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 QUOTE OF THE DAY  |
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"I like the boyfriend" – NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo's (D) advice to dads on what to always say to their daughters. Governors, they're just like us.
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The Story
The Chinese government is feeling the heat.
What's going on?
For months, China's faced criticism for its response to the coronavirus pandemic – including for censoring and arresting those who spoke up about the virus, as well as for allegedly underreporting infections and deaths. While the world tries to combat the virus that's now claimed more than 183,000 lives and infected over 2.6 million people, some are looking to Beijing to answer questions. Here's why the country's been in the headlines this week:
Lawsuits...as in, Missouri became the first state to sue the Chinese gov for economic damages and loss of life brought on by the virus. The state blames China's "campaign of deceit" for the spread of the outbreak. And Mississippi's poised to do the same. China's response: the suit is "absurd." And it may not go further since foreign countries are typically immune from US prosecution.
Fake news…as in, remember those fake texts last month warning of a national US lockdown? Well, US intel officials have reportedly linked Chinese agents to them. While they're still not sure who started the messages, US officials think China took a page out of Russia's 'how to spread misinformation' playbook to push the messages online and via texts.
Lab rumors…as in, the virus was first discovered in Wuhan, China. But this week, the World Health Organization knocked down a theory that it was created in a Chinese lab. A separate theory that it still spread because of that lab has gained traction. That includes from President Trump, who says US officials are looking into it.
Crackdowns…as in, COVID-19 has brought months-long pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong to a halt. But the crackdown isn't letting up: over the weekend, Hong Kong police arrested 15 leading activists. China accuses them of taking part in unauthorized rallies during the pandemic. But critics see the decision as a "calculated" move to punish activists.
theSkimm
As the world fights the coronavirus pandemic and its economic and health consequences, some are focusing on China. And despite concerns that the focus could fuel anti-Asian racism, US officials are pushing for more government accountability.
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Yesterday, President Trump signed an executive order temporarily suspending immigration. The restrictions – which will last for 60 days – affect people outside of the US applying for green cards and visas, potentially impacting tens of thousands of applicants. But there are exemptions for health care and other essential workers, as well as for temporary farm workers.
The president said the goal is to ensure that the record-high level of unemployed Americans will be "first in line" for jobs as states reopen. But since most immigration services are already on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic, the order is seen as largely symbolic – much less than the full pause on immigration the president had originally implied. Trump has said he would reevaluate the scope of the order, and potentially expand or extend it.
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What the US wants to keep six feet away...
Iranian ships. Yesterday, President Trump gave the Navy the go-ahead to "shoot down and destroy" them if they "harass" US ships at sea. Last week, those ships were conducting exercises in the Persian Gulf when nearly a dozen Iranian boats got a little too close for comfort (think: some within 30 feet). Cue alarm bells at the Pentagon. Let's not forget the US and Iran have a rocky relationship, and were on the brink of war earlier this year (yes, that was this year). Although Trump's latest tweet may up the ante with Iran, it doesn't change existing Navy policy, which is to defend itself in the event of an attack.
...Oh and, Iran's not just in the waters. It's in space too. Yesterday, the country said it launched its first military satellite into orbit.
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Which companies are saying 'oops, let's maybe fix that'...
Apple. The company said it'll roll out a fix for a security flaw in its Mail app. A security company discovered the bug, which may have allowed hackers to infiltrate more than 500 million iPhones and iPads. The update could be available in the coming weeks.
Zoom. Yesterday, it said it's rolling out a new security update for its video conferencing app. It comes after complaints in recent weeks about "Zoombombing" – when uninvited guests crash the virtual party.
Skimm This: Our latest podcast ep explains the problems people have had with Zoom and why their new update is needed now more than ever.
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What made Mama Earth proud...
The Florida Aquarium. Yesterday, it announced that it's managed to reproduce cactus coral – the first time in history that humans have done that. The move is seen as a big step in helping to save the world's third largest coral reef...and potentially others around the world.
