The Daily Skimm

The Story

The world received some good news.

Love to hear it.

Yup. Yesterday, Moderna – a Massachusetts-based biotech company – announced that its vaccine candidate is 94.5% effective in preventing the coronavirus. The early results are from the company's Phase 3 trial involving 30,000 adult volunteers. Half got two doses of the shot, and the other half got a placebo. Only five people got infected in the vaccine group, compared to 90 infections in the placebo group. Meaning, the experiment appears to be working. Now, Moderna joins Pfizer as a top contender to combat a worsening pandemic.

I will not throw away my shot.

Just you wait. It will take months before everyone who wants a vaccine can get one. Both Moderna and Pfizer plan to hit up the FDA for emergency use to start offering their shots as early as next month. Once it gets the green light, Moderna says it'll be ready to distribute 20 million doses by the end of this year (enough for 10 million people). And up to 1 billion doses next year. Pfizer has a similar plan. The most vulnerable populations (think: the elderly and health care workers) are expected to get priority.

This is the part where you recite the side effects really quickly.

Sure. Like Pfizer, Moderna still hasn't wrapped up its Phase 3 trial. Or released the full data. But as of now, the most significant side effects include muscle ache, pain at the injection site, and feeling tired. Meanwhile, Moderna's already offering a better shelf life than Pfizer. And unlike Pfizer, its vaccine doesn't need to be stored in a special fridge, making it potentially easier to distribute. Moderna had also slowed down the trial to ensure the diversity of its participants. Now it says its vaccine is expected to be equally safe and effective for all, including Hispanic and Black populations – groups disproportionately affected by the virus.

Is there a 'but?'...

There is. Dr. Anthony Fauci and other health experts are warning people to not let all this good news cloud their judgment. Fauci called Moderna's results "striking." But without a vaccine, it's more important than ever to cover your nose and mouth in public, wash your hands, and not go hugging people like it's early 2019.

theSkimm

The pandemic has infected more than 55 million people around the world, and the trend is looking grim. Especially in the US, where states are trying to combat a fall surge, hospitals are getting overwhelmed, and stores are limiting household supplies. We've got double the vaccine prospects now. But until a vaccine is on the market, we'll all need to triple our efforts to curb the spread.

And Also...This

What's on the rise…

Hate crimes. Yesterday, the FBI released its 2019 report on hate crimes in the US. And it's not good news. Hate crimes rose to the highest level in more than a decade. And hate-motivated killings were at their highest number since data collection began in the 1990s. There were over 7,300 hate crimes recorded (nearly 200 more than in 2018) – including some motivated by bias against race, religion, or sexual orientation. But the real number could be higher since only about 13% of participating agencies reported hate crimes to the FBI. Race-based crimes remain among the most common. And while crimes against Black people dropped slightly, anti-Hispanic hate crimes rose. The report also found an almost 7% rise in religious-based hate crimes, the majority of which targeted Jews.

Call for action: Advocacy groups like the Anti-Defamation League are calling on the fed gov and law enforcement agencies to improve data collection for more accurate results. And to "remove the barriers" (including things like immigration status) that keep marginalized groups from reporting hate crimes.

What's facing the music...

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA). The number of sexual abuse claims against the bankrupt nonprofit rose to over 90,000 yesterday. Reminder: Earlier this year, the BSA filed for bankruptcy after facing hundreds of lawsuits from people who say they were sexually abused as scouts as far back as the 1940s. The org had also kept files about possible pedophiles within its members, including more than 7,800 scout leaders known or suspected to have sexually abused boys. A lawyer representing some of the victims reportedly said he "never contemplated" the number would be so high. Claims have been filed in all 50 states and even abroad.

The response: The BSA is looking to set up a victim's compensation fund as part of its bankruptcy filing. And said it was "devastated by the number of lives impacted by past abuse."

Where the situation is evolving fast...

