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December 2, 2021

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Daily Skimm

Skimm’d while building better habits

Quote of the Day

“My habits are humiliating” – A Spotify user after reviewing their 2021 Wrapped. If you’re gonna let me down, Spotify, let me down gently.

A Waiting Game

The Story

Abortion rights in the US are hanging in the balance.

Catch me up.

Yesterday, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the most significant abortion case in nearly 50 years. In 2018, Mississippi’s Republican-led state legislature passed a law banning most abortions after 15 weeks. But the state’s only abortion clinic – Jackson Women’s Health Organization – sued. And lower courts have blocked the ban, saying it's unconstitutional. The MS measure directly challenges two cases: the 1973 Roe v Wade landmark decision and the 1992 Planned Parenthood v Casey ruling. They established and affirmed a woman’s right to an abortion, respectively. Now, the case has reached SCOTUS. And the Supremes are weighing in.

What’d they say?

After nearly two hours of arguments, the high court’s six conservative justices indicated that they could uphold Mississippi’s ban. And could entirely overturn Roe v Wade. If the latter happens, it could be a big reversal of Supreme Court precedent. Justice Sonia Sotomayor asked whether such a "stench" would undermine the court's previous rulings. Justice Brett Kavanaugh questioned if the high court should be in the middle of the abortion debate or if individual states should decide. And Chief Justice John Roberts seemed interested in upholding the MS law without overturning Roe v Wade, which allows abortions to take place up until around the 24th week of pregnancy.

So, what’s going to happen?

A decision from the high court isn’t expected until June. An attorney for the MS clinic said the ban could cause “profound damage to women’s liberty, equality and the rule of law.” And if the court overturns Roe, at least 12 states have “trigger laws” in place — measures that would immediately outlaw abortion if given the thumbs up. While some states could hit ‘undo,’ at least 15 reportedly have measures protecting abortion rights. Regardless, the average distance to an abortion provider could go from 25 miles to about 125 miles.

In a matter of months, women across the US could have less control over their health care than their mothers and grandmothers. It's a prospect more than half the country doesn't support. The remainder may see it as progress.

Psst...We Skimm'd more about how legal battles have shaped a woman's access to abortions. Tap here.

And Also...This

What’s got everyone refreshing their newsfeed…

Omicron. Yesterday, experts confirmed what we'd all pretty much expected: omicron is in the US. The first case was detected in San Francisco, CA. The patient – who's fully vaccinated – had just returned from South Africa. And is currently quarantining with mild symptoms. Experts had said it was only a matter of time before omicron was in the US. But for now, officials say they aren’t aware of any others. Meanwhile, researchers are still working to get more info about the new strain – like how severe the symptoms can get, or the efficacy of vaccines. It may take weeks before we have answers.

PS: See how omicron (and any other variants) could impact your financial health.

Where there are updates…

Michigan. Yesterday, officials charged a 15-year-old boy as an adult after he opened fire at a high school north of Detroit. At least four students died and seven others were injured. Authorities said that the boy’s father purchased the handgun just four days before it was used in the shooting. And are reviewing a “mountain of digital evidence” – including video in which the suspect talked about killing students. It’s got the county prosecutor saying the attack was “absolutely premeditated.” Now, the teen’s facing several charges – including four counts of first-degree murder that could lead to a life sentence. His parents could also be facing charges.

Who’s saying, I don't know about you, but I'm feeling '22...

Stacey Abrams. Yesterday, the prominent Democrat announced she's entering the Georgia governor's race. In 2018, Abrams ran against now-Gov. Brian Kemp (R). But she refused to concede amid allegations of voter suppression, instead acknowledging that Kemp would "be certified" as the winner. It came after Kemp had dismissed Dems' calls to recuse himself from overseeing the election. Meanwhile, others say there's no evidence the election was stolen. Since then, Dems like President Biden, Sen. Raphael Warnock and Sen. Jon Ossoff were able to win Georgia – and many attributed their victories to Abrams’ work as a voting rights activist in the state. Now, Abrams could face Kemp again in what may be one of 2022's most closely-watched races.

PS: We spoke to Stacey Abrams for our career podcast, "9 to 5ish." She talked about everything from her voting rights work to her experience as a romance novelist. Listen up.

Who's not playing ball...

MLB. Yesterday, team owners voted to lockout players after they couldn’t reach a collective bargaining agreement. The last time this happened was in 1994. A lot of it comes down to money. The players’ union isn’t happy with how teams offer top players top dollar, while leaving others behind. The MLB said it hopes the lockout will “jumpstart” negotiations. While the union disagrees, calling it a “dramatic measure.” Now, it’s unclear if the two sides will be able to reach an agreement by the time spring training starts in mid-February.

When you can’t afford the most expensive cities…

Maybe go “Home Alone.”

