Daily Skimm: The winter nights don't ever sleep

Skimm'd with hot chocolate

January 10, 2022 Read in Browser

Daily Skimm

Skimm'd with hot chocolate

Quote of the Day "The baton is meant to be passed" — Shania Twain on Taylor Swift dethroning her on the Billboard Country Albums Chart. Let's go, girls.

Kazakhstan The Story The situation in Kazakhstan has gone from bad to worse. How did we get here?  Last week, fuel price hikes prompted protests in an oil-rich area of western Kazakhstan. Things escalated quickly across the country as demonstrations expanded to include calls for political reform. The gov shut down the internet. And protesters seized the airport and burned down gov buildings. A Russian-led military alliance deployed some 2,500 "peacekeepers" at the president's request. Then security forces were ordered to kill without warning. Where do things stand? At least 164 people are believed to have been killed. More than 2,000 have been injured and thousands have been detained. Government officials insist the country is stabilizing. They say buildings overrun by protestors are now back under state control. And that the rumors about the gov targeting peaceful protestors were reportedly creating a "false impression."  What does this mean for the US? Today, Russian and the US officials are set to meet in Geneva to address Russia's troop buildup along its border with Ukraine...and hopefully reduce tensions. But Russia's involvement in Kazakhstan isn't exactly helping. On Friday, Sec of State Antony Blinken seemed to criticize the influx of Russian-led "peacekeepers," saying the Kazakhstan government should be able to handle the protests on their own "in a rights-respecting way." But Russia said mind your business.  theSkimm The US has been on high alert since Russia's actions have threatened a Ukraine invasion. Now, Russia's decision to quash anti-government protests in Kazakhstan has got many looking to the US to see what it will do.

And Also...This Who everyone is talking about... Ahmaud Arbery. On Friday, the three white men who murdered the 25-year-old Black man were sentenced to life in prison. In February 2020, Arbery was jogging in Brunswick, Georgia, when two men — a former police officer and his son — chased and shot him. A third man, who helped corner Arbery, recorded the shooting. Video of the killing sparked national outrage. Arbery's name — along with George Floyd's, Breonna Taylor's, and so many others — became a rallying cry at racial justice protests. Before announcing the verdict, the judge observed a minute of silence to represent "a fraction" of the time Arbery was running before he was shot. Still, lawyers for the defendants maintain the men acted in self-defense and intend to appeal the verdicts. But Arbery's family reminded the court that they will never get their son back. What's got voting on the mind... NYC. Yesterday, NYC Mayor Eric Adams (D) passed a law allowing more than 800,000 noncitizens and Dreamers to vote in local elections. The law — which impacts municipal and not state or federal elections — went into effect immediately. NYC is not the first city to expand voting rights, but it is the largest. Now, these new voters could cast their ballot as early as next year. Adams said he's looking forward to "bringing millions more into the democratic process." Opponents called it unconstitutional and said "we'll see you in court." Who people are remembering… Sidney Poitier. Last week, the groundbreaking actor and activist died. He was 94. Poitier was the first Black actor to win an Oscar for best actor for his 1964 role in "Lilies of the Field." He was also a top box-office draw, attracting audience members to movies like "In the Heat of the Night" and "The Defiant Ones." He starred in a number of classic hits including "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner." Oprah paid tribute to the trailblazer tweeting "the greatest of 'The Great Trees' has fallen." Bob Saget. Yesterday, the 65-year-old comedian and actor was found dead in his hotel room in Florida. A cause of death was not known, but detectives say they found no signs of foul play or drug use. Saget was best known for his role as Danny Tanner in "Full House" in the '80s and '90s. And as the first host of "America's Funniest Home Videos." His co-stars — including John Stamos aka Uncle Jesse — paid tribute to the actor on social media. And said they were "broken" to have lost a beloved friend. Who's ready to unpack… Novak Djokovic. This morning, an Australian judge told the tennis star 'you're free to go.' Since last week, Djokovic has been held over his vaxx status. The Australian Open and Djokovic said he has a medical exemption from its COVID-19 vaccine requirement. But Australia canceled his visa after border authorities said he failed to provide appropriate evidence to meet entry requirements. Now, a judge is saying the Australian gov has been "unreasonable." But the immigration minister could still cancel his visa — keeping him from playing in the Australian Open and banning him from Australia for three years.  While Amy Schneider has everyone's attention... Not so for the Golden Globes. PS: We Skimm'd why this year's Golden Globes was less golden than usual.

