The Daily Skimm

The Story

House Democrats wrapped up their case against former President Trump.

Walk me through it.

Yesterday, House impeachment managers tried to seal their message: that Trump incited the Jan 6 Capitol siege. They showed videos of rioters saying things like "we're fighting for Trump." And argued that the former president was "not a man who showed remorse," pointing to his speech telling rioters: "We love you. You're very special." Lead impeachment manager Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) told senators that if Trump's ever elected into office again and there's another attack, "we'll have no one to blame but ourselves." Meanwhile, Republican senators appeared unmoved by the arguments. And several GOP lawmakers were reportedly in and out of the chamber throughout the day.

What's next?

Trump's defense team is up. Today, they're expected to argue that Trump's comments are protected by the First Amendment. His lawyers could claim (once again) that the whole trial is unconstitutional because Trump's OOO. And they could do it all in one day. Meaning, Trump could be acquitted as soon as tomorrow. It's a decision that could have larger implications.

What do you mean?

The Republican Party's fracturing. Dozens of former GOP officials are reportedly fed up with Trump's rhetoric and Republican lawmakers' refusal to stand up to him. Now, over 120 GOP officials including former Reagan and both Bush admin officials are reportedly working to form a third party. And to prioritize "principled conservatism" that would aim to endorse center-right politicians and leave Trump's politics behind.

theSkimm

President Trump's second impeachment trial has highlighted the trauma from the Capitol attack that's still fresh for many people. But despite that, many lawmakers appear to be leaving the door open for Trump to make a return to the political sphere.

Circling Back

Earlier this week, we wrote about the pandemic's effects on the state of women and mothers in the workforce. And how it disproportionately impacted women of color.

We spoke with Vice President Kamala Harris on this week's episode of "Skimm This" about how the Biden administration plans to tackle what it sees as a "national emergency."

Q: This year, women in particular are in a financial, social, and career crisis – that's being called a "shecession." What are you and President Biden doing to get women back to work?

A: When you lift up the economic status of women, you lift up the economic status of families and communities and all of society benefits. So that's how the president and I look at what we need to do around women in the workforce. One, it's a matter of equity and fairness. Two, it's a matter of how everyone as a society will benefit, how the economy as a whole will be better when women are in the workforce, when they are paid equal pay for equal work. And when they have the benefits that all working people should have such as paid sick leave and family leave.

PS: Want to learn more about how women are faring in this economy? We're going deep on all things "shecession" in today's Skimm Money newsletter. Sign up now to get it in your inbox.

And Also...This

What had a first date with the stock market…

Bumble. Yesterday, the dating app had its buzzy public debut. Many swiped right, with its shares opening at $76 bringing the company valuation to $14 billion. In 2014, Whitney Wolfe Herd left Tinder to create Bumble, giving women the power to make the first move. Now, the app's got more than 12 million monthly active users. And at age 31, Wolfe Herd is the youngest female founder and CEO to take a company public. Wolfe Herd thanked "the pioneering women who paved the way for us in the business world."

...Oh and speaking of dates, time to make one with your taxes. Filing season is here.

Who's saying 'sucks to get Sussexed'...

Meghan Markle. Yesterday, a UK judge ruled in her favor against the Mail and its parent company Associated Newspapers. In 2019, Markle sued the British tabloid for publishing excerpts of a private letter to her estranged father. Over the course of her relationship with Prince Harry, Markle has been the target of ruthless and racist coverage. Now, a judge said the newspaper's move was "unlawful" because it interfered with Markle's "reasonable expectation" that the letter was private. Markle commended the decision, saying "we all deserve justice and truth."

Who's come under scrutiny…

Yoshiro Mori. Today, he resigned as the president of the Tokyo Olympic organizing committee. The move came after Mori made sexist comments, saying women talk too much in meetings and have a "strong sense of rivalry." His remarks sparked international backlash as people called for his resignation, hundreds of Olympic volunteers quit in protest, and corporate sponsors began to speak out. Now, Mori's stepped down and apologized for all the "trouble" he's caused. It's not clear who'll take over Mori's role to oversee planning for the Olympics this summer.

Chris Harrison. "The Bachelor" host's been getting pushback for defending contestant Rachael Kirkconnell – who attended an antebellum plantation-themed formal in 2018. After pictures surfaced of the party, Harrison spoke out against cancel culture and dismissed the photos as old news. Critics are accusing him of defending racist behavior. Especially as it comes during the franchise's first-ever season with a Black male lead. Harrison has apologized, saying "I will always own a mistake when I make one." And yesterday, Kirkconnell broke her silence on the matter, writing "I was ignorant, but my ignorance was racist."