Peru. Congress just named its third president in a week. Last week, the legislature removed popular centrist President Martín Vizcarra, accusing him of things like taking bribes. Bold flex, considering half of the legislators are themselves under investigation for crimes like corruption and homicide. Peruvians took to the streets, accusing Congress of a coup. At least two people died in clashes with police. Earlier this week, the new president resigned amid the uproar. So yesterday, Congress named the new guy: Francisco Sagasti, a former World Bank official. It's hoping that electing someone whose party voted against removing Vizcarra will calm the protesters, at least until elections next year.

Who's not shaking things off…

Taylor Swift. Yesterday, the music artist said that her master recordings from her former label with Scooter Braun had been sold without her knowledge – for the second time. And that she was asked to sign an NDA to not speak against Braun. Now, Swift says a private equity company called Shamrock Holdings bought "100%" of her music, videos, and album art. But she has already started re-recording her older music and let fans know that she has "plenty of surprises in store."

While you won't have snow for the holidays...

Have some frosting.

'Tis the year of...staying inside. Which is why we partnered with Maidenform to make gifting cozy vibes an actual thing. This holiday season, get your loved ones the comfiest loungewear, candles, and the warmest, most cuddly throws. Or you know, add some to cart for yourself. Grab your hot cocoa, it's time to shop (from the couch).

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

1. 13 sweet gifts that say 'I'm thankful for you.' This Thanksgiving, tell grandma you're grateful she learned how to use Zoom. And for everyone else you want to express your gratitude for, this list has delicious treats, cute cards, and colorful flowers to send to someone special. Hashtag blessed.

2. 7 shower mistakes that are ruining your skin, according to dermatologists. In today's lesson at beauty school, we're talking about why we will never use a loofah ever again. Class dismissed.

3. A stocking stuffer that screams '2020.' Hydrating hand sanitizer from this brand kills 99.9% of germs without harsh chemicals. The Clip-On Scent Sampler includes each of their six essential oil fragrances, like lavender and mint citrus. Their refillable, TSA-friendly bottles look like adorable, brightly-colored birds. Oh, and Skimm'rs get 20% off. Spread joy, not germs.*

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

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

For when there are lots of kids on your list this year…

Subscriptions for the win. This company sends enriching projects and activities every month. Just pick a line based on age and interest. Then watch – or join – as they discover how fun learning can be. PS: Skimm'rs get 50% off their first crate. Check it out.*

For when 'breakfast for dinner' has become a lifestyle...

Lean in. This zero-sugar cereal tastes just like your childhood favorites. But has fewer carbs and more protein. Plus, Skimm'rs get early access to their Black Friday deal: a free Peanut Butter box with any purchase. Break out the big bowls.*

For when everyone on your list misses eating out…

Give the gift of easy cleanup. This company's best-selling, multi-purpose Always Pan has a nontoxic, nonstick coating. And it comes in six colors, like lavender, spice, and sage. PS: Skimm'rs get $50 off during their biggest sale of the year. Don't wait.*

For when you consistently hit snooze every morning…

Trim your routine. Well, trim the amount of time your routine takes. We've got a dry shampoo, an automatic pet feeder, and a smart plug that can voice control your appliances. Hello, 15 extra minutes of sleep.

*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.

Plug in with...Priyanka K (DC). She's the host of Curryup Startup Podcast, intended to amplify Asian voices by spotlighting Asian leaders and entrepreneurs around the globe to inspire listeners with their personal journey. Listen in.

Hand it off...Karissa H (TX). She and her husband created books with their children's handprints as gifts for grandparents amid social distancing. Get your hands on it.

(Some) Birthdays...Nick Towler (NY) Steve Towler (NY), Allison Glasgow (RI), Gina Lee (PA), Angela Gallagher (NJ), Brooke Painter (NC), Alyssa Robinson (NC), Diana Biggs (UK), Addison Walker (VA), Chelsey Moore (AL), Lorri Kern (MA), Stefany Baldwin (TX), Deborah Davis-Brutchen (IN), Amy Holcombe (NC)

*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, Clem Robineau, and Julie Shain