The Daily Skimm

The Story

Beirut is reeling.

What happened?

Yesterday, a massive explosion shook the port in Lebanon's capital, killing at least 100 people and injuring more than 4,000 others. It's not clear what caused the initial explosion. But the government says it appears the blast was caused by "highly explosive materials" (read: ammonium nitrate) which had been stored at the port for years. The blast – which could be felt in Cyprus, over 100 miles away – sparked fires, overturned cars, damaged hospitals, and blew out doors and windows. This all comes at a time when Lebanon's already facing a slew of challenges.

What do you mean?

Like the rest of the world, it's dealing with the economic and health effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Its economy is on the brink of collapse due to its existing financial crisis that's been made worse by COVID-19. The country's currency has plummeted and many have lost their jobs. Sectarian tensions have also been high as the country awaits a verdict in the killing of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in 2005. Four Hezbollah suspects are being tried for Hariri's assassination – and with Hezbollah integrated into Lebanon's government, a guilty verdict could threaten already fragile relationships within Lebanon's political structure.

What's the Lebanese gov doing about this?

It's investigating the deadly blast. Lebanese PM Hassan Diab declared today a national day of mourning and said he "will not relax until we find the responsible party." President Michel Aoun has deployed the military to help. Officials said those responsible will pay a price for what happened but reportedly warned against labeling it as a terrorist attack.

theSkimm

Explosions in Lebanon may bring many in the country back to a very dark time in its history, the 1975-1990 civil war riddled with deadly bombings. For now – while it's unclear how the explosion began and many await answers – the whole country is left in a state of mourning.

And Also...This

What pushed up its due date...

The US Census Bureau. This week, it confirmed it'll stop counting people for the 2020 Census on September 30th – a month earlier than planned. That goes for both self-response options and door-knocking efforts. The bureau said the changes were needed to meet the end-of-year deadline. And that the new plan will "protect the health and safety of the public and our workforce" amid the coronavirus pandemic. But critics say 'seems fishy.' And that this could lead to a serious undercount, leaving out hard-to-count households (think: those who experience homelessness, aren't fluent in English, have little access to the internet, or are undocumented). Which would disproportionately impact immigrants and people of color. They also pointed out that this isn't the first time the Trump admin has pushed for changes to the census that could lead to an undercount of minority districts.

The clock is ticking: Time to get counted. Four out of 10 households still haven't filled out the census. Problem, since the census determines how many seats each state gets in the House. And how federal funding is distributed for things like schools and hospitals. It only gets updated every 10 years. Do it to it.

Psst…here's what the updated census deadline could mean for your community, paycheck, budget, and more.

Where voters are making their voices heard…

These states. Yesterday, Arizona, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, and Washington held their primary elections. Here are some of the contentious races: In Missouri, progressive Black Lives Matter activist Cori Bush defeated longtime incumbent Rep. William Lacy Clay (D) – who she'd lost to in 2018. In Kansas, Congressman Roger Marshall beat out former Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach – giving Republicans a sigh of relief, since many thought a Kobach win could result in a lost Senate seat in November. In Michigan, freshman Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib is leading in the battle to keep her seat. But the state faced some voting issues...which could spell trouble for November.

What people are watching…

Isaias. Yesterday, the tropical storm spawned more than a dozen reported tornadoes along the East Coast, killing at least six people across North Carolina, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New York. Nearly 3 million people were left without power. Isaias is now a post-tropical cyclone and has moved into southeastern Canada.

Why Wall Street may be patting itself on the back…

Fortune. The number of women CEOs on the Fortune 500 list is expected to reach a record high: 38. (Yeah...that's a record.) The newest names to be added to the list come September are Sue Y Nabi for Coty and Linda Rendle for Clorox. Bo$$ moves.

Who's got a mind to rhyme and two hype feet…

Dr. Quentin Lee.

Person to Know

John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich

The man credited for inventing sandwiches. In 1762, he wanted a meal that he could eat while gambling. So his cook took meat and put it between bread. Putting the "roll" in "high roller."

It's a little too late to send the Earl of Sandwich a "thank you" note. But it's always the right time to celebrate his very important contribution to the world. "Cheers" with today's sponsor Oscar Mayer Natural. It's the smarter way to sandwich. Because Oscar Mayer Natural doesn't add nitrates, nitrites, or artificial ingredients. Find their cold cuts, hot dogs, and bacon in the prepackaged meat aisle of your local grocery store. Be a wiener.

Meet Whitney. She was working for a mental health organization while secretly battling her own anxiety. After living with migraines, a heart that wouldn't stop racing, and periodic panic attacks, she took control of her mental health. Watch to learn how she found (and paid for) a therapist and navigated medication options to make a plan that works for her.

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

1. Outdoor games that are actually fun. Since your social life is now 100% outside. This list has backyard bocce, pong golf, and giant wood dominoes. No cheating.

2. Emmy-nominated shows to catch up on. In case you still haven't watched "Killing Eve" or "Insecure," it's time to start bingeing. Weekend plans = confirmed.

3. Everything you need to know about CBD oil and self-care. Like WTF cannabidiol actually is, what it can do for your skin, and what products you can try right now. Chill vibes coming through.

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

For when you love a good smoothie…

How 'bout one that's also good for your skin? This brand's new Collagen Glow blend has four times more collagen than most other products. It works to minimize the appearance of wrinkles and strengthen hair and nails. Oh, and Skimm'rs get a special offer. Glow up.*

For when your AC is running non-stop...

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For when you're drenched in sweat five minutes after stepping outside...

Same. This list has everything you need if you hate being hot. Like oil-blotting sheets, a cold brew maker, and breathable face masks. Bless.

*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.

Making a difference...Denise W (MA). She's been supporting the Chelsea Collaborative, which is providing donations and support to the city. Now with COVID-19, she's been delivering diapers and food and rallying her community. Learn more here.

Forming connections...Ryan B (CA). He launched Proxemia, which is connecting people in Los Angeles to common interest groups that value community, diversity, and inclusivity. Its first project: helping parents and kids transition to online learning. Learn more here.

(Some) Birthdays...Michelle Fort (CA), Pat Martinolich (NJ), Kittie Brown (IN), Amber Burger (CA), Cassie Hurley (VA), Namrata Kang (NY), Michi Gustafson (DC), Michaela Ramicone (PA), Ashley Levesque (CT), Jessica Harn (MO), Katie McBee (FL), Zehava Pasternak (NY), Bill Boyer (NY), Ashley Levesque (CT), Tanya Holmes (TN)

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