Who helped start a conversation...

Tessica Brown.

Feel the Love...Tonight

V-Day is just two days away, but we wanna help keep (the good parts of) it going. So we've got some ideas that'll make the rest of your February a little lovelier.

Schedule a virtual rom-com movie and trivia night with your friends. The more puns (and thematic snacks), the better. Think: 50 First Bacon-Wrapped Dates.
Cook something you love. Bonus points if it's an aphrodisiac.
Enter our giveaway. Just share your email here and you'll win a $30 gift card for Bellesa Boutique sex toys and the chance for more surprises all month long. May the odds be ever in your favor.

Skimm Reads

"The Four Winds" by Kristin Hannah

We've got a special Skimm Read this week thanks to our friends at Book of the Month. Use code SKIMM to join now and get a copy for just $9.99. And then pick from five books every month to get one delivered right to your door. Yes, you read that right.

"The Nightingale" author is back, back again. This time, she takes us to the Great Depression, when a young mother has to choose between staying in Texas and heading out West to search for a better life. It's a heartbreaking but beautiful story of sacrifice, courage, love, and hope. Grab the tissues.

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

1. 15 unique finds from Black-owned Etsy shops. This list has a chic bandana, a notepad just for groceries, and a French vanilla body wash. Btw, these shops are all run by women entrepreneurs. Check 'em out.

2. A wellness program that can help you stay motivated. Even when it's negative 10 degrees out and the sun sets before 5pm. This company uses psychology and tech to help you build healthier habits – and stick to them. PS: Skimm'rs get a special deal. Try it free for 14 days.*

3. Three totally random things that made us happy: this date-night game, this super puffy case for your glasses, and these sloth socks.

PS: If you've liked what you've seen here, you're going to want to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Because ICYMI: this section will be leaving the Daily Skimm soon. Sign up so you don't miss out on all our gift guides, streaming recs, life hacks, and more.

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

For when you want to be anywhere but your house...

How's Scotland sound? Watching the new STARZ docu-series "Men in Kilts" (which follows real-life Jamie and Dougal from "Outlander") is basically like going there. Skye's the limit.*

For when you need to keep your keys, wallet, and mask handy...

Hammitt's got you. Their best-selling leather clutch has an external pocket for your phone, an internal slot for your credit card, and a removable strap. Oh, and they'll fix any straps that break or hardware that gets damaged – for free. Check 'em out.*

For when you wanna give back to BIPOC communities...

Shop with charity in mind. We've got a tote bag that benefits Planned Parenthood, face masks that support the ACLU, and more. A little good can go a long way.

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

Skimm More

1. We texted with Priyanka Chopra Jonas about everything from her favorite dish to her favorite JoBros songs. Plus, what it's like to have the Queen of the North (read: Sophie Turner) as your sister-in-law.

2. If reading's your love language, check out our Valentine's Day book recs to add to your wish list.

3. Black history is American history. Our guide highlights the educators – from LaGarrett King to Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-OH), and Rachel Cargle – working to make our education system more inclusive.

Programming Note

Skimm HQ is celebrating the Presidents' birthdays on Monday. Meaning no Daily Skimm. See you back in your inbox Tuesday.

Skimm’rs

We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.

Planting roots...Marly B (OR). She graduated during the pandemic and moved to rural Oregon, where she's helped make a more efficient food bank. Her knowledge of agriculture and sustainable food has also led to a crop rotation to offer more healthy and organic food options.

Working hard...Abby C (MI). She got straight A's in law school and has received job offers for the summer and fall. Her husband couldn't be more proud.

(Some) Birthdays...theSkimm's Sarah Ehrlich (NY), Danielle Dueno (NY), Tom Martinolich (NJ), Brea Falley (NE), Ben Carpenter (CT), Kayleigh Senger (IL), Angela Burruano (CA), Kerrigan Cook (AR), Aislinn Kane (UK), Kristi Hammond (WI), Sarah Bowers (OK), Liza McLain (TN), Maytal Rand (NY), Jilian Larimore (OK), Peg Wasson (PA)

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

Skimm’d by Maria del Carmen Corpus, Mariza Smajlaj, Kamini Ramdeen, and Julie Shain