weeks he's also barred asylum seekers and suspended travel, including from China, Europe, Canada, and Mexico. But this may be one of the most sweeping moves yet to restrict immigration – both during the outbreak and Trump's tenure.
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Yesterday, US oil prices turned negative...for the first time ever. In other words, demand was so low that traders were actually paying to have oil taken off their hands. The price bounced back later in the day, but the moment highlighted how COVID-19 has shaken the economy.
With a majority of Americans under stay-at-home orders, people aren't exactly driving or flying very much. It's led to a lot of oil and few places (think: US tanks, ships, and pipelines) to store it. Earlier this month, oil producing countries tried to boost prices with the largest oil production cut in history. But it wasn't enough. Now, even though oil prices are back from below negative levels...that's not exactly a great benchmark. And with no end to the COVID-19 crisis in sight, experts don't exactly anticipate a jump in oil demand anytime soon.
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What's playing (political) musical chairs…
Israel's gov. Yesterday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former army chief Benny Gantz agreed to form a unity gov. The deal comes after weeks of negotiations and puts an end to more than a year of political deadlock. Reminder: The country has held three elections in less than a year. And both candidates tried (and failed) to form a majority coalition gov, leaving the country on the brink of a fourth election. But the two came together in order to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, Netanyahu will keep his current role for the next 18 months, then he'll take over for Gantz as deputy PM.
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What people are watching…
Nova Scotia. Over the weekend, at least 18 people were killed in Canada's worst mass shooting in history. The gunman – who impersonated a police officer – also died. Authorities are still investigating the motive behind the attacks. Canada already has pretty strict gun laws, but Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he had "every intention" of moving forward with new legislation to ban assault-style weapons across the country.
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Who's saying 'it's all or nothing'...
The US Supreme Court. Yesterday, it ruled that state criminal trials for serious offenses (think: murder) require a unanimous jury to get a conviction. In most US states, defendants can't be convicted unless all jurors agree. But not in Oregon or Louisiana – where decades-old laws aimed to reduce the power of African American jurors. The Supremes said this is a violation of a person's constitutional right to an unbiased trial. Now, the ruling could lead to the retrial of thousands of cases across the two states.
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What can help you save money during COVID-19...
This presentation. Sign up and join us on Friday at noon.
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The 2020 presidential race is down to two candidates. We've Skimm'd where they stand on a range of issues. Ahead of Earth Day tomorrow, here's how the candidates approach energy and the environment:
President Trump...his admin has reversed dozens of environmental protection rules – including most recently loosening regulations on mercury (and other toxic metals) pollution from oil and coal-fired power plants. He's argued that many rules put in place by the Obama admin, like a cap on car emissions, made it harder for US companies and the energy industry to do business.
Former VP Joe Biden...says there is "no greater challenge" facing the world than climate change and the environment. Biden says he would crack down on pollution from fossil fuel companies and rejoin the Paris climate deal. And wants to work toward net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Psst...this is the first in a series of features. Stay tuned for more 2020 Tuesdays on how your actions at the ballot box can directly impact the issues that you care about.
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The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting us all in different ways. No matter your situation, sometimes you just need to press pause. Enter: our picks to help you take a break…
1. Ina Garten's cooking playlist. For when you're making her giant cocktail. Or for when you're doing your hundredth round of dishes. Either way, rock on.
2. A dream journal. We're all having bizarre dreams lately. (Don't worry, we know you don't want to hear about ours.) Here's a book to jot down your own pandemic sleep adventures. Zzzo cute.
3. Instagram workouts. With RXBAR. They're partnering with local gyms to get you moving. Tonight's session? Boxing. Sweating = not optional.
PS: Sign up to get more ideas like these in your inbox once a week.
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For when your Mother's Day gifts always warm mom's heart...
Warm her feet too. This company makes comfy socks and sweats that will match any mom's style. And for every pair purchased, a pair gets donated to someone in need. So she'll feel cozy inside and out. PS: Skimm'rs get 20% off. Sock it to me.*
For when you're feeling under the weather...
Let the doctor come to you. This company offers 24/7 access to US licensed doctors by app, online, or phone. So you can get treatment for non-emergency issues wherever you are. Get some help.*
For when you've officially sworn off stiff jeans…
Good riddance. This brand makes jeans that are as comfy as your fave leggings. Their skinny jeans look good with everything, and are made out of the same stuff used in yoga pants. Win, win. Pull 'em on.*
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*PS: This is a sponsored post.
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In times like these, community matters more than ever. Let us know how you (or someone you know) is making an impact by helping others.
Forming connections with...Debanik P (PA). He's helped develop a platform called Covaid. It connects the elderly and people with compromised immune systems with others who are able to do things like grocery shopping and pharmacy pickup. Learn more here.
Wearing several hats...Kim P and Theresa S (NY). They created a grassroots mission that's helping pay local restaurants for food deliveries to hospital workers on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. They've raised thousands of dollars to help all while balancing their full-time jobs and home-schooling.
(Some) Birthdays...Ali Goldberg (PA), Debbie Turtletaub (NJ), Julie Powell (MA), Karen Eng (IL), Grace Lee (CA), Marion Schloemer (NC), Rebecca Ernest (DC), Maggie Thomas (PA), Olivia Miller (OH), Tracey Mulrooney (NY), Laura Sheinin (AZ), Julia Thome (CAN), Alison Hatfield (MA), Alexandra Buchan (VT), Brianne Dimmitt (GA)
*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
