Daily Skimm: It feels like the start of a movie I've seen before

Skimm’d while adding this best-selling blush to cart
February 14, 2023
theSkimm Logo

Daily Skimm

Header Image
Together withMerit
 

“A great honor”

Justina Miles describing the feeling of being Rihanna’s Super Bowl halftime show ASL performer. Where has she been all our lives?

 
Top Story

Derailed

The Story

The fallout over Ohio is mounting.

East Palestine?

Yes. On Feb 3, a Norfolk Southern train derailed in the town of East Palestine, Ohio. The derailment of about 50 cars carrying dangerous chemicals turned into a massive fire. Shortly after, the approximately 5,000 residents of the eastern town near the Pennsylvania border were ordered to evacuate. Officials carried a “controlled release” of the chemicals in order to avoid a bigger explosion with disaster-movie levels of billowing smoke. On Feb 8, residents were given the ‘ok’ to come back, with authorities saying the air and water levels were no longer a threat.

How dangerous are we talking?

Bad. Some of the cars were said to be filled with vinyl chloride — which, upon burning, would send harmful gasses (hydrogen chloride and phosgene) into the air. Vinyl chloride is a colorless gas that’s flammable that’s mostly used for commercial purposes (think: plastics for pipes, wires). The CDC says that long-term exposure to the gas (ie through contaminated water and air) can cause an increased risk of liver, brain, and lung cancers, lymphoma, and leukemia.

Anything else?

Yes. Yesterday, after concerns from residents, the EPA released more details on what other chemicals were aboard. The EPA said it found thylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylhexyl acrylate, and isobutylene. Ethylhexyl acrylate is another carcinogen and can cause burning and irritation on the skin. Breathing it in can also cause coughing and shortness of breath. Isobutylene could also cause dizziness and drowsiness.

What about the residents?

Many are distraught. Some don’t want to return because they don’t think it's safe. Others who have returned reported feeling sick. And people have also seen the wildlife taking a hit. The NTSB and EPA are investigating. The Norfolk Southern Railway did set up a center for families who need help. The Red Cross set up emergency shelters. And Norfolk Southern donated $25,000 toward recovery efforts. But residents are fighting back with at least four lawsuits so far. Meanwhile, a specialist is sounding the alarm, saying East Palestine was “basically nuked” with chemicals just to keep the railroad open.

theSkimm

Derailments happen more often than you’d think. This isn’t the first time a Norfolk Southern train has derailed in Ohio. And now, residents are calling for help in what seems like their own personal chemical disaster movie.

 
And Also...This

Where people are mourning...

Michigan State University. Last night, at least three people were killed and five others were injured after gunman opened fire on the East Lansing campus. Another shooting was also reported by the college's fitness center. Authorities ordered students to take shelter. Police say the 43-year-old gunman died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound after an hourslong manhunt. The motive is still unknown. All of MSU's classes and activities have been canceled for 48 hours. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) said she was briefed on the shooting and is asking the community to “wrap our arms around the Spartan community.” This story is developing.


What’s still popping up in our newsfeeds…

The Chinese spy balloon fiasco. Yesterday, China's Foreign Ministry played an UNO reverse card — saying America’s also been sending balloons into China. After accusations of having a spy balloon program extending across 40 countries, China is accusing the US of sending at least 10 balloons into Chinese airspace since last year. The White House is denying the accusations. And has since formed an interagency team to look into “unidentified aerial objects.” This all comes after the US shot down four objects in over a week, which Pentagon officials reportedly say is unprecedented in peacetime. 

  • Cowboys & Nay-liens: Another thing the WH is shutting down? Aliens. Press Sec Karine Jean-Pierre said yesterday that there’s “no indication” extraterrestrial activity is behind the flying objects the US has shot down recently. Look, it was worth asking.


Where people are taking to the streets…

Israel. Yesterday, tens of thousands protested outside Israel’s parliament building. Demonstrators are speaking out against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plan to overhaul the country’s judicial system. And the news came as a committee voted to send the first part of Netanyahu’s plan to parliament. The right-wing gov is trying to put more power in parliament’s hands since it says the current judiciary has too much power. That’s after Israeli prosecutors indicted Netanyahu on corruption charges. But with his judicial overhaul, opponents think Netanyahu might have enough people on his side to keep him out of trouble. Plus, if the plan goes into effect, opponents fear it’ll destroy their system of checks and balances. And that they’ll see a shift in democracy similar to what’s happening in Hungary and Poland.


What’s waving red flags… 

Teen mental health. Yesterday, the CDC released a report that said about 30% of high school girls in 2021 said they seriously considered suicide — a 60% jump from a decade ago. Nearly three in five teenage girls reported feeling “persistently sad or hopeless.” And almost 70% of LGBTQIA+ students felt the same. The stats were even worse for students of color. Experts blamed social media and COVID-19 for teens’ negative mental states. Now, health officials say investing in school programs could help.


While some are waiting for the word on inflation...

Others are waiting for Amy Poehler and Tina Fey’s comedy tour


Who’s got us in our feelings…

Drake and his son.


While the FDA's weighing in on chocolate in time for Valentine’s Day…

The San Antonio Zoo has some ideas for your ex.

 
V-DAY
Together with Vella

It’s *the* day. And whether you’re celebrating with a partner or solo (because V-Day can definitely be a me day), you’ll want to make sure things go smoothly. Like, really smoothly.

