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September 9, 2021Read in Browser

Quote of the Day

"I love it, I think it's hilarious" – A man who heard that someone planted a banana tree in a pothole. A step in the ripe direction.

Here Comes the Sun

The Story

President Biden’s looking to the sun.

Is this about another space race?

Nope (sorry, Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos). It's about the Biden admin wanting to make solar energy hot. Currently, about 60% of the US's energy comes from coal and natural gas. And they're sourced through mining and onshore and offshore drilling – which release methane. Problem, since methane (a potent greenhouse gas)can warm the planet 80 times as quickly as carbon dioxide. Amid natural disasters fueled by climate change, many are warming up to the idea of solar energy. Especially as solar panels become more affordable (and come with a tax credit). But solar energy still only accounts for 3% of US electricity. Now, the Biden admin's planning to bump that up to 40% by 2035, and 45% by 2050.

How exactly does it plan to do that?

A lot of the details are TBD. And Biden's relying on Congress to make it happen. But it's expected to cost $562 billion – on top of the $3.5 trillion spending bill lawmakers are eyeing, which puts aside some money to combat climate change. The move would overhaul the energy industry, providing jobs for as many as 1.5 million people by 2035. Biden's hoping tax incentives could help businesses and homeowners get on board and go green. He also wants local govs to make it easier to get permits for solar panels. And maybe, just maybe, we'll get on Iceland's level.

What are people saying?

Solar industry experts hope lawmakers can ‘see the light’ and implement policies to help make solar a larger reality. But given the widespread criticism around the Green New Deal (which included solar energy) and the high cost of the $3.5 trillion spending bill we mentioned earlier, it's unclear how many lawmakers will get behind Biden's goal. Or if the oil and gas industry will give it a (green) thumbs up.Supporters are looking on the bright side by highlighting that a reduction in carbon emissions would both curb climate change and save Americans hundreds of billions of dollars (in part by health care costs that come from pollution).

theSkimm

Climate change is here. And it's real. While experts have been pleading for countries to take more aggressive steps to curb its effects, solar energy could be a step in the right direction.

And Also...This

Where all eyes are on the court...

Paris. Yesterday, the trial of 20 men accused inthe November 2015 terror attackskicked off. Nearly six years ago, Islamic State extremists carried out shootings and suicide bombings at the Bataclan concert hall, a sports stadium, and Parisian bars and restaurants. The attacks left 130 people dead and hundreds more injured, marking the deadliest violence to hit France since World War II. Now, the only surviving suspect is facing murder charges. Thirteen men reportedly face charges for helping organize the attacks. Six others, believed to be dead, will be tried in absentia.

Timeline: The trial is expected to last nine months. And is taking place in a courtroom specifically built to accommodate nearly 1,800 plaintiffs – including then-French President François Hollande – and over 300 lawyers.

Historic: This is the largest criminal trial in the country's history. And victims will be able to listen to court proceedings from home for the first time ever. Though it'll also be filmed (which is rare in France), the video won’t be made public.

Where there are signs of change…

Richmond, Virginia. Yesterday, the state removed the statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E Lee on the city’s famous Monument Avenue. For over 130 years, the statue served as one of the US’s largest monuments to the Confederacy. Civil rights activists have long called for it to be removed, saying it’s a symbol of slavery and white supremacy. Demands for its removal came to a head after the murder of George Floyd and nationwide racial justice protests. After some legal battles, the state Supreme Court allowed for it to be taken down. The statue – which has been cut into pieces – will remain in a secret location until officials decide what to do with it.

A long time coming: Hundreds of people cheered as the statue came down. Gov. Ralph Northam (D) said it would make Virginia a more “welcoming state with inclusiveness and diversity."

What’s raising alarms…

The Los Angeles Police Department. A new report says LAPD officers have been collecting the social media info of anyone they interview – even people who haven't been arrested or accused of anything illegal. Here's the deal: Since at least 2015, police officers have allegedly filled out “field interview cards” with a person’s Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other account info. The police department reportedly issued the directive – believed to be the only one of its kind in the US – for use in “investigations, arrests, and prosecutions.” But activists are sounding the alarm over concerns around surveillance, privacy, and First Amendment rights. The LAPD said its use of the cards is “being updated,” but didn’t give any more details.

