Daily Skimm: I don't see any grownups around here

August 25, 2021

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Skimm’d while talking to MSNBC President Rashida Jones

Quote of the Day

“Life has come full circle” – Lil Nas X on becoming Taco Bell’s chief impact officer after working there in high school. Live Nas.

On a Deadline

The Story

President Biden is sticking to his August 31 withdrawal date from Afghanistan.

Checks calendar. That’s next week.

Yup. After Biden announced the end to America's nearly 20-year military mission in Afghanistan, the Taliban quickly gained ground and took over the country. US troops stayed on the ground – some even flying over to help – with the mission to secure the Kabul airport and evacuate thousands of Americans and Afghan allies. So far, at least 70,000 people have been flown out of the country. But with thousands still left, Biden floated the idea of keeping US troops past the end-of-month deadline. Yesterday, he changed his tune.

Why?

Security concerns are “very high.” The White House fears that the airport could be the site of ISIS terror attacks. And is confident they’re “on pace to finish” evacuations by Tuesday. But world leaders and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are less optimistic. Biden asked the Pentagon and State Dept for contingency plans. And the CIA director reportedly had a secret meeting with a Taliban leader – but unclear about what. Now, the militant group’s warning that if US troops stay, America would be in “clear violation” of last year’s peace agreement. Hundreds of US troops have left the country after days of chaos. Meanwhile, the Taliban are cracking down on Afghans by blocking many from leaving the country, urging women to stay home, and reportedly executing civilians and Afghan forces.

What about people who’ve gotten out?

It’s not looking too good for some. There are reports of Afghan evacuees living in “dire conditions” at a Qatar air base. Thousands are reportedly living in feces and urine, dealing with a rat infestation and sweltering heat there. US officials say they’re aware and are trying to provide a “secure, safe, and sanitary environment." But the air base conditions appear to further highlight America’s unpreparedness in its withdrawal plans. Meanwhile, Airbnb is stepping in and providing temporary housing to 20,000 Afghans globally for free.

theSkimm

In his speech last week, President Biden defended his admin's exit as a bold choice that three presidents before him failed to make. What he didn't say: the Taliban controls the country now. And the Taliban isn't extending the US's stay past the end of the month.

And Also...This

Who's got voting rights on the mind...

The House. Yesterday, Democrats passed the John R Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act in a 219-212 vote. The legislation was named after the late Rep. John Lewis (D-GA). And would require certain states – specifically those with a history of voter discrimination – to get approval (aka "preclearance") from the Justice Dept before making changes to their voting laws. In 2013, SCOTUS did away with that part of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Now, Dems are trying to bring it back. But all House Republicans opposed it, calling the bill federal overreach. And with many GOP members keen to scrap it in the Senate, it'll likely have us all googling 'filibuster' again. (We've saved you the trouble.)

...Oh and speaking of voting rights, a panel of judges in North Carolina restored voting rights for about 56,000 felons who are on parole or probation.

Who’s weighing in on immigration…

The Supreme Court. Yesterday, it said the Biden admin had to reinstate a Trump-era policy known as “Remain in Mexico.” It forces asylum seekers to stay in Mexico while immigration authorities process their claims. But the policy has faced several legal challenges. In June, the Biden admin ended it. But Texas and Missouri challenged the admin’s move, saying it would pose a burden on local govs. The challenge worked its way up to the high court. Now, the Supremes are saying the Biden admin’s decision to end the policy was “arbitrary and capricious.”

What’s got people looking to the future…

COVID-19. Earlier this week, Dr. Anthony Fauci said that the US could have better control of the virus by next spring...if (and it's a big 'if') an "overwhelming majority" of the 85 million unvaccinated but eligible Americans get the shot.

Study, study, study: The CDC found that the hospitalization rate for unvaccinated people in Los Angeles County was 29 times higher than those fully vaxxed. And data from Israel found that Pfizer’s vaccine booster could help keep delta in check.

