Daily Skimm: Where were you when the world stopped

Tomorrow is the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Our thoughts are with all those affected by the tragic events of that day. September 10, 2021[Read in Browser]( [Coffee pouring into mug]( [Daily Skimm Logo]( Tomorrow is the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Our thoughts are with all those affected by the tragic events of that day. [Invite friends]( September 11 The Story [Twenty years ago](, the world changed. I remember where I was... As do we all. On a bright Tuesday morning, 19 al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four commercial airlines with the goal of targeting the US. Two planes struck the World Trade Center and a third hit the Pentagon. The [fourth plane]( crashed in Pennsylvania after passengers and crew retook the flight. In all, 2,977 people were killed in the deadliest foreign attack on US soil. Here’s where the US stands today on... [The War on Terror](…In the weeks and years following 9/11, the US invaded Iraq and Afghanistan. In Iraq, the US failed to find [weapons of mass destruction](. But the political turmoil there allowed al-Qaeda (and later ISIS) to flourish. In Afghanistan, the US and allied forces unseated the Taliban – the terror group that ruled Afghanistan – within weeks. And in 2011, the US killed al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in neighboring Pakistan. But despite $8 trillion and at least 2,300 American lives in Afghanistan – not to mention more than 47,000 Afghan civilian deaths – the US failed to entirely quash the Taliban. Twenty years later, the US withdrew. And the Taliban is [back in power](. The victims and survivors...Nearly 3,000 lives were lost 20 years ago. But [1,106 victims](' remains are still unidentified. The NYC medical examiner’s office has been using DNA tech to try to identify them. And hopefully, give their loved ones some closure. At least [10,000 people]( have been diagnosed with a range of cancers related to the attacks. And 2,000 have reportedly died from related illnesses. Meanwhile, the [coronavirus pandemic]( has brought a new set of challenges for 9/11 responders and survivors. Their health vulnerabilities have made them even more at risk during the pandemic. Justice...Congress had set up a $7 billion fund to bring some financial relief to thousands of families of those killed in the attacks. But advocates like comedian [Jon Stewart]( pushed to make the fund permanent. Meanwhile, some families are still [trying to sue]( the government of Saudi Arabia for allegedly supporting the hijackers. The government has denied wrongdoing. And a US commission found no evidence that the kingdom funded al-Qaeda. Still, several Saudi gov officials were questioned under oath this year, though their testimonies remain under seal. Islamophobia…In the aftermath of 9/11, many mistakenly conflated al-Qaeda’s brand of extremism and terrorism with Islam – the world’s second-largest religion. Reprisal attacks – against Muslims and even Sikhs, members of an entirely separate religion – skyrocketed. In the months after 9/11, anti-Muslim hate crimes hit a high of [481]( – compared to 28 for all of 2000. Now, the [FBI reported]( 176 anti-Muslim hate crimes in 2019 – which some advocates claim is an undercount. Meanwhile, getting [profiled]( by the TSA at airports is still a commonplace experience for Muslim Americans. How can we honor the victims? President Biden will be visiting [all three sites]( where the attacks occurred. And people have been keeping their eye on [Paul Veneto]( – the retired flight attendant pushing an airplane beverage cart for more than 200 miles to honor flight crews who lost their lives. The [National Fallen Firefighters Foundation]( sponsors stair climbs to honor the 343 first responders who gave their lives by climbing 110 stories. And the Travis Manion Foundation sponsors 9/11 Heroes Runs across the country to honor the heroes of the attacks. There’s also plenty of documentaries, podcasts, and more to tune into ([more on that here](). theSkimm 9/11 shaped the lives of many Americans. And continues to shape our policy today. Twenty years later, we remember the trauma, lives lost, heroes, and collective spirit that got this country through it. PS: We spoke to terrorism expert Laura Dugan on this week's ep of "Skimm This" about how 9/11 shaped a generation of Americans' thoughts on security and America's place in the world. [Listen in](. mailto:?body=It’s been 20 years since 9/11 #SkimmLife%0A3Ftype%3Demailurl%26r%3DSKIMM%26utm_source%3Demail%26utm_medium%3Ddsshare%23september-11 And Also...This Who’s laying down the law... [President Biden](. Yesterday, he unveiled a six-part plan to get tens of millions of American workers vaccinated