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Who's giving a shoutout to the northern lights, the plants that grow…
Kacey Musgraves.
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The Earth is our home. So let's keep our feet off the furniture. Aka treat it right. This Earth Month, we're partnering with The Laundress to give you a few easy ways to go green from home.
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Turn off the water while you brush your teeth. Two minutes of brushing with the water on can waste gallons of water per day.
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Dial your heat thermostat down two degrees in the winter. And raise it two degrees in the summer. It can reduce your carbon footprint by 2,000 pounds.
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Use eco-friendly cleaning products. A lot of products out there are made with chemicals that can be hazardous to our health and our planet. Enter: The Laundress. They make plant-based, biodegradable cleaning products (think: surface cleaner, glass cleaner, dish detergent). Skimm'rs get 25% off sitewide. Go green while you clean.
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Live from one of our home offices, it's...a presentation about how to save during COVID-19.
Tomorrow at 12pm ET, we're turning on Zoom and answering your money questions. Like how to save more when you've already cut everything you can live without, what bills you can negotiate, whether you'll have to pay back your stimulus money – and a whole lot more. Save your spot here, then tell a friend.
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The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting us all in different ways. No matter your situation, sometimes you just need to press pause. Today, we've partnered with Klarna on our picks to help you take a break. Because Klarna is a better way to shop. Now on to our recs...
1. Spring tops. Check out the Klarna app to find what you need from brands like Asos. Cue impressed co-workers on your next Zoom. PS: with Klarna, you can buy your fave things in four easy installments. Talk about smoooth shopping.*
2. This Lisa Frank coloring book. Channel a time when your biggest worry was whether your rainbow Trapper Keeper matched your unicorn backpack. Gelly pens not included.
3. 15 books every millennial woman should read. This list has the classics. Plus new ones that will become classics. Bookmark it. Or dog-ear it... whatever it is you do.
PS: Sign up to get more ideas like these in your inbox once a week.
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For when your apartment's never been cleaner…
Now on to your taxes. You can file online with H&R Block. And if you get stuck, they have Online Assist. Aka unlimited, on-demand help from a pro if you need it. Check it off your list.*
For when your grandfather is your role model...
A podcast ep you'll relate to. Adriana Cisneros, CEO of Cisneros, joined our latest episode of "Skimm'd From The Couch," sponsored by Estée Lauder. She talks about running the company her grandfather started and continuing his legacy. Listen here.*
For when you've already completed five puzzles this month…
You're a pro. Now become a language pro with this language learning app. It can help you become conversational in a new language in as little as three weeks with consistent practice. Oh, and Skimm'rs get up to 60% off. Talk the talk.*
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*PS This is a sponsored post.
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In times like these, community matters more than ever. Let us know how you (or someone you know) is making an impact by helping others.
Staying O so positive with...Ally S and Lisa G. After recovering from COVID-19, they've donated plasma in an effort to help save the lives of others who are battling the virus. They spoke to us about their donation experience. Watch their story here and learn how plasma therapy could be used to help treat the coronavirus.
Helping save lives...Shep Y (MN). He's an employee with the National Marrow Donor Program, which helps facilitate life-saving marrow donations and support through the transplant process. And he's gone into work every day to make sure that patients receive their transplants.
(Some) Birthdays...Kristin McCormack (NY), Sarah Tambling (CA), Carrie Jansen (OK), Kimberly Conner (NY), Jennifer Stubbs (PA), Bobbi Rini (FL), Shanthi Appelo (TN), Erica Tetsworth (CA), Mitch Colleran (NY), Samantha Perez (NY), Holly Crisson (FL), Vanessa Henry (TX), Aimee Slavensky (CA), Susan Loh (NY), Kristine Mitchell (MN)
*Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
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Some Skimm HQ'rs are prepping for Ramadan tonight. Share theSkimm (and wish "Ramadan Mubarak") to your friends celebrating.
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Or use this referral link theskimm.com/?r=90be4fed
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