The Daily Skimm

The Story

Members of the Trump administration are singing a new tune.

About what?

Voter fraud. Or the lack thereof. Yesterday, Attorney General William Barr claimed the Justice Department had not found any evidence of widespread voter fraud that would change the election's outcome. Important because Barr is one of President Trump's closest allies. And this new development goes directly against Trump's claims of a "rigged" election. Last month, Barr instructed prosecutors to dig into any "substantial allegations" of voter irregularities. This new claim would indicate that nothing of note came from that. No word from the president on all this. But his personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani says the DOJ hasn't conducted "any semblance" of an investigation. And that his team plans to continue the "pursuit of the truth." Meaning: expect more lawsuits.

How many is that now?

A lot. Trump's team and other GOP lawmakers filed dozens of lawsuits in battleground states across the US (see: PA, MI, GA, NV, AZ, and WI). They've mostly been dismissed, settled, or withdrawn. But that's not stopping the Trump team from making 'time for court' a daily cal event. Just yesterday, his campaign filed a new lawsuit in Wisconsin, hoping to block the certification of election votes. They claim that some absentee ballots were illegally cast because voters did not submit a separate written application. It's seen as a last-ditch effort by the Trump team to overturn the election results before December 14, when members of the Electoral College cast their ballots.

theSkimm

It's been 29 days since Election Day and President Trump has yet to accept the results. Many on his team supported his claims of fraud initially. But as the days go on, key members of his administration are coming out to say there's just no evidence to back them up.

And Also...This

Who's moving ahead in the fight against COVID-19…

Britain. Today, it approved emergency use for the coronavirus vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech. The move makes Britain the first Western country to give a vaccine the green light, ahead of the US. (Reminder: Russia and China have already approved vaccines without waiting for final trial results.) And came after Pfizer said its vaccine is 95% effective in preventing COVID-19. The UK gov has ordered 40 million doses of Pfizer's vaccine, enough for 20 million people. Now with approval, the gov says it'll begin distribution next week to high-risk groups, including nursing home residents. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the vaccine will allow the country "to reclaim our lives and get the economy moving again."

This CDC advisory panel. Yesterday, it voted on who should get first dibs on a potential COVID-19 vaccine. In a 13-1 decision, it recommended health care workers and long-term care facility residents should get the top spot. And hinted that essential workers should be next in line. But state govs still have the final say on distribution and will likely need to make a call later this month – when states could start receiving the first doses of Pfizer and Moderna's vaccines for wider use.

Who's taking initiative…

These lawmakers. Yesterday, a group of bipartisan lawmakers rolled out a $908 billion coronavirus relief plan. It includes billions of dollars in funding to local and state governments, small business relief, vaccine distribution, and support for unemployed Americans. Not included: another stimulus check. Some Americans have been waiting months for another round of federal financial help. But Congress has remained deadlocked on several proposals. While some lawmakers have thrown their support behind this bipartisan effort, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) is saying 'back to the drawing board.' Instead, he's working on a separate bill with the Trump admin that he says the president is more likely to sign.

What had many pressing 'add to cart'…

Deals on deals. According to early data, shoppers spent a collective $9 billion online on Black Friday. And just when you thought your cart was full enough, Cyber Monday said 'hold my beer.' American shoppers spent a record $10.8 billion that day – an all-time high, according to Adobe Analytics. Giving Tuesday felt the spending love too, especially in donations to pandemic-related nonprofits. Well done, team.

Psst…didn't finish your holiday shopping? We Skimm'd tips for buying gifts on a budget.

Who's inspiring all of us...

Elliot Page. Yesterday, the Oscar-nominated "Juno" actor came out as a non-binary, transgender person. Page said he "can't begin to express how remarkable" it is to finally be his true self. And took a moment to reach out to the transgender community, letting them know he would do "everything" he can to help change a world where they are harassed.

What's very on-brand for 2020...

This 30 under 30.

What's giving us a gift before the holidays...

Spotify.

Next Level Holidays

Lights are up, Mariah is on repeat, and Macaulay Culkin's face is...everywhere. That's right. It's the most wonderful time of the year. And even if we need to do the holidays a bit differently in 2020, traditions will carry on. It's also a good time to work in some new ones. Like starting a socially-distant cookie exchange and streaming a family film festival in the living room.

