Skimm'd with a midterms study guide

"Y'all there is an emotional support squirrel on my flight" – A Twitter user after passengers were forced to deplane. As if flying could get any more nuts.

MICHAEL

The Story

Hurricane Michael is ripping through the Southeast.

What's happening?

Yesterday, Michael hit the Florida Panhandle as a Category 4 storm with 155 miles per hour winds (very close to Category 5 status). It's since been downgraded to a tropical storm. Flash flooding and storm surge are still a concern. Parts of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina have declared emergencies. Hundreds of thousands of people have already lost electricity. It damaged many homes. At least two people were killed. And the storm is still on the move.

Where's it headed next?

It's currently in Georgia, heading toward the Carolinas, which are still recovering from Hurricane Florence. Tomorrow, it's expected to exit off the Mid-Atlantic coast.

How did it get so bad so quickly?

Moist air, warm waters, and wind patterns. It was barely a hurricane earlier this week and, in a little over a day, it transformed into a monster. It's also capable of spinning up tornadoes, which has people on edge.

theSkimm

Michael is the strongest storm to hit the continental US since 1992. Here's how you can prepare and stay safe.

REPEAT AFTER ME...

What to say when you hear the Dow dropped more than 800 points yesterday…

CVS is dropping dolla dolla bills. Yesterday, the Justice Department gave its blessing for CVS's $69 billion marriage to Aetna. Aetna: the US's third-biggest health insurance company. CVS: the US's largest drugstore chain. So raise a toast for the US's largest health insurance deal. Ever. Speaking of people chanting 'health health health,' President Trump. Yesterday, he wrote an op-ed telling Americans to be wary of midterm candidates' "Medicare for All" platforms. Trump says a single-payer system would destroy Medicare as it exists today – and cost the US gov tens of trillions of dollars. Psst...there are different estimates for what might happen under a single-payer system. Read up. And when you're done, make sure you read up on the healthcare debate before you hit the polls.

What to say when someone keeps creeping on your LinkedIn…

Are you an economic spy? Yesterday, the Justice Department said that a Chinese spy has been extradited from Belgium to the US to face charges. The guy in question allegedly tried to steal corporate trade secrets from American aviation companies. He also tried to recruit a GE Aviation employee. Naughty boy. It's the latest example of China allegedly playing dirty to steal US intellectual property. And seems to be the first time that a Chinese spy is being brought to the US to face charges.

What to say when you're stressing out about climate change...

The US and Mexico just discovered a solar-powered tunnel believed to be built for things like drug smuggling. What are you doing to reduce your carbon footprint?

What to say when your friend asks if you're free this weekend…

I don't know, what are your plans…Michael Bloomberg?

What to say when you're accused of something you didn't do…

I did not kill American cheese.

NO EXCUSES

Being informed, so hot right now. Just another reason to go to the polls read in on this year's biggest issues.

We Skimm'd the status of today's health care, the economy, LGBTQ rights, climate change, police reform, the opioid crisis, abortion, the Russia Investigation, #MeToo, criminal justice reform, immigration, gun policy, education, welfare programs, trade, North Korea, and tax reform.

Whew, long list. But so worth it. Because democracy works best with informed voters. Make sure you're one of them.

And tell us if you plan to vote November 6th. We'll be here...with bells on.

SKIMM PICKS

For when you're reminiscing and get misty-eyed…

Is someone chopping onions? This company helps make your memories last by turning them into cards, calendars, and more. PS: Skimm'rs get something off the price tag. Here you go.*

For when you hear we have limited edition merch…

Run, don't walk. Shop our No Excuses merch to get your red, white, and blue slash Skimm teal on. There are limited quantities, so snag your fave before it's sold out. Gotta catch 'em all.

For when you need a late night snack…

Who you gonna call? Girl Scouts. Its International Day of the Girl. And Skimm'r of the Week Sarah Mercado wants to help you help them. She's a Gold Award Girl Scout from Texas who worked to help hundreds of girls stay in school while on their periods. Learn more about her work and donate here.

SKIMM BIRTHDAYS

* indicates Skimm'bassador. Pop bottles.

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