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February 1, 2022

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Daily Skimm

Skimm'd while learning how Ruth Carter carries her culture forward

Quote of the Day

"Doing a great job" — A New York zoo on two male penguins fostering a baby chick. Talk about ice guys.

Death Row

The Story

The nation’s largest death row is being dismantled.

Explain.

In 2019, California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announced a moratorium on death penalties — effectively hitting the pause button on more than 700 executions. And shut down San Quentin State Prison’s execution chamber. The last time the state carried out an execution was in 2006. Now, Newsom plans to put an end to California’s death row. And will be moving all condemned inmates to other prisons within two years — where the inmates can be held in solitary or disciplinary confinement if they pose a risk.

Is this a first?

Nope. Two years ago, Oregon transferred its much smaller death row population to other inmate housing. And 23 states — most recently including Virginia and Colorado — have abolished the death penalty. But in 2020, the Trump DOJ resumed federal executions for the first time in nearly two decades — executing 13 inmates. And last week, SCOTUS cleared the execution of an Alabama death row inmate. Meanwhile, the Biden admin’s placed a moratorium on federal executions.

What are people saying?

Newsom reportedly wants to turn the San Quentin prison into a “positive, healing environment.” And a spokesperson for the corrections and rehabilitation department reportedly said it hopes to create “something innovative and anchored in rehabilitation.” Meanwhile, some victims and their family members might feel justice hasn’t been served. The debate comes amid broader concerns with death row, as racial disparities fill the criminal justice system — with Black Americans comprising 13% of the US population but 42% of death row inmates, according to one report.

The death penalty has long been a topic of debate in the US. And it’s an outlier among other democracies for its use of capital punishment. Now, some states are taking matters into their own hands.

And Also...This

Where the party is over…

London. Yesterday, an investigation found that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s office broke COVID-19 lockdown rules. During the height of the pandemic in 2020, the gov said Brits were banned from meeting with more than one person outdoors. But, over a dozen 10 Downing Street staffers and the PM apparently said ‘rules schmules’ and attended a social event in the prime minister’s garden in May. Cue: Johnson in the hot seat for the “partygate” scandal. Now, a 12-page report found at least 16 parties with gov workers that took place during lockdown — including the BYOB backyard party and a birthday party for Johnson. Oh and that Downing Street likes to drink. A lot. The report said the parties were “difficult to justify” and that the office failed to meet the standards "expected of those working at the heart of Government." (Ouch.)

Party’s over: Johnson has apologized. But the opposition isn’t having it and is calling on him to step down. And not even his own party has his back.

Where there’s tension…

Canada. Yesterday marked the third consecutive day of protests in the country’s capital. Over the weekend, thousands of truckers and supporters self-coined as the “Freedom Convoy” gathered in Ottawa to condemn COVID-19 vaccine mandates. The protests grew to a rallying cry for an end to COVID-19 restrictions nationwide. Now, abandoned trucks have reportedly blocked entrances to Parliament and the capital. Some shops have been forced to close their doors. And some demonstrators have carried flags with swastikas, threatened citizens, and danced on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier — which memorializes Canadian soldiers who died for their country. Authorities say they are investigating “illegal” behavior at the protests.

…Oh and meanwhile, Whoopi Goldberg is apologizing for comments about the Holocaust. Specifically, her assertion that the massacre was between “two groups of white people.”

While January is over...

The time to talk about other people's bodies is, too. Over the weekend, “Bridgerton” star Nicola Coughlan asked people to stop sending her their opinions about her body. It comes as a range of other stars — everyone from “Yellowjackets” star Melanie Lynskey to Lizzo to Adele are saying ‘enough.’

Skimm More: We need to talk about fatphobia and diet culture.

What's a five-letter word for 'big spender'...

Flush. Yesterday, the New York Times bought Wordle in the low-seven figures. It must be nice.

When you lose your vaccine card…

Definitely don’t make a fake one.

While celebrating Lunar New Year…

We’re thinking about good news. Speaking of, Rihanna.