Thing to Know

Thermogenesis

The fancy way to say heat production. And a process that occurs naturally whenever your body turns food into energy. Aka all the time.

Even though metabolism is always-on, you’re not alone if you wanna rev yours up. Sakara’s plant-powered super powder can help with that. It also fights inflammation and supports lipid (read: fat) metabolism thanks to antioxidant-packed herbs, like kelp extract. Try blending some into your morning smoothie, coffee, or tea. We have a feeling the rich, chocolate-with-a-hint-of-coconut flavor will leave you wanting more. So it’s a good thing Skimm’rs get 20% off. What a gift.

Gift Now, Pay Later

According to the National Retail Federation, American consumers plan to spend $648 on holiday gifts this year. Whether you’re tracking over or under, no shame if you didn’t prep your wallet all year long. (We didn’t either, tbh.) Enter: Affirm†. Their buy now, pay later plans can keep all those expenses from hitting your bottom line all at once. We’re eyeing these for-all-ages finds from their partners…

A monogrammed accessory tray that’ll charge their phone. Because we all have that fam member that’s always at less than 20%.
A supersoft, personalizable kids chair for reading, playing, and snuggling. If this doesn’t make you say ‘awwww,’ we don’t know what will.
Aaand a faux fur bean bag for the teen in your life. Or any trendy decor-loving adult, honestly.

†Your rate will be 0% APR 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 Money

All good things must come to an end. Including the pandemic pause on federal student loan payments, which is set to expire in January 2022. Now's the time to figure out how you'll approach adding that debt back into your spending plan. You could press fast-forward on your repayments to get out of debt ASAP. Or stick with the minimums and prioritize other goals. Read about your options to decide what’s right for you.

Skimm Picks

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

1. A psych-based approach to living your best life. Trade the inspo board for Noom’s science-backed techniques. They make it easy to understand the ‘why’ behind your habits. And give you everything you need to build (and stick to) healthier ones. Start with this free quiz.*

2. A cozy staple that’ll match every sweater you own. These joggers are as versatile as they are soft. Think: a slim, relaxed fit made with the dreamiest stretchy fabric. Available in 15 (yes, 15) different colors. Psst...here’s 20% off your first purchase. Pantastic.*

3. Brooke Shields’s advice for staying true to yourself. Our latest ep of “9 to 5ish with theSkimm,” sponsored by Gevalia, takes a look at how the model slash actress learned to compartmentalize and set boundaries at a young age. Listen in.*

4. A techy gift kids will love. And parents will thank you for. These smartphones and watches help little ones stay (safely) connected. Internet access, social media, and online games not included. Plus, Skimm’rs get an exclusive 50% off. New phone, who dis?*

5. How to keep your skin bright as the days get...less bright. This serum uses an ultra-stable blend of vitamin C and antioxidants. So you can say ‘bye’ to dark spots. And ‘hi’ to an instant glow. PS: Use code SKIMM20 for 20% off your first order.*

6. A sweet tooth-approved, sweet dream-inducing night cap. Beam’s limited edition white chocolate peppermint dream powder is packed with sleep-promoting ingredients. Like CBD and melatonin. And Skimm’rs can still get up to 40% off (even though their Black Friday sale’s teeeeechnically over).*

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

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

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.

Love languages...Willow L (TX). After her father lost his 10 year-long battle to cancer, Willow started AyiConnect. It helps others find care and learning helpers from diverse backgrounds and who speak various languages. Check it out.

Open road...Geneva S-A (AZ). In Oct 2014, Geneva, her husband, and three dogs traveled the Pan-American highway in their van – starting in Arizona and going all the way through South America. The pandemic interrupted their trip but they plan to pick back up when borders fully open. Follow their trip.

(Some) Birthdays...Jessica Scheer (NY), Glenn Turtletaub (NJ), Jenny Grosvenor (VT), Britt Mallas (WI), Trahlyta Miller (GA), Maureen Mullarkey (NY), Sam Hack (FL), Alea Frazier (TN), Sam Faught (MO), Samantha Bishop (AK), Michelle LaBar (MI), Beth Haglin (MN), Michele Holloway (IN), Madeline Schmidt (TX), Betsy Volm (OR)

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

Skimm More

theSkimm is hiring. Interested in joining our team? Check out our career page for open roles.

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

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theSkimm - Daily Skimm: Our album needs just one

A Waiting Game

The Story

Catch me up.

What’d they say?

So, what’s going to happen?

theSkimm

What’s got everyone refreshing their newsfeed…

Where there are updates…

Who’s saying, I don't know about you, but I'm feeling '22...

Who's not playing ball...

When you can’t afford the most expensive cities…

Older messages

Take the Guess Work Out of Gifts This Year

Daily Skimm: I go back to December all the time

Daily Skimm: Those are your feet fingers

Daily Skimm: I don't recognize myself in the coldness

Daily Skimm: Black Friday Special

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