Daily Skimm: You’re like a well-dressed wall

November 23, 2021

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Quote of the Day

“William Scrape-speare” – The name of a snowplow that’ll be doing work in Vermont this winter. Snow much fun.

Boosters

The Story

The CDC is urging pregnant people to get boosters.

Give me the update.

Last week, the CDC put out not one, but two studies about the dangers that COVID-19 – particularly the delta variant – poses to pregnant people. The first found that pregnant people infected with delta are at an increased risk of stillbirth. And that 1 in 155 deliveries among uninfected people reportedly resulted in stillbirth between March 2020 and September 2021. But for those who’d gotten the virus, stillbirths accounted for 1 in 80 deliveries. Still rare. But almost double the risk. The second study found the risk of death for pregnant people infected with delta is also higher – but that it's disproportionately worse for pregnant women of color.

That’s not good…

It’s not. Delta accounts for 99% of new cases in the US. Also not good: More than 90,000 new cases are being reported each day. And only about 30% of pregnant people in the US are vaccinated. So the CDC’s reminding the rest: it’s time. Last month, health officials said pregnant people qualify for boosters. But some have called out the federal gov for its confusing booster recs when data has indicated for months that vaccine efficacy can fade with time.

So what happens now?

Boosters can help. Last week, the CDC expanded booster eligibility to people 18 and up. But boosters can take up to two weeks before the added protection kicks in – for you and those you spend the holidays with. That’s a tight turnaround for Turkey Day, but enough to plan around for Christmas and New Year’s. For more info on the booster shot and where to get it, see here.

theSkimm

COVID-19 isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. And the risks are still very much real for the elderly, pregnant people, and anyone with underlying health conditions. Stay safe.

PS: Here's what you need to know about booster shots and breakthrough cases.

And Also...This

Where justice is being served…

Florida. Yesterday, a Lake County judge exonerated four young Black men falsely accused of raping a white woman more than 70 years ago. In 1949, Norma Padgett accused the men of raping her in Groveland, FL. Officials arrested Charles Greenlee, Walter Irvin, Samuel Shepherd, and Ernest Thomas – who became known as the Groveland Four. A mob shot Thomas over 400 times after the accusation. And an all-white jury convicted the other three men without any evidence. Shepherd later died at the hands of police. And Irvin and Greenlee passed after being paroled. Their case became known as one of the greatest miscarriages of justice in Jim Crow-era Florida. Now, the state’s officially cleared their names after a review, reportedly saying the Groveland Four fell victim to prosecutorial misconduct and fake evidence.

A model for future justice: The men’s families hope their exonerations will lead to reviews of Jim Crow-era convictions. And earlier this year, Virginia also posthumously pardoned the “Martinsville Seven” for the alleged rape of a white woman in 1951 – which they were executed for.

Where people are mourning…

Waukesha, WI. Yesterday, officials said the man suspected of driving through a Christmas parade faces five counts of homicide. Five people died and 48 others were injured. The motive has yet to be determined but authorities say they’ve ruled out terrorism. And note that the 39-year-old suspect has a history of alleged domestic abuse, including one case earlier this month. Now, he's reportedly scheduled to appear in court today.

Who doesn't want to have to update their LinkedIn...

President Biden. Yesterday, the White House said that 46 plans to run again for office in 2024. At 78, Biden became the oldest US president to take office. And is apparently eyeing a new record when he’s 82. There’s been speculation among Democrats that Biden wouldn’t seek a second term. Now, his admin appears to be quashing the gossip. It comes amid reports that the president’s meeting with allies to reassure them of a second run. And as Biden’s job approval rating gets low, low, low.

Jerome Powell. Yesterday, President Biden renominated Powell to serve a second four-year term as chair of the Federal Reserve. Since 2018, Powell (a Republican) has been at the helm of America’s economy and the Fed’s implementation of pandemic-era relief measures. Now, Biden’s saying Powell’s the best man to lead the country’s economic recovery from the pandemic. Next up: The Senate’s expected to confirm Powell’s nomination.

PS: Get to know the Fed better and see how it affects the economy (and you).

Who hit a bullseye…

Target. Yesterday, the retail giant said it’s forever hanging ‘closed’ signs on Thanksgiving – expanding on a move that began during the pandemic. And letting its employees at its more than 1,900 stores enjoy the holiday. Tar-yay.

What pairs well with breakfast…

Tiffany's.

Bounce Back

In life, it literally pays to expect the unexpected. As in, save for emergencies and invest in comprehensive insurance. Take it from Harlem Cycle CEO and founder, Tammeca Rochester. She was preparing to open a second location of her studio when the pandemic hit.

