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November 2, 2021

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Daily Skimm

Skimm’d while crushing our wellness goals

Quote of the Day

“People think I'm exaggerating” – Ed Sheeran, who says Elton John calls him every single morning. Meanwhile…we still can’t get a text back.

It’s Voting Szn

The Story

You get an ‘I voted’ sticker and you get an ‘I voted’ sticker...

It’s Election Day?

Sure is. In Virginia, New Jersey, and cities across the US, Americans are turning out to vote on everything from mayors to ballot measures to governor’s races. Here’s what you need to know about:

Virginia: What politicos are calling a crystal ball for 2022. Terry McAuliffe (D) and Glenn Youngkin (R) are neck and neck in a race that many see as a major test of post-Trump America. McAuliffe was governor from 2014 to 2018. But since VA governors can’t serve consecutive terms, he’s had to step away for a bit. Youngkin is a businessman who’s treading a fine line: get Trump's base on his side while distancing himself from the former president. Now, the two are going head to head on vaccine mandates and abortion rights.

New Jersey: Gov. Phil Murphy (D) is hoping to keep his job safe from former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli (R). Murphy’s sell: his history of raising the minimum wage, taxing the rich, and expanding paid family leave. Meanwhile, Ciattarelli’s been focused on one of the biggest issues for NJ voters: high property taxes. And wants vaccines to be optional. If Murphy wins, he’ll be the Garden State’s first Democratic governor to get reelected in 44 years. But Ciattarelli’s hoping to pull off an upset.

Any other big races to watch?

Yup. At least seven major cities are holding mayoral elections. And 24 ballot measures are reportedly up for a vote across six states. One big theme that’s come up across the ballots: policing. Minneapolis will vote on whether to significantly rework its police department – replacing it with the Department of Public Safety (and mental health professionals) and sharing oversight between the city council and the mayor. It’s a major test of the “defund the police” movement, which gained traction in the city following the murder of George Floyd. Meanwhile, on the East Coast, retired NYPD captain Eric Adams (D) is favored to win the NYC mayoral race to become the second Black American to lead the most populous city in the country.

Today is kind of an in-betweener election. We're about one year out from the presidential election last year. And midterms are coming in hot in 2022. But make no mistake: on the ballots today are deeply impactful issues like policing, voting rights, COVID-19 restrictions, and which party has momentum to take control of Congress next year. Vote up.

And Also...This

What’s keeping everyone on edge…

The Supreme Court. Yesterday, most justices looked ready to let abortion providers challenge Texas’s strict abortion law. In September, TX banned most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. And gave private citizens the power to sue and enforce the law. The Justice Dept and abortion providers sued the state. And the high court entered the chat. Now, during oral arguments, Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett seemed to be countering Texas’s arguments. Kavanaugh said the law has a “loophole that’s been exploited.” And Barrett questioned the way the law tries to avoid the courts.

In the meantime: The number of abortions in TX has plummeted now that the law bans at least 85% of abortions there. Many are having to travel out of state to get one (more on the procedure here).

PS: We Skimm’d the how the battle for abortion rights began and how some states are cracking down.

Who’s finally ready to make a commitment...

India. Yesterday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged that the country would reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. India is the third-largest emitter of CO2 (after China and the US). As a developing country, its economy is still growing. And its energy demands are expected to grow with it. Now, after resisting public pressure, the world’s second-most populous country is saying ‘save the date’: it plans to get to net zero by 2070. Pessimists are pointing out that’s 20 years past the 2050 deadline some countries have for net-zero emissions (to avoid the worst impacts from climate change). Realists say a 2050 deadline wasn't going to happen anyway.

What’s not playing fair…

A “Squid Game” cryptocurrency. Yesterday, the crypto dropped to $0 after scammers reportedly made off with an estimated $2.1 million after duping investors. The scammers created online games featured in the popular Netflix series. And said ‘if you want to play, you need some SQUID.’ Aka crypto tokens. Investors apparently couldn’t wait to put on their digital tracksuits to get their game on. And sent SQUID’s value soaring to as high as $2,861. But reports indicated the whole thing was a sqam. Experts have told people to be careful with “meme” cryptos, saying don’t fall for the hype or you could lose big. Turns out they were right.

Who’s delivered a strong serve…

Norway’s women’s handball team. The International Handball Federation (finally) said it’s no longer requiring women to play in bikini bottoms. The change comes after the team was fined about $1,700 for competing in shorts when protesting the sexist dress code.

