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Skimm'd while bundled up in all things cozy

December 15, 2021 Read in Browser

Daily Skimm

Skimm'd while bundled up in all things cozy

Quote of the Day "You're going to make me cry" – Golden State Warriors' Steph Curry, on breaking the NBA's all-time record for 3-pointers. His swish came true.

January 6 Getty Images The Story Let's check in on the Jan 6 investigation. Shall we? We shall. Yesterday, DC AG Karl Racine (D) sued* extremist groups Proud Boys and Oath Keepers over their roles in the insurrection. The US Capitol attack left five people dead, officers traumatized, and the country reeling. Now, DC's suing 31 members of the groups, alleging a coordinated "act of domestic terrorism." And wants to hold them responsible for millions of dollars in damages (think: police injuries and property). But a lawyer for the Oath Keepers apparently says the suit is coming from a party that's "hell-bent on destroying this country." And then there were the text messages. What text messages? Earlier this week, a House select committee revealed texts sent to former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows. Including from Donald Trump Jr (President Trump's son), who told Meadows to get his father to "condemn this sh*t asap." Meadows had also received texts from Fox News hosts calling on Trump to tell his supporters to leave the Capitol. He eventually did – saying, "Go home. We love you." Now, Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) – the vice chair of the committee investigating the insurrection – says these texts prove the WH knew all along what was happening at the Capitol. What happens next? Well, yesterday, the House voted* (222-208) to hold Meadows in criminal contempt of Congress for not fully cooperating with the investigation. So now, the matter goes to the Justice Dept – which will decide whether to prosecute the former chief of staff. If prosecuted, Meadows could face up to a year in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. Meadows' lawyer has said that his client never "stopped cooperating" with the committee. Meanwhile, the current White House said it wasn't surprised by the texts. theSkimm January 6th marked the first major attack on the Capitol since 1814. Since then, Trump has been impeached (again) and left office. And dozens of rioters have been arrested and charged. But the details are still emerging of what happened on that day – and who should be held accountable. PS: Here's more on the House investigation, lawsuits, and arrests surrounding the Jan 6 insurrection.

And Also...This What's trying to right a wrong… The Canadian gov. Earlier this week, it pledged over $30 billion in compensation for Indigenous children and families. In 2016, a top Canadian court ruled that the gov discriminated against First Nations groups when it underfunded their child welfare system. And ordered the gov to pay about $30,000 to each child who was in the on-reserve foster care system since 2006. The Canadian gov had appealed the decision. But the discovery of hundreds of unmarked graves at former residential schools prompted scrutiny against the gov. And it scrapped its appeal plans. Now, the gov's saying it'll pay up – reportedly affecting about 55,000 children. A First Nations official said "money does not mean justice" but that it signaled a "healing path forward." A growing reckoning: Earlier this year, Australia announced a $280 million reparations fund for members of the country's Indigenous population. And the US has also launched a review of schools similar to those that existed in Canada.  Who's raising the 'ceiling'... Congress. Early this morning, Congress voted along party lines to raise the national debt ceiling by $2.5 trillion — avoiding the country's first default. Republicans and Dems have been going back and forth (when don't they?) about raising the ceiling. And members of the GOP have been saying Dems should deal with the problem on their own. Now, the government has avoided defaulting on the debt till 2023 just hours before the deadline. And the bill heads to President Biden's desk. What people are talking about… Tesla.* Yesterday, six women filed lawsuits alleging sexual harassment at the company's Fremont, CA, plant. It comes nearly a month after another suit* accused the plant of "rampant sexual harassment." Now, half a dozen current and former employees are coming forward – sharing allegations of lewd comments, discrimination, and unwanted touching at the hands of male coworkers and superiors. They also accused HR of failing to take action and instead moving the accusers to other workstations. Several women say the culture led them to quit or take leave. Tesla has yet to respond. Up to the top: The women name Tesla CEO Elon Musk as a culprit. And blame his comments on social media (like this, this, and this) for setting the tone. What's touching the stars… NASA. Yesterday, it announced that for the first time ever a spacecraft has "touched the Sun." In 2018, NASA launched* Parker Solar Probe to help us Earthlings understand more about the hot ball at the center of our solar system. Now, the space agency's confirmed that Parker – which is about the size of a small car – flew through the Sun's corona (aka the upper atmosphere in science talk) back in April. A NASA official called it a "monumental moment for solar science." And hopes that the new milestone will help us learn more about the Sun's evolution and its impact on the solar system. Shine bright, Parker.  Who's exploring some hypotheticals... Dr. Anthony Fauci. *PS: Not a Washington Post subscriber? Check out their exclusive offer just for Skimm'rs.