So, she told her lenders she couldn’t make her payments and pivoted to online classes. Then, in October, her space was broken into. Hear what Tammeca has to say about handling financial surprises on Fidelity’s new podcast. Just search “Modern Life” wherever you listen. Oh, and check their site for more stories and tips on big life moments with big $$$ implications. Because you can’t know what you don’t know.

Better Beef

Food labels can be misleading. Case in point: Some “grass-fed” animals are actually fed grain at the end of their life. But “100% grass-fed and finished” animals only eat natural grasses their entire adult lives. Translation: no grain or corn feed for them.

Psst...raising grass-fed cattle can be better for the environment. And grass-fed beef is a source of Omega-3s, vitamins, and minerals. Sound good? Meet ButcherBox. Their beef is always 100% grass-fed and finished. Plus, they’ll send it right to your door – along with other high-quality meat. Like free-range organic chicken, pork raised crate-free, and wild-caught seafood. The best part? If you sign up before Nov 28, you’ll get two free NY strip steaks in every box for a year. Mmm-mooooo.

Texting with Mindy Kaling

We texted with Mindy Kaling, actor, author, screenwriter, and producer, about a potential cameo in “Legally Blonde 3,” her bestie B.J. Novak, and her self-proclaimed secret shame. Here’s a sneak peek: She’s a huuuge Zendaya fan. (Celebrities: they’re just like us.) And she has a new show, “The Sex Lives of College Girls,” streaming now on HBO Max. Check it out.

Skimm Picks

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

1. Cozy-chic loungewear you’ll wanna show off. This brand’s on a mission to help you get some serious(ly stylish) R&R. We’re loving their chunky wool knits, machine-washable silk sets, and dreamy Pima leggings. PS: Skimm’rs get $20 off $100+ purchases with code FOR-SKIMMRS. Lounge on.*

2. A clean beauty sale you’ll wanna add to your cal ASAP. This viral brand is celebrating Black Friday all week long with up to 25% off their feel-good, award-winning skincare and makeup. Psst...get in on it while you can. We hear they neeeever discount.*

3. A historical(ish) dramedy of epic proportions. Season 2 of Hulu’s “The Great” just dropped. Which means we finally get to (binge-)watch Catherine (hiii, Elle Fanning) balance ruling an out-of-control empire with some...weird pregnancy cravings. Queue it up.*

4. A half-zip you’ll wanna live in this winter. This ribbed merino wool sweater from Everlane will keep you v warm and cozy. Pair it with your fave jeans. Or leggings for the ultimate lounging lewk. Zip, zip, hooray.*

5. A must-have for those upcoming family bake-a-thons. You know the ones. This stand mixer from Williams Sonoma has 10 speeds and takes up minimal counter space. Plus it comes in eight (merry and) bright colors. We know. We’re obsessed, too. Add to cart.*†

6. How to become a creature of (healthier) habits. The kind that’ll really stick around. Noom uses behavior-change psych to build a personalized plan around your wellness goals. With help from IRL coaches, tracking tools, and an online community of other goal-getters. Learn more.*

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

PPS: Check out our selection of the best holiday gifts for everyone on your list.

†Your rate will be 0% or 10–30% APR based on credit, and is subject to an eligibility check. Payment options through Affirm are provided by these lending partners: affirm.com/lenders. Options depend on your purchase amount, and a down payment may be required.

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.

Not alone...Gracelyn B and Melody L (CA). They run a nonprofit and publishing house called Luna Peak. And are launching "Beyond Grief” – a photography book that features portraits and stories of 80 grief survivors to show what life after loss looks like.

Spooky vibes...AB Davis (OH). He quit his job as an engineer last year to become an author. Now, he’s self-published his first novel, “Nightmarist.” It’s a young adult fantasy and horror book.

(Some) Birthdays...Paige Schmittlein (CT), Judy Grosvenor (VT), Candace Butera (NY), Catherine Cereghino (NY), Gala McCray (MD), Angela Schultz (ND), Dr. Travis Dunlap (OR), Anita Levinson (IL), Kimberly Sims (MO), Shelley Auten Schnittker (TX), Courtney Souder (OH), Alecia Stanley (SC), Amy Papa (MO), Yasmine Rodriguez (NY), Anastasia Lambert (GA)

*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, and Julie Shain

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Daily Skimm: You’re like a well-dressed wall

Boosters

The Story

Give me the update.

That’s not good…

So what happens now?

theSkimm

Where justice is being served…

Where people are mourning…

Who doesn't want to have to update their LinkedIn...

Who hit a bullseye…

What pairs well with breakfast…

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