theSkimm

August 30, 2021

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Skimm’d from the Oval Office

Quote of the Day

"Tell me you live in Wisconsin without telling me you live in Wisconsin" – A woman, after spotting a cow in a car at a McDonald's drive-thru. Cue udder confusion.

T-Minus 1 Day

The Story

The US is hours away from ending 20 years of war in Afghanistan.

What’s the latest?

Over the last two weeks, the US and allies have evacuated more than 113,000 people out of the country. But at least 250 Americans and thousands of Afghans are still hoping to catch flights out – despite fears of potential new attacks. Last week, two explosions killed 182 people near the Kabul airport. Among them were 169 Afghans – including a Taekwondo champion, journalists, students, and children – hoping to find new lives abroad. And 13 US service members – 11 Marines, an Army soldier, and Navy corpsman. Over the weekend, President Biden paid tribute to the fallen heroes as flag-draped caskets carried their remains home from Afghanistan.

You mentioned possible attacks?

Yes. Yesterday, a US drone strike thwarted an ISIS-K car bomb from detonating in Kabul. At least three Afghan children reportedly died. Three days ago, another drone strike killed two ISIS-K members. And just this morning, a US missile defense system intercepted five rockets heading towards the Kabul airport. The Biden admin's still on high alert as the deadline to get all US troops out of Afghanistan gets closer. (It's tomorrow.) So, the US and 97 other countries have struck a deal with the Taliban to ensure people who need to get out can do so...safely. Even after US troops are gone. But their departure (and reportedly that of diplomats) may make it harder for Afghans to get travel docs approved. And could leave them few options: stay under Taliban rule or escape to neighboring countries.

What about the people who’ve made it out?

Thousands of Afghan refugees have landed all over the world. From cities in the US to the UK to South Korea, some families are being welcomed with handmade signs and gifts. And food, clothing, and furniture donations are coming in to help refugees who are arriving with little to no possessions. (Here’s how you can help.) The US is reportedly expecting at least 50,000 Afghan refugees over the next year. And over 14,000 have arrived so far. While some countries (hi, Canada, Australia, and Uganda) have vowed to help, others (like Turkey) are starting to close their borders.

The US’s presence in Afghanistan is winding down. But the journey out of the country for thousands of Afghans is far from over. And for thousands of refugees, their life in a new country is just beginning.

And Also...This

What people are keeping an eye on…

Ida. Yesterday, the storm hit southeast Louisiana as a Category 4 hurricane – on the 16th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. With winds up to 150 mph and an expected 2 feet of rain in some areas, it's tied for the strongest hurricane on record to make landfall in Louisiana. At least one person has died. The storm waters could bring flash flooding and strain levees and pumps meant to reinforce the city. Over a million people in the state lost power, including the entire city of New Orleans. It’s been downgraded to a tropical storm. And Ida is expected to make its way across Mississippi and Alabama later today.

Hospitals: The state’s been hard hit with COVID-19, and has seen a rise in hospitalizations. Many are having to brace themselves for a devastating storm while in the ICU. And Dr. Anthony Fauci worries the storm could worsen the state of the pandemic in Southern states.

What’s back in the lesson plan…

Masks. On Friday, a Florida judge blocked Gov. Ron DeSantis’ (R-FL) exec order banning schools from imposing mask mandates. In July, the governor issued the EO giving parents the final say over whether their kids should wear masks in class. And threatened to cut funding for schools that ignored the order. But as Florida’s COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations rose, at least 10 school districts ignored DeSantis and told their students to mask up. Some parents decided to step in and sue the Florida state gov. Now, a judge is telling DeSantis 'you don't have that kind of power.' And told the Florida Dept of Education it can't punish school districts.

Not just Florida: There are apparently lawsuits in at least 13 other states (think: Utah, Iowa, and South Carolina) over mask mandates. Some of them are trying to get these mandates in place and others want them expelled from schools. Even as many parents are worried their kids are unprotected against COVID-19 – especially since those under 12 can’t get vaxxed.