Get It Done Now, Pay Over Time Rushing around trying to get alllll the gifts still on your list? Same. But don't let the scramble cost you down the line. Because not-so-holly-jolly fact: Credit cards can charge up to $40 in late fees. The good news? Affirm† doesn't charge any. And their partners have gifts that can work for just about anyone. Like...  The new airpods. Which have a longer battery life and better sound quality than the last ones. Aaaand are actually sweat-resistant.   A smart mug that can keep their coffee at the ideal temp for 80 minutes. Or tea. If they're into that kinda thing.  A fancy shmancy candle for anyone you're trying to impress. Complete with three wicks so it burns cleanly and evenly. †Payment options through Affirm are subject to eligibility, may not be available in all states, and are provided by these lending partners: affirm.com/lenders. CA residents: Loans by Affirm Loan Services, LLC are made or arranged pursuant to a California Finance Lenders Law license.

Giving and Living The clock is seriously ticking when it comes to holiday shopping. But good news: Science says experiential gifts can be more magical than material ones. *Wipes sweat from brow.* In fact, a recent report in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found they spark more joy both in the moment they're given and after they're...well, experienced. So if you've still got gifts to get, hit up Groupon. From ski lessons to spa treatments, they've got thousands of options. There's even a Napa vineyard that lets you own your own vines (yes, wine discounts are part of the experience). And on December 17, they're celebrating the first-ever Groupon Day by giving shoppers 30% off local experiences.† Download the app stat to start searching. †Exclusions apply. Details on eligible deal pages and gr.pn/promofaq.

Skimm Well The US is still the only wealthy country in the world without national paid family leave. Find one postpartum person who thinks that makes sense. We'll wait. Meanwhile, read up on what happens to the body after childbirth. And why it can take weeks (or months) to recover mentally and physically. Psst...Here's another way to pass the time: Sign up for our How to Skimm Your Life New Year's Challenge that's kicking off on Jan 3. It's all about finding joy in your daily routine. Cheers to that.

Skimm Picks Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life… 1. The video your future self reeeeally wants you to watch. We teamed up with Fidelity to show you the power of compounding returns. Because it could help you retire in style one day. Don't wait.* 2. How to save on skincare. 'Tis the season to make the most of your FSA (aka flexible spending account) funds. Insider tip: This brand's best-selling pimple patches and sunscreen are totally eligible. And you can get 'em for an extra 20% off.* 3. At-home aligners that really, really work. Kickstart your journey to a straighter smile with this impression kit. Psst...there's a very special offer running right up until NYE. Meaning Skimm'rs can save an extra $200 and snag professional whitening tech. For free. Right now. Cheeeeese.* 4. A tech-first fitness program that'll help you WOFA. Hint: work out from anywhere. Yep, even if you're heading home for the holidays. This brand brings the personal trainer to you. For unlimited sessions on your time. And Skimm'rs get their first month for just $19.* 5. A new kind of company you miiight wanna get in on. This tech-enabled pharmacy's proprietary software and robotics are shaking up a $480 billion industry. No wonder their share price has gone up 1,650% since 2016. Learn how you can invest.* 6. Last-minute gifts to snag for everyone left on your list. We've got things that ship fast and the best presents for pets (and their owners). Oh, and if you're wondering what our holiday bestsellers are so far, check 'em out. *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. Forming connections...Julianne N (IL). She founded a pediatric mental health practice, Individual and Family Connection. IFC's mission is to empower families to develop deeper connections. And to assist them through difficult times. Learn more. Doctor's orders...Nikolas P (MN). He's a diagnostic radiology resident physician in Minnesota who's launched a new YouTube channel. He posts about medical school, residency, radiology, and other premed topics. Tune in. (Some) Birthdays...Natalie Rowe Alexander (IL), Courtney Ridgeway (NY), Gina Telymonde (PA), Susan Bessemer (MD), Pam Farmer (RI), Hollyn Keith (TX ), Jason Miller (IN), Cynthia Swanson-Hinderliter (IL), Anita Chaplick (KS), Andrea Santander (FL), Nancy Liao (CA), Kenya Dawkins (TX), Monica Meeks (MD), Michelle Robinson (MD), Ashley Crane (CA) *Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.

Skimm More Design: theSkimm | Photo: Getty Images This week on "Pop Cultured," we're covering dating reality...TV shows, that is. And how they inform our views on marriage, dating, and relationships. Please accept this rose and check it out. 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 "9 to 5ish with theSkimm" for tips to build your resume and "Pop Cultured with theSkimm" for the latest in entertainment and culture. Subscribe to our "Skimm Money" newsletter to keep up to date with your wallet. Sign up for our "Skimm Your Life" 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. Check out our career openings to join our team.

Skimm'd by Rashaan Ayesh, Maria del Carmen Corpus, Mariza Smajlaj, Clem Robineau, and Julie Shain

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