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Quote of the Day
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"Billy, Eric, Tyson, Jade, and Elsie" – The names of five parrots at a UK zoo, who had to be separated for constantly cursing at each other (and the public). Aparrotly, that stuff doesn't fly.
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The Story
Now that we've somewhat recovered from the debate hangover, let's circle back to a key moment.
And that is?
The moment the president of the United States refused to condemn white supremacists. When asked about race and violence in our cities, President Trump was given the opportunity to denounce white supremacists. But he did not. With a national audience of at least 73 million people, he passed on a chance to try to unite and comfort the nation – at a time when hundreds of thousands of Americans have been protesting against systemic racism. And are facing a pandemic that's claimed over 200,000 lives in the US. Instead, he told a far-right group – known as the Proud Boys – to "stand back and stand by."
I still can't believe it.
You're not alone. Trump's statement garnered immediate criticism. From lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to anti-racism activists to celebrities and athletes – all called it unacceptable. Some Senate Republicans urged the president to correct his comments. Meanwhile, the White House tried to play them down, with the Trump campaign claiming that he had "repeatedly" condemned white supremacy. But many people see a pattern.
I'm listening.
While running for president, he refused to condemn former KKK leader David Duke, after Duke had endorsed him. In 2017, the president referred to white nationalists at the deadly rally in Charlottesville, VA, as "very fine people." In 2018, he reportedly asked why the US accepts immigrants from "sh*thole countries" in Africa. In 2019, he told four congresswomen of color to go back to the "crime infested places from which they came." In June, Trump retweeted a video where an apparent supporter is heard screaming "white power." Now, he seems to have given a nod to the Proud Boys.
Who are they?
A self-described "Western chauvinist" group that's been around since 2016. The men-only group – which the Anti-Defamation League describes as "violent, nationalistic, Islamophobic, transphobic, and misogynistic" – has been connected to a series of violent incidents (like the Charlottesville rally). And has shown up armed to several Black Lives Matter protests. Yesterday, Trump seemed to walk back his comments, telling the group "to stand down." But the damage was already done. The Proud Boys and the like, feeling validated, had already taken it as a call to action (with merch in tow).
So, now what?
That's a good question. The impact of the president's comments may not be fully known until Election Day (in 33 days). As for the trainwreck that was the debate, officials are stepping in. The Commission on Presidential Debates said it's going to make some changes "to ensure a more orderly discussion of the issues." So stay tuned for those updates – which could come as soon as the VP debate next week.
theSkimm
The first presidential debate in the 2020 race had a lot going on. But out of all the interruptions and inaudible moments, there's a clear message that's been made: the country's highest office is led by a person who failed to condemn white supremacists on national television.
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What may not be flying high…
The airline industry. Today, airlines will start furloughing more than 30,000 workers after lawmakers failed to reach a deal on a coronavirus relief package. Reminder: The pandemic has hit the industry particularly hard. Air travel's down about 70% from last year. But back in March, airlines agreed not to furlough any employees until October 1st as a condition of a $25 billion federal bailout. Now, that deadline is here. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin is asking airline executives to delay the furloughs as he works with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) on legislation to provide more funding. The House could vote on it as early as today.
...Oh and speaking of funding, President Trump signed a bill this morning that would keep US gov open through December 11.
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What's raising concerns...
This rocket strike. Yesterday, an Iran-backed Iraqi military group launched several rockets – targeted at US troops – in northern Iraq. Three of them reportedly struck an Iraqi base that houses US troops. But a US official said there was no damage or casualties. This comes the same week the US threatened to close the US Embassy in Baghdad unless Iraqi leadership stops Iranian-backed militias from targeting US personnel. And days after the Iraqi military said at least five civilians were killed by a rocket attack in Baghdad.
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Who people are waiting on…
Kentucky AG Daniel Cameron. Yesterday, a judge gave him more time before he has to release grand jury recordings in the Breonna Taylor case. Last week, a grand jury indicted only one officer – out of three – with three first-degree counts of wanton endangerment. Cameron said he'd outlined to the grand jury "every homicide offense" that the officers could face for Breonna Taylor's death – but the jurors agreed the officers' actions were justified. But then, a juror said 'that's not quite right.' And asked a judge to make the secret grand jury proceedings public. Now, Cameron says he didn't recommend any charges against the other two officers. He has until tomorrow to release the recordings.
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Cyber Risk
It's the likelihood that someone could steal sensitive info from you online, as part of a data breach or cyberattack. Like your password, social media account, private work information, financial details, or identity. Yikes.
The good news? There is a lot that you can do to protect yourself and your info. Enter: Deloitte. Their cyber team is helping companies make sure data is secure. And their "Resilient" podcast features cybersecurity leaders in different industries (think: health care, financial services, etc). This month, they have tips for staying safe and mitigating your own cyber risk. Phew. Listen here.
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Insurance is like an umbrella. Annoying to carry (read: pay for) when it's sunny, but your favorite thing on a rainy day. ICYMI, there have been a lot of rainy days in 2020. We Skimm'd which insurance policies are must-haves, what they cover, and where you can get them. Stay dry.
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Here are our favorite picks to help you take a break today...
1. Kitchen organizing tips you never would have thought of. Congrats, you just won a first class ticket to organization station. Here's how you can use a shoe rack, binder clips, and an old egg carton to keep your kitchen tidy. All aboard.
2. The best spots in America for apple picking, according to Yelp. You know what they say: an apple (cider donut) a day keeps the doctor away.
3. Stretches to loosen up your tight neck. We've been working from home (read: our couches and beds) for 75 years now. And our necks aren't happy. When in doubt, stretch it out.
PS: Want more? Sign up to get weekly recs in your inbox.
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For when you miss going to live performances…
Listen to our podcast ep with Misty Copeland. She's the most famous ballet dancer in the world who has broken down barriers throughout her career. She joined us on "Skimm'd from The Couch" to share the career advice that helped her take center stage. Listen to the latest episode, sponsored by Estée Lauder, here.*
For when you're ready to start the month off right…
Golde, a woman-founded, independent business, has your back. Try their superfood latte sample box. It has ingredients like turmeric, matcha and cacao. Minus added sugars or sweeteners. You can blend it in water, milk, coffee or smoothies. And Skimm'rs get 15% off. You got this.*
For when you keep wearing the same old vacation shirt to bed…
Time for an upgrade. Whether you sleep hot or cool...we've got you covered with tie-dye pajamas, a no-cling jumpsuit, and an adorable short-sleeved set. Sweet dreams.
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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.
Shoutout to...The Brave of Heart Fund. It was set up to provide charitable financial support to the families of health care workers who lost their lives due to COVID-19. Here's how you can help spread the word.
Blending together...Shirley R (CA). She's the founder of Beauty 2 The Streetz, a nonprofit that provides makeup, showers, hair color, and food for homeless women. Learn more and donate.
(Some) Birthdays...Missy Pittard (GA), Leigh-Anne Dornberger (PA), Melissa Lowell (WA), Christina Joseph (TX), Mollie Wasser (MA), Kelsey Lovewell (AR), Alex Bailey (LA), Drew Carl (GA), Frances Emilfarb (MA), Krystal McIntosh (WA), Sarah Moran (NC), Emma Aldred (TX), Emily Detmer (CO), Marisa Bevilacqua-Evans (PA), Karlie Place (CA)
*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, and Clem Robineau
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theSkimm50 West 23rd Street, Suite 5B; New York, NY, 10010, United States Update Profile
