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October 19, 2021

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"Ye" – Kanye West's new official name. Ye heard it here first.

Colin Powell

The Story

America is remembering a warrior.

Tell me.

Yesterday, former Secretary of State Colin Powell died of complications from COVID-19. He was 84. The son of Jamaican immigrants, Powell pushed through racism and segregation to become the first Black American to hold several top gov positions. Including national security adviser, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and sec of state. The four-star general worked alongside four different presidents (from Reagan to Bush). And had a strong hand in shaping foreign policy. But his success wasn't without controversy.

Go on.

Powell played a key role in spearheading American military operations, including the 1989 invasion of Panama and the 1991 Persian Gulf War. But he's most known for his 2003 speech at the UN – where he used faulty intel to justify going to war in Iraq. Powell later regretted it. Still, leaders from former President George W Bush to Defense Sec Lloyd Austin praised him as a “warrior" and a "great public servant." President Biden’s ordered flags to fly at half-staff. But Powell’s death is also igniting a larger discussion about COVID-19.

What do you mean?

Powell was fully vaccinated against COVID-19. But he had been battling multiple myeloma – a form of blood cancer. He was also fighting early stage Parkinson's disease. Given his age and condition, Powell was considered high risk and immunocompromised. But data has shown that COVID-19 vaccines aren't as effective against people who are immunocompromised. And the CDC and the FDA have both recommended and approved booster shots for high-risk groups (Powell was too ill to get his). Now, doctors say Powell’s death is bringing the booster conversation to the forefront – just as the FDA's expected to allow people to mix and match their vax and booster brands.

As many remember Colin Powell’s four decades of service to America, his death is a stark reminder of this unrelenting pandemic. And of the importance of using the tools we have to stay safe.

And Also...This

Who’s got regulations on the mind...

The EPA. Yesterday, it announced plans to regulate PFAS. Also known as "forever chemicals," they got the nickname by not breaking down over time. And they're found in cosmetics, food packaging, and cleaning supplies. But most importantly, they've found their way into water sources. Not great, considering exposure to PFAS has been linked to long-term health effects (think: cancer, liver damage, and more). Now, the EPA wants to restrict the chemicals from being released into the environment. Some say the move is overdue. It comes as efforts to regulate the chemicals have stalled in Congress.

Plan it out: Part of the EPA's plan is to categorize these PFAS as "hazardous substances." That will allow them to force companies to pay for contamination and cleanup work. But its fully fleshed out plans won't be finalized until 2023.
A nationwide problem: One report found that the EPA has identified over 120,000 sites across the US where people might be exposed to PFAS. And that almost no part of the US is free of potential contamination.

Who needs to answer some questions...

A Louisiana sheriff’s office. Last month, a deputy from the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office stopped Shantel Arnold (a Black woman) as she was walking home. Video of their encounter shows him slamming her into the ground, reportedly kneeling and pulling her hair out. The reason for it is still unclear. Arnold was taken to a hospital with several injuries, including a bloody lip and bruises. After the video went viral, the sheriff's office opened an investigation into the confrontation. But the ACLU has filed several lawsuits against the same sheriff's office – for consistently mistreating and violently beating Black residents.

The court’s take: The investigation comes as the Supremes sided with police officers accused of using excessive force. And ruled that police can be protected from being sued over their alleged misconduct.

Who’s going dimensional…

Facebook. Yesterday, the social media giant said it wants to hire 10,000 workers in the European Union to build a "metaverse." Think: a place that’s half VR, half real-time avatars. And 100% an introvert’s worst nightmare. But FB’s ready to get the ball rolling. And while the metaverse already has people thinking about privacy, FB might have a bigger problem finding workers with the global labor shortage. Another challenge: competition. Microsoft and Epic Games are working on their own versions of the metaverse. Looks like maybe not everyone wants to crown Mark Zuckerberg king of his own universe.

Who's a Hollywood All Star...

John Boyega.

