The Daily Skimm

The Story

COVID-19 is disrupting the global food supply. And the UN is urging action.

Tell me.

Every year, around 9 million people worldwide reportedly die of hunger. It's a figure that can be attributed in part to political instability and climate change. Months ago, the UN rang the alarm, warning that the coronavirus pandemic could worsen food insecurity. Now, that's exactly what we're seeing.

Explain.

Virus-related restrictions – on things like travel and big gatherings – have made it harder for farmers to sell food at markets. And for critical food and aid supplies to reach communities. The result is a major increase in the number of kids suffering from malnutrition all over the world – from Latin America to sub-Saharan Africa to the Middle East. And the UN said it's leading to an estimated 10,000 more child deaths per month.

What can we do?

The UN is calling for at least $2.4 billion, immediately. The money would go through four of its agencies – the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the World Food Programme, and the Food and Agriculture Organization. But some say that's not enough. The head of UNICEF's nutrition program reportedly said some restrictions on movement also need to be eased so people can get access to food and medical treatment.

theSkimm

This virus – and how governments respond to it – doesn't impact people equally. Countries already suffering from high rates of poverty, violence, and instability (like Yemen and Venezuela) are seeing their food crises get worse. And children are especially at risk.

And Also...This

Who has Capitol Hill's attention…

AG William Barr. Yesterday, he testified before the House Judiciary Committee. On the Democrats' radar: the Justice Dept's response to protests against racism and police brutality. Barr defended the decision to send federal agents to Portland, blaming "violent rioters and anarchists" for wreaking havoc. He also warned against defunding the police, calling it "extremely dangerous." And he was asked about Russia – and the choice to request a reduced sentence for President Trump's longtime adviser Roger Stone. Barr said he only intervened because the original sentence was excessive.

Tech CEOs. Today, the heads of Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google are testifying (virtually) before the House Judiciary Committee's subcommittee on antitrust. Congress is wondering out loud whether these big AF companies are too big to let others compete. And whether there needs to be legislation to address that. Each company's pushed back on antitrust claims and some have said they do have competition in the world: from China. TBD if Congress buys it.

Screen sharing: This will be the first time some of the biggest names in tech – Jeff Bezos, Tim Cook, Mark Zuckerberg, and Sundar Pichai – will all testify together. Unclear if they'll remember to unmute.

PS: GV (formerly Google Ventures) is a minority investor in theSkimm.

What's seeing changes...

DACA. Yesterday, the Trump admin announced it won't accept new applicants to the Obama-era program that protects over 640,000 young undocumented immigrants from deportation. And Dreamers who are already enrolled can only renew their protections for one year – instead of the usual two. The Trump admin has been trying to end DACA since 2017, arguing that Obama officials overstepped when they created the program. But last month, the Supreme Court said 'not so fast.' Now, the Trump admin says the program's under review. Critics are saying they're ready to head to court...again.

What's raising alarms…

The New York Police Department. Yesterday, it confirmed that officers in plain clothes arrested a protester and placed her in an unmarked van. The announcement came after a video of the incident surfaced and spread over social media. Now, the police department said it was because the woman allegedly damaged cameras at City Hall Park. The move drew sharp criticism with some saying the move was eerily similar to what's happening in Portland, OR, and from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), who said Americans' "civil liberties are on the brink."

What's making Moira Rose smile...

The Television Academy. Emmy noms are in: "Watchmen" is a must-watch. Mrs. Maisel is still marvelous. "The Crown" is in the running for more gold. Oh, and Brad Pitt got a nom for playing Dr. Anthony Fauci. The biggest takeaway: Netflix doesn't need to chill since it got the most nominations. Guess that answers the question 'are you still watching?' Next up: one of the Jimmys (Kimmel) is hosting on September 20.

Skimm More: You know you don't wanna miss Watch(men)ing the Emmys in September. Our app syncs your calendar with ours so you never miss major events. Download it now and start your free trial.

What's taking a timeout...

The Miami Marlins. Yesterday, MLB announced it's suspending the team's season through at least Sunday after 15 players and two coaches tested positive for COVID-19. For now, the Marlins will take daily tests and stay in Philadelphia, where they played their last game.

Who's getting in his (positive) feelings...

Drake.

Losing sleep over...losing sleep? That's where we come in. We've got products that'll help you get some shut-eye, like PJs designed to keep you cool even as temps keep rising.

Summer is here. Check out our fave picks for the season…

1. Cleaning hacks that'll blow your mind. You know you're an adult when you immediately send these tips to the group chat. Sparkle emoji.

2. Five ways to treat a sunburn. For when you really did put on SPF, but managed to miss the entire left side of your back (oops). Let the healing begin.

3. Great ab workouts that aren't crunches. Because we're still scarred from the Presidential Physical Fitness Test. Now that there's no gym teacher keeping count, it's time to get (a) hard core.

PS: Want more? Sign up to get weekly recs in your inbox.

For when your WFH wardrobe is business extremely casual…

This female-founded company has bras to match. They're stylish, but so comfy you'll forget you have them on. Maybe that's why over 1 million have been sold. Psst...Skimm'rs get 15% off their first purchase for a limited time. Run don't walk.*

For when you pick wine bottles based on the color of the label…

Time to branch out. This company has you take a quiz, then sends you six matches based on your tastes. With every order, it gets better at knowing you and what you like. Oh, and Skimm'rs get 50% off their first box (hint: that's a $45 credit). We'll cheers to that.*

For when this socially-distant summer has been difficult…

We get it. So does this online therapy platform. They have licensed therapists you can talk to from home. You can receive ongoing support with secure messaging and live video sessions. And Skimm'rs get $120 off their first month. Give it a try.*

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

Skimm’rs

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.

Teamwork...Skyler H (GA). She's made over 3,500 face shields for health care workers. She's also partnered with Atlanta Beats COVID, an org that's provided over 22,000 pieces of PPE to health care workers, COVID-19 testing sites, and schools in need. Learn more here and here.

Boss move...Illana R (NY). She started a mentorship platform for middle school girls that connects them to meet female execs face-to-face – now virtually because of the pandemic. Learn more here.

(Some) Birthdays...theSkimm's Becky Murray (NY), Joey Lane (NY), Dana Stone (NY), Kevin Frey (GA), Samuel Zients (NY) Elizabeth Williams (PA), Marisa Colaneri (NY), Michael Marchand (CO), Allison Lau (VT), Lauren Scally (MD), Lindsay Hein (WI), Brittney Orr (OK), Jennifer Overhulse (KY), Stephanie Woolley (FL), Krissy Cabeen (OH), Kelsey Robb (MA), Kayla Summers (OR), Lauren Rivenbark (NC)

*Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.

Skimm’d by Maria del Carmen Corpus, Mariza Smajlaj, Ellen Burke, Niven McCall-Mazza, Clem Robineau, and Julie Shain