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"Painting"

What Sylvester Stallone is picking up again. Different strokes for different folks.

 
Top Story

Tornadoes

The Story

Communities in the South are picking up the pieces.

Tell me more.

Over the weekend, tornadoes ripped through Mississippi and Alabama. At least 26 people died, including a 1-year-old girl. Dozens of others were injured. Whole neighborhoods were flattened. Rolling Fork, MS, was hit the hardest with at least 166 mph winds. Gov. Tate Reeves (R-MS) called the town "ground zero" for the storm. Experts say they believe a tornado was on the ground for more than an hour and traveled 170 miles — which is "very rare." Tennessee and Georgia have also been struck. Now, after at least 10 confirmed tornadoes hit, rescue efforts are underway. But the threat of more severe weather in parts of the South could complicate those efforts.

What's being done to help?

Yesterday, President Biden issued a disaster declaration for Mississippi, giving the state access to federal funds for recovery efforts and temporary housing. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) teams are reportedly going door to door to register residents for aid. Shelters in Mississippi are taking in displaced residents. Reeves and Gov. Brian Kemp (R-GA) declared states of emergency. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said federal officials will "provide support to the impacted communities." Rolling Fork Mayor Eldridge Walker promised his town would come back, "bigger and better than ever before." 

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Mississippi is one of the poorest states in the country and its road to recovery could be a long one. Officials are still assessing the damages. But amid more storms, it's not clear what recovery efforts will look like.

 
And Also...This

Where else people are mourning…

Pennsylvania. Over the weekend, a chocolate factory exploded in West Reading, PA, killing at least seven and injuring at least 10 others. The candy company employs about 850 people. Rescue officials recovered more bodies yesterday, and have been working to find possible survivors. The local fire chief said the chance of finding more survivors is "decreasing rapidly" as time passes. Officials are investigating the cause of the explosion. 


Where there's a deal…

Los Angeles. On Friday, the LA Unified School District reached a tentative agreement with the union representing special education assistants, bus drivers, and other support staff. The deal comes after a three-day strike shut down the nation's second-largest school district, keeping more than 420,000 students away from classrooms. The union demanded better pay and benefits for staff making an average of $25,000 a year. Now, the district's agreed to a 30% wage increase, bonuses, and some health benefits. It will also set the school district's minimum wage at $22.52 an hour. LA Mayor Karen Bass, who helped negotiate the deal, reportedly said she's hopeful it'll lead to a "better future" for workers and students. The full union will have to vote on the deal before it goes into effect. 

…Oh and speaking of schools, a Florida principal resigned after a parent complained that a sixth-grade lesson on Michelangelo's statue of David was pornographic. 


What's seeing changes…

Silicon Valley Bank (SVB). Late last night, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) said First Citizens Bank is buying SVB at a discount of $16.5 billion. Earlier this month, SVB became the second-biggest bank failure in US history after Washington Mutual crumbled in 2008. SVB's collapse sent the banking world scrambling, creating fear that other regional banks could fail. Now, First Citizens Bank is taking over SVB's $110 billion in assets, as well as deposits and loans. As of today, all 17 former SVB branches will be running as a division of First Citizens Bank. 


Who people are talking about…

Jonathan Majors. On Saturday, the actor known for his roles in "Creed III" and "Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania" was arrested in New York on charges of assault, harassment, and strangulation. Authorities said Majors was involved in a domestic dispute with a 30-year-old woman who was taken to the hospital with minor head and neck injuries. An attorney for Majors said there's evidence that he's "entirely innocent." Still, the US Army said it's suspending its TV ad with the Marvel actor for the time being. Majors is scheduled to appear in court in May.


What has people checking their brackets…

The NCAA Men's Final Four.


Who's giving out his final rose...

Zach Shallcross.


What's got the One Direction girlies' attention…

Zayn Malik's and Harry Styles' dating lives.

 
In Case You Missed It

If you've always got 10 tabs open, we get it. So much to browse, so little time. Here are some recent product recommendations so you don't miss a thing. Check out…

 

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

1. A therapist you can talk to from your couch. BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist in as little as 48 hours. No long waitlists or driving to appointments needed. PS: Skimmr's get $50 off their first month with code SKIMM.*


2. Mascara that'll give you salon-worthy lashes. For a fraction of the cost. This flake-free, nourishing formula will have your friends convinced you're rocking extensions. Plus, it creates longer, stronger, healthier-looking lashes over time. Not sold? Peep their 25K five-star reviews. Psst…here's 15% off.*


3. Sandals and slides you'll live in all season. These responsibly made shoes have classic designs that go with everything. Plus, they're super breathable to keep you comfy on even the warmest of spring days. Get 20% off your first purchase with code SKIMM23.*

 
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.

