Skimm'd while eating sweet plantains

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NOVEMBER 13, 2018

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Skimm'd while eating sweet plantains


  QUOTE OF THE DAY  

"It's not just any old thing" – Mexico's president-elect is trying to sell the presidential plane. It's not like a regular plane, it's a cool plane.

CALIFORNIA

The Story

At least 44 people have died in wildfires across California.

What's going on?

There are three major wildfires tearing through Northern and Southern California. Combined they've burned about 200,000 acres. Destroyed more than 6,000 buildings. Forced hundreds of thousands to evacuate. And killed at least 44 people. More than 200 people are still missing. And officials warn it might take weeks to get the fires fully under control.

How did it get so bad?

Multiple reasons. Typically these fires start seemingly out of nowhere, grow from strong winds, and are hard for officials to control. And then there's climate change...which is considered the cause for things like dry vegetation and warmer temps.

How did the gov respond?

Over the weekend, President Trump said the fires were due to "gross mismanagement of the forests." But these fires in CA aren't forest fires. Firefighters and others quickly called him out, with one official describing the comment as "ill-informed" and "dangerously wrong."

theSkimm

Wildfires aren't new to the state of California, but they're getting worse. The Camp Fire in Northern CA is the most destructive and deadliest wildfire in the state's history. Last night, Trump approved a "major disaster declaration" for the fires. Here's how you can help.

REPEAT AFTER ME...

Who people are remembering…

Stan Lee. Yesterday, the legendary writer, editor and publisher of Marvel Comics died at age 95. Lee started his career in the comic book world in 1939. And went on to help create some of your fave superheroes like Spider-Man, Black Panther, the Hulk, and Iron Man. You saw the cameos. He's also known for humanizing superheroes by giving them a sense of humor or making them self-conscious. Lee served in World War II and posted a day before his death to honor his fellow veterans. RIP.


What to say when it feels like the midterm elections were a week ago…

They were, but the race just ended for Rep. Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ). Yesterday, she won the Senate race in Arizona after a neck-and-neck race against Rep. Martha McSally (R-AZ). Sinema's set to become the state's first female senator, and first Dem senator in decades. Speaking of election updates, Florida. The state announced a recount for three races that were under the .5% margin of victory. And a confusing ballot may be partially to blame. Having déjà vu? Now the state's back to adding up the numbers for the governor's race between Ron DeSantis (R) and Andrew Gillum (D). And the Senate race between Gov. Rick Scott (R) and Sen. Bill Nelson (D). Also, if you're wondering WTF is going on in Georgia, here you go: Stacey Abrams (D) still hasn't conceded the race against state Sec of State Brian Kemp (R), who's ahead by thiiiis much. If neither of them gets more than 50% of the votes, it'll go to a runoff.


What to say when you hear North Korea is still building up its nukes

Looks like Iran isn't. The UN's nuclear watchdog reportedly accessed Iran's nuke sites and said everything checks out. Meaning: the country is still following the 2015 Iran nuclear deal to curb its nuclear program. Meanwhile, things in Gaza are going from bad to worse. Over the weekend, an Israeli special forces operation in Gaza didn't go as planned, and killed seven Palestinians. It led to new violence along the Gaza-Israeli border, and puts fragile ceasefire talks up in the air.


What to say when you're tired of hearing the same problems…

Fix your sh*t already. Yesterday, the Vatican told US bishops to hit pause on taking action to address the Catholic Church's decades-old sexual abuse problems. The reason: the Pope is holding a worldwide conference in February and any progress should be made after that. Because why fix problems sooner rather than later?


What to say when you hear the younger generation will save us…

Maybe not.


What to say when you need some faith in humanity…

You got a friend in Woody and Buzz Lightyear.

SKIMM PICKS

For when your laptop asks if you want to install updates…

Tomorrow. Need to keep staring at screen. This company can help protect your eyes. They make glasses that fight digital eye strain. Think: headaches, eye fatigue, blurry vision. Psst...Skimm'rs get early access to (what else?) teal frames. Get the specs.*


For when you spill coffee during your commute…

Not a good surprise. Make sure you're always putting your best foot forward. Literally. This company makes shoes with water resistant leather and waterproof rubber soles. So even if you forget an umbrella, your feet will be prepared. Skimm'rs get 25% off everything, including their new fall colors. Here you go.*


For if you're going through Obamacare open enrollment…

Text us. Skimm App subscribers get access to Text theSkimm. And this week we're partnering with HealthSherpa, whose experts will be on hand for one-on-one convos. Starting later today, they'll be answering all your Qs about open enrollment to help you choose a health insurance plan. Start a free trial of the app to get in on it.

*PS This is an affiliate section, which means if you purchase, theSkimm may get something in return. Thanks.

SKIMM BIRTHDAYS

* indicates Skimm'bassador. Cake, cake, cake.

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