Daily Skimm: My bad habits lead to late nights

"Probably" – Olympic gold medalist Sunisa Lee on taking her medals to college. She wins best wall art.

Fallen

The Story

Afghanistan is spiraling.

What happened?

The US has been in Afghanistan since after the 9/11 attacks in 2001. Last year, then-President Trump negotiated with the Taliban to withdraw all US troops by May. The expectation being the Taliban wouldn't let terror groups in the country. President Biden said 'we need more time' and ultimately made plans to pack up by the end of the month. But since forces began withdrawing in May, the terror group has been sweeping the country, toppling at least 25 provincial capitals. That includes Kandahar (the country's second-largest city). There've been reports the group paid off Afghan officials to abandon their posts. Thousands fleeing the country have made their way to Kabul – thought to be a safe place with the western presence and embassies. But things got worse.

Tell me.

Yesterday, Taliban fighters entered the city and took over the presidential palace. And freed thousands of prisoners – including former al-Qaeda fighters. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani reportedly fled to Tajikistan. Traffic was at a standstill. Chaotic scenes erupted at the airport after reports of gunfire. Choppers helped evacuate US Embassy staff to the airport that the State Dept says is "secured by the US military." The Pentagon said it's sending 1,000 more troops (6,000 total) to help. And there are reports the Biden admin's limiting the number of evacuation flights for Afghan allies (think: workers who helped US officials) to prioritize Americans.

What are people saying?

Many in the US are outraged. The Taliban was expected to gain ground after the US's withdrawal. But the speed of the Taliban's advance – and the US's chaotic exit – has left people shaken. Republicans are drawing parallels to the fall of Saigon during the Vietnam War. Afghanistan's ambassador to the US called it "an abandonment." Secretary of State Antony Blinken admitted the Taliban's takeover happened "more quickly than we anticipated." Meanwhile, Afghans feel betrayed by the US – an ally that seems to have left them to fend for themselves under a regime known to restrict rights and freedoms (especially women's). US veterans are reportedly feeling that pain too – having fought during the 20 years only to see the Taliban back in power. As for the Taliban, it's saying "the war is over."

theSkimm

Twenty years ago, the Taliban ruled Afghanistan. Soon, it's expected to declare the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. After tens of thousands of lives lost and an estimated $2 trillion, America's longest war has brought the country back to square one.

And Also...This

What people are talking about...

Haiti. On Saturday, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean island nation. Nearly 1,300 people have died, at least 5,700 have been injured, and more than 7,000 have lost their homes. It's the latest crisis to strike Haiti following President Jovenel Moïse's assassination last month. And comes as the island has yet to recover from the 2010 earthquake that killed at least 220,000 people. Now, Haiti officials are asking for international help as they fear a mounting death toll. And are also worried the displacement of thousands could lead to an uptick in COVID-19 cases. The US says it's deployed a response team and is coordinating relief efforts.

• Pending problem: Tropical Storm Grace. The storm's expected to dump heavy rain as early as today – increasing the risk of flooding and mudslides and complicating relief efforts. This, after Tropical Depression Fred reportedly knocked out power for 400,000 Haitians last week.

• Charity checks: Haitian authorities are asking that any aid is cleared through them first. It comes after criticisms that donations (read: $500 million) for the 2010 quake recovery efforts were misspent. Here's how you can help.

Where people are also grieving…

The UK. Last week, a 22-year-old man killed five people on the streets of Plymouth, England, before dying by suicide. It marked Britain's worst mass shooting in a decade. Police haven't announced a motive. But investigators have been looking into his social media history, bringing attention to his apparent alignment with the "incel" movement. Incels are "involuntary celibate" men with misogynistic views who say they've been unfairly rejected by women. The movement's driven attacks in the US and Canada. The gunman had reportedly railed against women on YouTube, calling them "very simple-minded," "arrogant," and "entitled beyond belief." (Note: Three of the victims were female, including the gunman's mother.) Police are ruling out terrorism as a motive. But many are reportedly wondering whether incel violence should be added to the UK's anti-terrorism legislation.

• Violence against women: The deadly shooting comes a month after a British police officer pleaded guilty to killing Sarah Everard. Her disappearance sparked a nationwide movement in which women shared their stories of sexual assault and violence. And has lawmakers considering whether to make misogyny a hate crime.

Where people are circling the cal...

Canada. Yesterday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the country will be holding a snap election on Sept 20 – at least two years ahead of schedule. It's apparently not uncommon for Canada to call for early parliamentary elections. Trudeau's leading a minority gov and needs the support of the other parties to pass legislation. So, he's hoping to bump up his party to a majority and that his response to the pandemic (which has earned him points) can carry his party to the top. But opposition parties are calling the early election reckless, especially as the country battles a fourth wave of the virus.

When you want more of "The White Lotus"...

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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.

PhDeserving...Heather H (TX). She'll be a Doctor of Healthcare Administration student this fall – a goal she's been pursuing for 30 years.

Read all about it...Carrie S (IA). She's the lead newspaper press operator at The Charles City Press, where she's managed a team of men for nearly two decades.

(Some) Birthdays...Scott Kelrick (CA), Nancy Fiori (IL), Crystal Spaeth (IL), Nicki Harris (FL), theSkimm's Julie Shain (DC), theSkimm's Kitana Aviles (NY), Mimi Wertheimer (PA), Jerran Orwig (OH), Stacey Connors (PA), Lauren Caparso (MA), Amy Zimmerman (GA), Milan Alley (FL), Cristina Carper (KS), Jenna Giagnacova (PA), Jen Stephens (MI), Lauren Wente (MO)

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We've got birthday gift recs for everyone in your life – all under $50. Like a 5-pound bag of candy, a piñata puzzle, and a wine chiller.

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