Go Glossy

Historians say Sumerians in ancient Mesopotamia used crushed stones to lacquer their lips. While ancient Egyptians opted for crushed insects. Delish.

Sooo lipstick’s been a thing for a while (read: thousands and thousands of years). But it wasn’t until the 1930s that lip gloss entered the chat. Trends have come and gone along the way. But if you wanna try the latest, you’ll wanna get the new shades of Maybelline New York’s high shine Lifter Gloss. All five flattering, TikTok-worthy tints will get your lips glowing like golden hour. Aaand provide lasting hydration. Add to cart.

SkimmU Well

SkimmU Well is back for a second semester. Our virtual event series, designed to teach you the crucial health lessons your alma mater never did, kicks off February 23. Presented by Fidelity, Eden Health, and Athleta.

This semester’s syllabus? Four wellness courses that’ll leave you feeling confident about your daily routines and health practices. And empower you to take actionable steps toward living your smartest life. Join us for classes taught by industry pros that’ll cover everything from why sleep is a superpower to how food impacts mood, the best ways to save for your health, and which mental health rituals help combat anxious thoughts.

Sign up here. See you in class.

Black History Month

To celebrate Black History Month, we interviewed female culture carriers, who are championing Black culture across different industries. Meet the trailblazers who are opening doors and creating representation in spaces that have notoriously lacked diversity.

For our first interview, we spoke with Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter. She’s known for her work in films like “Black Panther,” “Selma,” and “Malcolm X” — to name a few. We discuss how she’s navigated Hollywood's diversity problem. And how she infuses Black culture in her work. Plus, who her fave author, podcaster, and designer are. Check out the full interview here.

Skimm Picks

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

1. How to tackle migraines before they even start. This online clinic lets you stock up on preventative meds, supplements, and pain relievers based on your usual symptoms. And gives you access to specialists anytime, anywhere. Just take this quiz to get started.*

2. Mimosas, but make 'em canned. Celebrate the end of Dry Jan with this brand's delicious ‘mosas. They’ve got 60% fewer cals and 80% less sugar than traditional ones. And they’ll ship straight to your door. For free. PS: Skimm’rs get a free four-pack with any purchase.*

3. Exactly what you need when bloat pays a visit. Or worse, *lowers voice* gas. This natural remedy is packed with powerful herbs, like peppermint and lemon balm. And it relieves painful tummy troubles fast. But it also sells out fast. Grab some while ya can.*

4. Everything you need to better organize your drawers. If you struggle to open your stuffed dresser, listen up. These bamboo dividers will create neat piles, while these bins will separate underwear, socks, and bras. Want to create more space? Pack items away with these vacuum storage bags. Oh, and don’t forget about our Amazon storefront for even more handy products.

*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.

Making an impact…Chloe S (MO). She’s the Secretary of Women Funding Women initiative and wants everyone to know they’ve opened applications for their first annual Inspired Women Community Grant. Check it out here.

On the rise…Christina B (TX). She wrote a young adult book that sold over 350 copies in two months. And it was so nice, she did it twice. Now, her second book is about Black girl magic and friendship.

(Some) Birthdays…Chris Steadley (OH), Rachael Durant (MA), Maria Barry (AZ), Sarah Ferguson-Brown (FL), Mary Cherif (NY), Rachael Livingston (OR), Rachel Twardowski (IL), Susan Senn (KY), Casey Smith (OH), Michelle Smith (IL), Jess Downey (SC), Kelli Dawson (ID), Kelsey Stewart (TX), Amy Friederich (MO), Rosandi Valdez (NJ)

*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, Kate Gilhool, Julie Shain, and Mariza Smajlaj

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theSkimm - Daily Skimm: They ran out of spuds

Death Row

The Story

Explain.

Is this a first?

What are people saying?

theSkimm

Where the party is over…

Where there’s tension…

While January is over...

What's a five-letter word for 'big spender'...

When you lose your vaccine card…

While celebrating Lunar New Year…

Older messages

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Books and smart products to shake up 2022 from Skimm Your Life

Daily Skimm: The colors that you bring

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Daily Skimm: Draw me like one of your French girls

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