The Daily Skimm

The Story

There's been another deadly shooting event in the US.

Where?

Georgia. Yesterday, attacks at three separate massage parlors in or near Atlanta left at least eight people dead – six of them women of Asian descent. Police have arrested a man – suspected in all three shootings – and are still investigating the motive. But the attacks are sending shockwaves throughout the Asian American community and beyond.

Tell me.

Since the start of the pandemic, there have been nearly 3,800 hate-related incidents against Asian Americans reported – the vast majority targeting women. One report found that in many major US cities (like New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Boston) anti-Asian hate crimes rose nearly 150% last year. Many attribute the rise to former President Trump's rhetoric about the virus – including his use of xenophobic language.

What are people saying?

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) – who is staunchly pro-gun rights – called the attacks "horrific acts of violence" and said his "entire family is praying for the victims." President Biden has yet to comment – but had already directed agencies to investigate anti-Asian discrimination. Stop AAPI Hate – formed during the pandemic to track and respond to anti-Asian violence – called the latest attacks in Georgia "an unspeakable tragedy." And the NYPD and Seattle PD are expanding their police presence in Asian communities.

theSkimm

There's still much we don't know about yesterday's attacks. But what we do know is exacerbating the very real fear Asian Americans are feeling around the country. And it's not what America should look like.

And Also...This

What people are talking about...

Immigration. Yesterday, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said the number of migrants at the Southwest border could reach levels not seen in 20 years. It comes as the Biden admin's been facing criticism over reports of children going hungry, sleeping on the floor, and being held longer than legally allowed at overcrowded facilities. Now, Mayorkas is saying the border situation isn't easing up. And added that the US is "working around the clock to manage" what's happening by sending FEMA in to help, creating shelters in Arizona and Texas, and finding sponsors or relatives to house migrant children.

The arguments: Mayorkas cited violence and poverty in Mexico and deteriorating conditions in El Salvador and Guatemala (and the hurricanes in Honduras) for migrants flooding the border. Republicans say the Biden admin's 'inviting' immigration policies are behind the surge. But President Biden denies he's issued an open invite. And in an interview with ABC aired yesterday, he explicitly told migrants "don't come" to the US right now.
The US's policy: Currently, single adults and most families are being deported to Mexico. But anyone under the age of 18 who's unaccompanied is allowed to stay in the US until the gov decides whether they can remain in the country.

What's going green in time for St. Patrick's Day...

People's bank accounts. Today, many Americans are expected to receive their government stimulus check. Last week, the gov approved checks of up to $1,400 to Americans making under $75K. Now, that money should hit the bank accounts of those who have direct deposit info with the Internal Revenue Service (and filed their 2020 or 2019 tax returns). But today's 'pay day' could delay nearly 7 million people's tax returns, since the IRS has a lot on its plate (of gold).

To-do list: Find out if you're getting a stimulus check here, and when it's expected to hit your account here. Oh, and don't forget to file your taxes by April 15. You're welcome.

Psst...don't forget the MVPs of tax season: deductions and credits.

Who's making moves outside the court...

LeBron James. The NBA superstar has become a partner of Fenway Sports Group (FSG), making him part-owner of the Boston Red Sox, Liverpool Football Club, and Roush Fenway Racing. Once the deal's approved, James – who's opened a school and won a Sports Emmy – and his longtime business partner will become the first Black partners in FSG history. Slam dunk.

While researchers have discovered Dead Sea Scrolls…

The Oakland A's have discovered bitcoin.

While Demi Lovato is opening up...

So is Elliot Page.

Skimm’d While Celebrating History

We wanna help you keep the Women's History Month party going all month long. So we've rounded up buys that celebrate and support women. Ready, set, check out...

Nine books written by women who broke barriers, changed the game, and continue to inspire us. May we know them, may we read them.
Gift ideas for the strong women in your life. Because everyone gets a tiny jolt of excitement when something arrives in the mail.
Products from women-owned brands that can help you live smarter – and happier. Including ones that give back.
Prints, mugs, pins, sweatshirts, puzzles, pencils, and more things that honor the history makers whose names you should know.

Psst...head here for all our WHM recs and reads. Who run the world?

TTK: Women are typically most fertile the few days before and during ovulation. Our guide breaks down all the ways you can track when it's go, er, O-time. Whether you're trying to get pregnant or avoid it.

Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…

1. A head-to-toe moisturizer that makes skin happy. First Aid Beauty's Ultra Repair Cream instantly hydrates and helps relieve irritation and eczema symptoms. Bonus: 10% of sales† go toward FAB AID, which helps recent grads pay off their student loans. Look good, do good, feel good.*

2. Sustainable grocery, home, and beauty products. This online marketplace will ship your picks right to your front door. But wait. There's more. Join today to get 25% off your first order. Plus a free gift.*

3. Like-new tools to help you spring clean smarter. Skimm'rs can get 20% off Certified Refurbished vacuums, carpet cleaners, outdoor equipment, and more. They'll come sanitized, freshened up, and with a two-year warranty. Psst...the deal expires on Monday. Don't wait.*

4. A car handbag hook that can attach to your seat's headrest. So your purse doesn't go flying the next time you take a turn a bit too quickly. It's also great for shopping bags and groceries. You can get a set of two for under $10, and one can hold up to 18 pounds. Wow-worthy.

5. Cleaning products that are good for the planet. Rethink the way you clean. And choose refillable spray bottles, laundry powder with compostable packaging, and reusable sponge cloths that'll replace paper towels. Small changes, big impact.

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.

*PS This is a sponsored post. †Up to $1.5 million total.

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. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.

A jab well done...Sharon L (CA). She's a physical therapist who helped create Vax Volunteers. It's a grassroots effort that's helping people find volunteer opportunities at vaccine clinics across the country. Learn more.

Take a HIIT...Tracy A (WA) and Ali C (CA). They started Surge Fit, a HIIT workout that incorporates music and weight training to get results. Feel the burn.

(Some) Birthdays...Rebekah Jaffe (MA), Karen Mills (NY), Tim Henderson (VA), Jillian Kemper (WA), Katie Budd (NY), Cate Little (DC), Amanda Wallbrink (NY), Sarah Mooney (PA), Michael Gaier (NJ), Shannon Brunett (CO), Ashley Cleveland (OK), Beverly Howell (CA), Pat Stack (NY), Heather MacKeen (FL), Kari Morrison (FL)

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.

More than 1 in 10 women in the US have a hard time getting or staying pregnant. We've got you covered with the info and resources you need on how fertility methods can help.

And if you're looking for other smart ways to spend your time…

Listen to our news podcast "Skimm This" for clarity on the biggest stories of the week.
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Skimm’d by Maria del Carmen Corpus, Mariza Smajlaj, Clem Robineau, and Julie Shain