against COVID-19. [In July](, the president told federal employees to get the shot or face regular testing. But COVID-19 cases are still skyrocketing. Compared to this time in 2020, the US is reportedly seeing [about 300%]( more new cases, and nearly twice as many deaths. Now, with 25% of US adults still unvaxxed, Biden’s taking more aggressive steps. Here’s his plan for... - [The fed gov](: Under a new EO, over 4 million gov workers and millions of contractors will have to get vaccinated within 75 days. Or risk being fired. No getting out of it with testing. But there will be religious or medical exemptions. - [Employers and health care](: The Labor Dept will draft up a rule requiring businesses with 100+ employees to [require vaccination]( or weekly testing – affecting more than 80 million people. Same for the over 17 million that work at health care facilities that receive Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement. - [Schools]( and [airlines](: Nearly 300,000 school staff funded by the federal gov will need to get the shot. And the admin will double fines for people who refuse to wear masks on airplanes. - [Next up](: Critics say workers should have a say in whether they have to get vaccinated. Some could be eyeing lawsuits. It comes as all states already had some vaccine requirements in place before COVID-19 – for mumps, measles, rubella, and more. ...Oh and speaking of mandates, the Los Angeles Unified School District (the country’s second-largest) [voted ‘yes’]( to requiring vaccinations for students ages 12+. PS: [Here's]( what getting vaxxed (or not) could mean for your financial health. And the economy's. mailto:?body=President Biden’s issued sweeping new vax requirements #SkimmLife%0A3Ftype%3Demailurl%26r%3DSKIMM%26utm_source%3Demail%26utm_medium%3Ddsshare%2309-10-2021-aat-1-biden Who's saying 'don't tread on women's rights'... [The Justice Dept](. Yesterday, it sued Texas over its controversial abortion law – calling it “clearly unconstitutional.” Just a week ago, Texas' new law went into effect, banning abortions as early as six weeks and incentivizing citizens to snitch on each other. [SCOTUS]( did nothing to stop it. So now, the DOJ's stepping in. And asking a federal court to invalidate the law and immediately stop any enforcement of the ban. Reproductive rights groups welcomed the DOJ’s move, with some advocates calling it a “gamechanger.” But one Texas anti-abortion group called it “desperate.” And a spokesperson for Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) said they’re confident the courts will uphold the law.  mailto:?body=The DOJ’s acting on its promise to protect Texan women’s rights #SkimmLife%0A3Ftype%3Demailurl%26r%3DSKIMM%26utm_source%3Demail%26utm_medium%3Ddsshare%2309-10-2021-aat-2-doj Where people are still evacuating... [Afghanistan](. Yesterday, the Taliban allowed over 100 foreigners to leave the country on a commercial flight. It’s the first international passenger plane to take off since the US [evacuated]( last month. The Qatar Airways flight included Americans, US permanent residents, and people from several other countries. It landed in the Qatari capital, Doha. For now, passengers will stay at a facility housing Afghans and other evacuees. And another passenger flight is set to depart Afghanistan today. It comes as the Taliban announced a [caretaker gov](. - [Still in doubt](: The world remains concerned about human rights violations under the Taliban’s rule. It comes amid reports that the group’s cracking down on women and journalists at protests. PS: We Skimm'd [the history and impact]( of the US's nearly 20-year war with Afghanistan. mailto:?body=The Taliban’s giving some passenger flights the go-ahead #SkimmLife%0A3Ftype%3Demailurl%26r%3DSKIMM%26utm_source%3Demail%26utm_medium%3Ddsshare%2309-10-2021-aat-3-afghanistan What could be a gadget out of “Spy Kids”.... [Smart glasses](. This week, Facebook and Ray-Ban introduced glasses called Ray-Ban Stories. From afar, they’re your average Ray-Bans. But the sunglasses allow people to take photos, record videos, and more. Critics are saying ‘iSpy a few privacy concerns with this one.’ mailto:?body=iSpy some really cool glasses #SkimmLife%0A3Ftype%3Demailurl%26r%3DSKIMM%26utm_source%3Demail%26utm_medium%3Ddsshare%2309-10-2021-aat-4-smart-glasses Who’s always flawless… [The Carters](. mailto:?body=The Carters and Tiffany & Co are putting education first #SkimmLife%0A3Ftype%3Demailurl%26r%3DSKIMM%26utm_source%3Demail%26utm_medium%3Ddsshare%2309-10-2021-aat-5-beyonce Couch Party Fall TV is here. And we know you only have time for the best of the best. That’s why we’re v excited to invite you to a virtual screening of FOX’s new drama, “The Big Leap.” It’s all about chasing dreams and taking second chances. Next Tuesday, September 14, at 7:30 pm ET, we’re giving Skimm’rs [a sneak peek]( at the first ep...six days before it officially premieres on Monday, September 20. We’ll also chat with some special guests. (Hi, Teri Polo from “The Fosters” and “Meet the Parents,” Piper Perabo from “Covert Affairs” and “Coyote Ugly,” and creator slash executive producer Liz Heldens.) Did we mention the whole thing is free? [Sign up]( so you don’t miss out. We can’t wait to party with ya. Skimm Reads [“Beautiful World, Where Are You” by Sally Rooney]( Welcome aboard the Sally Rooney experience. We hope you liked your last trips to ["Normal People"]( and ["Conversations with Friends."]