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Quote of the Day
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"About 2%" – How many conversations end when people actually want them to, according to a study. Nothing like a good old 'sorry, my phone died.'
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The Story
The US's battle against the coronavirus has taken one step forward, two steps back.
What's going on?
Yesterday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) said it's time for the state to be "100 percent" open. So he is nixing the mask mandate and will allow all businesses to open to full capacity – effectively doing away with most of its coronavirus restrictions. Abbott did acknowledge that COVID-19 is still a thing. But the state has suffered high unemployment amid the pandemic as businesses have struggled. The governor said restrictions are "no longer needed" and that everything can open up starting March 10. Mississippi said 'yeah, what he said' and followed suit.
I can't tell if this is good news or bad news.
It's raising concerns. Especially for Texas, whose residents have been reeling from a deadly winter storm that forced people to shelter together – potentially causing a superspreader event. Less than 7% of Texans are fully vaccinated. In Mississippi, that number's 7.5%. And earlier this week, the CDC reminded everyone that contagious COVID-19 variants are spreading and sprouting – and it's raised concerns about vaccines' efficacy against them. But both states appear to be saying 'you're on mute' to federal health officials who warned against easing restrictions.
You said we took a step forward too?
Maybe. Yesterday, President Biden said every American adult should be able to have a vaccine by the end of May – much sooner than his earlier July timeline. For that, you can in part thank the recent lovefest between Merck and Johnson & Johnson. The two rivals are joining forces to boost vaccine supply – days after J&J's one stop-shot was given the green light. Now, Merck will help produce and package J&J's vaccine, which could double its better half's production rate. But there are caveats.
Like...?
Like the fact that it could be hard to reach herd immunity without vaccinating kids. And that it's unclear how these vaccines are doing against some of the more concerning variants circulating. Which is why things like masks and social distancing are still so important.
theSkimm
Since the pandemic began, the question has been 'when will this nightmare be over?' We still don't have an end date – but rolling back proven strategies to reduce the virus's reach won't get us any closer.
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What's in reaction mode...
The US. Yesterday, it issued sanctions in response to the poisoning and arrest of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Last year, Navalny was poisoned with Novichok (an illegal nerve agent) – which had many Putin-g two and two together. But the Kremlin denied responsibility, saying if it had tried to poison Navalny it would've "finished the job." Yikes. Earlier this year, Russian authorities arrested Navalny, sparking nationwide protests. Now, the US is responding with sanctions against people like the head of Russia's security services to "send a clear signal" that chemical weapons aren't going to fly. Russia condemned the sanctions and said it would respond.
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Who's out of the running...
Neera Tanden. Yesterday, the White House withdrew its nomination for the liberal think tank CEO to serve as director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). For weeks, the nomination had many on the Hill scratching their heads, since President Biden had called for unity...and Tanden was a polarizing figure, alienating Republicans and Democrats alike. Now, it's clear Tanden doesn't have the votes, so the White House is saying 'back to the drawing board.' It's looking for a new OMB director nominee but says it's still hoping to put Tanden in the admin in some capacity.
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Who people are remembering…
Vernon Jordan. Earlier this week, the civil rights leader died at the age of 85. Jordan grew up in Atlanta during the period of segregation and devoted his life to ending racial discrimination, especially in education. In 1961, he escorted Charlayne Hunter through a white mob at the University of Georgia – a place he helped desegregate. In the political realm, he chaired former President Bill Clinton's transition team and remained a close adviser to the Clintons. The NAACP called him "an icon to the world and a lifelong friend." RIP.
Neville "Bunny Wailer" Livingston. Yesterday, the three-time Grammy award winner died at age 73 in Jamaica after being hospitalized from a stroke. A pioneer in Reggae music, Wailer was one of the founding members of The Wailers – playing alongside legends Bob Marley and Peter Tosh before the group broke up in 1974. He's known for hits "Cool Runnings," "Ballroom Floor", and his album "Blackheart Man." In 2017 he was awarded Jamaica's Order of Merit, one of his country's highest honors. Jamaica's prime minister said Wailer's performances "touched the hearts and souls" of fans in Jamaica and globally. RIP.
