Daily Skimm

“Milk”

— What the FDA says oat and soy milk can keep being called. No cow, no problem.

Top Story

Paging Dr. Amazon

The Story

Amazon is adding MD to its résumé.

Go on.

Yesterday, the retail giant said it closed a $3.9 billion deal to acquire One Medical. The primary health care provider offers 24/7 access to on-demand virtual health services as well as guarantees same- or next-day appointments in person. It has more than 125 offices across the country. In July, Amazon announced plans to buy One Medical. Fast forward to this week, the FTC said it wouldn't challenge the deal. Now, the merger marks a giant leap into the health care industry for Amazon...because why take the MCAT when you can just buy it? The move's already got investors cashing in — Amazon's stock went up 2% during morning trading hours after the deal went through.

What does this mean?

Amazon appears to be giving new meaning to 'one-stop shop.' People will be able to get their health care, groceries, medication, and just about everything else all under one company. Amazon said it hopes the merger can make health care more “convenient for everyone” amid challenges in the industry (think: long wait times for appointments). However, not everyone is rushing to sign up. The FTC says they are worried that Amazon's access to “sensitive consumer health information” could be misused for things like targeted advertising. The agency warned that although the deal closed, they will continue to investigate the acquisition to make sure no antitrust laws are broken. It's possible that Amazon's takeover could face challenges from the government in the future.

theSkimm

Amazon has spent years dipping its toes into the health care industry — from launching its in-house pharmacy services to custom Alexa programming for hospitals and retirement communities. This new deal opens the potential for the online retailer to follow patients every step of the way — whether people like it or not.

Related Stories:

And Also...This

What has people's attention...

A winter storm. Yesterday, more than 50 million Americans across 29 states were under winter weather alerts. From coast-to-coast, the storm system has brought heavy snow and strong winds. Mountains above Los Angeles and Santa Barbara counties in Southern California were under a blizzard warning — which is unusual for the area. So far, the storm has knocked out power in parts of California and closed interstate highways in states like Arizona and Wyoming. It comes as some areas could see as much as two feet of snow today. Airlines have canceled more than 1,600 flights across the country amid concerns of severe weather.

Where tensions could be rising…

The West Bank. Yesterday, Israeli forces carried out a four-hour-long raid in the West Bank city of Nablus, killing at least 11 Palestinians and injuring more than 100 others. Israeli authorities said they were searching for three militants involved in the killing of an Israeli soldier last year. When the alleged suspects refused to surrender, Israeli troops fired missiles. The raid is reportedly one of the deadliest battles in nearly a year of fighting in the West Bank. A top Palestinian official called the raid a “massacre.” Now, there are reports that Palestinian militants have fired rockets into Israel in retaliation.

Who people are talking about…

Nipsey Hussle. Yesterday, a Los Angeles judge sentenced the man convicted of killing the rapper to at least 60 years in prison. In 2019, Hussle was shot and killed outside of his South LA clothing store. The Grammy-nominated artist was hailed for his community work and efforts to prevent gang violence.

Where the latest layoffs are happening…

NPR. Yesterday, the nonprofit media organization’s CEO announced they are cutting about 10% of its current workforce. It’ll affect at least 100 people. It comes as the org's revenue is expected to fall short by about $30 million.

What’s that? The smell of warmer days ahead? Consider us pumped and our closets ready. Especially since the internet’s favorite B Corp-certified brand, Cariuma, finally cleared the waitlists for three of their celeb-loved (and our personal fave) bestsellers. Don’t miss out on…

These rose-colored must-haves ($79). Enter: a pop of pink to ring in the season…every season. Did we mention they’ve got 33k five-star reviews?
These all-white staples ($129). Their sustainably sourced leather and broken-in-outta-the-box feel make these the ultimate go-shoe.
These vegan black slip-ons ($98). Aka, the perfect pair for any beach, skate, or brunch date.

PS: Skimm’rs get an exclusive 20% off for a limited time.

Skimm Life

We know your car is important to you, so we rounded up a few items that’ll keep it sparkling clean. Check out:

Skimm Picks

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

1. A skincare-makeup hybrid so good, it’s won multiple awards. This viral clean tinted moisturizer is known for…well, everything. It’s got Hyaluronic Acid to combat dry skin all winter long. Plus 100% mineral SPF 35. And juuuust the right amount of dewy coverage. Here’s 15% off.*

2. A warehouse sale at Ban.do. Today's the last day to browse this sale, so there's no time to waste. Grab these adorable pillowcases from Baggu and snooze happily.

3. 30% off swimwear at Aerie. If you're planning a getaway for spring break, snag a few new suits while they're on sale. Surf's up.

Psst...looking for more discounts on brands Skimm'rs love? Check out all of our exclusive promo codes here.

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.

Putting her mind to it…Ali M (CO). She combined her passion for working with kids and studying psychology to start a hybrid nonprofit business. The program focuses on self-discovery and social support for young people. Find out more.

(Some) Birthdays…Julia Englander (NY), Greg Danilow, Alma Fraga (TX), Laura Libby (CO), Christine Kelly (NY), Vanessa Balzano (NJ), Cassie McQuade (TX), Andy Affleck (RI), Shannon Andre (WI), Robin Johnson (IL), Jamie Leder (NY), Karlee Schrunk (NE), Jennifer Randall (NC), Rachel Varughese (NJ), Howard Weiss (PA)

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