The Daily Skimm

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I think I know what you're talking about.

Glad we're on the same page. Yesterday, VP Mike Pence and Democratic VP nominee Kamala Harris shared the stage for their first and only debate together...with some extra precautions. But unlike last week's disaster, we actually understood more of what the candidates had to say. Important, because the stakes were high given President Trump's coronavirus diagnosis. Here's some of what they talked about…

The coronavirus...Harris called the gov's response to the pandemic "the greatest failure of any presidential administration" in US history. With over 210,000 people in the US dead, she said that the admin covered up valuable info that could've saved lives. And that Biden would focus on things like contact tracing and free vaccines and testing for all Americans. Pence defended the admin's response (think: stopping travel from China, Operation Warp Speed). But couldn't explain how a Rose Garden event's been linked to the White House outbreak. As far as safety precautions, he said the admin "trusts the American people" to make their own choices.

The role of the VP…Both dodged the question on if they've had 'the talk' with their bosses about taking over if needed. Reminder: whoever wins would be the oldest president. Ever. When it comes to receipts (both tax and health), Harris said Biden "puts it all out there"...unlike someone else. To which Pence replied: Trump's got doctors and accountants for that.

Racial justice…Harris, the only person of color on the debate stage, said justice was not served for Breonna Taylor. She also promised criminal justice reform under a Biden admin. Pence said his "heart breaks" for Breonna Taylor – but he trusts the justice system. He believes there isn't systemic racism in America. But Harris reminded everyone that Trump told a far-right group to "stand back and stand by." Nine days ago.

The Supreme Court…Pence said it was fair game to nominate Judge Amy Coney Barrett, even if it's close to the election. Harris thinks (like the majority of Americans) that whoever wins in November should fill the Supreme Court seat. But she wouldn't say where Biden stood on court packing. On Roe v Wade, Harris said she will always support a woman's right to choose. And Pence said he's unapologetically pro-life.

The economy…Nothing new here. Pence touted the admin's record low unemployment (pre-COVID), tax cuts, and its stimulus help during the pandemic. And said 'it wasn't easy' since they inherited a struggling economy. Harris said 'take that back' – and that the recovery started under the Obama-Biden admin. Data shows she's not wrong.

What else happened?

Both candidates dodged questions – including on whether we'd have a peaceful transfer of power. For some reason, we're still debating whether climate change is real. And whether there's actual support behind the Green New Deal. Harris had to remind Pence that she was speaking. And we were reminded that everyone watches the news...even eighth graders (Hi, Brecklynn). There were lots of 'thank yous' and strained smiles. Pence congratulated Harris for making history with her VP nomination. And his hair looked really fly.

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Last night's debate came on the heels of an especially tumultuous week for the White House and the country. And while this debate didn't go off the rails, it's unclear what effect it'll have on an election in which more than 4 million people have already cast their ballots. Meanwhile, Trump and Biden are preparing for their rematch next week. But with the president's diagnosis, it's TBD if it'll still be on.

And Also...This

What people are paying attention to…

This detainee transfer. Yesterday, two ISIS militants (El Shafee Elsheikh and Alexanda Kotey) arrived in the US to face federal charges. They are being charged in connection with kidnapping, torture, and abuse of Western hostages. The two men – who are from the UK – made up half of an ISIS group called "the Beatles." A nickname used by their hostages because of their British accents. The group was accused of beheading American journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff to produce ISIS propaganda videos. They were captured in Syria in 2018 and have been detained by the American military in Iraq since October 2019. If convicted, they face life in prison.

Some justice: The victims' families pushed for the men to be prosecuted in US federal court instead of being held at the military prison in Guantánamo Bay, where cases tend to move slowly. AG William Barr agreed, saying that although the victims cannot be brought back, the US "can and will seek justice for them, their families, and for all Americans."

