Daily Skimm: Thunder only happens when it's raining

Skimm'd while [trick-or-treating for a cause]( October 5, 2020 [Read in Browser]( [Trick or Treat for UNICEF]( [DailySkimm']( [Together with Trick or Treat for UNICEF]( Skimm'd while [trick-or-treating for a cause]( [Invite Friends]( --------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------- Quote of the Day "Feels like 100 days ago" – [SNL]( on last week's debate. The feeling is mutual. mailto:?body=SNL%27s%20back%20and%20capturing%20the%20current%20time%27s%20vibes%20%23SkimmLife%0D%0A%0A3Fjumpto%3Djumpto-quote-of-the-day%26type%3Demailurl%26r%3D8c6ba2b1%26utm_source%3Demail%26utm_medium%3Ddsshare President Trump’s Health --------------------------------------------------------------- The Story The entire country is [focused on President Trump's health](. Catch me up. It was [just four days ago]( that Trump announced he'd tested positive for COVID-19 – the most serious known health scare a sitting president's faced in decades. And over the weekend, that scare was dialed up several notches. On Friday, Trump was [hospitalized]( for mild coronavirus symptoms (think: fever and fatigue) – less than 24 hours after his positive test result. Since his diagnosis, he has received an [experimental antibody cocktail](, [remdesivir]( (an antiviral drug), [dexamethasone]( (a steroid), and [supplemental oxygen](. Nearly all are treatments reserved for moderate to severe coronavirus cases. That doesn't sound good. Over the weekend, the White House acknowledged that Trump's status was [worse than initially revealed](, and Trump's physician admitted he originally [downplayed]( the president's condition. However, Trump appeared to make extreme progress and was told he may be [well enough to be discharged]( from the hospital as soon as today. Yesterday, he [took a joy ride](, waving to his supporters outside of Walter Reed hospital from the back of his SUV – before heading right back to his hospital suite. But in doing so, he may have put Secret Service agents, who traveled with him, at risk of getting the virus. And those aren't the only people whose lives are at risk. What do you mean? Within days of the president's diagnosis, [more than a dozen people]( with ties to his admin tested positive for COVID-19. Those are: first lady Melania Trump, three senators, former NJ Gov. Chris Christie (R), the RNC chairwoman, Trump's campaign manager, Trump's body man, [three WH journalists](, former White House advisor Kellyanne Conway, and the president of Notre Dame University. Nearly all of them have one thing in common: they attended the White House [nomination ceremony]( for Judge Amy Coney Barrett over a week ago. It was a 'masks optional' affair, no social distancing required, and hugs welcomed. The ceremony's getting scrutinized as a possible "superspreader" event, and it's unclear if the CDC is notifying people who may have been exposed during that time. So what happens now? The reality is that things are changing by the hour. We have no Magic 8-Ball, but we do have the US Constitution to tell us what could happen next (sort of). Here's where things currently stand: The presidency right now…Under the [25th Amendment](, if Trump were unable to carry out his duties, he could temporarily transfer power to the vice president. (President George W Bush [invoked it twice]( when he had to get anesthesia for colonoscopies.) But according to officials, Trump has [no plans to phone]( a friend (read: VP Mike Pence) just yet. But since it's 2020 and literally anything is possible, the 25th Amendment could allow the [forcible removal]( of a president should he be too ill (or refuse) to transfer the power to the VP. The election…It's still on. But if Trump's condition worsened to the point he couldn't run, the Republican National Committee would have [to find a new candidate]( to put on the ballot – which could get complicated since [early voting has already started]( in several states. In the meantime, the VP debate is [still on for this week](, and the Trump campaign is sending Pence out "[in full force](" to its in-person events. SCOTUS hearings...The Republican-led Senate has the say on this one. And while they've [opted out of legislative work]( until October 19, the Senate confirmation hearings for Judge Barrett are [still on](. Democrats are still saying '[delay, delay, delay](.' Especially since Republican Sens. Mike Lee (UT) and Thom Tillis (NC) have [tested positive]( for the virus – and they're on the committee running the hearings. theSkimm The nation and world are [wishing the president and the first lady]( a full recovery. All the while, the Trump admin and campaign are facing renewed questions about their handling of the pandemic, the flouting of health guidelines in the days leading up to his diagnosis, and Trump's health. And now, with less than a month until [Election Day](, there's a high level of uncertainty about what the next few days – or weeks – could bring. mailto:?body=All%20eyes%20are%20on%20President%20Trump%27s%20recovery%20%23SkimmLife%0A3Fjumpto%3Djumpto-10286254%26type%3Demailurl%26r%3D8c6ba2b1%26utm_source%3Demail%26utm_medium%3Ddsshare And Also...This --------------------------------------------------------------- Where tensions are still high… [Armenia and Azerbaijan](. The countries have competing claims to the Nagorno-Karabakh region (it's within Azerbaijan's borders but controlled by ethnic Armenians). Fighting [broke out]( between the two sides late last month. It's the worst violence between the countries in years – with over 200 servicemen killed. And just yesterday, Azerbaijan said its second-largest city, Ganja, was attacked. One person was killed and dozens were injured. Azerbaijan blames Armenia for the violence and has promised to take the region back (with Turkey's help). Meanwhile, Armenia says this is all Azerbaijan's fault. And is calling on the US for backup. The Red Cross said it's "extremely worried," and European leaders are calling for an immediate