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What's not all green eggs and ham…
These books. Yesterday, Dr. Seuss Enterprises said it's no longer publishing six of the author's children's books because they exhibit racist and insensitive imagery. The decision was made with the help of educators in an effort to represent and support "all communities and families."
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Skimm'd While Making History
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This year, we're doing Women's History Month a little differently. And championing the women making history right now. Because they're on the front lines of the pandemic; they're leading movements; they're home-schooling while holding down a 9-to-5; they're producing movies and writing books that'll become classics. And we don't want to wait decades to honor them. So we're celebrating now with...
What are you waiting for? Find it all here.
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Your age ain't nothing but a number is hugely important when it comes to fertility. But egg freezing can help. According to recent research, women 35 and younger have an 80% chance of delivering a future baby if they can freeze about 14 of their eggs. Any older than that, and the odds drop. If you've ever considered putting your eggs on ice, read our guide to learn about how it works and what it'll cost.
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Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. Easy, delicious breakfast in minutes. You've probably heard of this brand's smoothies. They also make plant-based "Mylk" from just almonds and sea salt. And ship it right to your door. Say 'bye' to last-minute grocery runs and 'hi' to $25 off.*
2. A language app that'll have you speaking the basics in three weeks. With 10-15 minute lessons, you can learn on your own time. Psst...Skimm'rs get 50% off select subscriptions. Talk the talk.*
3. Personalized, affordable acne treatment. With this company, licensed medical providers evaluate your skin and send prescription medication right to your door with free shipping. For as little as $15 a month. No trips to the drugstore or dermatologist's office required.*
PS: Like what you see here? Make sure you're signed up to get more picks like these in your inbox every Monday. We've got exclusive shopping recs, streaming ideas, life hacks, and more.
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*PS: This is a sponsored post.
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This last year has been one for the books. Let's not wait 'til 2040 to celebrate women who are making history in big and small ways right now. Got someone in mind? Tell us here.
Thinking outside the box...Claire H (NY). She's the cofounder of Wethos, an online platform that promotes freelance developers and empowers them to take ownership over their portfolios.
Raising the bar...Jamie R (NY). She's become a partner at a law firm at age 32. She'll help individuals and families navigate the complicated legal and mental health system.
(Some) Birthdays...Susan Lane (AUS), Matt Buskirk (NY), Caitlin Sachs (NY), Rachel Schragis (NY), Lidia Movahedian (NY), Sarah Eiden (VA), Elizabeth Dickensheets (PA), Sara Brown (AR), Brianna Gray (UK), Stephanie Brown (VA), Donna Lawson (MT), Jamie Gilbert (OK), Jason MargolinKatz (NY), Sarah Devitt (IL), Claudia Verdin (IL), Joan Murray (CAN)
PS…we've also got a video wall to shout out a woman in your life who's making an impact on you. Check it out.
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It's been nearly a year since most classrooms across the country turned virtual. We spoke to Vice President Kamala Harris about how to reopen schools safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.
And if you're looking for other smart ways to spend your time…
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Listen to our news podcast "Skimm This" for clarity on the biggest stories of the week.
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Tune in to our career podcast "Skimm'd from the Couch" for tips to build your resume.
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Subscribe to our "Skimm Money" newsletter to keep up to date with your wallet.
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Sign up for our "Press Pause" newsletter for curated shopping, reads, and entertainment recs.
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- Download our app to get it all in one place.
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Skimm’d by Maria del Carmen Corpus, Mariza Smajlaj, Clem Robineau, and Julie Shain
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theSkimm50 West 23rd Street, Suite 5B; New York, NY, 10010, United States Update Profile
