Daily Skimm: Rearrange the pieces just to fit me with the rest

"Santa is exempt" – Dr. Anthony Fauci, who's reassuring kids that presents will be delivered this year despite COVID-19. All we want for Christmas is a vaccine.

This Is Serious

The Story

The US's COVID-19 prognosis isn't looking good.

What's happening?

The virus is raging across the country – passing 12 million known infections over the weekend. More than 255,000 people have died. And every state but Hawaii is seeing a surge in cases. Hospitalizations in New York are at their highest levels since June. In El Paso, Texas, the morgues are so overwhelmed that the Texas National Guard and inmates have been called to help. Health experts are warning the weeks ahead could get worse.

Why?

In part because of the holiday season. On Thursday, the CDC recommended everyone turkey in place. But the TSA still screened about 2 million flyers over the weekend. In all, an estimated 50 million people are traveling for Thanksgiving. It's worrying experts since traveling and eating indoors is expected to lead to more infections, potentially adding more strain to the health care system. If you're hunkering down, take comfort. There's something to hold out for.

Please, I could use a dose of that.

Today, drugmaker AstraZeneca said its experimental coronavirus vaccine was up to 90% effective in preventing the disease without serious side effects. It's the third major vaccine developer to announce promising results, after Pfizer and Moderna. Meanwhile, Pfizer has officially asked the FDA for emergency approval for its 95% effective vaccine. It could get approval as soon as mid-December and doses could be given to some US patients within 24 hours after that. The FDA also just approved the antibody cocktail President Trump got last month. Made by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, it can now be used to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 cases in patients 12 years and older.

theSkimm

The US is seeing the world's largest and deadliest recorded outbreak of COVID-19. And as world leaders gather to try and address the pandemic together, the US is skipping some of those conversations in advance of a holiday season that may not prove very merry or bright.

And Also...This

Where the Trump campaign's saying 'third time's the charm'…

Georgia. Over the weekend, the Trump campaign requested another recount of Georgia's 5 million presidential votes. Last week, President-elect Joe Biden's lead was confirmed again after a hand recount. But according to Georgia law, a candidate that loses within 0.5% of the total votes can ask for a recount within two business days of certification. (President Trump is losing by 0.26%.) Although it's not the first time he's asked for a recount (see: Wisconsin), this time the recount is funded by US taxpayers, potentially costing them around $200,000.

• There's also Pennsylvania: Over the weekend, a federal judge dismissed a Trump campaign lawsuit to block the state from certifying election results in an attempt to overturn the 2020 election. It's the latest in a list of lawsuits to be dismissed. The Trump campaign has appealed.

• 'It's time': Over the weekend, former NJ Gov. Chris Christie and Sens. Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND) became the latest in a long list of GOP former and current lawmakers to tell Trump to accept the election results and begin the transition.

Who's about to make le history…

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy. Today, he's expected to go on trial over allegations of corruption. It's the first time a French president is facing such charges. Prosecutors say Sarkozy bribed a judge with a cushy job in Monaco in exchange for access to confidential info on a separate investigation into him. The case is one of several against the former president who led France from 2007 to 2012 (others include things like illegal campaign financing and benefiting from embezzled public funds). Sarkozy has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

Who people are talking about…

Kyle Rittenhouse. On Friday, the 17-year-old charged with killing two people amid protests over the summer in Kenosha, WI, was released from custody. Rittenhouse had posted $2 million bail, money his lawyer says he got as donations from conservative and Christian groups. Also, from this guy. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) says the bail speaks to a legal system that privileges white people. Next up, the teen is back in court on Dec 3. He faces homicide charges and a potential life sentence but reportedly plans to plead not guilty.

Where the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are quarantining...

Toronto, apparently.

We searched high and low to bring you the best holiday gifts for everyone on your list. Oh, and most are under $75. Today, check out our…

Wine and Dine Shop: We've got yummy treats, cocktail sets, kitchen gadgets, and more. Ready, set, eat.