Kroger can help with all of that. They've got recipes and tips to help you sleigh the cooking and hosting game. Plus a gift guide with discounts on all kinds of stuff. Like a grooming kit for dad and coffee maker for mom (or you). So your holidays can be more holly and jolly, less stress and mess. Let the magic begin.

All we want for Christmas...is fun in the sun. But even as temps drop, we're here to keep your spirits up. Some of the usual outlets to fight the winter blues, like holiday parties and cozy dinners inside crowded restaurants, won't be happening this year. Enter: our guide. It has tips to help you feel merry and bright right from the comfort of your own home.

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

1. What you need to know about working out now that it's chilly. Here's how to avoid those joint aches and pains, plus the five stretches you should always be doing after a sweat session. We said brrrr it's cold in here…

2. A bunch of 'little somethings' for everyone on your list. New Stand has rounded up candles, accessories, workout gear, and more stuff you'll want to give...and get. Oh, and they'll make sure your order gets there by the holidays. PS: Skimm'rs get 30% off till Dec 13 with code SKIMM. Ho, ho, go.*

3. Denim made with the same stuff as yoga pants. This brand's super soft high-rise skinny jeans are the perfect blend of stretch and structure. So you can transition smoothly from sweats. Psst...Skimm'rs get free shipping, exchanges, and returns. Stay comfy.*

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

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

For when you just noticed the interest rate on your credit card…

Stay calm. There are cards that won't charge any interest for up to 18 months. Perfect for buying stuff you can pay off by then, but maybe not now. Hi, holiday gifts. CompareCredit™ has broken down the best offers, so you can find the right one for you. Much better.*

For when you've been getting crafty lately…

SimpliSafe is all about DIY. They'll send a home security system right to your door, and you can set it up in under an hour. Their team will call to let you know it's working. PS: Skimm'rs get 40% off plus a free camera. Say 'hi' to peace of mind.*

For when you wanna step up your CBD game...

Try Upstate Elevator. Their organic, vegan, THC-free CBD gummies are made from pure, natural cannabinoids. And mixologists craft the flavors, so they taste good. No bitter aftertaste and no BS. Plus, Skimm'rs get 30% off with code Skimm30. Go on.*

For when you want booties that feel like sneakers…

Gotchu. Cole Haan's Newburg Booties are waterproof leather on the outside, but fully lined with padded sock material on the inside. Oh, and most of their shoes are on sale right now during their Grand Month of Giving Event. Look good, feel good, save money.*

For when you could use some self-care right about now...

Pandemics will do that to you. This wellness program is all about changing habits and setting small goals vs. just diet and exercise. So you can keep up a healthy lifestyle...even during the holidays. More good news: Skimm'rs get a free 14-day trial. Your mind says 'thanks.'*

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

Skimm’rs

Just like us, McDonald's knows that community matters more than ever in times like these. That's why they're dedicated to giving back (see: committing to donate $100 million to Ronald McDonald House Charities® by 2024). Together, we're highlighting Skimm'rs who are making an impact in their communities. More fries for them.

Holding up change...Leilah S L (CT). She's founded Black Out Stamford, a nonprofit advocacy group that strives to educate communities about anti-racism. And does so by educating and empowering young people through webinars. Check it out.

It's the climb...Alexis P (FL). She founded Elevate BC, to help local families affected by COVID-19 by matching them with donors to help cover urgent expenses like groceries and utilities. And also provides learn-to-read books to impacted families with children ages 3-6. Learn more.

(Some) Birthdays...Jessica Scheer (NY), Glenn Turtletaub (NJ), Jenny Grosvenor (VT), Stephan Robineau (CA), Mary Gaffney (CA), Gillian Bayer (FL), Pamela Susman (NY), Shivani Tailor (NY), Mary Beth Holzinger (MN), Sarah Jankowski (OH), Annie Stuart (NY), Jamie Giesy (OH), Adam Bitner (IL), Kathye Partridge (OR), Abby Huth (CT), Emma Lipman (CT)

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