The Daily Skimm

The Story

November's on track to be the worst month of the pandemic in the US, so far.

That's dark.

It's how health experts are putting it. For weeks, the US has seen an increase in the number of coronavirus infections – breaking records for daily new cases and hospitalizations as 49 states see increases. And yesterday, the US topped more than 150,000 new cases in a single day for the first time. Health officials warned that a fall coronavirus surge was likely as temperatures started to dive and people traded in their long walks for socializing indoors. Now, that surge appears to be in full swing. And officials are warning it may get worse in the next few months.

So, what's the plan?

States are issuing new restrictions. Governors in states like California, New York, Maryland, Iowa, and Utah are limiting things like indoor dining and group gatherings. Dr. Anthony Fauci is telling people to "hang in there," adding that the promise of a vaccine could become a reality as soon as next month. And states, including Pennsylvania and Louisiana, are reportedly discussing how to make sure that high-risk Americans get access to the vaccine first (think: essential workers, the elderly). But since most Americans likely won't get the shots until the spring, experts are telling the public to remain vigilant. Something that could get tricky with the holidays approaching.

But it's the most wonderful time of the year...

It still can be. But the holidays may just look different this year. This week, the CDC updated its guidelines on how to celebrate Thanksgiving so you can protect yourself and your family. Its recommendation: celebrate with the people in your home. If you're going to a gathering, make it an outdoor one. And bring your own food, utensils, and drinks. It's also important to set expectations about testing and limit exposure or quarantine in advance of a get-together. And as always, don't forget the basics: mask up (it's protecting you and others), wash your hands, and social distance.

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Winter is coming. And the US could be in for a dark one. While the holidays may be a time to celebrate with family and friends, remember that making sacrifices now to limit the spread can save lives and get us all back to 'normal' sooner.

And Also...This

Who's starting to take a stand...

Republican lawmakers. Yesterday, a number of GOP senators called on the Trump admin to start giving President-elect Joe Biden access to intelligence briefings and treat Biden like the incoming president he is. Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) said he plans to intervene if Biden isn't given access to daily intel briefings today. And Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) – a staunch President Trump ally – agreed that it's time. A Department of Homeland Security committee also weighed in, saying the Nov. 3 election "was the most secure in American history." And that there is no evidence of voter fraud. It could all signal a break in Trump's grip on Capitol Hill Republicans who are standing by the president's failure to concede and allegations of election fraud.

A blue wave: Biden's electoral vote tally just grew by 11. After more than a week of waiting, Arizona's projected to be blue for the first time since 1996.
Worldwide cheers: Leaders around the world have already started congratulating Biden on his victory. And Pope Francis has offered his blessings.

What's in the clear for now…

Harvard University. Yesterday, a federal appeals court ruled that the school does not discriminate against Asian Americans in its admissions process, upholding a ruling from last year. The case against Harvard began in 2014, when a lawsuit alleged that the Ivy League school favored Black and Hispanic applicants. And claimed that the admissions process overall relied too heavily on race in making decisions. Harvard denied any wrongdoing, saying it adheres to Supreme Court rulings which allow the use of race within certain limits. But the latest judgment could put this case on track to go before the Supremes. The high court could take a deeper look into the case because of its unique framing. It pits the rights of Asian Americans against other racial groups – which could set a new precedent.

What does the record show?: In the past, the court has ruled in favor of affirmative action. But with a 6-3 conservative-majority court, there's potential that they could strike down a policy that has boosted admission of traditionally disadvantaged minority students across the US.

Who's making history...

LGBTQ+ candidates. According to one analysis, the rainbow ceiling shattered on Election Day when over 220 LGBTQ+ candidates won races across the US, and across different levels of gov. The contestant pool was also more diverse than ever, with many Black queer candidates picking up milestone wins at the state level. The first LGBTQ+ state senator in Florida dubbed the results as "a direct pushback on the hatred and bigotry over the last four years." Adding that "this is a win for all of us."