Entertainment Shop: Books, puzzles, and games, oh my. Enter: things that'll kick boredom's butt.

Style Shop: Remember real clothes? Like dresses, shoes, and dare we say...accessories. It's time for a movie montage makeover.

Or, browse alllll of our fave gifts. Happy shopping.

Here are our favorite picks to help you take a break today...

1. 45+ perfect pie recipes. Unclear why the phrase 'easy as pie' exists...because, um, newsflash: making pie is hard. But if 2020 taught us anything, it's that we're up for the baking challenge. We got this.

2. Mascara you'll be thankful for. Say 'hi' to the award-winning, best-selling, and cruelty-free Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara from this brand. It strengthens lashes at the root. So they'll look longer and healthier, now and later. Bonus: Skimm'rs get 15% off. See for yourself.*

3. Sleepwear you'll never want to change out of. This brand's Washable Silk adapts to your body temp, so you can stay comfortable, look cool, and avoid the dry cleaner. Pssst...Skimm'rs get $20 off any $100 purchase with code FOR-SKIMM20. Plus a free, cozy gift if you spend more than $250. Learn more.*

PS: Want more? Sign up to get weekly recs in your inbox.

For when you're thinking about starting a cooking IG...

Drop your handle. Then add this new brand's non-toxic ceramic cookware set to your holiday wishlist. It is designed to make life easier and comes with an organizer slash storage unit. Oh, and it's up to 20% off during Cyber Week. Hashtag buy now.*

For when you love new reads, but hate the price tag…

Meet Book of the Month. It's a subscription service that lets you pick one new hardcover from five curated options every month. And only charges $14.99 for the favor. But Skimm'rs get their first month for $9.99 with code SKIMM and BOTM will have Black Friday sales. Yes, really.*

For when meal planning makes you feel blue…

Go green. This meal kit service delivers organic ingredients and quick, easy recipes to your door. So you can enjoy restaurant-level meals without paying restaurant prices – or putting on pants. PS: Skimm'rs get up to $90 off with code SKIM90BF. Chef's kiss.*

For when you want your holiday gifts to do good…

This brand's super soft socks are holly, jolly, and perfect for everyone on your list. Plus, for every pair you purchase, they donate a pair to someone in need. Oh, and they're having their biggest sale of the year right now. So you can get 20% off sitewide. Make feet happy.*

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.

Shaken not stirred...Sara G (MA). She wants Skimm'rs to know about Stir Up Some Love, a partnership with Treehouse Foundation that's intended to help out struggling restaurants in Western Massachusetts. Half of the proceeds benefit Treehouse Foundation and the other half go to the featured restaurant or chef of the week. Bon appétit.

Community lead...Sara A (TX). She's the VP of Carver Elementary PTA. And has developed Food Truck Fridays for families to have a socially distant picnic-style dinner. She's calling for more parents to join their local PTA orgs. Here's how.

(Some) Birthdays...Lindsay R. Schneider (NY), Paige Schmittlein (CT), Judy Grosvenor (VT), Candace Butera (NY), Catherine Cereghino (NY), Lindsey Hageman (NC), Megan Greco (NY), Dante Medema (AK), Charlotte Roselli (NJ), Tempie Juliano (NM), Sallie Guy (TX), Catherine Cereghino (NY), Angela Schultz (ND), Brooke Gallagher (VA), Kate Ebaugh (IL)

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

Skimm Share

Skimm HQ is trying out other Skimm HQ'rs' family recipes for Thanksgiving. Share theSkimm with your coworkers who would love a company-wide cookbook.

Skimm’d by Maria del Carmen Corpus, Mariza Smajlaj, Niven McCall-Mazza, Clem Robineau, and Julie Shain

Skimm'd something we missed?

skimmthis@theSkimm.com

Issues?

help@theSkimm.com

Copyright (c) 2020 theSkimm, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:

theSkimm Inc. 50 West 23rd Street, Suite 5B

New York, NY, 10010, United States

See our full sponsor agreement

Unsubscribe