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Quote of the Day
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"This year, I would like end of Covid-19, world peace, climate control, new Xbox" – A child's letter to Santa. Let's cross off some of those items together.
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The Story
Canada is giving Pfizer a shot.
Canada, eh?
That's right. Yesterday, the country followed in the UK's footsteps and became the second Western nation to approve the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine. Now, our northern neighbors hope to roll out 249,000 doses by the end of year – starting as soon as next week. Health regulators have said nursing home residents and staff should be first in line but each province will make the call. And considering Canada's the world's second-largest territory, distribution will be a hefty task. But PM Justin Trudeau's saying 'yes cana-do' – and wants the majority of Canadians vaccinated by September 2021.
That's great. But what about the US?
The FDA's looking at the data. It's already confirmed that Pfizer's two-dose vaccine is 95% effective and safe in preventing COVID-19, there's an extra step. Enter: "science court." That's where Pfizer and BioNTech are heading today – where a panel of independent experts will act as a jury and pick apart the vaccine. If they're satisfied with the data, the FDA could grant emergency use. And 2.9 million initial doses could be going out to Americans within days. It's news that's welcome to some, but not all. Especially after the UK's saying 'you Ottawa know this.'
Know what?
UK health officials are saying people with a "significant history of allergic reactions" should hold off on getting the vaccine. The rec came after two health care workers had adverse reactions after getting the first dose earlier this week. Worth noting: they are "recovering well." While Pfizer did not test people with a history of severe allergic reactions, the FDA found no serious side effects among the over 37,000 volunteers who got both doses.
theSkimm
Canada's the third country to say 'yes, please' to doing shots with Pfizer (Bahrain joined in on the fun last week). But the US seems to be taking the 'slow and steady' approach – at a time when it's recorded over 3,000 COVID-19 deaths in a single day.
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What people are concerned about...
Brandon Bernard. Today, the 40-year-old Black man is scheduled to be executed for a 1999 robbery that resulted in two murders. At the time, Bernard was 18 years old. But some of his accomplices, reportedly only months younger than him, were tried as juveniles and avoided death sentences. The case is bringing attention to disparate sentences for juveniles and adults. And the role race plays in capital punishment. (In Bernard's case, 11 out of 12 jurors were white.) It comes after five jurors, a former US prosecutor, and thousands of others have been calling for clemency. But the Trump admin has been ramping up executions after ending a moratorium on the practice back in July.
The Seattle Police Department. This week, a federal judge found it in contempt for ignoring a court order against using chemical irritants and projectiles at Black Lives Matter protests. Like when it used pepper spray, blast balls, and paintballs against peaceful protesters in August and September. Now, the dept could face sanctions.
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What just got poked…
Facebook. Yesterday, the Federal Trade Commission and 48 states and districts sued the social media giant for allegedly acting as a monopoly. The suits are calling for Facebook to hit 'undo' on purchases it made years ago, like Instagram in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014. They say these are two of over 70 buyouts Facebook made to nip competition in the bud. But Facebook has a Story of its own. It says that if the FTC wanted to block a merger, it would have blocked the merger. Now, it's warning moves like this make the US an unpredictable business environment.
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Who's back under a microscope...
Hunter Biden. Yesterday, the president-elect's son acknowledged that federal prosecutors are investigating him over his business dealings. Specifically, whether he violated tax and money laundering laws in his various business dealings abroad – including in China. The investigation dates back to 2018. But it was apparently put on hold in recent months because the Justice Dept prohibits actions that could influence the outcome of an election. Now, it's back on. Though it comes after the FBI reportedly dropped a similar investigation for lack of evidence. Hunter Biden says he's confident this investigation will show he handled things "legally and appropriately." President-elect Joe Biden is reportedly not a subject of the probe. But says he's "deeply proud of his son, who has fought through difficult challenges."
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We don't know about you, but we're feeling...excited to have something to look forward to. And since a lot of holiday celebrations are going virtual this year, we're also looking for ways to take them up a notch. Especially if that means more eating, more drinking, and more merry.
Enter: Kroger's holiday meal planner. It organizes recipes by skill level. So you can choose your own cooking adventure. Pro tip: go for the roasted lamb chops...and do a few trial runs. Btw, their 12 Merry Days of Deals just started. So you can score serious grocery discounts through Dec 20. Including 25% off a cake from their bakery and shrimp trays for just $5. The countdown is more than on.
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ICYMI...last Friday, the Dept of Education said it was extending the "administrative forbearance" period for federal student loans until January 31. Translation: you get one more month before you have to start making those debt payments again. Here's how to game out your next move – whether you've got federal or private student loans.
PS: For more tips on making smarter money choices, sign up to get our Skimm Money newsletter in your inbox every Friday.
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Here are our favorite picks to help you take a break today...
1. A week of family dinners for when you're tired of cooking. Here's how to wear your lazy chef hat, and still make your stomach happy. *Chef's kiss.*
2. A better, wallet-friendly way to shave. This company doesn't think women should pay more for stuff just because they're women. Razors included. Their starter kit is just $9, and Skimm'rs get 10% off today only. Enjoy the s(h)avings.*
3. Sweats that feel like a warm hug. This brand's CloudKnit fabric is so soft one customer compared it to the top of a golden retriever's head. Aka exactly what you wanna wear (and pet) all winter. PS: Skimm'rs get 10% off with code SKIMM10. Wrap up in it.*
PS: Want more? Sign up to get weekly recs in your inbox.
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*PS: This is a sponsored post.
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For when all your holiday gifts are sitting in a pile in your living room...
Protect them. SimpliSafe makes it easy. They'll deliver a system right to your door, and you just peel and stick the sensors where you need them. Bonus: Skimm'rs get 35% off any new system plus a free camera. Be safe, not sorry.*
For when you usually get them something off the bestseller list…
This year, wrap up a pair of best-selling shoes from this sustainable sneaker brand. They've got lots of cute, comfy options that are back in stock after having a looong waitlist. The best part: Skimm'rs get 15% off for a limited time. Go, go, go.*
For when vacation is truly all you ever wanted…
This company can help you make it happen for less. Their 1 million members save up to 90% on round-trip flights. Think: LA from $64 and Greece from $289. Skimm'rs can try it for $1 for the next 72 hours. Yes, please.*
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*PS: This is a sponsored post.
**Subject to eligibility. Payment options through Affirm are provided by these lending partners: affirm.com/lenders.
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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.
Volunteer queen...Cristin C (MD). She founded Charity Connect, whose mission is to engage more people in meaningful and sustainable volunteer service. They work with people to find their "right fit" volunteer org. Check it out.
Paying it forward...Bella A (MA). She founded "Have Fun & Stay Strong," a gift-giving initiative that sends bags of toys and activities to kids in hospitals of all ages to help pass the time...as a sophomore in high school. Learn more.
(Some) Birthdays...Dana Jacobson (DC), Ricki Dorman (CA), Dana Spector (FL), Paul Strachman (NY), Amy Sharma (TX), Amy Miller (OH), Neha Gupta (FL), Laura Hutchins (NC), Stephanie Gaytan (AL), Kristen Woigdka (MI), Kim Evans (CA), Candice McKay (TX), Jordan Naylor (CA), Jennifer Palmer (MN), Maya Rich (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, Niven McCall-Mazza, Clem Robineau, and Julie Shain
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theSkimm50 West 23rd Street, Suite 5B; New York, NY, 10010, United States Update Profile
