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Juul, Interrupted

The Story

Juul’s sending a check to more than 30 states. 

Tell me more.

The company’s marketing practices have been under the microscope for years. Juul’s accused of specifically targeting teens by using social media campaigns, hiring young-looking models, and giving out free samples. In 2019, a Juul rep even told students the company’s e-cigs were “totally safe.” Now, after a two-year investigation, Juul is settling with 34 states and territories to resolve what it calls “issues from the past.” And no more models under the age of 35.

Are teens still vaping?

They definitely are, but maybe not at the same rate as they were. That could be partly due to the US raising the minimum age to buy tobacco products to 21 and banning the sale of fruity e-cigs. But a CDC and FDA study last year found that more than 2 million teens vape — with a quarter of high school students smoking daily. Not the best after-school activity, considering 99% of e-cigs contain ever-so-addictive nicotine, which can affect how the teen brain develops. E-cigs have also led to 3,000 cases of lung injuries as of 2020.

What’s next?

The FDA's been trying to ban Juul products from the US market earlier this year. A federal appeals court said the FDA can’t do that. So the products remain on the shelves while the appeal is being reviewed. But Juul expects to receive market authorization once the federal agency examines the company’s science and evidence — “without political interference.” Juul says it’s already ditched its old marketing strategy and is focusing on “combating underage use.” 

Where people are struggling…

Pakistan. There's major concern as officials struggle to keep the country’s largest freshwater lake — Lake Manchar — from overflowing in the southern Sindh province. Historic floods in Pakistan caused by a heavier than normal monsoon season have killed at least 1,300 people. The floods have affected at least 30 million people, including by destroying homes and cutting off entire villages from help. Now, authorities are struggling to keep Lake Manchar from overflowing, potentially displacing thousands. 

• Erasing history: The floods may threaten to wipe out the ruins of Mohenjo Daro — a Unesco world heritage site. When France's Notre Dame Cathedral burned in 2019 (also a world heritage site) supporters raised almost $1 billion in days. No one died. By comparison, the UN and Pakistan are looking for $160 million in aid.

What’s on high alert…

A UN watchdog. Yesterday, the Vienna-based energy agency called for a “security protection zone” around Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. The six-reactor facility — Europe's largest — has endured near-constant shelling by Russians and Ukrainians since it was captured by Russian forces earlier this year. Last week, UN inspectors traveled to Zaporizhzhia to assess the damage. Now, they’re saying the shelling is like “playing with fire” — only adding the growing fears of a Chernobyl-like nuclear disaster. The report also says Ukrainians operating the plant are under “constant high stress and pressure” which could lead to human error. All of this has the UN agency ringing the alarm for the "immediate establishment" of the protection zone. The warning comes a day after shelling caused the last operating reactor to disconnect from Ukraine's power grid. Both Russia and Ukraine have apparently said they need to examine the details of the agency's plan.

What pairs with fall, maple lattes, and restarting all of “Gilmore Girls”...

Boosting up. Yesterday, White House officials said an annual COVID-19 vaxx could be the new norm. The White House’s COVID-19 czar says now that we have our first updated booster out, a single, updated annual COVID shot should provide a high degree of protection “against serious illness.” Kind of like the flu shot. Officials have warned that a new variant could upend the plan (surprise, surprise). The updated boosters are available to those 12 and up and previously vaccinated. 

Who’s reminding us that 'health is wealth'…

Justin Bieber.

While Kim K's getting cheeky with it...

Her sister's also teasing some goods.

If you’ve always got 10 tabs open, we get it. So much to browse, so little time. Which is why we’ve rounded up some of our fave recent product recs so you don’t miss a thing. Check out…

• Space-saving furniture pieces for your home

• Products Skimm'rs couldn’t get enough of last month

• Comfy pillows for every type of sleeper

Over 60% of women say they don’t feel comfortable in their ability to make investing decisions. Yep, you read that right. So we’re bringing you a second semester of SkimmU Money — our virtual event series designed to help you gain confidence when building (or leveling up) your investment portfolio. Sign up to attend four live sessions led by investing pros, join interactive Q&As, and more. Our next semester kicks off on September 19. Register now.

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

1. A sitewide sale that’ll make you drop everything. And fiiiiiinally get those new bras and undies you know you need. This brand’s also got chic swimwear, activewear, and bodysuits. And everything (yes, everything) is 15% off. Get in there.*

2. All-season sneakers that keep breaking the internet. Whether you’re going from summer to fall, or from WFH to HH, you’ll wanna have these cult-fave sneaks on hand — err, foot. They’re sustainably made and insanely comfy. Like 20K-five-star-reviews comfy. Find your fave neutral shade.*

3. Help making mental health challenges less…challenging. Enter: this service. They’ll match you with a licensed therapist online in less than 48 hours. Plus Skimm’rs get 20% off their first month. Meet your match.*

4. Tasty, doctor-developed electrolyte powder. With 3X the electrolytes and half the sugar of sports drinks, these sticks = dehydration relief fast. They’re essential when temps are (still) high. Pro tip: Try the grape flavor. Here’s 15% off with DRINKUP15.*

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.

Giving it a whirl…Steve C (NY). He’s hosting a Dance-a-Thon to raise money to feed homeless LGBTQIA+ youth. Nobody puts Baby in a corner. 

(Some) Birthdays…Skimm Mom Barbi Zakin (NY), Cal Roberts (NY), Jonathan Abelove (CA), Anne Brett (VT), Beverly Reeves (IL), Candice Goto (CA), Clarissa Reynolds (TX), Deirdre Bardolf (NY), Ellen Williams (CO), Felice Dhan (NJ), Hanna Lipman (FL), John Monte (CA), Jordan Ballou (MS), Katie Bull (MA), Kerri Davis (NY)

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

If going to the grocery store lately makes your jaw drop (and not in a good way), same. Food costs have gone up, but our need to eat hasn’t gone down. We Skimm’d how to save money on groceries and make them last longer to minimize waste. Nothing tastes as good as saving $$$ feels.

Midterms are coming up. Prepare to head to the polls with theSkimm while earning points towards prizes.