Daily Skimm: What is this? A center for ants?

"A little bit of water is better than nothing" – One man on getting a kiddie pool since the pandemic shut down his regular pool. Mask not included, but recommended.

Multiple Choice

The Story

Back-to-school season is coming up. And in some areas it's unclear how it will play out.

Explain.

Dozens of states across the US are grappling with an increase of COVID-19 cases. That's especially true in some Southern states, as Florida, Georgia, Texas, and Arizona have experienced record-high infections. In response, some school districts (see: Los Angeles, San Diego) are committing to starting online. Others (see: Kansas) are opening up but reportedly trying to hit 'delay' on the start date. Many still haven't announced plans – and are waiting on more data.

Tell me about that.

The CDC has said it doesn't "have evidence" that kids drive the virus's spread. But a new study from South Korea suggests that older kids (think: middle and high schoolers) can spread it just as much as adults. All of this raises serious safety questions for kids, their families, teachers, and school staff.

On the one side...the Trump admin is pressuring governors to find a way to make in-person classes happen. And has threatened to cut funding from schools that don't. The American Academy of Pediatrics last month urged opening up schools – and pointed to the developmental, social, and mental health benefits of in-person schooling. Some research suggests remote learning can also hold back minority children. Health and education officials say kids from families with lower incomes and children with disabilities are also affected. Meanwhile, parents are struggling to teach their kids themselves – and many can't afford to pay for child care.

On the other side...this is a pandemic. And large gatherings can come with serious dangers. Yesterday, Florida's largest teachers union sued the state for requiring schools to reopen next month. It comes as Florida reportedly has the highest daily rate of new COVID-19 cases in the nation. The American Federation of Teachers – the country's second-largest teachers' union – has turned to Congress for help, estimating it would take half a trillion dollars to safely reopen schools.

So what's the answer?

Great question. The CDC was planning to release updated guidelines on reopening schools last week, but then said it needed more time. Many people have opinions – and legitimate needs. For safety, financial security, and for their kids' development.

theSkimm

The pressure is on for schools to open safely – but many can't agree on how to do that and how to protect teachers, staff, and students. And no matter what officials decide, it looks like many Americans (younger and older) could stand to be harmed.

Skimm This: Our latest podcast ep goes deeper with interviews on the topic.

And Also...This

Who's saying 'we hear (E)U'...

The European Union. Yesterday, its leaders reached a landmark $857 billion deal to address the coronavirus pandemic. After nearly five days of intense negotiations, the EU's 27 member countries have agreed to the aid plan. They'll reportedly raise money for relief by selling bonds. Part of the money – which will be in grants that don't have to be repaid – will go to help countries hardest hit by the pandemic like Italy and Spain. The president of the European Council called the deal "strong." The European Parliament still needs to sign off on the plan.

...Oh and speaking of things happening across the pond, Oxford University just reported promising results from a potential coronavirus vaccine.

What's calling for change…

The "Strike for Black Lives." Yesterday, organizers said tens of thousands of people walked out of work to push for an end to racial injustice and economic inequality. The protests – organized by unions and racial justice groups – were in 160 cities. Strikers called for government officials and corporations to raise workers' pay, provide health care, and guarantee the right to unionize. Some workers marched for the full day while others walked out for eight minutes and 46 seconds – the amount of time a now-fired police officer held his knee on George Floyd's neck. The strike comes nearly two months after Floyd's death.

What's raising climate change alarms...

Polar bears. Yesterday, scientists said they could go nearly extinct by 2100 if humans don't cut down on greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, there are about 25,000 polar bears in the wild. But higher global temps are melting Arctic sea ice – the bears' main habitat. Scientists say many would have to move to land in order to survive and they'll struggle to find enough food. Yeah, we're not feeling great about it either.

When the news cycle is just too much…

Enter, cookie dough ice cream.

It's Good to Question

In life, you ask questions all the time. Will it rain later? Does this outfit match? And most importantly...what should I have for lunch? Spoiler: you should do the same when it comes to your money. We partnered with John Hancock to remind you that it's good to question – and to give you some answers.

Things you might not be sure if you have enough of: snacks in the house, books to read over the weekend...oh, and life insurance.

So you're wondering: 'do I have enough life insurance?' There are a lot of factors to consider, and it can be confusing. Hint: there are different methods of calculating what you need, and John Hancock breaks them all down for you. Psst...they also have answers to lots of your other $$$ questions.

Ask away.

When so much feels out of your control, theSkimm is here to make sure voting isn't. Whether you want to vote early, by mail, or have questions about voting in your state, we're here to help you cast your ballot on your terms. Head to Skimm2020.com to take action with the tools you need to vote confidently. Because if every millennial voted, we could decide the election.

Summer is here. Check out our fave picks for the season…

1. Nine essential books to read if you love the royals. Because we're still not over Princess Beatrice's wedding dress, Megxit, or the latest season of "The Crown." Fancy that.

2. The ultimate cheese guide. This explainer tells you which varieties work best on a snack board versus in your pasta bowl. PS: we're on team 'blue cheese is the devil'...don't @ us.

3. 101 ways to add color to your home. Spoiler: painting isn't the only option. Say 'hi' to gallery walls, patterned pillows, and new ways to display your books. The possibilities are (almost) endless.

PS: Sign up to get more ideas for ways to spend your summer in your inbox every Monday. Like recipe ideas, movies and book recs, and more.

For when you're obsessed with your daily vitamins…

Pass it on. This company just created Essential for Men. It's a multivitamin made to help fill nutritional gaps in men's diets. Plus, it helps support heart health, normal muscle function and normal immune function. And Skimm'rs get 20% off their first month. Go get it.* **

For when you've always wondered why razors cost an arm and a leg…

It's the pink tax, and this company is over it. That's why they make razors specifically designed for women. That only cost $9. Oh, and Skimm'rs get an exclusive offer for today only. Smooth move.*

For when your main goal in life is to never pay full price…

You just hit the jackpot. This free browser extension finds, tests, and applies the best coupon codes to your cart. And it works on over 30,000 sites. Aka gets you deals on everything you're shopping for. Goal, achieved.*

Skimm’rs

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.

Literally great...Lesedi G and Najha Z-J (MA). They're co-editors of "Freedom School," a literary magazine created by and for Black Americans. It includes poems, essays, short stories, photos, visuals, and paintings reflecting on today's political climate and visions for the future. Check it out.

Chicken run with...Justin N (PA). He's part of Barbecue Chicken University, a group of dads and friends who hold free workouts for kids. The goal: to pump up the leaders of tomorrow mentally, physically, and emotionally. Learn more here.

(Some) Birthdays...Riley Bonis (OH), Claire Grummon (NY), Andrea Baker (TX), Ashley Starks (IL), Pearly Ittickathra (IL), Liz Dawson (OK), Kelsey Vredeveld (MI), Ariel Zahler (NY), Shane Ryan (DC), Carlee Bunkers (MT), Stephanie Rozycki (NJ), Alyssa Lynn Emma Kuhl (PA), Rosalie Dech (VA), Hannah Brizzi (PA), Lisa Hancock (FL)

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

Skimm Share

Skimm HQ is doing an at-home wine and paint night. Share theSkimm with your friend who'd rather just wine.

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