Daily Skimm: When dragons flew to war, everything burned

Skimm’d while chatting with Julia Roberts and George Clooney October 24, 2022 [Read in browser]( [theSkimm Logo] Daily Skimm [Julia Roberts and George Clooney Ticket to Paradise]( Skimm’d while [chatting with Julia Roberts and George Clooney]( “Chick-fil-A” — [Gen Z's]( restaurant of choice according to a new survey. The plot chickens... [Facebook]([Twitter]([Email](mailto:?body=Gen Z plans to eat mor chikin #theSkimm%0A3Ftype%3Demailurl%26r%3DSKIMM%26utm_source%3Demail%26utm_medium%3Ddsshare%23custom) Top Story Getty Images It’s Xi, Hi The Story [Chinese President Xi Jinping’s]( not going anywhere, anytime soon. Tell me. Yesterday, the 69-year-old secured another term — and possibly the rest of his life — as head of the ruling Communist Party. That’s because, under Xi’s rule in 2018, China’s legislature voted to get rid of presidential term limits in the country’s constitution. And like any standard autocrat, opposition like the [No. 2 leader Premier Li Keqiang]( are out, and supporters are in. Xi’s newly appointed inner circle is now made up entirely of loyal allies. What’s going to happen? Xi is planning to [double down]( on his previous agenda. Like remaining committed to the country’s “[zero-COVID](” policy — despite the [impacts]( on the Chinese economy and widespread discontent. He’s also set on the “reunification and the rejuvenation” of the self-governing island [Taiwan](…even though President Biden’s warning of a military response if China invades with an "unprecedented attack." How are people reacting? Leading up to his reappointment, banners in Beijing condemned Xi as a “dictator.” The protests were a rare and bold move considering the state’s censorship, propaganda, and surveillance systems make it harder for Chinese citizens to protest and voice their discontent. Images and any mention of the banners were later wiped from the Chinese internet. But on college campuses around the world, (hi, New York) protestors echoed similar resentment with Xi. theSkimm Since Xi rose to power a decade ago, he’s solidified his position on the international stage. Now, [signs show]( that he’s nowhere near done in reaching his goal of becoming one of modern China’s most powerful leaders. Related Stories: - [Pictures of Anti-Xi Protests]( - [Hong Kong’s Relentless Memes of Xi Jinping]( - [Global Dominance? China’s Heard of Her]( [Facebook]([Twitter]([Email](mailto:?body=It's Xi, hi, he's the leader, it's Xi #theSkimm%0A3Ftype%3Demailurl%26r%3DSKIMM%26utm_source%3Demail%26utm_medium%3Ddsshare%23custom) And Also...This Where the race is on… [The UK](. Yesterday, Rishi Sunak confirmed he’s joining the race to become the leader of the Conservative Party and the country’s next prime minister (again). In case you blinked and missed it, Liz Truss resigned from the role last week after 44 days in office. And Sunak — a former chancellor who lost to Truss in the September race — appears to be the next political tribute to move into 10 Downing Street. Reminder: in order to appear on the party’s ballot, candidates need at least 100 thumbs up from fellow lawmakers by today. Sunak is leading the race with over 150 votes — and competition is weak. Especially now that [Boris Johnson]( is saying "[hasta la vista, baby](" to a potential comeback. If Sunak remains the only candidate with 100 votes by today at 9 am ET, he’ll automatically become leader. --------------------------------------------------------------- Who people are watching out for… [Elnaz Rekabi](. Over the weekend, officials reportedly shut down reports that the Iranian rock climber is under house arrest. Rekabi received a hero's welcome in Tehran last week after viral videos showed her competing without a headscarf in South Korea. Many interpreted her appearance as a sign of solidarity with the ongoing [demonstrations]( in Iran over the death of [Mahsa Amini](. But it also stirred up fears that Rekabi could be another target of the regime’s crackdown. She later apologized for the lack of hijab, chalking it up to a wardrobe malfunction. Officials reportedly say Rekabi’s staying at home with her family resting…but with Iran’s [history]( around public confessions, many are still sounding the alarm. [Salman Rushdie](. Over the weekend, the world-renowned author's agent said Rushdie has lost sight in one eye and the use of a hand. Over the summer, Rushdie — who had a [target on his back]( from the Iranian regime — was stabbed before giving a lecture in western New York. Police arrested a 24-year-old man at the scene. Now, despite the “brutal attack,” Rushdie’s agent says the writer will