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Things with the Environment
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Alaska
The Story
Alaska's wildlife refuge could see some changes.
Explain.
Yesterday, the Trump admin cleared the way for companies to drill for oil and gas in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge – overturning decades of protections there. As the largest stretch of wilderness in the US, the refuge covers 19 million acres and is home to wildlife like polar bears and caribou. Now, companies will be able to lease the land to drill for fossil fuels in about eight years.
What are people saying about this?
Environmentalists and some Alaska Native groups are promising to sue, saying the changes pose a risk to wildlife and climate change. And several major banks have refused to finance the program. But the Trump admin says 'what we're doing is legal.' And that the move would help the US become energy efficient and potentially "create thousands of new jobs." Alaska's members of Congress are on board, too.
theSkimm
This move is the latest of the Trump admin's efforts to roll back at least 100 environmental rules. But while the admin says this will help workers and businesses, it appears to be headed toward a court battle. And it could become an issue on the campaign trail, since Joe Biden has called to permanently protect the refuge.
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Mauritius
The Story
The Mauritius oil spill is getting worse.
I'm going to need a reminder.
Earlier this month, a stranded Japanese-owned ship began leaking fuel into the Indian Ocean, near the island of Mauritius. Since then, at least 1,000 tons of fuel have leaked into the sea – home to endangered wildlife. Mauritius has declared an environmental emergency and locals have tried to contain the spill with makeshift barriers. But recent satellite imagery reportedly shows the spill area has gotten more than eight times larger since the leak started.
Is anything being done?
Since the spill, officials pumped the remaining oil off the ship. And Japan said it's sending teams of experts to help clean up the waters. Last week, France also stepped in to help, sending a team of advisers and an aircraft to contain the spill.
theSkimm
Oil spills are known to endanger and kill wildlife, even a decade post-cleanup (remember the BP spill in 2010?). Mauritius depends heavily on tourism. And this spill could have a long-lasting impact on both the environment and on people's livelihoods, adding to the country's struggles amid the coronavirus pandemic.
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What's got people seeing blue (and red)...
The DNC. Yesterday, it kicked off its four-day virtual convention. With lots of video montages. The message: unity amid a struggling economy, a global pandemic, and calls for racial justice. George Floyd's brothers led a moment of silence for Floyd and others "lost to hate and injustice." Democrats brought in supporters from across the political spectrum. That included Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) – presumptive nominee Joe Biden's former rival – who appealed to progressives to "come together" with Biden. And Republicans – including former Ohio Gov. John Kasich – who said the US is (literally) at a crossroads. Former first lady Michelle Obama delivered the keynote. She pushed voter turnout (including with her accessories) and called Trump "the wrong president for this country." On tap for tonight: The Dems' "rising stars" including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY).
...Oh and speaking of the DNC, Cardi B isn't waiting until Thursday to hear from (Joe) Biden so she gave him a ring.
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What people want updates on…
The USPS. Yesterday, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy agreed to testify before the House Oversight Committee next week about his controversial changes at the Postal Service. He's facing scrutiny for cutting overtime and changing delivery policies in the middle of a pandemic. That's led to mail delays in several states, and has ignited warnings of voter disenfranchisement ahead of the November election. DeJoy has said the moves are to save the agency money, but House lawmakers don't buy it. And are expected to vote on a bill as soon as this weekend to reverse the changes.
COVID-19. New studies show that having the coronavirus could lead to strong, lasting immunity – even in people who had mild cases. Scientists have found antibodies months after a person has recovered from the virus. And said it could be the reason there's been little evidence of recurring COVID-19 cases. Still, scientists say more research is needed. Meanwhile, students and teachers at UNC-Chapel Hill are saying goodbye to in-person classes...after just one week. At least 130 students have tested positive for COVID-19. Now, the university is saying 'see you on Zoom.'
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Who's added a member to the team huddle...
Washington's NFL team. Yesterday, it welcomed former NFL running back Jason Wright as the team's new president, making him the first Black team president in the league's history. Dan Snyder – the team's owner – said Wright will "set new standards" for the organization after it's gone through some major changes this year.
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100 Years Later
Today marks 100 years since the 19th Amendment was ratified, granting women the right to vote in the US. It took decades of pressure and protests from suffragists to win that right. But many women – including Black women, Native Americans, Asian Americans, and Latinas – were still blocked from voting for years and even decades after 1920. We break down everything you need to know about that history here. Barriers still exist today. But if every millennial exercised her right to vote this year, we could decide the election. When so much feels out of your control, voting shouldn't be.
PS: Want more updates around key dates leading up to the election? We've got you covered on ways to take action, get informed, spread the word, and help get your communities ready to vote. Get in on it.
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Here are our favorite picks to help you take a break today...
1. 14 products that celebrate trailblazing women in history. Like a coffee table book, prints with inspiring quotes, and a puzzle featuring suffragettes. Remember them, thank them, vote in their honor.
2. A guide to comfort decorating. This series is all about how to spark joy within your space. Home sweet home indeed.
3. 40 essential movies about, by, and for women. Watching every movie on this list is just, like, the rules of feminism.
PS: Want more? Sign up to get weekly recs in your inbox.
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For when you miss buying new notebooks and pens…
Here's another way to start fresh. Try this wellness brand's metabolism super powder. It eliminates bloat, enhances energy, and controls your cravings naturally. PS: Skimm'rs get 20% off sitewide. Do it to it.*
For when cleaning is your favorite form of self care…
This appliance is your new best friend. It uses electricity to turn salt, water, and vinegar into a disinfectant that kills 99.9% of germs. And it's EPA approved for use against COVID-19. PS: Skimm'rs get $15 off and free shipping on starter kits. Tidy up.*
For when you've been wearing bras that poke you all your life…
There's a better way. This female-founded brand agrees. Their bras have no wires, aka your dream come true. Plus they're made from the softest material ever. And Skimm'rs get 15% off their first purchase. Get comfy.*
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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.
Outdoor fun with…Dana M (MI). She's the president of Mitten Foundation, a nonprofit that aims to support low-income neighborhoods. It's hosting a virtual run, walk or bike fundraiser to build a playground at a Grand Rapids park. Learn more here.
Mastering (e) learning...Emily A (PA). She got into the Harvard Graduate School of Education, where she'll be getting her Master's in Education in Prevention Science. She'll manage projects and research and apply it in a virtual classroom.
(Some) Birthdays...theSkimm's Keeley Patterson (NY), theSkimm's Matthew Greenwald (NY), Clare Kim (NY), Carla Solomon (NY), Naomi Klafter (NY), Andi Brooks (MT), Christina Wiens (TX), Jorge Morales (TX), Olivia Jagniatkowski (NJ), Nancy Fitzsimmons (NJ), Kenji Prince (OH), Anne Kerns (MO), Sara Owen (MI), Nikhil Joglekar (MN), Elise Steinharter (MD)
*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
