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| | | Quote of the Day | | "Don't just sit in a corner and mope" â An 81-year-old TikTok fitness star, who's telling everyone to work it during lockdown. As the saying goes, listen to your elders. | | |
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The Story Ghana just became the first country to get access to COVAX. What's that? Last year, the World Health Organization helped launch COVAX â an initiative that's aiming to bring over 2 billion coronavirus doses of vaccines to poorer, developing nations by the end of this year. And to discourage rich countries from hoarding shots once developed. Over 190 countries told the WHO 'sign me up.' Now, after suffering some hurdles, COVAX has delivered. Yesterday, 600,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine arrived in Ghana â launching the largest vaccine initiative there. That's great. The western African nation got first dibs after it proved it could carry out quick immunizations. The country, which has seen over 80,000 COVID-19 cases and more than 580 deaths, is set to begin vaccinations next week with frontline workers up first. The WHO called the vaccines' arrival a "momentous occasion." But the shipment is enough for only about 1% of the country's population of 30 million. The need for more has some health experts concerned â especially since Ghana and other African countries are dealing with more infectious coronavirus variants. And developing countries are still far behind on vaccinations, so COVAX has a lot of work to do to catch up. Go on. Wealthy countries like the US and the UK started their vaccination efforts months ago. And other countries (like Israel) have already started to reopen their economy after a massive vaccination campaign. Stateside, over 65 million vaccine doses have been administered (nearly 14% of the population). The Biden admin, who helped the US rejoin the WHO recently, pledged $4 billion to help with global vaccine distribution. But the US hasn't gone as far as donating doses since it's focused on what's happened at home. Speaking of⦠Give me the update. Yesterday, the FDA said the Johnson & Johnson vaccine appears to offer strong protection against COVID-19. The single-dose vaccine has shown to be over 66% effective against moderate to severe coronavirus infections. But it's not clear how effective it is against variants. It also doesn't have to be kept in very cold temperatures, which could make distribution easier. The agency's meeting to discuss J&J's emergency use authorization tomorrow. And if everything goes well, 3 to 4 million doses could be on track for delivery next week â making a third vaccine available in the US. theSkimm The vaccine race has largely been among wealthier countries. But now a developing nation has entered the chat, offering hope to the dozens of other countries who are still waiting to get their shot. | | |
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What's not going according to the new admin's plan... Immigration. Earlier this week, a federal judge banned the Biden admin from pausing most deportations, indefinitely. Days into his admin, President Biden put a freeze on deportations for 100 days. Soon after, Texas AG Ken Paxton (R) filed a lawsuit against the gov, saying the freeze violated an agreement between the state and the federal gov. A federal judge in Texas agreed, blocking the freeze for two weeks and later extending it. Hundreds of migrants were deported. Now, the same judge is saying 'let's make this last longer.' It's a win for Paxton and a loss for the Biden admin â which is focused on overturning tough Trump-era immigration policies. An ACLU official said the ruling will "seriously harm families and communities around the country." It's unclear if the Biden admin will appeal, but the White House said the president is committed to "immediate action" to change the immigration system. More criticism: This comes as the Biden admin has reopened a child migrant facility in Texas, after Dems condemned former President Trump for putting "kids in cages" at similar facilities. The admin called it a temporary measure amid the pandemic. But many â including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D) â criticized the move, with Republicans calling it hypocritical. | | |
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What's taken a step toward criminal justice reform... Illinois. Earlier this week, it became the first state in the country to eliminate cash bail. The practice â which allows people to pay money to leave prison until their trial â has long been criticized as a "poor people's tax." Think: those who don't have the means to pay are forced to stay incarcerated. In some cases, for years. In others, for crimes they were wrongly accused of doing. And it disproportionately impacts people of color. Now, Illinois lawmakers are saying 'this has to end' and included the bill in a package of criminal justice measures. State Rep. Justin Slaughter (D) said it showed action from racial justice "protest to progress." But law enforcement groups said the legislation is "anti-police" and punishes officers. Across the US: Washington, DC, ended cash bail in the '90s. And California almost passed a similar bill into law in 2018 (the governor even signed it). But a referendum vote rolled their progress back. Changes take time: The law goes fully into effect in 2023. But judges will get to determine if a person needs to be detained because they're a flight risk, or if they trust the person will return to court. | | |
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What Gen Z is done with... Heteronormativity. A new poll showed that one in six Gen Z adults (born between 1997 and 2002) identify as LGBTQ+, with the majority identifying as bisexual. It comes as the number of people identifying as LGBTQ+ has increased with every generation. | | |
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| | | 1563
That's the year Scotland made witchcraft a capital crime. Seriously. Parliament passed an act and everything. And by the early 18th century, an estimated 4,000 people were tried. Many were tortured and burned at the stake. It will shock exactly no one that most of the accused were women.