Who could be a free man...

Sirhan Sirhan. On Friday, the man who killed Sen. Robert F Kennedy was recommended for parole by a California parole board. He's spent 53 years in prison for shooting RFK (former pres JFK's brother) to death during his primary victory as he pursued the Dem nomination for president. Sirhan's applied for parole 15 other times. Now, his parole rec could reach Governor Gavin Newsom's (D-CA) desk. It's unclear if it'll be approved.

The kids: Two of RFK’s surviving sons, Robert F Kennedy Jr and Douglas Kennedy, both supported Sirhan’s parole appeal. Douglas said he sees him as a “human being worthy of compassion and love.” But six of their other siblings urged Newsom to reverse the board’s decision.

When parental control goes wrong...

This happens.

Mortgage Matchmaker

The homebuying process can be a lot. But you can always tap an expert to lend (sorry not sorry) you a hand. Like a mortgage broker. They’ll act as an intermediary between the buyer (that’s you) and lenders (the ones who can give you a loan) to help you score the best interest rate, lowest monthly payment, and most favorable terms. Think of these Qs as your guide to speed dating with potential mortgage matchmakers:

What kinda loans could I qualify for?
Is there anything in my application that might make me less desirable?
How long will this whole process take?

Head to FindAMortgageBroker.com to find options in your area. And meet your match. Ooh la la.

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

1. Instant outfits to add to your closet right now. Forgot how to match pants with a top? Thankfully, this brand’s got comfy, flattering, sustainably made jumpsuits for every occasion. So you can fall into fall, easier. Psst...Skimm’rs get 20% off. Jump on it.*

2. How to make sure your skin actually absorbs your skincare. Because isn’t that the point? Most skincare products stay...surface-level. Literally. But this NASA-backed brand created an award-winning way to infuse serums deep into your skin. As in, 20X deeper. Here’s 20% off new devices.*

3. A (fun) way to quench your intellectual thirst. Ahhh, knowledge. We love to see it. And we mean *see* it. This company’s got over 13K entertaining, streamable video lectures. Aka an easy way to get the As to your curious Qs. Try it for free.*

4. Our favorite essentials for dogs from Wild One. From harnesses to grooming wipes to bowl kits, Wild One has everything a pet owner needs to be prepared. Now you can shop our fave picks. Your pup will thank you.

5. Home decor items under $75 that’ll upgrade your space. It’s finally time to say goodbye to that ‘Live, Laugh, Love’ sign. It had a good run.

*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.

Equality on the mind...Emily N (CA). After the death of George Floyd, she started a giving collective with some friends. Their goal is to go beyond hashtags and help people learn about injustice in the US and give to important organizations. Learn more here.

Grind never stops...Alexandra MG (CT). She gave birth to her first child. While also working on her dissertation so she can finish her last year in a PhD program in genetics.

(Some) Birthdays...Julia Bloch Thibaud (NY), Maria Fregoso (NY), Kelli Talarico (IL), Tina Cerami (IL), Ariel Garrett (NY), Brittany Immordino (NJ), Allison Smith (DE), Celina Kincaid (KS), Darlena Falcone (OK), Erika Strauss (IL), Antonia Plick (PA), Elena Ripp (NY), Gia Mongell (NY), Christina Bowles (VA), Jacqueline Kari (GA)

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

Skimm More

We rounded up the best reliable products that have stood the test of time. Like kitchen must-haves, a rolling duffle bag, and a straightening iron.

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Skimm’d by Rashaan Ayesh, Maria del Carmen Corpus, and Clem Robineau

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theSkimm - Daily Skimm: Into the thick of it

T-Minus 1 Day

The Story

What’s the latest?

You mentioned possible attacks?

What about the people who’ve made it out?

theSkimm

What people are keeping an eye on…

What’s back in the lesson plan…

Who could be a free man...

When parental control goes wrong...

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