( This time, for Rooney's third novel, your pilots are Alice and Eileen, two disconnected almost 30-something friends, and their partners, Simon and Felix. We're seeing emotional hangovers, loneliness, fame, and musings on romantic relationships in the forecast. Thank you for coming along with us, we'll see you again next time. Yes, #wellness has been a thing for a while. But ever since the pandemic, the supplement industry has been especially booming. So we asked a registered dietitian to break down the real health benefits of vitamins A through zinc. Add [our guide]( to your reading list before you click ‘add to cart’ on that next round of supplements. Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life… 1. A colorful kitchen pot that does all of the things. Like roast, steam, strain, and crisp. *Holds for applause.* [This brand]( combined practically all of your cookware into one lightweight, nonstick pot. And Skimm’rs get $30 off with code [PERFECTPOTSKIMM](. Perfect, indeed.* 2. Chic looks to add to your closet this week. [This brand]( designs versatile, minimalist pieces to fit practically any summer-lovin’ or fall-embracin’ lifestyle. Like lightweight, layer-friendly jackets, coats, and vests. Plus, they’re considered a leader in sustainable fashion. [Here’s 25% off with code SKIMM25](.* 3. Vitamins for when happy hour turns into happy hours. The best kind...until morning. But [these doctor-developed chewables]( can help prevent headaches, fogginess, and upset stomachs after a night out. All while supporting alcohol metabolism. Just take two after your last drink. [Cheers](.* 4. How to stay healthy as the seasons change. And take charge of the things (think: nutrients) that affect your sleep, stress, and energy levels. [This company]( uses at-home lab testing and AI to build you a unique, science-backed improvement plan. Plus, Skimm’rs [get 20% off](.* 5. New technology worth investing in. [This brand]( built cloud-connected kitchen assistant machines to handle basic tasks in commercial, quick-service kitchens. Like frying, grilling, and – wait for it – making sure nothing gets ruined. (Automated) chef’s kiss. [Get in on it](.* *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. Saying neigh to animal abuse...Peyton J (CT). She and her best friend, Layla, started a horse rescue called Final Chance Rescue. In one year they’ve saved over 150 horses from slaughter. [Learn more](. Moving on up...Elizabeth F (NY). She’s worked as a registered nurse for seven years. And after getting her master’s degree at the height of the pandemic, she’ll be starting as a nurse practitioner next week.  (Some) Birthdays...Jennifer Meyer (CA), Sally Klaus (TX), Kathy Okrzesik (Il), Abi Frazier (OK), Ann Schafer (MI), Saskia Kivilo (NY), Oda Nome (BC), Kirsten Manire (IL), Claire Gerdes (MA), Abby Braaten ND), Lauren Willoughby (CA ), Andrew Loudon (NE), Rachel Rodgers (TN), Megan Henderson (KY), Hannah Pressey (GA), Lauren Christison (NJ) *Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out [here]( for a chance to be featured. [Skimm More Header Image] This week, news broke that Match Group will be joining the S&P 500. [We spoke to]( millennial dating expert and host of the “We Met at Acme” pod, Lindsey Metselaar, about online dating during a pandemic. Plus, her best dating app survival tips. And if you're looking for other smart ways to spend your time… - [Listen]( to our news podcast "Skimm This" for clarity on the biggest stories of the week. - [Tune in]( to our podcast "9 to 5ish with theSkimm" for tips to navigate your career. - [Subscribe]( to our "Skimm Money" newsletter to keep up to date with your wallet. - [Sign up]( for our "Skimm Your Life" newsletter for curated shopping, reads, and entertainment recs. - Follow us on [the gram](, [Twitter](, [YouTube](, and [Facebook](. - [Download]( our app to get it all in one place. Skimm Share Friends don't let friends get bogged down in headlines. So click that share button to send theSkimm to your network. Because, as they say, sharing is caring. 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