Daily Skimm: Let's not overcomplicate matters unnecessarily

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September 19, 2022
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"Trail of slime"

What led German officials to discover 93 giant snails. What the shell.

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Her Majesty

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Queen Elizabeth's funeral is today.

It's been a long 10 days.

Well, the queen is the UK's longest-reigning monarch. Last week, tens of thousands of people lined up for at least 12 hours to pay their respects at her casket in Westminster Hall. Now, many are prepared to say their final goodbyes, including some 500 international dignitaries and world leaders — like President Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Today, the queen's funeral begins at 11am ET, followed by two minutes of silence. She will be buried at Windsor Castle next to her husband, Prince Philip, at St. George's Chapel. The government has declared her burial a bank holiday — meaning almost everything will be closed. 

Like non-essential things, right?

Wrong. Everything from stores, to schools, to many offices. The idea is so that everyone can watch the funeral procession, which police are describing as the "largest global protection operation." Major supermarkets — which typically stay open for at least a few hours during other holidays — will be closed. Hospitals have postponed non-urgent elective surgeries and some cancer treatments. London's Heathrow Airport canceled flights during the coffin procession in the early afternoon. Drones and flyovers have also been banned. 

I can't imagine everyone's happy about this.

Right. Some movie theaters will remain open…they'll just be screening the queen's funeral. All of this has many worried about when they'll get access to their health care at a time when everyone's schedule has been put on hold. Others might be saying 'au revoir' to the money they spent on flights since cancellations won't be reimbursed. The disruption will likely cost millions of dollars. And anti-monarchists are ringing the alarm to abolish the monarchy. Many are left wondering what changes will come with King Charles III at the helm — since he's hinted at a "slimmed down" monarchy.

theSkimm

Millions are mourning Queen Elizabeth II as she is laid to rest. But some cannot afford to have their life put on hold as the country honors her 70-year-reign.

And Also...This

Who had some big words to say...

President Biden. In last night's "60 Minutes" interview, he said "the pandemic is over." The remarks came after the Biden admin extended the COVID-19 public health emergency through the middle of October. And as an estimated 400 Americans continue to die from the virus every day — the third leading cause of death in the US. But while Biden acknowledged the US still has a "problem with Covid," he said at least twice that he sees the pandemic as "over." Admin officials were taken by surprise. Republicans are apparently questioning why Biden has requested additional funding and extended the public health emergency if the pandemic is over. The White House has yet to elaborate.

...Oh and Biden reiterated his position that the US would defend Taiwan in the event of an "unprecedented attack" from China. A White House official reportedly maintained that Biden's statements didn't signal a change in US policy.


What people are watching…

Puerto Rico. Yesterday, Hurricane Fiona left the entire island and its 3.2 million residents without power. This latest outage comes after Hurricane Maria knocked out the island's power grid in 2017 and left residents without power for months. Ongoing blackouts have been a problem ever since. Many have called on the local and federal governments to do more. But now, the power grid has failed again in the face of another storm. Fiona has dumped as much as 2 ft of rain — causing "catastrophic" flooding and potentially landslides. Luma, the island's private electric company, says restoring power could take several days. Hurricane Fiona is now hitting the Dominican Republic.


Where people might feel a pinch in their pockets…

Hungary. Yesterday, the European Union proposed suspending about $7.5 billion to the country over democracy concerns and corruption. For over 10 years, Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán has tightened his reins on the country — putting limits on the press, undercutting the courts, and restricting other aspects of everyday life. The EU has struggled to respond to Orbán, who earlier this year won his fourth re-election by a landslide. Now, the 27-member bloc says it wants to make sure the EU's budget is "sufficiently protected" and that Hungary isn't breaking any rules. The budget cuts would come from "cohesion funds" — money that's pooled together and used to help countries get their economies up to EU standards. Hungary has reportedly said it'll submit some changes on Friday which could go into effect by mid-November.


Where people are taking to the streets…

Iran. Over the weekend, thousands protested the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini. Last week, Amini was arrested by morality police in Iran — reportedly over her hijab. She then died after three days in custody. Tehran police say she suffered from a heart attack. But many aren't buying it and are accusing the morality police of beating Amini to death. Now, people are in the streets calling for justice — with some reportedly removing their headscarves in solidarity. One group says at least 30 people were injured. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has called for an investigation into her death.


Who's saying bye to the big screen…

Woody Allen. Over the weekend, the 86-year-old film director told a Spanish newspaper that he plans to retire after completing his current (and 50th film). He's known for movies like "Midnight in Paris" and "Vicky Cristina Barcelona." But Allen has mostly worked in Europe amid renewed scrutiny on sexual abuse allegations against him.


Who's claiming a major dub…

The Las Vegas Aces.


Who could be gearing up for a public debut…

Porsche.

Skimm Well

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Save Your Seat: SkimmU Money

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Let's give 'mind your business' another meaning. Whether or not you measure your life in dollar signs, your mindset plays a big role in your investing strategy. Join us tonight at 7:30pm ET for our first SkimmU Money course, Minding Your Mindset, presented by Fidelity. The Fiscal Femme's Ashley Feinstein Gerstley will teach us all things risk tolerance before Fidelity's Kelly Lannan joins for a panel discussion and audience Q&A. Register now.

Skimm Picks

Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…

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2. A podcast that'll prep you for your next dinner party. Our latest ep of "Skimm This," sponsored by Buick, gives you alllll the info you need to know about the week's top stories. And why you should care. Volume up.*

3. Business casual clothes that can go all day and all night. This brand makes chic, high-quality, wallet-friendly pieces you can wear 9 to 5. Aaaand 5 to 9. Aka straight from your big meeting to happy hour. Here's 15% off. Go get 'em.*

4. Kitchen tools that'll get the job done. And have more than one function. PS: Today's your last day to snag some new cookware from Great Jones on sale. So browse Dutch ovens and a must-have searing pan before it's too late.

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.

Feeling the drip…McKenna H (IN). At 25 years old, she launched her own mobile coffee shop this year. She's traveled across her state to farmers markets and outdoor events to prompt her new business. Piping hot.

(Some) Birthdays…Victoria Diamond (FL), Samantha Feder (NY), Felicia Jamell (AR), Torrey Vaughan (TX), Sherry Kurth (IL), Abbey Bollinger (TX), Kristine Soriano (NV), Danielle Deveau (CA), Kelsey Tryon (CT), Diane O'Connor (LA), Marvin Meza (CA), Erika Chassner (FL), Jon Brod (NY), Lauren Oreto (IA), Maria Manzo (MA)

PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.

Skimm More

In our new video, we texted with actress, producer, and Belletrist founder Emma Roberts about her favorite memory from "Scream Queens" and what she's reading right now (hint: you read it in English class). Plus, her favorite part of casting for her new show, "Tell Me Lies." Watch now.

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Skimm'd by Rashaan Ayesh, Mariza Smajlaj, and Julie Shain

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