The Daily Skimm

The Story

VP Kamala Harris has a big project on her to-do list.

What is it?

She's now the White House's point person on immigration at the US-Mexico border – where there's been a surge in migrants. Since February, immigration officials have encountered over 100,000 migrants – the highest number since 2019. The number of unaccompanied migrant children has reportedly surpassed 15,000. There've been reports of inhuman conditions at overcrowded facilities. And nearly 2,900 children tested positive for COVID-19 in the past year. The Biden admin's approach to the border has gotten criticism from both sides of the aisle. Yesterday, the Pentagon agreed to house migrant children at two military bases. Now, the admin's tapping Harris to take the lead.

What exactly will she be doing?

First, she'll try to curb the flow of migrants by getting to the main reasons behind migration (think: understanding why people are trying to leave their country in the first place). Second, she'll work to strengthen relationships with Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries (El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras) where many migrants are traveling from. In the past, President Biden proposed investing $4 billion over four years to help address things like violence and gov corruption in Central America – reasons why many are fleeing and heading to the border. But Congress has yet to appropriate that money.

What are people saying?

That it's a tall order. One that Biden himself was tasked with under former President Obama. And which critics had called unsuccessful. Some also highlighted the problems with pumping money into other countries, saying it could fuel corrupt leaders and lead to a more unstable economy. Especially since many of these countries face rampant gov corruption, and it's not clear that the money would go toward helping its citizens. But Harris said the US "must address the root causes that cause people to make the trek."

theSkimm

Biden campaigned against former President Trump in part by highlighting the crisis at the border. Now, after weeks of concerns over Biden's own handling of the situation, he's putting the responsibility squarely on Harris's shoulders.

And Also...This

Who may have rounded up...

AstraZeneca. Yesterday, the pharma giant said its two-dose vaccine is 76% effective in preventing symptomatic COVID-19. Earlier this week, federal health officials called AstraZeneca out for using "outdated" info when it claimed its vaccine was 79% effective. Now, AstraZeneca is saying 'oops, we overshot' with its latest results. But it says the data still shows it's 100% effective in preventing severe disease and hospitalization. Federal officials have yet to weigh in on whether they're satisfied. But the co plans to apply for FDA approval in the coming weeks.

Name, dragged: This wasn't the first PR crisis for AstraZeneca this month – it's still reeling from concerns that its vaccine is linked to blood clots even though European regulators have said it's safe. Now, the latest data mixup isn't helping efforts to win vaccine skeptics over and end the pandemic.

What's still raising alarms...

Myanmar. Earlier this week, its military shot and killed a seven-year-old girl in front of her father – making her the youngest known victim in the country's deadly coup. On Feb 1, the Myanmar military arrested civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and declared a state of emergency. Since then, there have been reports of the military killing innocent protesters and torturing political prisoners. A human rights org says at least 275 people have been killed – including more than 20 children – and thousands have been arrested. The military has defended its response and blamed protesters for the unrest. The US and the EU have imposed sanctions against the military. And the UN's reportedly calling for "accountability for all the crimes and human rights violations."

Won't back down: Yesterday, demonstrators held a silent strike – shutting down businesses and deserting roads – amid the rising death toll. It came on the same day the military freed a reported 628 protesters (mostly students) from prison.

Who's making history…

Dr. Rachel Levine. Yesterday, she got the go-ahead to serve as assistant secretary of health, making her the first and highest-ranking openly transgender fed official to get the Senate's confirmation. In a statement, Dr. Levine addressed transgender youth, saying "I will do everything I can to support you and advocate for you."

What's in a crew-cial situation…

The Suez Canal. On Tuesday, the waterway in Egypt became the site of a global traffic jam after a massive container ship got stuck during a sandstorm. Tugboats have been trying to nudge the 220,000-ton ship and prevent disruption to a canal that is a pathway for 10% of the world's trade. No oar-dinary feat.

Who's allegedly the real shrimp in the Cinnamon Toast Crunch saga...