Who people are remembering…

Charlie Watts. Yesterday, the 80-year-old Rolling Stones drummer died at a London hospital. No cause of death was given. But earlier this month, the rock band announced that Watts wouldn’t be joining an upcoming tour after undergoing an emergency medical procedure. Watts, who joined the Stones in 1963 – and played with them for over 50 years – was known as "one of the greatest" drummers of his generation. And helped bring the Rolling Stones to worldwide fame with hits like “(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction,” "Paint it Black," and "Get off My Cloud." Bandmates Mick Jagger and Keith Richards paid tribute to the drummer on social media. Paul McCartney remembered him as "steady as a rock." Elton John called him the "ultimate drummer."

While Walmart's trying to compete with Amazon...

This bear's already on it.

Fresh-faced for Fall

Beach trips. Hikes. Late-night BBQs. Soaking up the best of summer can mean slipping from your usual routine. But Hero Cosmetics can help you start fall on the right foot. So you feel confident in the skin you’re in as you get back in the swing of things. We’re eyeing their...

Award-winning nighttime pimple patches ($13 36-pack/$22 72-pack). Wake up whitehead-free thanks to medical-grade hydrocolloid that ~gently~ extracts pimple gunk while you Zzz.

Illuminating, dark spot-zapping serum ($20). Brighten up...wherever you need it. This rollerball helps smooth blemish marks and uneven skin tone.

SPF 30 sunscreen that won’t clog your pores ($20). Because your skin deserves protection every season.

PS: Skimm’rs can get 20% off for a limited time. On your mark, get set, glow.

Betty Dodson

A masturbation enthusiast who believed in women's rights to sexual knowledge and pleasure. See also: feminist icon.

In the late '60s and early '70s, Dodson went from creating erotic art and hosting orgies to running workshops that taught women how – and why – to do it themselves. She literally wrote the book (okay, several) on it. And vibrators were key to her methods. Psst...if you're in the market for a new one, might we suggest the flexible, powerful Pom? It's small enough to fit in the...well, palm of your hand. And it's got five patterns and intensities. Plus Skimm'rs can get 15% off right now. Don’t wait.

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

1. A flight club you’ll want to join ASAP. This club saves its members up to $2,000 on their next adventures. With round trip deals like Hawaii from $109. Or London from $289. Psst...Skimm’rs can join for $1 for the next 12 hours. BRB.*

2. Silky sleepwear that’ll keep you cool. Night sweats? Never heard of ‘em. Thanks to this brand’s thermo-regulating sleep sets. They come in the best summer-to-fall colors, like earthy orange and dusty rose. Oh, and Skimm’rs get $20 off their purchase of $100+ with code FOR-SKIMMRS.*

3. A tasty, carb-free snack your brain will love. This brand’s upcycled, crispy wild Alaskan salmon skin chips are full of protein, marine collagen, and omega-3s (a natural mood-booster that can also help sharpen your memory, btw). PS: Skimm’rs get 20% off.*

4. A way to support our community in Haiti. Save the Children is helping those devastated by last weekend’s 7.2-magnitude earthquake. Their crisis relief fund can help provide clean water, nutritious foods, and emergency shelters for families in need. Learn more about how to help.*

5. Products that’ll make your morning routine faster and easier. Say hello to the things that’ll allow you to hit snooze once or twice. Efficient is your new middle name.

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

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.

Tip your (hard)hat to...Ashley B (MO). She was recently promoted to a construction manager after working as an assistant construction manager for years. And she’s currently the only female at the company with this position.

Cut to the success...Kirsten D (CA). She became a hairdresser at 50 and is now running a thriving business at 52.

(Some) Birthdays...Melanie Chakmakjian’s (NY), Mary O’Connell (IL), Luke Grosvenor (NY), Maggie Gibson (NY), Nicole Mueller (MO), Caleb Carter (SC), Karen Coviello (NJ), Lily Dulberg (NY), Monica Vega (FL), Laura Gentry (AL), Jessica Bunales (MS), Casey Holmes (NC), Alexis Skinner (NJ), Jacqui O'Kane (GA), Victoria Werth (OH)

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

This week on “9 to 5ish with theSkimm”: MSNBC President Rashida Jones opens up about how to find a mentor at work. Plus, she gives advice on pushing past the awkwardness of those first few convos.

And if you're looking for other smart ways to spend your time…

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Skimm’d by Rashaan Ayesh, Maria del Carmen Corpus, Mariza Smajlaj, Clem Robineau, and Julie Shain

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Daily Skimm: I don't see any grownups around here