Daily Skimm: One human alcohol beer, please

December 17, 2021

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Daily Skimm

Skimm’d while joining our movement in support of paid family leave

Quote of the Day

“I love that for me” — Cardi B’s reaction to her daughter only wanting a yo-yo for the holidays. Parents everywhere are jealous.

Expanding Access

The Story

The FDA’s giving a green light to mail-in abortion pills.

More details, please.

The FDA approved medication abortion in 2000. It involves taking two pills at least one day apart. About 40% of abortions in the US are conducted this way. But there are barriers: it was reportedly the only drug the FDA required people go pick up from a medical provider…even though they can then take them at home, without medical supervision. So amid the pandemic, the FDA stopped enforcing the rule – allowing the pills to be mailed. Yesterday, it said it’s making that change permanent. But some states are saying ‘not so fast.’

Go on.

More than twelve Republican-led states have already tightened access to the medication. And have banned the telehealth visits needed to get access to the pills. Still, the decision means women may be able to skip long drives and access abortions online, by mail or at pharmacies. It comes as SCOTUS is taking a magnifying glass to Roe v Wade. And if it overturns that ruling next year, drives to abortion clinics could become significantly longer. Next up: Republican states could sue.

theSkimm

Abortion pills are safe and effective. But for years, women have had to jump through hoops to get access to them. Yesterday’s announcement marked a big step in reducing those hurdles.

And Also...This

What’s got some people concerned…

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Yesterday, the CDC recommended that Americans who haven’t yet been vaccinated get an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine: Pfizer or Moderna. Leaving J&J out of the rec because of new data. Reminder: Earlier this year, there were some doubts about the J&J vax after six women reported blood clots within two weeks of rolling up their sleeves. Now, data shows dozens of people have developed a rare blood clot condition since March. Nine have died. Note: that rate is still rare (think: less than 4 cases per million). But the risk is highest in women aged 30-49. So the CDC's not taking any chances.

What if?: If you’re one of about 16 million people in the US who’ve gotten the J&J vaccine – and you got it months ago – don’t worry: you’re not likely at risk. But you may want to look into getting a different booster.

PS: With Omicron cases rising, we're still learning details about the variant. Here's what we know so far.

Who’s shutting it down…

The Senate. Yesterday, senators passed a bill banning most imports from China’s Xinjiang region. Since 2017, the Chinese gov has cracked down on Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in the country’s northwest, detaining more than 1 million people. There've been reports that Uyghurs have been kept in forced labor camps – and that women have been sterilized. Now, senators unanimously passed legislation to crack down on imports from the region. The bill – which was opposed by major corporations – bans all imports from the region unless businesses can prove the goods were made without forced labor. And came despite initial pushback from the White House. Now, the ban could impact industries from solar panels to clothing – with the region accounting for close to a fifth of the world’s cotton supply.

Who's facing Big accusations…

Chris Noth. Yesterday, the “Sex and the City” actor most famous for playing “Mr. Big” was accused of alleged sexual assault by two women. One woman alleges Noth raped her in California in 2004. A second woman alleges a similar assault took place in New York in 2015. After the news came out, actress Zoe Lister-Jones said she remembered Noth being "sexually inappropriate." In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, Noth “categorically” denied the allegations.

PS. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline here or by calling 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

What could be getting a lot cleaner…

Drinking water. Yesterday, the White House announced a plan to remove and replace all lead water pipes across the country in the next decade. The EPA will also impose stricter limits on the amount of lead allowed in water, currently 15 micrograms per liter. The move is to try and limit exposure to lead found in drinking water — impacting as many as 10 million homes and businesses. Industry experts say it may cost more than $60 billion to replace them all.

While Reddit’s going public…

So is the first lesbian couple on “Real Housewives of Miami.”

All in This Together

According to Experian, the avg consumer credit card limit in 2020 was around $30K. And experts recommend using less than 30% of the credit available to you to help keep your credit scores strong.

Looking for more? Get to know Apple Card. It lets you combine credit lines with a Co-Owner.† So you can have some help making large purchases. But that’s not all. Everyone on the account can earn up to 3% cash back on their own purchases. Plus, you can apply and see your credit limit offer without impacting your credit score.† Now that’s a lot of benefits. Apply now and use in minutes.††

†Terms apply.

