Daily Skimm: It’s because I’m green, isn’t it?

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December 22, 2021 Read in Browser

Daily Skimm

Skimm'd while downloading our app

Quote of the Day "I suppose I could squeeze you in" — Elton John joking with Ed Sheeran about a special Zoom call. We're still in the Waiting Room.

Armor Up  Getty Images The Story The US gov's ramping up efforts to combat Omicron. Let's hear it.  On Dec 1, the CDC confirmed the first case of the new COVID-19 variant in the States. Since then, Omicron has been spreading…fast. It now makes up nearly three-fourths of new coronavirus cases in the US. And earlier this week, officials in Harris County, Texas, reported the first known Omicron death. The departing NIH director says there could soon be 1 million new COVID-19 cases per day — threatening hospital resources and testing supplies. It's all got the Biden admin adding to the country's COVID-19 toolbox. Go on.  Yesterday, President Biden said 'Happy Holidays, the gov's providing more testing sites.' First up: NYC, which will get help before Christmas. (Oh and it's giving away $100 to those who get boosted.) FEMA will also set up vax clinics to help administer boosters. Then starting next month, 'you get a free COVID test and you get a free COVID test.' The gov will deliver 500 million at-home tests to Americans who order them. TBD on the details. The gov's also ready to deploy 1,000 US troops to help hospitals. And hundreds of millions of N-95 masks, gloves, and other equipment are on standby for states in need. What are people saying? Some health experts say the admin's efforts are not aggressive enough. And that the US still lags behind other countries like the UK and Germany, which have apparently provided billions of tests. Others reportedly say the admin could ban air travel for people who aren't fully vaccinated. But Biden said, "this is not March of 2020." And that vaccines are the "most powerful tools we have." The FDA could also grant authorization to Pfizer's and Merck's antiviral COVID-19 pills this week — further expanding treatment.  theSkimm Omicron has pushed the US into a new phase of the pandemic. But while it's giving 2020 flashbacks, Americans have more options to protect themselves and others. Here's how you can do your part to stay safe.

And Also...This What's not feeling grown... The US.* Yesterday, the Census Bureau released estimates that show the US population only grew by 0.1% between July 1, 2020, and July 1, 2021. For all the math lovers out there: that's 392,665 people. To put it into perspective: it's the lowest rate since the nation's founding. Period. And the first time since 1937 that the population grew by fewer than 1 million. COVID-19's partly to blame, increasing mortality and less international migration. Deaths from an aging population and drop in fertility rates also played a role. A Census Bureau official said "population growth has been slowing for years." Concerning, because it could affect our labor force down the road. PS: Another reason a number of women aren't having babies: they don't want to be parents. Here's one author's take on her choice to be childfree. Who has struck a deal… Kellogg's workers.* Yesterday, the union representing about 1,400 striking employees said they ratified a new five-year contract with Kellogg Co. In October, workers at four US cereal plants walked off the job after their contracts expired. And negotiations over pay and benefits stalled. The news also made a splash on TikTok, backing the workers on strike. Now, Kellogg's saying 'we have a deal.' And that the agreement offers "immediate" wage bumps and "enhanced benefits for all." The president of the workers' union credited striking members who "stood their ground and sacrificed so much" for months. Kellogg's says employees will return to work next week. PS: Here's your explainer on labor unions and how the pandemic has impacted them. Who's saying "if you act out of line, you will wait in line..." The FAA. Literally. Yesterday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced it was buddying up with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The two will share info about misbehaving passengers (like the more than 5,600 reports this year alone) and take away the TSA PreCheck of those on the naughty list. Basically telling them: 'you're grounded.' Who's got a message for all his fans… OnlyFans founder Tim Stokely. What's having a bones day… "Baby Yingliang." *PS: Not a Washington Post subscriber? Check out their exclusive offer just for Skimm'rs.

Fact or Fake Misinformation is everywhere. Which is...not great. And spotting it online isn't always easy. So we partnered with Pfizer to debunk some of the wildest, most dangerous fake news stories circulating on the world wide web.  Today's story is (drumroll, please): Inhaling steam is an effective COVID-19 treatment. That's a hard no. So when you see 'DIY sauna' videos being shared, know that both the CDC and WHO have discredited this so-called "cure." In fact, there are no scientific studies backing that claim up. Fired up to do your part to stop the spread of misinformation? We've got a guide for that. Dig in.

