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Quote of the Day
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"He's out" – Kanye West's adviser on the apparent end of his presidential run. Yeezus, that was quick.
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The Story
The US is making changes to its coronavirus response as new cases spike.
What changes?
Data collection. Yesterday, hospitals across the country started reporting their data directly to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), instead of to the CDC (which falls under HHS). That includes everything from the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations to available beds to PPE. Given the Trump admin's recent attacks on the CDC (see: this and this), many were alarmed about the news. And worried the nation's top health agency was getting sidelined.
Is that the case?
Apparently not. While the CDC has collected that info since the beginning of the pandemic, officials say the system was inadequate and outdated. The admin also said the CDC only collected data from 85% of hospitals, and had a week-long lag in reporting. So it's trying to streamline the data collection, on the orders of HHS Secretary Alex Azar and Dr. Deborah Birx – the WH coronavirus response coordinator. The CDC also approved the changes.
So all's well that ends well?
Time will tell. The new system is meant to be much faster and requires data from 100% of hospitals. HHS officials believe it will help the country "defeat the coronavirus." But some public health experts worry about making changes in the middle of a pandemic. Doctors say it'll be more work for overwhelmed hospitals. And experts are concerned it'll be more difficult for the public to see this data. But HHS officials reportedly said they're working on the "best way" to make the info public. And while things are shifting on the government end, some businesses are making changes of their own.
Like?
Walmart. Yesterday, the US's largest retailer announced shoppers will be required to wear masks in all of its 5,000+ stores starting next week – regardless of state laws. It's the largest company to mandate face coverings, but not the first.
theSkimm
For weeks, the Trump admin has criticized the CDC over things like testing and its guidelines on reopening schools. Now, as the US has reached more than 60,000 new COVID-19 infections per day, it appears the admin is shifting some of the agency's responsibilities to try to improve the response to the pandemic.
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Who's stepped in…
The Supreme Court. This morning, it cleared the way for the federal gov's second execution this week after a 17-year hiatus. A federal judge had halted the execution of a 68-year-old Wesley Ira Purkey, who was sentenced to death for the 1998 kidnapping and murder of a 16-year-old Missouri girl. Purkey was scheduled to be executed by lethal injection yesterday, but a judge ordered an evaluation of his mental competency. Purkey's lawyers said he suffers from dementia and severe mental illness. And may not understand why he is being executed – arguing it makes the execution unconstitutional. The DOJ had appealed the ruling and it made its way to the Supremes, who sided with the DOJ. It is not clear exactly when Purkey would receive the lethal injection but could be as early as today.
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Who's making a major overhaul…
President Trump. Yesterday, he announced the rollback of a landmark environmental protection law. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires federal agencies to review the environmental effects of potential infrastructure projects. But the oil and gas industry had long complained it takes too long, and Trump claimed "mountains and mountains of red tape" had held up important projects. Now, the admin's limiting the reviews to speed up the permit process for things like highways, power plants, and pipelines. Environmentalists condemned the move, saying it'll disproportionately affect poor and minority communities who live in areas with higher pollution. They plan to challenge the decision in court.
...Oh and speaking of changes, Trump replaced his 2020 campaign manager yesterday as recent polls show him trailing former VP Joe Biden.
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What's saying 'you can't take a bite out of this'…
Apple. Yesterday, the EU's second-highest court overruled a decision that the tech giant owed nearly $15 billion in back taxes to Ireland. In 2016, the European Commission said the Irish gov had given Apple an unfair advantage by allowing it to pay "substantially less tax" than other companies. And ordered Apple to pay up. But yesterday, a judge said the European Commission didn't prove its case. Apple and Ireland applauded the ruling, saying they followed "normal Irish taxation rules." The commission can appeal.
...Oh and speaking of the European Commission, today it struck down an EU-US agreement that let tech companies transfer data outside of the bloc. And said the agreement went against European privacy rights.
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Who's teaming up...
The NAACP and CBS. Yesterday, the civil rights org and TV studio announced a multi-year partnership to create scripted, unscripted, and documentary content focused around Black artists and their stories.
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Who's 'America's Next Top Host'…
Guess.
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Money can't make you happy. But saving some for later can give you the freedom to make more choices that do. Since time = money, we Skimm'd everything you need to know to start saving smarter now – from how to set big goals you can actually hit to quick tips for spending less on different parts of your budget.
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Summer is here. Check out our fave picks for the season…
1. Summer sneaks. Red alert: Cariuma's best-selling sneakers are back in stock. They come in colors like yellow, rose, green, white, and yes...red. Plus, for every pair purchased, the company is planting two trees in the Brazilian rainforest. And Skimm'rs get 15% off. That's what we call a win-win-win.*
2. How to form new habits based on your sign. They say it takes at least three weeks to form a habit. This guide says it takes a little help from astrology. We feel the stars aligning.
3. Exciting ideas for your next salad. It romaines to be seen why our lunches are still so sad. These recipes to the rescue. Kale yeah.
PS: Sign up to get more ideas for ways to spend your summer in your inbox every Monday. Like recipe ideas, movies and book recs, and more.
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For when you want more responsibility at work…
Write your own job description. That's what Teresa Carlson, the VP of the Worldwide Public Sector at Amazon Web Services, did. She became a power player in the tech world by tackling problems outside of her original job description. And she joined us on our most recent episode of "Skimm'd from The Couch." This episode is sponsored by John Hancock. Listen here.*
For when it's too hot to cook…
Try this food company. They make delicious food built on real fruits and veggies, ready to enjoy in minutes. Think: smoothies, bowls, plant-based ice cream, and more. All without preservatives, and delivered frozen right to your door. Psst...Skimm'rs get $25 off your first box. Dig in.*
For when you're spending the summer permanently in the backyard…
Get some looks to match. This company makes light, breathable loungewear that you'll want to live in. Think: sustainably made linen jumpsuits, soft t-shirt dresses, easy basics, and more. Plus, it's all made in ethical factories and made to last. Take a look.*
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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.
Cooing over...Megan S (WI). She's the founder of Dane County Diaper Bank, a nonprofit that partners with local orgs to provide free diapers to disadvantaged families. Learn more here.
Step by step...Callie N and Katie C (MA). They walked a marathon to raise awareness and funds for educational supplies to benefit students at home in quarantine. They walked 26.2 miles in one day and collected over $2,500 in donations to help purchase Chromebooks.
(Some) Birthdays...Tracey DiBuonno (IL), Jennifer Mason (OH), Sarah Rothman (NY), Naomi Goldin (NY), Nicole Jeffery (TN), Isabelle Wohlin (MA), Kailyn Jensen (MD), Sara Schad (NY), Caroline Glaser (PA), Meg Valz (GA), Carmen Aviles (FL), Maudette Olukotun (GA), Jessica Gentry (CA), Tomorrow Drumm (PA)
*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
