Skimm'd with our fave last-min Mother's Day gifts

"It's not fun to be dancing in a fountain for hours and hours" – Courteney Cox on shooting the "Friends" opening. No one told her it was gonna be this way.

Oh Mama

The Story

Mother's Day is this weekend. Let's talk about Mother Earth.

Love her.

Right. But climate change is causing problems. As we mentioned last month, the average world temperature has gone up a little over 1°C (2°F) since 1880 – most of that rise coming since 1975. The change has contributed to stronger and more frequent extreme weather events, like hurricanes, wildfires, droughts, and floods. Scientists warn it's only getting worse. And human activity is largely to blame. The UN's long been focusing on how we could treat Mother Earth better. And this time, it's zeroing in on methane emissions.

Tell me more.

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that can warm the planet 80 times as quickly as CO2. A UN report published yesterday found that methane emissions from the oil, gas, and agriculture (think: cows, sheep) industries are leading to thousands more deaths from air pollution (per year) than previously thought. But (yes, thankfully there's a 'but'), cutting methane emissions by up to 45% in the next decade could help humanity out. It would help prevent hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations, premature deaths, and millions of tons of crop losses.

How do we do that?

Lots of ways. Companies could fix leaks in natural gas pipelines, coal mines, and drilling sites – helping to reduce 36% of methane emissions. They could also choose renewable energy over fossil fuels. Then there's diet. Scientists say reducing meat consumption is the single best environmental action a person can take. Argentina's taking notes. But changes in diet aren't just for humans. One study found that feeding cows seaweed can cut their methane emissions by 82%. But these efforts may take longer without everyone on board. And not everyone is: One report estimated that China's emitted more greenhouse gases in 2019 than the US and any other developed country combined.

theSkimm

If we're being honest with ourselves, we often wait 'til the last minute to get a Mother's Day gift. But Mother Earth can't wait long. Let's hop to it.

And Also...This

Where voters are getting less of a say…

Florida. Yesterday, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) signed new voting restrictions into law. They impose stricter voter ID requirements and more hoops for those who want to request an absentee ballot (like providing their driver's license or the last four digits of their Social Security number). They also limit drop boxes and require them to be monitored. The move came after over 4.7 million Floridians voted early by mail in 2020. And after the Trump campaign's baseless allegations of voter fraud failed to get traction in court. DeSantis called the new law the "strongest election integrity measures in the country." The NAACP and voting rights activists like the League of Women Voters of Florida disagree. They argue the law disproportionately affects communities of color and violates the Voting Rights Act. And are taking their allegations to court.

• Trending: Florida is the latest Republican-controlled state to sign into law new voting restrictions, following Georgia and Montana. And early this morning, a similar bill passed in the Texas House. One analysis found there are 361 state bills that could make it more difficult for people to vote.

Where protesters are taking to the streets…

Colombia. Last week, protests began over a tax reform plan to raise taxes on citizens and businesses alike. But they quickly evolved to include grievances against police violence, inequality, and poor health and education systems. Things got violent as protesters clashed with police. At least 25 people have been killed, hundreds more have been injured, and dozens have gone missing. Right-wing President Iván Duque withdrew the bill and the finance minister resigned. But the protests show no signs of stopping. And the UN's trying to remind Colombian authorities of their responsibility to respect human rights.

• Artists unite: J Balvin, Maluma, Shakira, and others are rallying for Colombia on social media. And showing their support for the protesters while calling for peace.

What's showing signs of improvement…

US unemployment. Last week, the number of Americans who filed for jobless benefits fell below 500,000 – the lowest level since the pandemic began over a year ago. This comes as vaccines have helped loosen restrictions and allowed businesses to re-open. And more people are embracing retail therapy, dining out, and traveling like it's hot – bumping up hiring. It could be starting to look a lot like the Before Times.

When you need more than one historical gem...

Enter, JFK's love letters. Oo la la.

Skimm Reads

"The Last Thing He Told Me" by Laura Dave

This week, we've got a special rec thanks to our friends at Book of the Month.

Just before Hannah's new husband disappears, he sends her a note: "Protect her." Hannah knows he's asking her to take care of his sixteen-year-old daughter, Bailey. But she has no idea what she and Bailey are about to uncover together. Cue a whirlwind of suspense, surprise, and emotion. It's a Hollywood-worthy story. And the TV adaptation is already in the works. You don't wanna miss it.

Join Book of the Month now to get a brand new, hardcover copy for only $9.99. And then pick from five curated reads every month. They'll send your choices right to your door. Sign up.

In honor of Mother's Day this weekend, we've got a special ep of our podcast "Skimm This." Because it's time to get real about motherhood. Tune in to hear from millennial moms about what the past year has really been like – from parenting through a pandemic to balancing work and home life to their thoughts on the gov's response.

PS: We know this past year has been…a mother. We've got some more tools to help lighten your mental load. Plus, our fave gift recs the moms in your life will love.

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

1. Vitamins you definitely want in your medicine cabinet. Because they support alcohol metabolism. And help prevent you from waking up feeling foggy, achy or run down. Just take two before bed anytime you drink. Trust.*

2. The best flowers to buy online for Mother's Day. Roses are red, violets are blue, get the mom in your life some flowers that say 'ily.'

3. Comfy swimwear that cleans up our waters. This brand made their new suits from 13,768 pounds of recycled plastic. Oh, and they're super flattering and come in eight different colors. Mix, match, and make the planet happy.*

4. Something to help you stress less and sleep more. Developed by doctors and neuroscientists, this wearable keeps your body calm when stress hits. And Skimm'rs get $40 off through Sunday in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. (Yes, that's happening now.) Try it.*

5. Sustainable clothes and accessories to add to your wardrobe ASAP. Aka brands that use recyclable materials, save water, and reduce waste. Your closet? It's going green.

PS: Like what you see here? Make sure you're signed up to get more picks like these in your inbox every Thursday. We've got exclusive shopping recs, streaming ideas, life hacks, and more.

Skimm’rs

Just like us, Fidelity understands how much healthcare workers have sacrificed day after day to help their communities during these unprecedented times. Together, we're honoring Skimm'r nurses, doctors, physician assistants, EMTs, pharmacists, and other frontliners. From the bottom of our hearts: thank you.

Making moves...Katelyn L (AR). She's a travel nurse who's helped with the pandemic response in five different states. Though she's been away from family and friends, she's grateful to be working with amazing RNs, PAs, social workers, and more.

Journey home...Brianna M-A (GA). She's a pediatric nurse, who moved back to the US from Japan to help fight the pandemic. When COVID-19 affected her department and staff, she signed up to work the night shift to help with the surge of emergency cases. Read her story.

(Some) Birthdays...Cathy Heller (NY), theSkimm's Gillian Zingler (NY), Jennifer Bryer (NY), Susan Ross (FL), Adam Wenner (DC), Kathryn Jankowski (NJ), Zoe Rafferty (VA), Caitlin Fowkes (MD), Megan Cottage (NY), Stephanie Matt (MO), Erica Ray (CA), Lyzz Lake (OH), Bridget Donahue (DC), Donna Slack (NY), Patricia Moreno (CA)

PS: we're keeping the appreciation fest going 'til May 12. Share your story or nominate a friend, family member, neighbor or other healthcare hero here for a chance to be featured.

This week on "Skimm This": We spoke to NYT columnist Kevin Roose about his recent piece on the YOLO Economy. Think: how and why millennials have changed their perspective on work, money, and risk. Plus, the impact this could have on non-YOLOers.

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