The Daily Skimm

The Story

Former President Trump's impeachment trial continues.

What did I miss?

Yesterday, House Democrats had the floor to make their case that Trump incited the January 6th Capitol siege. First, they've been laying out the statements Trump made in the months leading up to the attack. That includes repeated, baseless claims that the 2020 election would be rigged. Invitations to the protest on Jan 6th. And language that seemed to endorse extremists (remember "stand back and stand by"?). After that, the House impeachment managers focused on the attack itself.

What did we learn?

Dems showed new footage, reminding senators (and the public) how much worse the outcome could have been. That includes how physically close rioters came to then-VP Mike Pence. And how Capitol Police officer Eugene Goodman ushered Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT) to safety. The third part of the impeachment case focuses on the harm this attack has caused. House Democrats continue their case today. Then Trump's defense team gets a chance at the mic.

That's a lot.

It's not the only case against Trump. Georgia prosecutors have launched a criminal probe into Trump's attempts to overturn the election results there. It'll look into Trump's phone call to Georgia Sec of State Brad Raffensperger (R), in which the then-president pushed him to "find" enough votes to reverse the election results. Prosecutors are looking at several potential charges related to his alleged "attempts to influence" the state's 2020 election. A Trump adviser said the investigation is part of Dems' continued "witch hunt" against the former president.

theSkimm

The events of January 6th, 2021, left a stain on this country that our elected officials are still struggling to process. But even as House Democrats face an uphill battle to convict Trump for incitement, prosecutors are opening up the possibility for other avenues to justice.

And Also...This

What researchers have been focusing on...

Double masking. Yesterday, the CDC released a new study affirming that two's better than one when it comes to face masks. And that a surgical and cloth mask combo can block nearly 93% of cough particles. (Here are some tips on how to properly mask up.) The health agency also updated some guidelines, saying that fully vaccinated people (again, two's better than one shot) can skip quarantine if they've been exposed to an infected person.

PTSD. Earlier this week, a UK study revealed that a third of COVID-19 patients who were on a ventilator suffered post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. The most common were flashbacks (think: things like images of an ICU room, doctors in PPE, and ICU patients). And one in five who were only admitted to the hospital also reported symptoms of PTSD. The study's raising awareness about the need for mental health services for COVID-19 survivors, who may experience short- or long-term effects.

Where the pressure's mounting…

Myanmar. Yesterday, the Biden admin ordered new sanctions against the Southeast Asian country's military. Earlier this month, the junta (Myanmar's military) arrested civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, declared a state of emergency, and took power. The reason: alleged fraud in last year's elections. Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets in opposition and have been met with water cannons, rubber bullets, and tear gas. Now, the Biden admin says the sanctions will target junta leaders and limit the military's access to $1 billion of Myanmar gov funds being held in the US. President Biden and the UN have called for Suu Kyi to be released.

Where people are trying to score the latest invite to...

Clubhouse. No, not a real club (because, COVID-19). Think of it like Zoom but without the cameras. Or like a live podcast. The invite-only app is all the rage lately. And like with any popular app, Facebook's apparently trying to catch up.

When you think you miss your commute…

Think again.

When you realize it's not Friday yet…

It will be soon.

Thing to Know

1 in 8

That's how many women in the US will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. And 9% will be younger than 45.

Scary, but there are things you can do. Like finding out if any close relatives have had cancer, what kind of cancer they had, and the age when they were diagnosed. Then telling all that info to your doctor, so they can help you plan your next move. That's why the CDC's Bring Your Brave campaign is helping women identify, manage, and lower their risk for breast cancer. Learn more here.

The pandemic has taught us a lot of new vocab words...from fun ones like "quaranteam" to the not-so-fun. Like "shecession." That's a nickname for the current economic downturn, which is disproportionately affecting working women. Especially women of color.

Tomorrow, the Skimm Money newsletter is going deep on all things shecession. Think: how more than 2 million women have already left the workforce, why impostor syndrome is especially harmful right now, and more. Sign up to get Skimm Money in your inbox tomorrow afternoon.

Here are our favorite picks to help you take a break today…

1. Super comfy shoes you'll wear everywhere. These 2020 Skimm Faves are still on our minds...and back in stock after having a 20k waitlist. They're cute af, sustainably-made, and slip right on. PS: Skimm'rs get 15% off for a limited time. Grab 'em while you can.*

2. Things to buy this February that give back to great causes. Like a shirt inspired by Diana Ross, a DIY bracelet kit, and a hand-woven raffia basket. Did we mention proceeds benefit BIPOC communities and organizations like the NAACP and ACLU? 'Cause they do.

3. 25+ easy winter meals for when you're really not in the mood to cook. We just took a DNA test, turns out we're 100% lazy when it comes to making dinner this time of year. Here's what to whip up if you can relate.

PS: If you've liked what you've seen here, you're going to want to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Because ICYMI: this section will be leaving the Daily Skimm soon. Sign up so you don't miss out on all our gift guides, streaming recs, life hacks, and more.

For when you toss and turn every night…

Might be time for a new mattress. Avocado Green has super comfy and 100% organic ones. And great, environmentally-conscious pillows and bedding. PS: Almost everything's on sale right now. Avoca-do it.*

For when you're trying to make wellness a priority...

Oprah can help. Obviously. She's hosting a free live virtual event all about self-love with WW (formerly Weight Watchers) on February 13. Nbd, but James Corden, Ciara, and Jennifer Garner will be there. Sign up here to join them.*

For when you could use a little (okay, a lot of) TLC...

Break out your old CDs. Jk. Sign up here to enter our giveaway to win gift cards for Bellesa Boutique sex toys and more free surprises to help you celebrate V-Day all month long. Do it to 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.

Making waves...Anupa A (CA). She is the campaign manager for the World Surf League's nonprofit branch PURE, where she launched the "We Are One Ocean" campaign. The effort urges world leaders to adopt a plan to protect at least 30% of the global ocean by 2030. Learn more.

Serving up some good...Kerry S (NJ). She founded a women's pickleball club called the Pretty Picklers. And her team donated more than $10,000 to various charities through their "We Serve" initiative. Check it out.

(Some) Birthdays...Lois Beckley (WA), Stacey Leiman (NY), Kori Lay (CA), Delia Moran (NY), Joana Buck (VA), Amy Dang (TX), Lauren Schaffer (IL), Ashley Blick Harrier (FL), Maya Wise (IL), Toni Arrigo (NJ), Courtney Uselton (PA), Katie Haynes (AL), Stacey Leiman (NY), Chrissy Jones (TX), Lane Whitcomb (MI), Bonni Seidmon Kolb (IL)

*Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.

Skimm’d by Maria del Carmen Corpus, Kamini Ramdeen, Clem Robineau, and Julie Shain