ceasefire. mailto:?body=The%20Armenia%20and%20Azerbaijan%20conflict%20doesn%27t%20seem%20to%20be%20ending%20%23SkimmLife%0A3Fjumpto%3Djumpto-10285832%26type%3Demailurl%26r%3D8c6ba2b1%26utm_source%3Demail%26utm_medium%3Ddsshare What people are paying attention to… [California](. Yesterday, officials said the wildfires there have burned more than 4 million acres this year – that's roughly the size of Connecticut and the most ever burned in one year. The fires have killed at least 31 people, destroyed over 8,400 structures, and forced about 100,000 people to evacuate their homes. Right now, about 17,000 firefighters are still battling nearly two dozen major fires across the state. And it isn't over yet – fire season lasts until November. mailto:?body=California%27s%20wildfire%20season%20hit%20a%20grim%20record%20%23SkimmLife%0A3Fjumpto%3Djumpto-10286472%26type%3Demailurl%26r%3D8c6ba2b1%26utm_source%3Demail%26utm_medium%3Ddsshare What's been intercepted… [The NFL](. Over the weekend, it postponed the Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots game after players on both sides – including Pats QB Cam Newton and Chiefs practice squad quarterback Jordan Ta'amu – tested positive for COVID-19. The teams will play tonight instead. mailto:?body=The%20NFL%20is%20saying%20%27hut%2C%20hut...postpone%27%20%23SkimmLife%0A3Fjumpto%3Djumpto-10286486%26type%3Demailurl%26r%3D8c6ba2b1%26utm_source%3Demail%26utm_medium%3Ddsshare What's better than a "Laguna Beach" reunion... [Registering to vote](. mailto:?body=This%20reunion%20may%20be%20one%20of%20the%20only%20good%20things%20to%20happen%20in%202020%20%23SkimmLife%0A3Fjumpto%3Djumpto-10286500%26type%3Demailurl%26r%3D8c6ba2b1%26utm_source%3Demail%26utm_medium%3Ddsshare Stay Fresh --------------------------------------------------------------- Feeling stuck in a rut? Same. So we partnered with [Mentos Pure Fresh Gum]( to bring you some ways to shake things up. Because Mentos is all about fresh ideas, fresh breath, and fresh perspectives. This week, we're talking about refreshing your snacking routine. Try something new. Been buying the same box of crackers over and over again since March? Same. Next time you grocery shop, grab the first thing that catches your eye, and give it a go. Mix things up. Literally. We're talking snack combos. Think: add dry cereal to your trail mix, or put some chocolate in your popcorn. Keep gum on hand. Because sometimes your mouth needs some freshness. And Mentos Pure Fresh Gum comes in a package that's easy to fit in your desk drawer. So [pop a piece and get refreshed](. Yes, please. [PressPause] --------------------------------------------------------------- Here are our favorite picks to help you take a break today... 1. Products that'll motivate you to get outside. Like a hiking pack, [a gardening kit](, and a colorful pair of roller skates. 2. 40+ Halloween nail art ideas to try. 'Tis the season for Frankenstein-themed French tips. And glow-in-the-dark stickers. Boo-ya, [you nailed it](. 3. The best one-hit wonders from the 2000s. This list of songs will have you saying 'oh yeahhh whatever happened to…' over and over again. Fingers crossed the Baha Men have finally figured out ["Who Let the Dogs Out."]( PS: Want more? [Sign up]( to get weekly recs in your inbox. [Skimm'Picks] --------------------------------------------------------------- For when you're obsessed with getting the best deals… Say 'hey' to [Policygenius](. They compare home and auto insurance to help you save money without compromising on coverage. Psst...they've saved their customers an average of $1,127 per year. Not too shabby. [Look into it](.* For when things have been hard lately... You're not alone. [This online therapy platform]( can help. They have licensed therapists that you can talk to from wherever you are. On text or live video. Oh, and because World Mental Health Day is around the corner, Skimm'rs get $120 off their first month. [Give it a try](.* For when you feel like the only one without a yoga routine... Catch up. [This company]( has a two-week virtual Yoga Retreat to help take you from beginner to 'I got this.' You'll stand taller, breathe deeper, and get in a serious workout. Oh, and Skimm'rs get free access for 60 days. [Get on it](.* For when you want to know how billions get made… Just ask Steve Madden. We talked to him in our latest "Sip 'n Skimm." And heard all about how he built his shoe empire, and the highs and lows along the way. [Watch it here](.* *PS: This is a sponsored post. Skimm’rs --------------------------------------------------------------- In times like these, community matters more than ever. Let us know how you (or someone you know) is making an impact by helping others. Running for a cause...Callie S (CO). She raised nearly $2,200 for Team Fox during the NYC Marathon. The team's part of the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. It's [never too late to donate](. Flipping pages...Melody S (CA). She started a database called Melanin in YA for young adult books written by Black authors. [Read up](. (Some) Birthdays...Alizée Goyat (CA), Ardita Maloku (IL), Lisa Burse (FL), Kelly Curtin (NY), Abby Bilinski (IL), Cheryl Whiles (FL), Bonnie Perez (VA), Emily Bloyd (OR), Afton Nelson (IA), Sofia Biros (WI), Elizabeth Hipp (NJ), Josellie Severino (CA), Sarah Wierman (MA), Claire Galvin (NJ), Sam Moccio (SC) *Paging all members of theSkimm. [Reach out here]( for a chance to be featured. Skimm Share --------------------------------------------------------------- Skimm HQ is ranking Halloween movies. Share theSkimm with your friend who always chooses "Halloweentown" over "Hocus Pocus." [Share]( Or use this referral link [theskimm.com/?r=8c6ba2b1]( Skimm’d by Maria del Carmen Corpus, Mariza Smajlaj, Ellen Burke, Niven McCall-Mazza, and Clem Robineau --------------------------------------------------------------- Skimm'd something we missed? [skimmthis@theSkimm.com](mailto:skimmthis@theskimm.com) Issues? 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