live. --------------------------------------------------------------- Who’s being put in the hot seat… [Former President Trump](. On Friday, the Jan 6 committee subpoenaed Trump to testify about his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election. The panel wants Trump to share more about his actions and statements the day of the attack. And is also asking him to turn over documents (think: communication with extremist groups involved). TBD on how Trump will respond to the subpoena — his legal team says it’s still mulling things over. He could try to fight it in court, comply, or leave it on read. But [Steve Bannon](, a witness who defied the committee, was sentenced to four months behind bars for refusing to show up to a Jan 6 hearing. [Google](. On Friday, the RNC sued Google, alleging the tech giant sends its emails to spam folders. Google’s denying the “discrimination” claims, saying “Gmail’s spam filters reflect users’ actions.” It comes as conservatives have [long claimed]( that the algorithms in platforms like social media and email filter out right-wing ideologies and are politically biased. But Google's saying 'not me' and pointed to the fact that they've been working with the FEC to [loosen]( spam filters on campaign emails. --------------------------------------------------------------- While [Travis Scott]( has the internet talking… 21 Savage and Drake have a [new album dropping](. --------------------------------------------------------------- While [the Phillies and Astros]( are all lit up… So is [Diwali](. [Facebook]([Twitter]([Email](mailto:?body=A hot new bombshell enters the pm race: Rishi Sunak. Former President Trump could fill in the blanks about Jan 6. And Drake dropped news that’ll get us through the week. #theSkimm %0A3Ftype%3Demailurl%26r%3DSKIMM%26utm_source%3Demail%26utm_medium%3Ddsshare%23custom) In Case You Missed It If you’ve always got 10 tabs open, we get it. So much to browse, so little time. Which is why we’ve rounded up some of our fave recent product recs so you don’t miss a thing. Check out… - [Cute stationery for your lists, thank-yous, and more]( - [Our review of the popular Tushy bidet, ottoman, and stand]( On Our Radar Looking to make meal prep easier? We broke down the rather overwhelming world of [meal kits and plans.]( From ones that offer vegetarian, vegan, and meat-based options to plans for kids, and more. Skimm Picks Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life… 1. Something to help you beat blackheads for good. Say ‘see ya never’ to build-up with [this derm-tested clearing solution](. Its powerful(ly hydrating) formula works overtime to unclog pores. And leave skin feeling oh-so-calm. Plus it's paraben- and sulfate-free. Use [OCTSKIMMR]( for 20% off.* 2. A shirt that’s worth the (20,000-person) waitlist. [This blanket shirt](’s a fan-fave for good reason(s). It’s sustainably made and designed to pair with anything you own for any occasion. Plus it’s actually as comfy as the name implies. Psst…[here’s 20% off](.* 3. A major glow-up for your fall workouts. [This program]( pairs you with a personal trainer who’ll help you get the most out of every sweat sesh. No matter where or when you get ’em done. Psst…Skimm’rs [pay just $19 for their first month](. Get moving.* 4. How to order a PSL in 10+ languages. [This language-learning app]( uses games, podcasts, and live virtual classes to teach you words and phrases you’ll actually use IRL. (Revenge travel anyone?) Plus Skimm’rs can [save up to 55% off]( when they subscribe.* *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. Sweet as sugar…Lupe F (SC). She took her love of baking to the next level with her mobile bakery, The Sugary Unicorn. (Some) Birthdays…theSkimm's Kenya James (NY), Judy Berkowitz (FL), Dani Mazza (NY), Misha Sharp (NY), Shelley Papa (NY), Falak Muhammedi (GA), Meghan Cappel (OH), Alexis Menias (IL), Emma Zieverink (GA), Sarina Godin (WA), Claire Condon (IL), Madeline Umali (KS), Brandy Trefren (ID), Amy Hathaway (VA), Katrine Hoyt (CT) PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out [here]( for a chance to be featured. Skimm More Let’s be real: wedding season is never really over. And no matter when your big day is, your budget is one of the most important parts of the planning process. We sat down with millennial money expert Katie Gatti to get the details on her wedding budget breakdown. [Check it out](. theSkimm Loyalty Program theSkimm Join now – engage with our [content](, earn points, and use those points to unlock rewards. Think: swag, exclusive content, sweepstakes, and more. Starting earning and get in on it [here](. 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