Seeds of change…Catherine I and Lily S (AZ). They're medical students who founded a nonprofit called Rebloom. The org rearranges floral decorations from weddings and donates them to hospitals, hospice care centers, and shelters. 

(Some) Birthdays…Bob Belfer (NY), Amy Griffin (NY), Alice Coyle (MA), Marjean Seeger (CA), Samantha Fariss (IN), Miranda Arnold (VA), Vanessa Jimenez (CA), Kelly Davis (TN), Judith Crysler (MI), Jocelyn Szymanski (OH), Lauren Majid (NY), Cayla Buckman (IA), Danielle Golinski (NC), Grace Tam (IN), Lydia Guell (WI)

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

 
 

Daily Skimm Weekend: It’s strictly business

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Skimm'd while shopping for multipurpose beauty products — Check out what we Skimm'd for you today
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Ready or not, Monday's almost here. We've got what you need to prep for the week ahead — from the biggest conversation starters to the most important dates. Who says Sundays have to be scary?

 

"Dinner with a camp friend"

The reason Sofia Coppola's daughter tried to charter a helicopter on her dad's credit card…and got grounded. Hope she took the cannoli.

 

Eyes On

Starbucks

The Story

Starbucks has a latte to unpack.

Go on. 

On Wednesday, Starbucks's longtime on-again, off-again CEO Howard Schultz, will testify before a US Senate committee about the company's alleged union busting — after stepping down from the role for the third time. Since December 2021, employees at more than 280 of the company's 9,000 corporate-owned stores have voted to unionize. It marks one of the most high-profile labor campaigns in decades. But none have successfully negotiated a contract with Starbucks yet. Workers are fighting for better pay and benefits, guaranteed hours and more consistent schedules, improved store safety, and more. While Starbucks (and particularly, Schultz) have aggressively opposed union efforts. So much so that earlier this month, a federal labor judge ruled that the company had violated US labor laws "hundreds of times" and committed "egregious and widespread misconduct" while trying to stop the union campaigns. Last week, Schultz stepped down even earlier than expected as interim CEO.

But now he's testifying?

Yes. After Schultz had said 'hard pass' to previous invitations from Congress, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) scheduled a vote for a subpoena which surprise, surprise is when Schultz agreed to testify. Now, he's expected to answer questions from Congress about the 500-plus charges of unfair labor practices filed by the union, as well as the National Labor Relations Board's 80 complaints against Starbucks. Think: everything from retaliatory firings and store closures, to boosting pay and benefits for non-union workers. But if you think Starbucks is an outlier, sit back and pour yourself another cup.

Whew, proceed. 

Labor practices (and union busting) from major companies are under a microscope these days. It comes as support for unions among Americans has jumped to a record high of 71% — which experts say was partly fueled by unprecedented working conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic and a supportive political environment. But some companies say they prefer to work directly with employees. In the meantime, little fires are erupting everywhere, including a reported rift among Amazon union organizers, strikes from LA school teachers, and an upcoming strike authorization vote at American Airlines. As for Starbucks? Wednesday's hearing is expected to be more loaded than Pedro Pascal's coffee order.

theSkimm

The state of unions in America is still tumultuous — and Starbucks, due to its massive corporate footprint, is front and center this week. Many are waiting to see what Schultz has to say, while organizers hope that raising standards at Starbucks could spill over to the rest of the fast-food industry.

 
What's Happening

🗞 In news...

President Biden has issued a disaster declaration for Mississippi, where deadly storms killed at least 26 people — clearing the way for federal aid for recovery efforts. It comes after he took his first presidential trip to Canada, where he and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced an agreement that's intended to slow the surge of unofficial border crossings. In other news abroad, nationwide protests continue in France (over pension changes) and Israel (over judicial changes). Back at home, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of a student with a disability — which could give parents more room to negotiate with public schools over assistance for children in similar situations. While Wyoming banned transgender athletes from girls' sports teams. Speaking of sports, for the first time since 2007, ​​UConn's women's basketball team won't be headed to the Final Four. But its men's team will be. And a new report found that efforts to ban books reached a record high last year.


🚗 In business...

