“Exa Dark Sideræl” — The name of Grimes and Elon Musk’s baby daughter. Exa-ctly what we were thinking.
Two Years
Design: Minhee Kim | Photos: iStock
The Story
It’s been two years since the beginning of the pandemic.
It feels longer.
Isolation could make you feel like that. On this day in 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. Since then, the international death toll has surpassed 6 million people — including more than 950,000 people in the US. And while there are a lot of unknowns about the virus, the world has worked to fight it through vaccines and antivirals. Here’s where things stand two years on with:
Variants: Since 2020, we've been hit with a series of concerning variants, including Alpha, Delta, and most recently Omicron. The latest, fast-spreading variant led to the highest peak in US daily cases since the beginning of the pandemic — and pushed some hospitals to capacity. Now, the US is nearing its lowest number of new cases since last summer. But is still averaging over 1,500 deaths per day.
Vaccines: More than 65% of the US population is fully vaccinated. With boosters, vaccines remain over 90% effective against hospitalization and death. But they’ve proven less effective at preventing infection. Antiviral pills are another line of defense. Meanwhile, restrictions — like mask and vaccine mandates — have faced protests. In the US, Republican states have gone months with few to no restrictions. Since then, Dem states have started to follow suit. But masks are still a must in some places, including airplanes and some schools.
The economy: has changed. The pandemic threw supply chains for a loop. Think: backed-up cargo ships, empty grocery shelves, and more. Many companies told their employees to trade in their sweats for business attire. And women were especially impacted. Some were hit by a ‘shecession’ because they worked in hospitality, others because they couldn't find affordable childcare. More than 5 million women lost their jobs, with unemployment rates higher for women of color. Now, many companies are bringing employees back to the office — to mixed reviews.
Where do we go from here?
Some world leaders see COVID-19 as here to stay. One poll shows 70% of Americans agree — and believe we need to “get on with our lives.” But some, including those with chronic illnesses and young children, feel left behind. It comes as a new study shows that even people who experienced milder cases of COVID-19 may have experienced subtle damage to brain tissue.
theSkimm
It’s been two years since the pandemic turned the world upside down. Now, with vaccines and other tools, some are trying to get back to ‘normal.’ Whatever that means. But many are still trying to find their footing.
PS: In the last two years, many of us have experienced unprecedented kinds of loss. If you’re struggling to cope, you’re not alone. We gathered tips from grief experts here.
US Aid
Yesterday, the Senate passed a $1.5 trillion spending bill one day before a looming government shutdown. It will keep the government funded through the end of Sept. But one main part of the budget would provide $13.6 billion in emergency aid for Ukraine:
The breakdown: Less than half of the $13.6 billion will go toward the US Dept of Defense. That budget will cover expenses for US troops in Europe and replenishing US equipment sent to Ukraine. The remainder of that money will go toward things like humanitarian efforts, energy, and cyber security.
Where things stand: Hundreds of thousands of civilians are still trapped in Ukraine. And are left without basic necessities like food and water, as Russian forces ramp up their attacks on cities. Want to help? We've got some verified sources.
And Also...This
Who’s checking receipts…
The 2020 census. On Thursday, the bureau said it undercounted the country’s population by 18.8 million people — many of them Black, Hispanic, or Native American. And that non-Hispanic white Americans and Asian Americans were overcounted during the once-a-decade national population count. The bureau says the census results are “fit for many uses in decision-making.” But that it will look into the miscount. Here’s what census data affects:
Representation: The census determines the number of House seats in each state. And with all the controversy over redrawn maps and allegations of gerrymandering, there are concerns that some minorities could be underrepresented.
Funding: Census data also determines the amount of federal funding that will go into your local gov on everything from hospitals to schools. So an undercount could lead to fewer resources for those who are already marginalized.
What's up and stuck...