Same Same But Different

Fun fact: Silk clothes date back to Neolithic China. As in, thousands and thousands of years ago. If you’re looking for a modern take, try Lunya. They make super soft, elevated loungewear from thermoregulating, machine-washable silk. We’re very into the new purple color they just launched. Plus...

This tank and shorts sleep set you’ll wanna wear everywhere. Because it’s that comfy. Aaaand cute. Pro tip: Treat yo’self to a few colors so you can mix and match.

A sleep mask that blocks out alllll of the light. So you can Zzz better. Psst...this one also makes a great gift.

The chicest robe you’ll ever see. Draping and a perfectly placed belt essentially guarantee flattering results.

Btw, Skimm’rs get $20 off $100+ purchases with code FOR-SKIMMRS. Order up.

Eight cups of eight ounces a day. That’s how much water everyone needs, right? We have news: Experts say it’s not that simple. (Knewww it.) Turns out body composition, activity level, sweat rate, overall health, and environment can impact how much you actually need. Some rec dividing your weight by two to get a more personalized daily oz benchmark. We’ll give you a sec to run the numbers.

OK, second’s up. If your thirst still isn’t quenched, try Hydrant’s Essentials Sampler. It’s full of energy-boosting, immunity-supporting, and Zzz-inducing electrolyte drink mixes that hydrate faster and more efficiently than water alone. Oh, and Skimm’rs get 55% off — plus a free gift — for a limited time. H2gO, go, go.

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

1. Body skincare that’ll make your face jealous. This kit’s got a bar for buffing, an exfoliant for smoothing, and lotion for toning. All formulated to target keratosis pilaris (aka those pesky red bumps you get from clogged pores). Plus, Skimm’rs get $15 off.*

2. Our fave warm and fuzzy must-haves. Hold our cocoa. Together with Cariuma, we rounded up the textured clothes, shoes (including a very special eco-friendly pair), and accessories that can keep ya feeling warm and looking cute as the temps drop. Bundle up.*

3. Chef-curated meals for when you’re feeling fancy. But don’t feel like grocery shopping. This service lets you choose from 50 weekly menu and market items. And sends you step-by-step instructions and fresh, pre-portioned ingredients. Sans guesswork. PS: Skimm’rs get 14 free meals and free shipping.*

4. Plant-based dog food for a planet-based lifestyle. This brand’s sustainably sourced dog food is packed with only the good stuff. Plus, their roasted peanut butter and sweet potato flavor is sure to be a fur-st place winner. (Sorry, we’ll stop.) Add to cart.*

5. A pumpkin stencil kit to use during spooky season. What is Halloween without a good jack-o'-lantern or two? This kit comes with stainless steel punch-out stencils that'll make carving easy (and safe) for kids. You won't need any knives to get the job done. Phew.

*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.

Brainiac vibes...Zoe S (IL). She is a first-year and full-time psych professor at Loyola University in Chicago. And is the newly announced recipient of a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation grant so she can do research on children with ADHD, ADD, and similar learning challenges.

Belting away...Cloette Z (IN). They launched an online business to help fellow songwriters and singers nail the fundamentals of healthy singing. Find your tune.

(Some) Birthdays...Stephania Stavropoulos (IL), Stephanie Finn (VA), Arielle Bobek (MA), Julie Ashkenazi (CA), Meredith Smith (GA), Mayrav Dolgin (IL), Kathryn McDonnell (MO), Charlotte Wessel (AL), Stephanie Campbell (WI), John Geekie (NY), Jayme Parker (VT), Noelle Beacom (NE), Sarah Hirschfeld (ME), Lucie Antoine (NY), Elizabeth Thompson (NC), Mary McElhinney-Stark (CA)

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

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

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Colin Powell

The Story

Tell me.

Go on.

What do you mean?

theSkimm

Who’s got regulations on the mind...

Who needs to answer some questions...

Who’s going dimensional…

Who's a Hollywood All Star...

Older messages

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