Skimm'd with nothing to wine about

"I ended up finding my inner child" – Channing Tatum, who says he accidentally locked himself in his daughter's room and wrote a children's book. Magic Mike's coming through with all the fantasy.

Have You Herd?

The Story

As COVID-19 cases continue to grow in the US, some are advocating for "herd immunity."

Oh yeah, I've heard about that.

Great. A newly hired Trump admin pandemic adviser has reportedly suggested the US start following the herd immunity strategy. Much to the dismay of other public health experts. Why? Because herd immunity can be (usually) safely achieved through vaccines. And since we don't have one yet, the other recourse is through natural infection.

Ok, now I might need your help.

You got it. Herd immunity through natural infection happens when enough people become immune to the virus (after getting infected) for it to stop its spread. Scientists estimate that wouldn't happen until 70% of the population was infected. Meaning more than 200 million Americans would need to be infected, recover, and become immune to achieve herd immunity. That would take a really long time. Just yesterday, the US topped 6 million coronavirus cases. And we've already lost more than 182,000 people. Last week, a top official from the World Health Organization said attempting to achieve herd immunity naturally would be "very dangerous." Health experts say it could lead to an "enormous" death toll. And even if it was achieved, it's unclear how long it would last given some recent cases of reinfection.

So why are people talking about it?

Because this virus is still a mystery. And leaders and lawmakers are trying to find a way to minimize the economic and social impacts of the pandemic. Other countries have tried it, too. Take Sweden for example: the country didn't shut down and left restrictions (think: wearing masks and practicing social distancing) up to individual discretion. Its efforts have come at a great cost: economic devastation and a death rate that's higher than its Nordic neighbors. And researchers say it's still 'nowhere close' to reaching herd immunity.

theSkimm

With more than 6 million COVID-19 infections, the US is trying to figure out how to contain this virus. But many are warning herd immunity isn't the right call until a safe and effective vaccine is here. Until then, follow health guidelines: wear a mask, practice social distancing, and keep washing your hands.

And Also...This

Whose case is seeing updates…

Layleen Polanco's. NYC has recently agreed to pay $5.9 million to the family of the transgender woman who died in solitary confinement at the Rikers Island jail complex last year. The 27-year-old suffered an epileptic seizure after officials placed her in solitary confinement against medical advice. She was sent to Rikers because she couldn't afford to pay a $500 bail. Her death sparked protests against transgender discrimination in the criminal justice system. And led Mayor Bill de Blasio to call for an end to solitary confinement at city jails. The settlement is reportedly the biggest one NYC's ever paid over an inmate's death at Rikers.

Where the PM seat is being polished…

Lebanon. Yesterday, the country's leaders named a new prime minister. Meet: Mustapha Adib, who had served as Lebanon's ambassador to Germany since 2013. He'll now lead the nation after the previous gov resigned following the Beirut explosion last month that killed almost 200 people. The country's also faced years of political and economic turmoil. The announcement comes after weeks of protests in Lebanon to overhaul its political system. And mounting pressure from the French gov (a close ally) to name a new leader. Now, Adib is apparently promising to speed up the investigation into the blast, push for reforms, and get assistance from the International Monetary Fund.

What's saying 'hold your horses'...

China. Last week, it introduced new restrictions on the export of artificial intelligence technology – which could make it more difficult for a US company to buy TikTok. The new rule requires Chinese companies to get a license from the government if they want to export to the US. It's the first time since 2008 that Beijing updated its export list, and the gov apparently said it's to "protect national security." (Which seems to come up a lot with TikTok.) Now, ByteDance – the owner of the Chinese video-sharing app – says it will comply with the new regulations. And the clock's ticking: The Trump admin has ordered the company to sell its US operations by November 12th.

Why some paychecks will be bigger...

The payroll tax holiday. Remember that thing we talked about a few weeks ago? Starting today, companies can stop withholding part of your pay that the gov uses to fund Social Security. If your employer opts in, your paycheck could be higher for a few months. But it's only temporary – and these taxes are only being deferred through the end of the year, not forgiven. Meaning this short-term 'raise' could feel more like a cut come 2021, when people will have to pay back any deferred taxes.