Inflation. Over the past year, the Consumer Price Index jumped 7.9%. Important, since the CPI measures the average price of things like food, clothes, and housing. The jump is the highest in 40 years — with gas, food, and housing seeing the biggest price increases. Note: that doesn’t even include the gas hikes we’ve seen since the invasion of Ukraine. Now, the Fed is eyeing interest rate hikes to cool things down. FYI, you’re not alone if this news is stressing you out.
PS: We Skimm'd why prices are going up and tips for how to work them into your budget.
Who’s saying ‘swing batter batter’...
The MLB. Yesterday, owners and the players’ association reached a collective bargaining agreement — ending a 99-day-long lockout. The two sides have been negotiating after talks failed earlier this month. Players have been pushing for a better payment structure. Now, this agreement ends the first major disruption to baseball in almost 30 years. Opening Day was originally scheduled for March 31. Now, it’s taking place on April 7 with 162 scheduled games.
Who’s been sentenced…
Jussie Smollett. Yesterday, the former “Empire” actor was sentenced to 150 days in jail. In 2019, Smollett claimed he was the victim of a hate crime in Chicago — something authorities say he staged. Smollett maintains his innocence, but a court disagreed.
Singer-songwriter. Pianist. Actress. Producer. Mom. Alicia Keys wears a lot of hats. Aaaand wins a lot of awards (hi, 15 Grammys). Now, she's teamed up with Athleta to celebrate what makes women powerful.
The brand new, limited-edition Athleta x Alicia Keys collection is full of optimistic colors and effortless layers that complement every body. Like a relaxed, wrinkle-resistant hoodie and a lightweight jumpsuit all your friends will want to borrow. The best part? A portion of the proceeds will fund grants for BIPOC women and girls and BIPOC-owned organizations committed to making well-being more accessible. Shop on.
On the Ground
The United Nations estimates that at least 1 million children have fled Ukraine since February 24. Millions more remain in the country and in danger. Which is why UNICEF is on the ground, both inside Ukraine and at its borders.
The organization has scaled up its response to meet the urgent needs of kids and families, delivering safe water, food, blankets, clothes, health and hygiene kits, education supplies, and psychological support. Head here to learn more about how UNICEF is helping the children of Ukraine.
Skimm Life
We know shopping for birthday, anniversary, and “just because” presents is a headache. Where to start? Well, here. We searched high and low for the best gifts that’ll make your partner, work wife, or long-time bestie squeal with joy. Plus some options for the book lovers. Let’s get wrapping…
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
1.A simple rule for calculating how much money you need to retire. We teamed up with Fidelity on a video that shows target savings amounts based on your salary at different ages. It can help you plan for leaving the working world behind one day. Hit play.*
2. What to buy now if you're itching for the season to change. Goodbye, winter — it's been nice knowing ya. Now is the time to look forward to chic trench coats and more time spent outside. Let the sunshine in.
*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.
Barking for joy…Lynna C (CA). She started a small business during the pandemic creating charcuterie boards for dogs aka “barkuterie.” Lynna uses natural, minimal-ingredients, and preservative-free goodies so dogs can be part of the fun.
(Some) Birthdays…Joe Schechter (FL), Dani Lazarus (CA), Gregg Lobel (NJ), Christina Claxton (PA), Serin Kim (VA), Rachel Stern (NY), Alyson Lane (NY), Laura Miller (FL), Abby Benkert (MA), Morgan West (OH), Naomi Gaba (VA), Shannon Messenger (OR), Lauren Davidson Wallace (GA), Kobi White (AR), Bryn Tolchinsky (FL)
PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
Skimm More
The higher the moonshot, the harder the fall. On our newest ep of “Skimm This,” we explore why the entertainment industry is focused on Silicon Valley CEOs (think: Hulu’s “The Dropout”) and why we find these stories so captivating. Fraudly speaking, future entrepreneurs might want to take notes.
And if you’re looking for other smart ways to spend your time...
Listentoour news podcast "Skimm This" for clarity on the biggest stories of the week.
