— Frankie Muniz on becoming a full-time NASCAR driver. Maybe he was tired of being Malcolm in the Middle Seat.
Top Story
Ladies and Gentlemen, Hur
The Story
The Justice Dept is now investigating two cases of apparent mishandling of classified docs.
What's the latest?
Yesterday, Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed Robert Hur as special counsel to investigate the recovery of classified docs from President Biden's time as VP. There are two batches of docs we're now talking about: CBS broke the news about the first batch this week: a group of about 10 classified documents reportedly covering topics like Iran, Ukraine, and the UK. Days after the reveal, the White House said, 'actually, there's another batch too': this one in the garage of Biden's Delaware home.
How does this compare to former President Trump's classified doc saga?
It may be too soon to tell. Biden's team says his lawyers reported the docs to the National Archives as soon as they discovered them — November 2 (days before the midterms) for the first batch and December 20 for the second. The White House called it a "small" batch of docs and Biden says he was "surprised" the records were there in the first place. About the second batch, Biden said they were in a locked garage and that it's "not like they're sitting out in the street." The president's team also maintains he turned them over to the National Archives and is cooperating with investigators. We don't know how many documents were involved — or what type of sensitive information was at stake.
And Trump?
Shortly after Trump left office, the National Archives realized dozens of boxes of documents had gone missing. The agency spent months trying to get them back from the former president before referring the issue to the FBI. But Trump's team only handed over 15 boxes. That led to a search in August, where FBI agents recovered more than 300 classified docs at Trump's Mar-a-Lago home in Florida. Trump has refused to cooperate with investigators, calling the search "a dark time for our nation." This week he asked, "when is the FBI going to raid the many homes of Joe Biden?" We don't know what type of sensitive information was at stake.
So what happens now?
We've got two special counsels investigating a sitting and former president. And no timeline about when we'll get more information.
theSkimm
A sitting and former president are facing controversy over classified documents. That could have impacts from public trust in our leaders and institutions...to what happens to the presidents themselves.
Inflation. Last month, US prices fell. To be fair it was by just 0.1% since November, so not exactly a lot. But the stock market isn't complaining — and is notching the news as a win. It wasn't a home run all around: Gas prices are down. Grocery prices are still up, including lettuce. So are egg prices thanks to avian flu. On top of that, rent and utilities are through the roof. Still, taken as a whole, economists are looking at the numbers and hoping it helps us avoid a long-expected recession. Next up: everyone's waiting to see how the Federal Reserve is taking all of this in before it meets at the end of the month. But before that, we get a sneak peek at how consumers feel about dropping their dollars later today.
PS: Here are 7 ways to protect your wallet from inflation.
What's maybe not in it for the long haul…
COVID. This week, a study in Israel showed that long COVID symptoms may go away within a year. Up to 30% of people who get COVID are affected by long COVID, which means they're still experiencing conditions — like trouble breathing, brain fog, heart palpitations, chest pain, and dizziness — four or more weeks after infection. Now, of the nearly 2 million COVID patients researchers analyzed in the study, most said things went back to normal within a year. Good news for those that healed — but a study from the UK found that hundreds of thousands of people have experienced symptoms for at least two years.
…Oh and speaking of potentially good news, a new report found that cancer death rates have gone down by about one-third since the '90s. That's an estimated 3.8 million deaths averted. For that, early detection and advanced treatments like immunotherapies could be (partly) to thank.
Why people are on alert...
Tornadoes. Yesterday, at least seven people were killed by a sweeping storm system in Alabama and Georgia. Tornadoes ripped roofs and uprooted trees. Meanwhile, tens of thousands are without power in both states. There were more than 30 tornadoes reported, with warnings issued in Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina.
Who's saying 'Exx marks the spot'…
Climate researchers. Yesterday, a group of experts found that ExxonMobil scientists back in the '70s and '80s accurately predicted current warming trends. That means the oil and gas company has known about the link between burning fossil fuels and climate change for decades. But that hasn't stopped it from publicly casting doubt on climate science for years.
Breaking news: It's Friday. Even better? It's the Friday before a long weekend. And no matter what your plans are, Athleta has your back. Literally. Their comfy, versatile, breathable pieces are perfect for a variety of temps and activities. Oh and this weekend, they're offering up to 70% off select winter styles. Including…
Ever wonder what products are really, really worth it? Our series Skimm Tested — where we try out and review items so you know what to add to cart — aims to answer that Q. Check out:
Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. A 'new year sale' at Amazon. *Claps hands together* Let's get this thing started. But first, stock up on pet treats, cleaning goodies, fresh socks, and more.
2. A vitamin for kiddos that's not just candy in disguise. Finally. These sugar-free, one-a-day vitamins are made with 15 essential nutrients and 12 fruits and veggies. They're also vegan, gluten-free, and have zero dyes. Plus Skimm'rs get 50% off their first order. Vita-win.*
3. Games to stay inside with. Ramp up the competitive energy and decide who does dishes with memory games and brain teasers. May the best player win.
Psst...looking for more discounts on brands Skimm'rs love? Check out all of our exclusive promo codes here.
On Our Radar
A new beauty launch from Jones Road. Snag this set and you'll get an eye cream, two face pencils, and the shimmer face oil. Aka the tried-and-true essentials that'll give you a glow in under 10 minutes.
Answer: C. Today's subject line (Lucky that I'm laid back) is from none other than HER's song "Lucky." Here's hoping everyone can channel their inner Lucky Girl Syndrome on this ominous Friday the 13th. Meanwhile, Miley Cyrus just dropped her new single "Flowers." Good luck to Liam Hemsworth trying to get through his birthday. As for everyone else, Mercury's still in retrograde — so fingers crossed.
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.
Bottoms up…Mariah W (MA). Her company makes non-alcoholic cocktails that are perfect for imbibing in Dry January.
(Some) Birthdays…Mona Goodman (CT), Mark Sawyier (MO), Matthew Bregman (NJ), Alliy Drago (NY), Kristen Sudol (NJ), Edie Sher (MN), Amanda Martin (OK), Kelsey Ebelhar (GA), Gene Suttle (TX), Madison Gardner (IL), Colleen Halpin (OH), Valerie Mason (MD), Rachel Lebow (NY), Magen Wetmore (DC), Alex Konrad (NY), Angelle Dumond (TX), Maggie Mahoney (OH), Madeline Bull (TX), Natalia Velenchenko (MN), Lauren Hughes (SC), Anthony Torch (IL), Ruth Vincent (WI)
PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
Skimm'd by: Rashaan Ayesh, Melanie De Lima, Kate Gilhool, Julie Shain, and Mariza Smajlaj
