Daily Skimm: Lot of stairs but at least I’ll have a friend

Skimm'd while getting ready for tonight's episode of "Pop Cultured"

January 11, 2022 Read in Browser

Daily Skimm

Skimm'd while getting ready for tonight's episode of "Pop Cultured"

Quote of the Day "There is just something about the Vitamix box" — A woman, whose cats have held her Vitamix blender hostage for three weeks. Smooth criminals.

Guantanamo Bay Getty Images The Story It's been 20 years since the first detainees arrived at Guantanamo Bay.  Catch me up.  In 2002, 20 US prisoners arrived at the Cuban island — four months after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The move allowed the US military to interrogate prisoners outside US soil and limit some of their US constitutional rights. Since then, the US housed about 780 prisoners in Guantanamo Bay — many of whom have undergone torture. And its operation has come under increased scrutiny in recent years.  Go on.  Senate Democrats have called Gitmo "a symbol of lawlessness and human rights abuses." In 2009, then-President Obama moved (unsuccessfully) to close Gitmo as he reopened relations with Cuba and its communist regime. Then-President Trump signed an EO to keep it open. But the decision came with pushback from Congress. Weeks after his inauguration, President Biden launched a formal review of the prison with the stated goal of seeing it closed under his tenure. But it's not clear if it'll make it through Congress. Now what? Only 39 prisoners remain. Over a dozen of them have yet to face charges and have been dubbed "forever prisoners." House Democrats have echoed the calls of human rights advocates and called on President Biden to close Gitmo "once and for all." They say the cost of operating the prison (about $13 million per prisoner every year) could be better used elsewhere. But some Republican Senators say the release of detainees is an "unnecessary" risk.  theSkimm The US has left Afghanistan and released or transferred hundreds of detainees. But it's never formally announced an end to the 20-year War on Terror. To some, Guantanamo Bay represents a necessary front in that war. To others, it's a reminder of the stain of the mission itself.

And Also...This Where the math isn't adding up… US universities. Earlier this week, five former students sued Yale, Georgetown, Columbia, and 13 others for violating antitrust laws. The schools are allowed to work together to determine how much financial aid is awarded — only if they don't consider students' ability to pay in their admissions decisions. But the lawsuit claims schools unfairly limited aid to needier students. And that schools participated in a "price-fixing cartel" by overcharging students and inflating the cost of college. Students who received partial financial aid and graduated in the last 18 years could be eligible to join the suit. Yale says its financial aid policy is "100% compliant" with all laws, while Brown said the complaint was without merit. Who's answering to a higher power now... Robert Durst. Yesterday, the convicted murderer and real estate heir died in prison at 78 of natural causes. Durst — heir to the NY-based Durst Organization real estate fortune — was linked to suspected murders dating from 1982 to as recently as 2001. He was long suspected in the still-unsolved 1982 disappearance of his first wife Kathleen. In 2021, Durst was convicted of the murder of his friend Susan Berman. And sentenced to life in prison. But was acquitted for the 2001 murder of his neighbor Morris Black. Durst was a cartoon villain. He once dressed as a woman while a fugitive — with $100 million in the bank. And was the subject of the 2015 HBO series "The Jinx" in which he unwittingly said into a hot mic, "killed them all, of course." What's bacon us think pigs can fly… This. Last week, doctors transplanted a genetically modified pig's heart into a human being. The Maryland hospital where it happened said yesterday that the patient who was suffering from heart disease is doing well — so far. And that it will continue to monitor his progress in the coming days. This is the first transplant of its kind in history. An attempt to transplant a baboon heart into an infant in 1983 failed after 20 days. It brings hope for the tens of thousands of Americans waiting to receive organs. Doctors are calling it a "watershed event." Why people are calling 'fumble' on the NFL... Brian Flores. Yesterday marked Black Monday. That's when the regular NFL season ends and head coaches start to get the 'can you come into my office' emails. Four head coaches were fired. But among them was Flores — one of only three Black head coaches in the NFL. He was let go despite leading the Miami Dolphins to beat division rivals. The move is sending shock waves throughout the team, who say they're "grateful" to have worked with him. While the Fresh Prince is coming home to Bel-Air… Georgia's coming home with a trophy. What we have answers on now... Vaccines. Period.

How to Skimm Your Life Challenge Give your phone a pick-me-up. Today, challenge yourself to download a new app that will make your screen — and life — metaphorically brighter. Psst…We put together a list of recs that'll inspire everyone from nature enthusiasts to takeout queens. Go on and get 'appy.  PS: Here's another phone upgrade: Sign up here to get our challenges texted to you every weekday throughout the month. And to see allll our challenges, tap here.

Everyday Investments Investing can seem intimidating. But you actually make investments all the time. We partnered with our friends at Betterment (who make $$$ investing easier) to share a few examples.  Catch-up calls probably tend to fall to the bottom of your seemingly endless to-do list. But studies show spending time chatting or hanging with friends and family can help reduce stress. Plus, loved ones tend to steer us away from dangerous habits and toward healthier ones. Some research even suggests people with strong social networks have longer life expectancies. For real. So next time you find yourself rescheduling, remember that catch-up is actually an investment in your health. And in the meantime, check out how Betterment can help you turn your money into more money. Cha-ching. PS: Investing involves risk and performance is not guaranteed

Skimm Picks Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life… 1. A five-star-meal essential shipped right to your door. New year, new recipes? Stock up with top-quality grass-fed beef, pork, chicken, and more from this subscription brand. Psst…new members get over seven (yep seven) pounds of meat free with their first box. Yum.* 2. A supplement that'll get you glowing from the inside out. The vitamin C in these packets supports the immune system and healthy collagen production. And the antioxidants leave skin soft, smooth, dewy, and straight glow-y. Did we mention Skimm'rs get 10% off and a special gift?* 3. The only sweats you'll need this year. Yes, we went there. But only because these joggers are practically famous for their buttery soft, stretchy fabric and slim-yet-relaxed fit. Plus they feature a slightly cropped cut for fuzzy sock enthusiasts. Here's 20% off your first purchase.* 4. Journals to help you budget, track, and plan for 2022. For when 'get organized' is the vibe you're striving for this year. Here are our fave notepads, calendars, and planners to help you stay on track. 5. Our guide to protecting your vaccine card. We've rounded up holders and lanyards that'll keep your VIP (very important paper) safe and sound. Cheers to staying protected in style. *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. Who's the person we need RN...Kate Y (WI). She's starting a new position as a Cardiology Specialty nurse, serving the inner-city population and providing care to help keep patients out of hospitals amid the pandemic. Taking the art show on the road…Leslie B (WA). She's been accepted to her first art show. And will be going on a road trip from WA to LA to showcase her work. Get tickets here. (Some) Birthdays… theSkimm's Meg Gegler (NY), Allison Statter (CA), Halley Stennes (AL), Kelly Bloom (CA), Emma Trim (NY), Lisa Stenger (IL), Dana Sobh (MI), Jacki Coster (LA), Jennifer Hamilton (GA), Susan Lydon (SC), Becki Mckee (SC), Janice Aragona-Hollingsworth (NJ), Karen Eisengruber (TN), Paige Hazzan (NY), Jackie Standorf (FL) *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. Want more from theSkimm? 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, Kate Gilhool, William Horn, Julie Shain, and Mariza Smajlaj

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