Holiday With a (Tropical) Twist When the weather outside is frightful, we all wish for something a little more delightful. But no matter where you are this holiday season, RumHaven can bring you major tropical vibes. Because it's made with real coconut water, pure cane sugar, and premium Caribbean rum. Mix up these festive cocktails to see — err, taste — for yourself: Haven and Hell. With pineapple juice, simple syrup, lime, and a few jalapeño slices, this cocktail is the perfect mix of sweet and spicy. Heat = brought.  Sparkling Pom-Pom. Bubbly is never a bad idea. So go all-out with this prosecco and pomegranate potation. Caribbean Coffee. Running on empty? Get back in the spirit with a caffeinated cocktail. It's truly a thing of brew-ty. Psst...follow @RumHaven on IG for more holiday cocktail inspo. Sip, sip, hooray.

Last-Minute Gifts Design: theSkimm | Photo: Brittany Sturrett ICYMI, there are just a few days left to cross off every last person on your list. And if you don't have time to wait in long lines to find those final few gifts, you're in luck. Because we've rounded up some crowd-pleasing options for friends and fam that'll make it in time: from stuff that'll ship fast to presents that can be emailed down to the wire. Check out: Last-minute holiday presents that aren't gift cards  Exciting experiences to gift anyone who lives life to the fullest  Psst...finished all your holiday shopping and you're ready to treat yourself? Check out our 2021 Skimm Faves — all the products that Skimm'rs loved the most this past year. Cheers to you.

Skimm Picks Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life… 1. How to stock up on food that's good for you and the planet. Mother Nature would be proud. This brand delivers delicious, virtually no-prep smoothies, bowls, soups, and flatbreads made with sustainably sourced whole fruits and veggies. Which they ship in eco-friendly packaging. Naturally. Learn more.* 2. Seriously sustainable creams, serums, and toners for every skin type. Ho, ho, h-oh my. Biossance has the last-minute hookup. Think: 50% off holiday gift sets jam-packed with best-selling products formulated to refresh and revitalize. Check 'em out.* 3. Our fave winter boots to wear all season long. We've got shoes that'll keep your feet dry and warm no matter the weather, plus wide-calf options for those who want a bit of wiggle room. Slip into 'em. 4. What to grab from our Amazon storefront before the year is over. Maybe you're looking for last-minute holiday gifts or maybe you're just shopping for yourself. Either way, check out all of our fave stuff on Amazon across tons of categories. 5. Convenient pet food delivery services for cats and dogs. Say goodbye to traditional kibble and hello to protein-packed, fresh-cooked meals shipped directly to your door. Dinner is served. *PS: This is a sponsored post. PPS: Check out our selection of the best holiday gifts for everyone on your list.

Skimm'rs Just like us, Goldman Sachs knows it's important to support small businesses — especially during the holiday season. It's why they curate a #MakeSmallBig Holiday Market every year. So we're partnering to highlight a few of the entrepreneurs who've been part of their 10,000 Small Businesses and 10,000 Women initiatives. Happy (small) shopping. Something fruity...Sabrina Valle, The Jam Stand (NY). Blueberry Bourbon. Peach Sriracha. Fig Tamarind. All of Sabrina's inventive spreads are jam-packed with funky flavors. Plus, her biz is a proud partner of Rethink Food, a non-profit on a mission to create a more sustainable and equitable food system. Yum. Feet-first affirmations...Laura S, notes to self (KS). Spread the power of positive thinking in a new way with Laura's made-in-America socks. There's truly a pair for everyone on your list. Psst...shipping's free on orders over $40. How toes-ty. (Some) Birthdays...David Lewellyn (VA), Seth Reilly (IL), Claire Moskowitz (NY), Secily Shambaugh (MO), Leah Motzkin (AZ), Alice Zhang (CA ), Mayra Bedigan (TX), Han Jang (OH), Tobey Schmidt (AZ), Elliot Danko (IL), Lars Ojukwu (MA), Natalie Docherty (IL), Patti Plouff (GA), Kaitlyn Kospelich (LA), Christine Crowley (NJ)

Skimm More Design: theSkimm | Photo: Getty Images Issa Rae set out to tell a new story about (and in) South LA. Fast forward five years, and her award-winning show "Insecure" has done more than that. On our new ep of "Pop Cultured," we look at the cultural impact of the series and its community-centered legacy. Listen now. 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, Kate Gilhool, Mariza Smajlaj, Clem Robineau, and Julie Shain

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