So, no, it wasn't just Salem. If you're an "Outlander" fan, you got a sneak peek of what these trials were like in season one. And you're probably eagerly awaiting season six. Enter: "Men in Kilts." It's a new show from STARZ that follows real-life Jamie and Dougal as they road trip around Scotland. Read our guide, then start watching to tag along. Episode four is especially bewitching. |
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| This past year has created unprecedented challenges for women â at home, at work, and in their bank accounts. Meet SkimmU: our newest virtual event series, presented by Fidelity.
We're kicking off our spring semester on March 25 with four finance courses that'll teach you the crucial lessons your alma mater never did. We're talking live courses with industry pros, Q&As, and the opportunity to hear from a buzzworthy commencement speaker. Oh, and all the classes are free.
Sign up here. See you in class. |
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| Need recs for your group chat? We got youâ¦
1. Shoes that look cool and keep your feet comfy. These all-season, low top sneakers are back in stock after having an 8k waitlist. Bonus: the brand plants two trees for every pair purchased. Bonus bonus: Skimm'rs get 15% off for a limited time. Run, don't walk.*
2. 7 irresistible podcasts about scams. Pyramid schemes, corporate fraud, and grifters, oh my. Prepare to be shook in three...two...oneâ¦
3. 25 easy side dishes to pair with pasta. It's time to give bucatini the sidekick it deserves. These options are pretty impastable to beat. | | *PS: This is a sponsored post. |
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| Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life...
1. A toilet paper subscription. Stay with us. This brand's 100% bamboo TP is soft, sustainable, and delivered right to your door in plastic-free packaging. And they help fund access to clean toilets for those in need. PS: Skimm'rs get 10% off their first box.*
2. A jitter-free energy boost. These delicious, 90-calorie bars have as much caffeine as an espresso. And Skimm'rs get 30% off and free shipping. Try the Winter Bundle, which comes with two of the best-selling flavors: Peppermint Mocha and Cookie Butter. Yum.*
3. Skinny jeans that feel as comfy as leggings. This brand infuses Italian denim with the same stuff that's used in yoga pants. Creating the perfect blend of stretch, support, and structure. PS: Skimm'rs get free shipping, exchanges, and returns.*
PS: Like what you see here? Make sure you're signed up to get more picks like these in your inbox every Monday. We've got exclusive shopping recs, streaming ideas, life hacks, and more. | | *PS: This is a sponsored post. |
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| 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.
Greener pastures...Kate C, Jennifer L, and Jaclyn C (WI). They were all recently promoted to VP positions at Organic Valley â where women hold 44% of the upper-level leadership positions, and are on a mission to support organic farming.
All things glowing...Nikhar M (IL). After losing her job due to COVID-19, she started a small jewelry business called Blossom & Glow. And makes earrings that can spice up any Zoom meeting. Get with it.
(Some) Birthdays...theSkimm's Elizabeth Smith (NY), Chelsea Handler (CA), Caitlin Ludke (VT), Lauren Cellucci (MA), Jinal Patel (IL), Darcey Case (CT), Jessica Kuppan (NY), Margaret Wade Sayre (MN), Alejandra Navas (FL ), Lindsay McBride (VA), Darcey Still (VA), Roger Ward (FL), Lindsay Walton (AR), Dana Pehrson (CA), Kaitlynn Baksa (MI)
*Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured. |
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| It's been a minute since sex ed. Our video explains how your menstrual cycle works. And yes, it's more than just the 3-7ish days of your period.
And if you're looking for other smart ways to spend your time⦠Listen to our news podcast "Skimm This" for clarity on the biggest stories of the week. Tune in to our career podcast "Skimm'd from the Couch" for tips to build your resume. Subscribe to our "Skimm Money" newsletter to keep up to date with your wallet. Sign up for our "Press Pause" newsletter for curated shopping, reads, and entertainment recs. Follow us on the gram, Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook. Download our app to get it all in one place. |
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| Friends don't let friends get bogged down in headlines. So click that share button to send theSkimm to your network. Because, as they say, sharing is caring. | | | | | | Or use this referral link theskimm.com/?r=98d063bf |
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| Skimmâd by Maria del Carmen Corpus, Mariza Smajlaj, Clem Robineau, and Julie Shain |
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