Daily Skimm: They ran out of spuds

Skimm'd while learning how Ruth Carter carries her culture forward February 1, 2022[Read in Browser]( [Black History Month]( Daily Skimm Skimm'd while [learning how Ruth Carter carries her culture forward]( [Quote of the Day] Quote of the Day "Doing a great job" — [A New York zoo]( on two male penguins fostering a baby chick. Talk about ice guys. mailto:?body=These penguins are some nice guys #theSkimm%0A3Ftype%3Demailurl%26r%3DSKIMM%26utm_source%3Demail%26utm_medium%3Ddsshare%23qotd Death Row Getty Images The Story The nation’s largest death row is being [dismantled](. Explain. In 2019, California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announced a [moratorium]( on death penalties — effectively hitting the pause button on more than 700 executions. And shut down San Quentin State Prison’s execution chamber. The last time the state carried out an execution was in 2006. Now, Newsom plans to put an end to California’s death row. And will be moving all condemned inmates to other prisons within two years — where the inmates can be held in solitary or disciplinary confinement if they pose a risk. Is this a first? Nope. Two years ago, Oregon transferred its much smaller death row population to other inmate housing. And 23 states — most recently including Virginia and Colorado — have abolished the death penalty. But in [2020](, the Trump DOJ resumed federal executions for the first time in nearly two decades — [executing 13 inmates](. And last week, [SCOTUS]( cleared the execution of an Alabama death row inmate. Meanwhile, the Biden admin’s placed a [moratorium]( on federal executions. What are people saying? Newsom reportedly wants to turn the San Quentin prison into a “positive, healing environment.” And a spokesperson for the corrections and rehabilitation department reportedly said it hopes to create “something innovative and anchored in rehabilitation.” Meanwhile, some victims and their family members might feel justice hasn’t been served. The debate comes amid broader concerns with death row, as racial disparities fill the criminal justice system — with Black Americans comprising 13% of the US population but 42% of death row inmates, according to [one report](. theSkimm The death penalty has long been a [topic of debate]( in the US. And it’s an [outlier]( among other democracies for its use of capital punishment. Now, some states are taking matters into their own hands. mailto:?body=California is reportedly dismantling its death row #theSkimm%0A3Ftype%3Demailurl%26r%3DSKIMM%26utm_source%3Demail%26utm_medium%3Ddsshare%23death-row And Also...This Where the party is over… [London](. Yesterday, an investigation found that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s office broke COVID-19 lockdown rules. During the height of the pandemic in 2020, the gov said Brits were banned from meeting with more than one person outdoors. But, over a dozen 10 Downing Street staffers and the PM apparently said ‘rules schmules’ and [attended a social event]( in the prime minister’s garden in May. Cue: Johnson in the hot seat for the “partygate” scandal. Now, a 12-page report found at least 16 parties with gov workers that took place during lockdown — including the [BYOB]( backyard party and a birthday party for Johnson. Oh and that Downing Street likes to drink. [A lot](. The report said the parties were “difficult to justify” and that the office failed to meet the standards "expected of those working at the heart of Government." (Ouch.) - [Party’s over](: Johnson has apologized. But the opposition isn’t having it and is calling on him to step down. And not even his own party has his back. mailto:?body=The party is over for PM Boris Johnson #theSkimm%0A3Ftype%3Demailurl%26r%3DSKIMM%26utm_source%3Demail%26utm_medium%3Ddsshare%2302-01-2022-aat-1-boris Where there’s tension… [Canada](. Yesterday marked the third consecutive day of protests in the country’s capital. Over the weekend, thousands of truckers and supporters self-coined as the “Freedom Convoy” gathered in Ottawa to condemn COVID-19 vaccine mandates. The protests grew to a rallying cry for an end to COVID-19 restrictions nationwide. Now, abandoned trucks have reportedly blocked entrances to Parliament and the capital. Some shops have been forced to close their doors. And some demonstrators have carried flags with swastikas, threatened citizens, and danced on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier — which memorializes Canadian soldiers who died for their country. Authorities say they are investigating “illegal” behavior at the protests. …Oh and meanwhile, [Whoopi Goldberg]( is apologizing for comments about the Holocaust. Specifically, her assertion that the massacre was between “two groups of white people.” mailto:?body=Canadian truckers are protesting COVID-19 mandates #theSkimm%0A3Ftype%3Demailurl%26r%3DSKIMM%26utm_source%3Demail%26utm_medium%3Ddsshare%2302-01-2022-aat-3-canada While January is over... The time to talk about other people's bodies is, too. Over the weekend, “Bridgerton” star [Nicola Coughlan]( asked people to stop sending her their opinions about her body. It comes as a range of other stars — everyone from “Yellowjackets” star [Melanie Lynskey]( to [Lizzo]( to [Adele]( are saying ‘enough.’ Skimm More: We need to talk about [fatphobia and diet culture](. mailto:?body=2021 is over and so is body shaming #theSkimm%0A3Ftype%3Demailurl%26r%3DSKIMM%26utm_source%3Demail%26utm_medium%3Ddsshare%2302-01-2022-aat-4-bodies What's a five-letter word for 'big spender'... Flush. Yesterday, the New York Times bought [Wordle]( in the low-seven figures. It must be nice. mailto:?body=The New York Times isn’t playing games when it comes to Wordle #theSkimm%0A3Ftype%3Demailurl%26r%3DSKIMM%26utm_source%3Demail%26utm_medium%3Ddsshare%2302-01-2022-aat-5-wordle When you [lose your vaccine card](… Definitely don’t make a [fake]( one. mailto:?body=What to do if you lose your COVID-19 vax card…hint: don’t get a fake #theSkimm%0A3Ftype%3Demailurl%26r%3DSKIMM%26utm_source%3Demail%26utm_medium%3Ddsshare%2302-01-2022-aat-6-vaccine While celebrating [Lunar New Year](… We’re thinking about [good news](. Speaking of, [Rihanna](. mailto:?body=It’s the eye, err, year of the tiger #theSkimm%0A3Ftype%3Demailurl%26r%3DSKIMM%26utm_source%3Demail%26utm_medium%3Ddsshare%2302-01-2022-aat-7-lunar-year Go Glossy theSkimm | Photo: Maybelline Historians say Sumerians in ancient Mesopotamia used crushed stones to lacquer their lips. While ancient Egyptians opted for crushed insects. Delish. Sooo lipstick’s been a thing for a while (read: thousands and thousands of years). But it wasn’t until the 1930s that lip gloss entered the chat. Trends have come and gone along the way. But if you wanna try the latest, you’ll wanna get the new shades of [Maybelline New York’s high shine Lifter Gloss](. All five flattering, TikTok-worthy tints will get your lips glowing like golden hour. Aaand provide lasting hydration. [Add to cart](. SkimmU Well SkimmU Well is back for a second semester. Our virtual event series, designed to teach you the crucial health lessons your alma mater never did, kicks off February 23. Presented by [Fidelity](, [Eden Health](, and [Athleta](. This semester’s syllabus? Four wellness courses that’ll leave you feeling confident about your daily routines and health practices. And empower you to take actionable steps toward living your smartest life. [Join us]( for classes taught by industry pros that’ll cover everything from why sleep is a superpower to how food impacts mood, the best ways to save for your health, and which mental health rituals help combat anxious thoughts. Sign up [here](. See you in class. Black History Month To celebrate Black History Month, we interviewed female culture carriers, who are championing Black culture across different industries. Meet the trailblazers who are opening doors and creating representation in spaces that have notoriously lacked diversity. For our first interview, we spoke with Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter. She’s known for her work in films like “Black Panther,” “Selma,” and “Malcolm X” — to name a few. We discuss how she’s navigated Hollywood's diversity problem. And how she infuses Black culture in her work. Plus, who her fave author, podcaster, and designer are. Check out the full interview [here](. Skimm Picks Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life… 1. How to tackle migraines before they even start. [This online clinic]( lets you stock up on preventative meds, supplements, and pain relievers based on your usual symptoms. And gives you access to specialists anytime, anywhere. Just [take this quiz]( to get started.* 2. Mimosas, but make 'em canned. Celebrate the end of Dry Jan with [this brand]('s delicious ‘mosas. They’ve got 60% fewer cals and 80% less sugar than traditional ones. And they’ll ship straight to your door. For free. PS: Skimm’rs [get a free four-pack with any purchase](.* 3. Exactly what you need when bloat pays a visit. Or worse, *lowers voice* gas. [This natural remedy]( is packed with powerful herbs, like peppermint and lemon balm. And it relieves painful tummy troubles fast. But it also sells out fast. [Grab some while ya can](.* 4. Everything you need to better organize your drawers. If you struggle to open your stuffed dresser, listen up. These [bamboo dividers]( will create neat piles, while [these bins]( will separate underwear, socks, and bras. Want to create more space? Pack items away with these [vacuum storage bags](. Oh, and don’t forget about [our Amazon storefront]( for even more handy products. *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. Making an impact…Chloe S (MO). She’s the Secretary of Women Funding Women initiative and wants everyone to know they’ve opened applications for their first annual Inspired Women Community Grant. Check it out [here](. On the rise…Christina B (TX). She wrote a young adult book that sold over 350 copies in two months. And it was so nice, she did it twice. Now, her second [book]( is about Black girl magic and friendship. (Some) Birthdays…Chris Steadley (OH), Rachael Durant (MA), Maria Barry (AZ), Sarah Ferguson-Brown (FL), Mary Cherif (NY), Rachael Livingston (OR), Rachel Twardowski (IL), Susan Senn (KY), Casey Smith (OH), Michelle Smith (IL), Jess Downey (SC), Kelli Dawson (ID), Kelsey Stewart (TX), Amy Friederich (MO), Rosandi Valdez (NJ) *Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out [here]( for a chance to be featured. Skimm More theSkimm is hiring. Interested in joining our team?[Check out]( our career page for open roles. Want more from theSkimm? - [Listen]( to our news podcast "Skimm This" for clarity on the biggest stories of the week. - Tune in to our career podcast "[9 to 5ish with theSkimm](" for tips to build your resume and “[Pop Cultured with theSkimm](” for the latest in entertainment and culture. - [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. - [Check out]( our career openings to join our team. Skimm’d by Rashaan Ayesh, Kate Gilhool, Julie Shain, and Mariza Smajlaj Skimm'd something we missed? skimmthis@theSkimm.com Issues? help@theSkimm.com Copyright (c) 2022 theSkimm, All rights reserved. TheSkimm, Daily Skimm, and all Skimm-based marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of TheSkimm, Inc. 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