Who’s getting serious...

Kal Penn.

‘Tis the Season

No matter what or how you’re celebrating this holiday season, we see gifting, gathering (or...virtual gathering), and getting dressed up in your future. Old Navy can help with alllll of that. Their colorful clothes have us feeling merry and bright already. Get in the spirit with...

Festive jammies. So much plaid. So little time.
A super soft shacket. Yep, that’s shirt x jacket. And this one’s got four (we repeat: four) pockets.
This ruffle-trimmed sweatshirt. It's like a fleece, but fancy. We'll take five.

Let’s Talk About Sex, Baby

Let’s talk about orgasmic glee. No, really. Because sex researchers have found that only 25% of women consistently climax during vaginal intercouse.

Something that could help? Keeping all four stages of sexual response in mind. (Hint: excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution.) And not skipping over those first two. Psst...Dame’s Aer suction toy is great for stimulating arousal during the build-up. It creates thrilling pulses of air with five unique intensities and patterns designed to mimic a tongue. It also forms a soft seal around your clit. So you can heat things up...fast. Did we mention Skimm’rs get 15% off? Yes yes yes they do.

Skimm Money

Ready for the holidays? Your bank account should be. This year, it’s extra important to start prepping (and saving) early. Because experts are predicting limited supplies, fewer deals, and higher prices. Ho-ho-how are you gonna handle all that? Step 1: read our guide to making a holiday budget.

PS: Sign up for our Skimm Money newsletter to get more money news and tips in your inbox every Friday.

Skimm Picks

1. How to make expression lines less...expressive. Aka not as visible. Try PCA Skin’s ExLinea Pro Peptide Serum. It uses advanced spot treatment and a unique blend to help lift, tighten, and firm up your skin. Plus it moisturizes and reduces roughness. Add to cart.*

2. Human-grade dog food that’s cooked to culinary fur-fection. And shipped to your door. This brand air-dries their nutritionist-approved formula to help preserve allll the good stuff (think: feel-good nutrients) for your pup. With zero fillers or chemicals. Plus, Skimm’rs get 35% off their first purchase.*

3. The secret to mastering Black Friday this year. You heard it here first. Walmart+ members are getting access to allllll of Walmart’s biggest online deals before everyone else.† Think: major discounts on tech, toys, clothes, and home stuff starting tomorrow. Learn more.*

4. A card that’ll make you forget about all your other credit cards. Our friends at The Ascent are alllll about this new card. Probably because it gives you unlimited 2% cash rewards with purchases. Yep *cue swelling music* unliiiiiiimited. Oh, and no annual fee. Cha-ching.*

5. A language learning app that’ll have you chatting like a local. And mastering the basics in just three weeks. This app teaches you words you’ll actually use in IRL scenarios. With help from lessons, podcasts, stories, and games. Plus, Skimm’rs get 65% off for Black Friday.*

6. Lazy cleaning products for when you just can’t. Because sometimes even the mere thought of sweeping and dusting is exhausting. These products to the rescue.

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

†Not available to trial members. While supplies last.

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.

Recycling fashion...Laura H (OR). She started Revive Athletics, a business focused on sustainability by offering high quality, gently used athletic wear for women. The store also hosts classes to foster community and donates leggings each month to a local women's shelter. Shop here.

Follow the footprints...Alice B (GA). She’s the founder of GoodSteps, a social enterprise that sells flip flops and donates 20% of every product sold to orgs. Since the company’s launch, GoodSteps has helped fight food insecurity and malnutrition. Check them out here.

(Some) Birthdays...Faith Greenberg (FL), MG Siegler (CA), Louise Cronin (CA), Rebekah Harper (NC), Carianne Shorey (TX), Kim Pace (AR), Laura Serard (NH), Jimin Choi (NY), Ricki Harbaugh (PA), Kristi McBryar (GA), Jennifer Ickovics (PA), Jenifer Caldwell (MI), McKenna Kiple (IL), Jessica Torres (VA), Jake Myers (CA)

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

Skimm More

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

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theSkimm - Daily Skimm: In the cold November rain

It’s Voting Szn

The Story

It’s Election Day?

Any other big races to watch?

theSkimm

What’s keeping everyone on edge…

Who’s finally ready to make a commitment...

What’s not playing fair…

Who’s delivered a strong serve…

Who’s getting serious...

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