How to Skimm Your Life Challenge It's week two of our How to Skimm Your Life New Year's Challenge, presented by Athleta, Fidelity, and Sephora. And we've got some real talk: Your phone is not your friend. At least not at night. Today, set a sleep schedule on your iPhone to make sure you stop scrolling well before bedtime. Here's how to do it: Go to the Health app and hit "Browse" in the bottom right. Then select the sleep tab. From there, you'll be able to quiet your phone during certain hours. We've got more tips for silencing the beast, aka your phone, when it just won't quit here. PS: Here's something you're not gonna wanna silence: getting our challenges texted to you. They arrive in the AM, so you can snooze in peace. Sign up here. Oh, and all our challenges live here.

Skimm Well Trying to be your well-est self in 2022? Don't sleep on CVS. From supplements and self-care to exercise gear and antigen tests, they've got tons of products that can help you get healthier. In the new year and beyond. We're talking... Mood-boosting softgels ($28). Just take two a day with a meal and a full glass of water. That's it. Those are the steps.   An antioxidant-packed serum ($44). Which works to hydrate, smooth, and firm skin while you sleep.  Melatonin gummies ($15). The kind that could help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Yes, please.

Skimm Picks Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life… 1. Vet-approved dog food that's personalized for your pup. Start the new year off on the right paw with this brand. They create custom recipes based on each pet's breed, needs, and health and wellness goals. PS: Skimm'rs get 80% off with code HEALTHY80. Go(al) fetch.* 2. Something that'll give your metabolism a little TLC. Aka the boost it needs to keep up with your New Year's resolutions. This chocolatey plant-based super powder also helps control sugar cravings and reduce bloat. Plus, Skimm'rs get 20% off when they shop now.* 3. What you need to crush your workouts this year. Your way, no highway. This brand brings the sweat sesh to you by connecting you with a personal trainer via your smartphone. No equipment or experience required. Plus, Skimm'rs can try their first month for $19.* 4. Must-have cleaners that'll produce impressive before-and-after photos. This mold-and-mildew gel, a makeup-brush scrubbing mat, and the ever-popular Diamond Dazzle Stik will literally amaze you. Don't believe us? They've got thousands of reviews to prove it. *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. Rave reviews…Flint M (CA). He published his first book, "Seeking Authenticity." And got a series of rave reviews. Read ye, read ye. Professor in the house…Lara B (TX). She quit her law firm job to focus on her wellbeing and spend more time with her family. Now she's starting as an adjunct professor teaching Entrepreneurial Law at New Mexico State University.  (Some) Birthdays…Kate Lancaster (DC), Michael Jankowski (NJ), Jessie Staley (GA), Christina Schoepp (CA), Alysse Dowdy (VA), Michael Jankowski (NJ), Justin Lane (FL), Nikki Labaschin (IL), Robin Bielman (CA), Chelsea Durham (IN), Richard Bothe (TX), Caroline Black (MO), Stefanie Mardar (FL), Emily Craft (NC), Senita Feagin (OH), Sarah Steffano (PA) *Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.

Skimm More Oui, Season 2 of "Emily in Paris" has arrived. Watch actress Ashley Park Skimm her favorite scene to shoot, her best advice for Emily, and whether she's team Alfie or Gabriel. Love triangle included. 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.

Skimm'd by Rashaan Ayesh, Kate Gilhool, William Horn, Julie Shain, and Mariza Smajlaj

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