Enter: Vella’s Super Slip & Slide, a silicone-based lube that’s perfect for all bodies and all kinds of play. With super-hydrating squalane that’ll make sure you never lose your momentum. (Read: no stopping to reapply.) So you get all the sexual tension — and none of the friction. Psst…right now Skimmr’s get 30% off with code SKIMM30. Keep the good valen-times rolling.

 
Skimm Picks

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

1. A capsule collection you won’t wanna miss. You’ve probably seen this clean beauty brand’s award-winning blush balm all over the internet. And now you can try all four of their newest shades — for less. Plus snag a free makeup bag.*

2. How to support lifesaving heart research this Valentine’s Day. Head here to send a customizable ecard to someone you love. And 100% of your purchase will support researchers at Cleveland Clinic working to find a cure for heart disease. How...lovely.*

3. Drawer dividers that can work in any room. Like your kitchen, bedroom, or bathroom. Clear the clutter and create sections for all your cooking utensils, pairs of socks, and more.

4. Cold-weather accessories under $40. We've got gloves, headbands, and thick wool socks to keep the chill away 'til spring rolls around. See ya, frosty fingers and toes.

 
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.

Keeping it in the family…Shivani M (CA). She opened, Vismaya, a family-run retail store with 100% organic bandanas, scarves, and other wearables. Plus, she partners with local artists to incorporate their creations into products. 

(Some) Birthdays…Andrea Ravagnani (OH), Becca Miller (PA), Carly Matz (MI), Emilie Dorn (NY), Emily Council (MN), Gary Gingerich (FL), Khrystyan Masters (KS), Konnie Darrow (TX), Maegan Dockery (AL), Mary Higbe (TX), Meaghan Timko (GA), Paige Wheeler (MO), Patti Cheney (MD), Peter Lesnik (CA), Rosina Comunale (MO), Vanessa Vander Brink (CT)

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

 
 

Older messages

Our favorite gift ideas — for everyone in your life

Tuesday, February 14, 2023

Between birthdays, anniversaries, new babies, and those “just because” moments? It's always gifting season. So we've got recs for perfect presents for everyone on your list. February 13, 2023

Daily Skimm: Ooh na na, what's my name?

Monday, February 13, 2023

Skimm'd with budget-friendly decor hacks February 13, 2023 Read in browser Daily Skimm Skimm'd with budget-friendly decor hacks “Team Fluff” — This year's Puppy Bowl winner. Who's a top

Daily Skimm Weekend: Waiting all day for Sunday night

Sunday, February 12, 2023

Skimm'd with this week's best sales February 12, 2023 Read in browser Daily Skimm WEEKEND Header Image Skimm'd with this week's best sales Ready or not, Monday's almost here. We

Daily Skimm Weekend: You're a shooting star I see

Saturday, February 11, 2023

Skimm'd with Valentine's Day gifts from Amazon February 11, 2023 Read in browser Daily Skimm WEEKEND Header Image Skimm'd with Valentine's Day gifts from Amazon New-ish year, new-ish us

Daily Skimm: Tomorrow is Saturday and Sunday comes afterwards

Friday, February 10, 2023

Skimm'd with the best weekly sales February 10, 2023 Read in browser Daily Skimm Header Image Skimm'd with the best weekly sales “The mother-son bond” — A study that found mother killer whales

You Might Also Like

This Maximalist Coat Trend Is My Winter 2024 Hero Piece

Saturday, November 16, 2024

It's an outfit-maker. The Zoe Report Daily The Zoe Report 11.15.2024 This Maximalist Coat Trend Is My Winter 2024 Hero Piece (The Shopping List) This Maximalist Coat Trend Is My Winter 2024 Hero

5-Bullet Friday — 63 Principles for Living, Treating Cancer with Viruses, Learning from Japanese Gardeners, and More

Friday, November 15, 2024

“When it comes to filmmaking, money isn't important. The intensity of your wishes and faith alone are the deciding factors.” ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏

Please Don't Use Any of These Passwords

Friday, November 15, 2024

The Rise of Doom Spending (and How to Stop). NordPass has released its annual list of the 200 most commonly used passwords. Don't use any of them. Not displaying correctly? View this newsletter

Sofia Richie Made Y2K's Most-Hated Trend Look Elegant

Friday, November 15, 2024

Plus, Olivia Rodrigo's 'GUTS'-coded dress, Charli XCX's curly hair secrets, your horoscope, and more. Nov. 15, 2024 Bustle Daily SEX Men Are Using Instagram's Close Friends For

Influencers Are Going Full MAGA

Friday, November 15, 2024

Today in style, self, culture, and power. The Cut November 15, 2024 CULTURE Influencers Are Going Full MAGA After Trump's win, a red hat no longer seems so bad for business. Photo-Illustration: the

The best way to cook with mangoes

Friday, November 15, 2024

Black Friday deals for pots and pans start now ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

🌎 Where Mindfulness Meets Climate Action

Friday, November 15, 2024

Finding a Place to Scream ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏

Everyday Reverence

Friday, November 15, 2024

And how it shifts everything. ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏

Mikey Madison Refuses To Log On

Friday, November 15, 2024

Plus: 'Dune: Prophecy' falls short of its massive ambitions. • Nov. 15, 2024 Up Next Your complete guide to industry-shaping entertainment news, exclusive interviews with A-list celebs, and

Early Black Friday Deals and Holiday-Party Outfits

Friday, November 15, 2024

Plus, where Alex Chung got her favorite items. The Cut Shop November 15, 2024 Every product is independently selected by our editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission. Photo-