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Quote of the Day
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"It's like the gift that keeps on giving" – Maya Rudolph, on possibly playing Kamala Harris on SNL next season. Looks like the candidates aren't the only ones with a busy fall.
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The Story
A shakeup at the US Postal Service is raising major flags.
Explain.
The Postal Service has been dealing with money woes for years. And the coronavirus pandemic has only made it worse – driving it billions of dollars further into debt. Last month, newly appointed Postmaster General Louis DeJoy announced major changes aimed at giving the org a financial boost. Think: no overtime and reduced hours – even if it means leaving mail behind. He also reorganized the USPS, and nearly two dozen execs were reassigned or displaced. All this has some very worried about November.
Why?
Because millions of Americans could be casting their ballots for the presidential election by mail. Postal Union leaders say the changes have already led to backlogs of mail. In southern Maine alone, thousands of letters have reportedly been delayed. At least 18 other states have reported similar delays (see: this and this). A big problem since many ballots may be disqualified or not counted if they arrive too late. While lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have criticized the changes, some Democratic lawmakers say this is all about "sabotage."
What do you mean?
They claim that DeJoy – who's been a top donor to President Trump and the RNC – is making it more difficult to vote by mail. And have pointed out the timeliness of the changes (read: in the middle of a pandemic when mail-in voting is expected to increase). Trump's repeatedly criticized voting by mail. But DeJoy said the changes are about making the USPS more efficient. He called the political accusations "wholly off-base" and said the org has "ample capacity" to deliver election mail securely and on time. But that's not enough for Dem leaders who are calling for a reversal of the changes.
Is that happening?
It's unclear. Yesterday, the House Oversight and Reform Committee introduced legislation to block any changes that took effect this year, saying 'now's not the time.' But while that makes its way through Congress, there are steps you can take to make sure your vote (by mail) is counted. If you haven't already, register to vote. Then, request a ballot (if your state isn't automatically sending you one). And take note of your state's deadlines: in some cases, your ballot must be received before Election Day. Get informed on the issues. And finally, sign, seal, and deliver.
theSkimm
The US Postal Service plays an integral part in many Americans' lives, and it's expected to have an even bigger role this November because of the pandemic. These changes could make its job harder. So make sure you're prepared.
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What people are watching…
Belarus. Since Sunday, violent protests have erupted around the country following its presidential election. Officials said longtime incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko – who's ruled for 26 years and has been called "Europe's last dictator" – won reelection with 80% of the vote. But many believe the election was rigged. And have taken to the streets to show their anger. Protesters have been met with tear gas, batons, stun grenades, rubber bullets, and even live rounds of ammo from police. At least two people have died, 200 have been injured, and more than 6,000 people have been arrested. And the main opposition candidate – Svetlana Tikhanovskaya – has fled the country after an apparent threat to her family. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged Belarusian authorities to protect the protesters. And a top EU official said it's considering sanctions against those responsible for the crackdown.
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What could be getting smaller...
Unemployment benefits. Last week, President Trump signed an EO extending federal unemployment benefits by $400 per week amid the coronavirus pandemic. And required states to cover 25% of the cost ($100). But many states said they couldn't afford it. Now, the Trump admin is backing away from that requirement. Meaning millions of jobless Americans will only get $300 a week in extra pay – half of what Congress approved back in March. Meanwhile, Congress and the Trump admin appear no closer to a deal for more relief.
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Why do I need a budget? How should I get started? And what should I even be budgeting for?
If you've got Qs like these...we've got As. And John Hancock knows it's good to question. So we partnered on "Budgeting, Skimm'd," a webinar that breaks it all down. We get into finding the budgeting style that works for you, deciding on your goals, and even offer tips for trimming your expenses.
The great news? You can access it anytime here. Ask away.
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Summer is here. Check out our fave picks for the season…
1. New kicks in fall colors. Because it won't be 1,000 degrees outside forever. So this sustainable shoe company collaborated with PANTONE to make comfortable sneakers you'll want when the season changes. Psst...their first collab sold out immediately. And Skimm'rs get 15% off for a limited time.*
2. A one-minute self-care ritual. That you can do while sitting or lying down. Aka the kind of daily practice we can get behind. See you in 60...59...
3. A guide to arranging flowers. Roses are red, violets are blue, you're bored AF, here's something to do.
PS: Want more? Sign up to get weekly recs in your inbox.
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For when you never remember to bring your list to the grocery store…
Forget it for good. And get everything you need at this online marketplace instead. Like organic groceries and high quality beauty and home products. Plus, you can take their quiz and get personalized recommendations. Psst...get a free gift when you sign up today. Add to cart.*
For when you're thinking about making a career move…
We have a podcast ep with someone who's made four. Psychotherapist and bestselling author Lori Gottlieb was a TV exec, then a doctor...then a journalist before landing where she is today. And she joined us on our most recent episode of "Skimm'd from The Couch" to tell us about taking those risks. This episode is sponsored by John Hancock. Listen here.*
For when you're worried about maskne…
Yes, we mean acne caused by masks. This company's maskne bundle has everything you need to break the cycle. Like patches to prevent chafing and treat whiteheads, microneedles for early stage pimples, and more. PS: Skimm'rs get 20% off. Problem, solved.*
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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.
Tools for school...Liz M (NY). She works for Educational Alliance. Every year, the org hands out backpacks filled with school supplies for students in its programs. Due to the pandemic, it's launched a fundraiser to also supply seniors who may need extra support. Learn more here.
Creating unity...Kyra J and Jonathan L (CA). They founded Let's Not Forget, an organization dedicated to helping people stay informed and active in the fight against racial injustice. The org sends an email once a month with summaries of news related to Black Lives Matter. Sign up here.
(Some) Birthdays...Georgianna Kutrumanes (IL), Patricia Kutrumanes (IL), Rana Grossinger (PA), Courtney Moran (DC), Timothy Norton (MA), Felicia Steinberg (NY), Ariella Dabush (NY), Eli Kabakoff (CT), Shannon Teal (WI), Kellie Bundschuh (NY), Mary Jara ( NJ), Kiaira Nixon (FL), Antonia Carlotta (CA), Shelbi Schultz (VA), Lauren Fritz (NY)
*Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
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Skimm’d by Maria del Carmen Corpus, Mariza Smajlaj, Ellen Burke, Niven McCall-Mazza, Clem Robineau, and Julie Shain
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theSkimm50 West 23rd Street, Suite 5B; New York, NY, 10010, United States Update Profile