Google released Bard, it's AI chatbot — though it's not quite speaking in iambic pentameter yet. Anyone who's ever struggled to cancel a subscription (so, everyone) may soon get much-needed help, thanks to a proposed FTC rule. And potential home buyers finally got a break: US mortgage rates fell for the second week in a row — and so did median home prices, for the first time in over a decade. Plus, there's also good news for job seekers, pay transparency is reportedly spreading, even in states that don't require it. Like everything else from the '90s, Blockbuster could be making a comeback. And, in a bunch of car news, Chevy is putting the brakes on its iconic Camaro muscle car. Ford is expecting to lose billions on electric vehicles this year. And Hyundai and Kia are recalling more than half a million of their cars.


🩺 In health...

Surprise, the pandemic slowed down America's step count — and it still hasn't recovered. In other COVID news, new research says long COVID is less likely if you're vaccinated or take Paxlovid. And the White House will disband its pandemic response team in May. Meanwhile, lawmakers are trying to ban chemicals in Skittles that could be dangerous, and the CDC is investigating three deaths thought to be caused by bacterial infections from eye drops. Oh and researchers got into a hairy situation to figure out the cause of Beethoven's death.

 
Bookmark'd

Here's a look at the reads we've saved, texted, and emailed to our friends…

The Best Reality TV Drama Is Actually Happening on Podcasts…these days, stars are spilling their secrets even before TV episodes air.


Will the Ozempic Era Change How We Think About Being Fat and Being Thin?...newly popular meds for weight loss mean people aren't willing to "just be happy with the body they have." Is that a good thing?


I Went on a Package Trip for Millennials Who Travel Alone. Help Me…how to make friends and win at everything.


Plastic Surgery Hasn't Always Welcomed Black Folks — It's Time for a Shake-Up…turns out, the world of cosmetic surgery has a lot of changes to make.

 

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

1. Our official review of the HigherDose red light face mask. What is it and what does it do for your skin? Well, glad you asked.


2. Luggage that'll make travel a breeze. We tested pieces from July and Roam, and if you haven't even heard of those brands — here's why you should know about them.


3. Products for slightly embarrassing problems. Maybe you've experienced these, maybe you haven't. Either way, we're here to help you handle life's tiny struggles.

 
Sunday Scaries, Who?

Here's one tip for a better start to your week.

It's no secret: Anxieties from the day can pile up late at night — causing you to struggle with falling asleep or staying asleep. But rest easy, because there are ways to set yourself up for (sleep) success. Here are a few:

  • Cut down on the coffee. No, you don't have to go cold turkey — but too much caffeine late in the day can set you up for a restless night. If you must indulge, keep in mind that caffeine can disrupt your sleep up to six hours after consuming it. So if you want to go to bed by 9 pm, try and have your last latte by 3 pm.

  • Naps might be traps. It's true that short naps can help you catch up on sleep and feel less cranky. But longer naps and napping later in the day can make it harder to sleep. So ditch naps, or keep them short and early in the day.

  • Set the stage. The ideal temperature for a good night's sleep exists — really — and it is 60 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit. Other things that your bedroom might benefit from: Blackout curtains or shades if light comes in through your window. A white noise machine to help lull you to sleep. And lightbulbs that give off a yellow glow, rather than blue or white light.

  • Have a routine. To help your body and mind start to wind down, prepare for bedtime with a relaxing activity like reading a book or meditating. Also, speaking of bedtimes: They aren't just for kids. Going to bed at the same time each night will help maintain your circadian rhythm.

  • Try lucid dreaming. If you want to be an overachiever even while you're sleeping, try to train yourself to lucid dream. Aka, having control over the storylines your subconscious creates while you snooze. Some say it helps support creativity and awareness, while reducing anxiety.

 
Save the Date

Like ours, your work and personal calendars are probably hectic. So here are some events you should know about...

Go outside for a stellar lineup of Jupiter, Mercury, Venus, Uranus, and Mars across the night sky.

Netflix drops all eight episodes of "Unstable," a can't-miss comedy starring Rob Lowe and his IRL son, John Owen Lowe. Get ready to laugh.*

USA Today's Women of the Year event. For more info, click here.

For all you March Madness fans, the women's Final Four games will be played at 7 and 9:30 pm ET. And make sure to catch the men's Final Four games the following night at 6 and 8:30 pm ET.

Transgender Day of Visibility.

PS: Want more events like this on your cal? theSkimm App gives you a heads-up on when everything from holidays to sports games to awards shows are going down. Download it here.

 
News Quiz

Stumped by our news quiz yesterday? Here's the answer.

A. A dog toy company