Who people are talking about…

Derek Chauvin. Yesterday, the former Minneapolis police officer – who was charged in the killing of George Floyd – walked out of prison after posting a conditional $1 million bond. Reminder: Chauvin faces second- and third-degree murder (and second-degree manslaughter) charges for pinning his knee on Floyd's neck for at least eight minutes back in May, killing him. He could spend up to 40 years in prison if convicted. He's expected to go on trial (along with the other three officers involved) in March 2021.

Who's in their element…

These scientists. Yesterday, Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their creation of a gene-editing tool called CRISPR-Cas9. It basically acts as "genetic scissors" that can cut DNA at a specific location – and has been used in experiments to treat certain conditions like sickle cell disease. This is the first time a pair of women have jointly won a Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Charpentier said she hopes this win sends a message to young girls who want to "follow the path of science."

What's sweeter than new bakery treats…

The "Breakfast of Champions."

The Royals, Skimm’d

Big news: "The Spanish Princess" is back on STARZ starting this Sunday, October 11th. To celebrate, we're going deep on the life and times of Catherine of Aragon and the people around her. 16th Century drama, coming right up...

Some key facts about Catherine: she was strong, resilient, and fought to get what she wanted. Need an example? Well, when England needed her in a war against Scotland, she led troops into battle...while six months pregnant. BRB, freaking out just imagining that.

Find out more about her life here. And watch as the story continues this Sunday, only on STARZ.

"Save for emergencies" is good advice. But you should also save for when everything's fine and you need to buy a new phone. Or a bridesmaid's dress to wear on Zoom. Or holiday gifts. (Because, yes, the holiday season is around the corner.) Enter: a sinking fund. We Skimm'd what it is and where to keep it here.

PS: Want more about saving from Skimm HQ? Sign up to get the Skimm Money newsletter in your inbox every Friday.

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

1. 16 things your kitchen needs for fall baking season. Get ready with mini spatulas, biscuit cutters, and a pastry mat. We're not hungry, you're hungry.

2. What kind of friend you are, based on your Myers-Briggs. Sorry not sorry for being the people that "kinda loathe plans." This one belongs in the group chat ASAP.

3. How to make your wardrobe last longer. Turns out: unshrinking your clothes is a thing you can actually do. Your wallet and your favorite sweaters say 'thanks'.

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

For when you can't believe it's not Friday yet…

We're so sorry. De-stress with Dame Products. They're a women-founded company that makes sex toys designed to close the pleasure gap. And their Pom vibrator is flexible and bends to your needs. PS: Skimm'rs get 15% off their first order. Enjoy.*

For when you're already following Eva Chen on IG…

We have a podcast ep with her about her career. Because while she's known for her loyal following on social, she's also known for carving out a career path that's totally her own. One that spans fashion, technology, and now…children's books. She joined us on our most recent episode of "Skimm'd from The Couch," sponsored by Estée Lauder. Listen here.*

For when you've been a little lax with your skin care lately…

Give your whole body some TLC. Because good self-care is about more than just your face. Gilded Body has all the products you need to hydrate, nourish, and restore your skin from head to toe. Yes, please.*

*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.

Feel the beat...Trish G & Tiffany D (NY). They're breast cancer survivors running a hip-hop happy hour every Friday on IG Live to keep spirits up during the pandemic. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so they're donating to a different org each Friday this month to help with cancer research and community. Hop into it here and here.

Going global...Jasmine C (NY). She's on the board of a health care nonprofit that serves the needs of the small community of Chateau in rural Haiti. She recently ran a fundraiser that raised nearly $6,500 to support safe deliveries for pregnant women. Learn more here.

(Some) Birthdays...Lucy Alagna (IL), Mary Lewellyn (VA), Meghan Tawney (CO), Kirby Ingram (TN), Emily Resnick (CA), Tracey Jo Hebert (WV), Anna Marie Stoneburner (OH), Catherine Baker (AR), Chelsea Coffey (IA), Katie Joyce (IL), Carly Setterberg (CO), Shelly Snyder (FL), Amy York (MT), Samantha Anna (OH), Julie Mathis (FL)

*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