What's better than a birthday buffet…

An Oreo cake.

Stay Fresh

Feeling stuck in a rut? Same. So we partnered with Mentos Pure Fresh Gum to bring you some ways to shake things up. Because Mentos is all about fresh ideas, fresh breath, and fresh perspectives. This week, we're talking about refreshing your WFH video calls.

Check your lighting. Fact: direct overhead lights add dark shadows to your face. And backlighting isn't your friend. Try sitting right in front of a window for that "important meeting" glow.

Reserve your space. Busy house or apartment? Tape a "Do Not Disturb" sign to your door to let family and roommates know when you're on-camera with co-workers.

Take breaks. Science says breaks improve productivity. So actively schedule time to refresh between video calls. Then make the most of it by popping in some Mentos Pure Fresh Gum, taking a walk, and giving your brain a reset. Ahhh.

Wanted: Poll Workers

Poll workers are crucial on Election Day. They set up polling sites, welcome voters, verify registrations, and issue ballots. But due to the coronavirus pandemic, there's expected to be a shortage this year. That's partly because most poll workers are over the age of 61 – meaning they're at a higher risk for complications from coronavirus – and many may decide against working this election.

That's where you potentially come in. Today is National Poll Worker Recruitment Day. And we've partnered with Power the Polls – an initiative dedicated to recruiting poll workers to ensure a safe and fair election. For more info on ways to get involved, head here. And we've got you covered with everything you need to make your own plan to vote here.

Here are our favorite picks to help you take a break today...

1. 15 totally random products that'll make you smile. Aka things for your daily pick-me-up. This list has heart-shaped sunnies, funky candles, a bandana for your pup, and more. Hello, retail therapy.

2. A guide to plants that are hard to kill. All you need is this explainer, and a few words of encouragement: We beleaf in you. You grow girl.

3. 12 home habits of stylish people you should copy. There are two kinds of people in the world: those who were born knowing how to style a bookcase, and…the rest of us. If you're redecorating soon, take some cues from the effortlessly cool among us.

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

For when you've been meaning to hang up photos forever…

Good news: it's easy now. Shutterfly's New Photo Tiles can be attached to your walls without nails or hooks. Plus, you can stick them and move them, so you have the freedom to change it up if you want. PS: right now you can get 40% off wall art. Get to it.*

For when you're officially sick of having leftovers for lunch...

Sandwiches to the rescue. Make them great with lunch meat from today's sponsor Oscar Mayer Natural. Their turkey cold cuts have no antibiotics, no artificial ingredients, and no added nitrates or nitrites. So your sandwich will really shine. Do it to it.*

For when you like to know what's in the products you use…

Say 'hi' to this online shop. It has affordable, sustainable household products. And everything is ethically sourced, eco-friendly, and free of unhealthy ingredients. PS: Skimm'rs get $15 off their first order, no minimum spend required. Here you go.*

For when you're ready for a glow up…

So is your skin. This anti-aging super duo can help. The moisturizer and face oil work together to fight wrinkles, dullness, and dehydration. It's luxury-level results, minus the markup. Oh, and Skimm'rs get $20 off the set. Get glowing.*

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.

Poll it like it's hot...Avi S (CO). He's the co-founder of The Poll Hero Project, a nonpartisan student org that wants to get people to the polls. Today, their goal is to sign up 5,000 new poll workers for National Poll Worker Recruitment Day. Get to it.

Sew cool...Marilyn H (MD). She's designed re-usable, unisex, organic cotton face masks. For every mask purchased, one is donated to the Women's Housing Coalition in Baltimore. Check them out.

(Some) Birthdays...Alex Lane (NY), Brittany Aprati (IL), Chelsea Bernstein (NY), Charmayne Evans (TX), Adri Andree (FL), Alexia Eaton (MI), Alexandra Stewart (NY), Anna Blanch Rabe (NM), Anne Zellner (CO), Alyssa Vigada (NY), Brett Freidkes (FL), Carly Hasse (WI), Danielle Dillavou (GA), Emily Gipple (KS), Heather Harris (WI)

*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, and Clem Robineau