Red flags: The report also says that last year, three officers were accused of falsely labeling and filling out more cards for Black and Latino people. And that some officers also monitored people’s social media accounts for the use of #BLMLA, #SayHerName, and #f***donaldtrump.

Why you’ll want to be vaxxed and masked…

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Grocery Game$

Food tends to eat (sorry) a healthy portion of our budgets. Enter: tips to help you save...

Buy things you’ll definitely use (like frozen pizza or toothpaste) in bulk while they’re on sale.

Eat with the seasons. Think: cherries in the summer and leeks in the winter.

Check the Coupons.com app before every trip.

Building a habit of looking for – and cashing in on – offers is the perfect way to celebrate National Coupon Month. Yep, that’s a thing. And it’s happening right now. Head here to get the party started. Oh, and make your wallet happy.

Bad news, future retirees of America. The Social Security trust fund – aka where Uncle Sam keeps a lot of the money you hand over in payroll taxes – is on pace to run out by 2034, a year earlier than previously expected. We have the pandemic to thank for that. Here's what this means for your money...now and later.

PS: For more money info and tips, sign up to get our Skimm Money newsletter in your inbox every Friday.

1. Insta-famous sneakers you’ll want when the weather changes. This cult-fave brand’s super comfy kicks come in low-top and slip-on styles. And their camel and grey suede pair perfectly with PSLs. Just saying. PS: they’re never on sale. But Skimm’rs get a special offer.*

2. Useful products you need if you live alone. Like a tool that’ll help you put on bracelets and a device that’ll open any jar. Solo dwellers, unite.

3. Home decor items under $75 that’ll upgrade your space. It’s finally time to say goodbye to that ‘Live, Laugh, Love’ sign. It had a good run.

*PS This is a sponsored post.

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

1. How to get luxurious, eco-friendly sleep stuff for less. Avocado Green Mattress is still celebrating Labor Day with major discounts. Think: $150 off all mattresses and 10% off duvet covers and inserts. All made with sustainable, organic materials. Talk about a good night’s sleep. Shop now.*

2. Notes on the pleasure gap and overcoming self doubt. Courtesy of Dame’s co-founder and CEO, Alexandra Fine. Our latest ep of “9 to 5ish with theSkimm” is sponsored by Dame and covers resilience, creative problem-solving, and how to bounce back after every ‘no.’ Listen in.*

3. How to keep your smile summery and white. Even if you’ve fully embraced pumpkin season (we get it). This brand’s impression kit has everything you need to straighten and brighten your teeth in less than five months. PS: Skimm’rs can get 85% off and more.*

4. A membership your kitchen (and the planet) will love. This company can help you get back to your routine with clean foods and products, while it works to become the first climate-positive grocery store. PS: Skimm’rs get $20 off their first purchase and something special.*

5. How to insure all of your things...fast. This brand can get you personalized coverage in less than two minutes. It’s renter-tested and landlord-approved. Aaand it starts at $5 a month. We love to see it. Learn more.*

*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.

Getting crafty...Nina S E (PA). She initiated and created her own web-based art business that utilizes all recycled materials. And is showcasing her work at craft and art shows. Learn more.

Step by step...Bobbe W (IL). She finished writing her book, “Stress No Evil.” It provides 12 tips to help manage stress – large or small – and is available on Amazon.

(Some) Birthdays...Abbi Neuthaler (NY), Amy Freeman (OR), Megas Spencer (WA), Colleen Carr (OH), Kaitlyn Peter (MO), Meredith Dornan (GA), Jasmine Hattabaugh (AR), Rachel Krantz (KS), Krista Keogh (CO), Cameron Kalunian (CA), Emily Peotto (QC), Ashley Maier (MI), Sue Elsass (NH), Bethany Jane (PA), Brenda Martinez (MD)

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

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

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