Who just landed the NFL's half-time show…

This Canadian 'Starboy.'

A Royal Throwback

Let's back, back, back it up to November 1977. When Prince Charles met Lady Diana Spencer. It was definitely not love at first sight considering he was dating her sister at the time. Yes, really.

The Prince and Diana reconnected three years later, and got the okay from Queen Elizabeth to tie the knot in 1981. But the Queen had a lot of other stuff on her mind while these two were living a real life fairytale. Think: threats from the Irish Republican Army, drama in South Africa, rising unemployment, aaand a new Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher – not exactly the royal family's biggest fan.

We'll meet Princess Diana and Margaret Thatcher in the newest season of "The Crown," out November 15 on Netflix. You don't wanna miss the drama. So mark your cal and get ready to throw it back with Olivia Colman, Gillian Anderson, and Emma Corrin.

Skimm Reads

"This Time Next Year" by Sophie Cousens

This week, we're partnering with Book of the Month to bring you an exclusive Skimm Read. Join Book of the Month now to get a copy for only $9.99. And then pick from five books every month to get one delivered right to your door. Find out more here.

Two babies, Quinn and Minnie, are born just after midnight on New Years at the same hospital, but one seems to have all the good fortune. Quinn gets the cash prize for being the first baby of the year, the charm, and now a successful business. Then, they meet 30 years later…and keep meeting. Each interaction leaves them frustrated but also, weirdly, wanting to see more of each other. Could there be a reason? Read on.

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

1. 15 things that'll prep you for Thanksgiving dinner. Whether you're cooking, hosting, or attending you might want a meat thermometer, a handy wine carrier, or some festive maple leaf plates. Our eating pants are ready.

2. Movie podcasts to add to your queue. This list has pods for when you want to feel like a Hollywood insider, or for when you're obsessed with movie lists and rankings. Lights, camera, download.

3. A wine subscription made just for you. Just take this company's quiz and you'll get six expertly chosen, award-winning bottles of wine shipped to your door. Rate the wines you try, and they'll predict which bottles you'll love for your next box. And Skimm'rs get a special offer. Nothing to wine about.*

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

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

Skimm More

1. Looking for a WFH reset? Our podcast "Skimm This" looks at how businesses and employees are adjusting to this new reality. Plus, we spoke to an expert about creating new habits to avoid burnout.

2. Meet Megan: When COVID-19 hit, she and her family moved into an RV and drove cross-country from California to Vermont. We spoke to her about the cost of getting there. PS: Want more savings tips? Sign up for our weekly Skimm Money newsletter.

3. It's the weekend, which means it's time to de-stress and re-charge. We've got you covered with foods to help you get better sleep, reduce your anxiety, and lower your blood sugar.

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.

Working to build community...Cetonia W-R (WI). She started Niche Book Bar in Milwaukee on her tricycle to promote Black authors and stories. Now that winter's approaching, she's trying to raise money to fund a physical location where people can gather, drink wine, and discuss Black-authored books.

Running for a cause...Kate T (MI). Last summer, she trained for a marathon and fundraised for orgs supporting BLM, voting rights, or social justice. She has raised over $5,000 and it has been matched by her company. Now, she is running her annual Pievember and donating to an org each week. Learn more.

(Some) Birthdays...theSkimm's Sophie Riese (NY), Dan Mason (WA), Sean Foley (CA), Troy Carter (CA), Dori Bayer (NC), Donald Martinolich (NJ), Jane Gellman (NJ), John Reese (IL), Sue Hurley (IL), Trisha Engelman (NY), Caryn Bregman, Luciana Allegra (IL), Dheerja Kaur (CA), Dave Lohrey (CA), Steve Greenbaum (PA), Danielle Freedman (NY), Lee Pepper (NY), Patricia Climaco (CA),

*Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.

Skimm’d by Maria del Carmen Corpus, Mariza Smajlaj, Niven McCall-Mazza, and Clem Robineau