Jensen Karp.

What's bringing doses of happiness…

Birds, goats, and dolphins.

It Takes a Village

Parenting is always a balancing act. And these days, it can be extra hard to stay steady. So we've partnered with Boston Children's Hospital to give you some tips to get through pandemic life if you have little (or not-so-little) ones at home:

Be honest about what's going on...with your child's age, development, and personality in mind.
Keep mealtimes and bedtimes consistent. Structure can be comforting. Even if parts of the routine vary from day to day, this will add a little predictability.
Take time for yourself when you can. Try sneaking in some self-care while the kids watch TV, draw or nap. We know that's easier said than done...but you're a better parent when you take care of yourself, too.

Psst...Boston Children's Hospital has a library of resources that can help you handle everything from the classroom to the COVID-19 vaccine. Pro tip: bookmark it.

If all your friends say they're investing in a hot stock, would you? Bandwagon bias (aka your brain's tendency to follow the crowd) says 'probably.' Even if it could hurt your wallet. We Skimm'd more cognitive biases that can talk you into bad financial ideas. And how to check yourself before you wreck yourself.

PS: Our first SkimmU course kicks off tonight, presented by Fidelity. Sign up and join us at 8:00pm ET for the info and tips you need to know to make smart money moves. See you in class.

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

1. Cute, comfy, lightweight pants made with recycled nylon. Athleta's Trekkie Joggers are made for outdoor adventures, but also perfect for work (from home or IRL) and socially distant hangs. And now they're available in new prints and colors in sizes XXS-3X. Check 'em out.*

2. The latest episode of our "Skimm'd from the Couch" podcast, sponsored by Hulu. It features Dara Treseder, the head of global marketing for Peloton. Yes, that Peloton. She's got tips on handling critical feedback and starting a new job remotely. Give it a listen.*

3. CBD skincare that will make you feel lighter...even if the dishes aren't done and your hamper's overflowing. Happy Dance's coconut melt, bath bomb, and body butter soothe, nourish, and provide a moment of zen. And now you can get them from Ulta. Yay.*

4. A spray that'll stop your glasses from fogging up when you wear a face mask. This anti-fog spray works on all types of glasses, and doesn't call for constant application. A few spritzes in the morning and you're good for the day. Ahh...much better.

5. Smart bedroom upgrades that are actually worth it. Because investing in sound sleep is investing in your health. It might be time to get a new mattress. And blackout curtains. And a cool-side pillowcase. Prepare for some deep sleep.

PS: Like what you see here? Make sure you're signed up to get more picks like these in your inbox every Monday. We've got exclusive shopping recs, streaming ideas, life hacks, and more

*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. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.

Headphones on for...Elyse L (CA). She launched The Career Switch Podcast, which aims to inspire and empower people to make big career changes. And features stories from real people who've made the switch. Learn more.

Giving back...Danielle V (IL). Her son's participating in Kindness Week by doing Acts of Kindness to raise money for school. The school hopes to raise $7,000 and have 1,000 acts of kindness completed from now through April 9th. Help out here.

(Some) Birthdays...Harrison Bergman (FL), Gloria Ramirez (WI), Sheetal Pandya (CA), Samantha Cohen (NY), Ashley White (VA), Becky Sanders (NY), Danielle Ryan (MA), Nicolette Zimmerman (NY), Hannah Lassiter (CA), Erin Burke (PA), Kristiane Schmidt (MI), Cori Anderson (MI), Melissa Thompson (IL), Elizabeth Galbavy (FL), Rowan Metzner (CA)

PS…we've also got a video wall to shout out a woman in your life who's making an impact on you. Check it out.

Whether you want to get pregnant or you're trying to avoid it, our guide breaks down all the ways to track when you're ovulating.

And if you're looking for other smart ways to spend your time…

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Skimm’d by Maria del Carmen Corpus, Mariza Smajlaj, Clem Robineau, and Julie Shain