††Subject to credit approval.

The Best of Both Worlds

Feel like you’re constantly making compromises this holiday season? Same. And consulting firm Deloitte’s annual holiday survey revealed that 85% of shoppers value free shipping more than fast shipping. Tough choice, but we get it.

Now for the great news: With Walmart+, you can get free, fast shipping on (almost) everything from Walmart.com. No order minimums, markups or hidden fees about it.† This membership is perfect for anyone who’s loving SFH (read: shopping from home) and wants to save as much as possible as they cross to-buys and to-dos off their seemingly endless list. Aka everyone...right? Not convinced? Try Walmart+ free for 15 days. We have a feeling you’ll stick with it.

†Excludes most Marketplace items, and location and freight surcharges.

Skimm Reads

“Wish You Were Here” by Jodi Picoult

POV: A worldwide, contagious virus makes you rethink your entire life. Sound familiar? Well it's also the plot of this heartwarming novel. Meet Diana: a type-A almost 30-something who has her whole life plotted out. She wants to get married, have kids by 35, move to the suburbs — it’s all part of the perfectly crafted plan. But when a global pandemic hits and she ends up stuck on a solo trip to the Galápagos, she enters into a journey of self-discovery and serious reflection that makes her question everything she thought she wanted.

Skimm Picks

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

1. How to keep your skin merry and bright. Beautycounter’s All Bright C Serum is packed with two potent forms of vitamin C to instantly brighten skin, reduce the appearance of existing dark spots, and help defend against new ones. Psst...use code SKIMM20 for 20% off.*

2. Winter ‘fits that’ll leave you feeling cozy and looking cute. Why choose? Madewell’s made it easy to stock up on all the snuggly sweaters, chic plaids, cold weather accessories, and ribbed matching sets of your dreams. And your giftees’ dreams, of course. Here’s 25% off.*

3. Something for the sleep-deprived overachiever in your life. Help ‘em catch some much-needed Zzz’s with this chocolatey powder. It’s full of sleep-enhancing nano-CBD, vitamins, and minerals. Plus its sweet tooth-approved (sans added sugar). Shop now for free expedited shipping. Suh-weet.*

4. Something for the Carrie of your friend group. And the Charlotte. And the Miranda. thredUP partnered with the costume designers from “And Just Like That” to curate thrifted looks styled by the experts themselves. And we can’t help but wonder...how could anyone pick just one?*

5. A delicious drink to pair with your New Year’s resolutions. Over eggnog? Try adding this brand’s delicious, low-sugar hard kombucha to your holiday rotation. It’s got 6% ABV and exactly zero gluten or sketchy ingredients. Plus, Skimm’rs get a very special offer.*

*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.

Someone’s got sole…Shantel D (FL). She created a way to help kids who are in need of new school shoes. And started a live scholarship competition that raised over 20 pairs of shoes while the community donated another 30+ pairs.

Who’s got a fresh point of view…Winifred T (ME). She’s an Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Colby College working to change the way people think about criminal justice and drug use. Her current project, “Women, Drug Use and Recovery in Maine,” centers the experiences of women.

(Some) Birthdays…Ian Davie (UK), Lisa Gillin (PA), Maureen Gibson (NY), Sam Lane (AUS), Ashley Loquercio (IL), Karin Cole (WA), Krenza Ortiz (CO), Rafi Jakubovic (NJ), Miriam Brondello (CA), Samantha Alperin (TN), Megan Freshley (OR), Elizabeth DePue (PA), Melissa Haas (WA), Ann Dolezal (IN), Macaire Beauge (FL)

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

Skimm More

If you’re feeling a little (holi)dazed by how to handle holiday gatherings, we’ve got you covered. This week on “Skimm This,” we talked to Dr. Fauci on how he’d handle weddings, indoor dinners, and more. Spoiler: Your vax status plays a major role.

And if you’re looking for other smart ways to spend your time...

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

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Daily Skimm: One human alcohol beer, please

Expanding Access

The Story

More details, please.

Go on.

theSkimm

What’s got some people concerned…

Who’s shutting it down…

Who's facing Big accusations…

What could be getting a lot cleaner…

While Reddit’s going public…

Older messages

We're talking royal wins & more on Pop Cultured with theSkimm

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