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The Story Amid calls for justice across the country, there's been one significant step. What specifically? All four police officers involved in George Floyd's death are now facing criminal charges. Until now the only one charged was Derek Chauvin, the officer who pinned Floyd down with his knee on his neck. Yesterday, Minnesota's AG announced he's facing second-degree murder charges, updated from third-degree charges (which carry a shorter sentence). The three other officers – Thomas Lane, Tou Thao, and J Alexander Kueng – were charged with aiding and abetting murder. But recent news could escalate tensions. What news? The Justice Department reportedly gave the Drug Enforcement Agency the temporary power to conduct "covert surveillance" on protesters, potentially by collecting data from cellphones. The DEA could also apparently interview, search, and arrest protesters – which could add to the more than 9,300 who've already been arrested since last week. This comes as more than half of US states have deployed the National Guard – a measure President Trump has encouraged to instate "law and order." Not everyone's on board. Like whom? Defense Secretary Mark Esper. Yesterday, he announced he was against Trump's threat to call in the US military to quash protests. He said active-duty personnel should only be used as a "last resort." Surprise: the White House apparently didn't take that too well. And later in the day Esper seemed to backtrack. He wasn't the only one with opinions: former Defense Sec Jim Mattis denounced the president yesterday for "militarizing" the response to protests and "dividing" the country. Meanwhile, former President Barack Obama called on mayors, city councils, and police oversight bodies to review their policies on police use of force. theSkimm Since last week, we've seen Americans stand together in 50 states to demand justice and an end to systemic racism. We've seen four officers fired and charged in a climate where law enforcement officials are rarely held to task. We've seen the power that everyday citizens can have to effect change. | | | | | |
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Who's watching Hong Kong… The UK. Yesterday, PM Boris Johnson said he'd open the country's doors to nearly 3 million Hong Kong residents if China went through with its national security law. Reminder: The law would let China bypass Hong Kong's local gov and crack down on pro-democracy protests there as soon as this month. But Johnson's saying 'not so fast' and that it violates the "one country, two systems" agreement – which was the one big condition China had to follow for the UK to hand over the territory in 1997. Johnson added that he's willing to allow Hong Kongers to live and work in the UK and even get on a path to citizenship. China reportedly accused the UK of "gross interference."
...Oh and today, Hong Kong's legislature passed a controversial bill making it illegal to insult China's national anthem. Anyone found guilty of violating it could face years in jail and a $6,450 fine. | | | | | |
Who else has beef with China... The US. Yesterday, the Department of Transportation said it would ban Chinese passenger airlines from flying to America starting June 16. The reason: It's accusing the country of violating a 1980s agreement on flight operations. In March, China set restrictions on foreign passenger flights amid the coronavirus pandemic. But four Chinese carriers have since been allowed to fly to and from the US (at reduced levels). And even though US airlines (like Delta and United) wanted to restart flights, Beijing hadn't given its approval. So the DOT said 'two can play at that game.' But now, China appears to be changing its mind. Today, Chinese authorities said they would start allowing foreign airlines to operate one international passenger flight per week. The move could help ease the already high tensions between the US and Beijing (see: this and this). | | | | | |
What's on the WHO's mind… Mutations. Yesterday, World Health Organization officials said there's no evidence the coronavirus has mutated yet in ways that would change how quickly the virus spreads or affects people. *Enter brief sigh of relief here.* The WHO also reportedly said the coronavirus is "relatively" stable and that, like most viruses, it'll "evolve to live with humans" which could make it less severe.
Hydroxychloroquine. Yesterday, the WHO said it's hitting 'resume' on its trial of the antimalarial drug as a potential coronavirus treatment. Last week, the org announced it was pausing testing on the drug after a study found that it led to an increased risk of heart problems and death. But officials are raising concerns regarding how the study (and other ones like it) collected data. Meanwhile, a separate study is saying 'WHO, look at me.' It found the drug doesn't help prevent COVID-19. | | | | | |
What's hoping to make a rebound soon… The NBA. | | | | | |
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| | Money makes the world go 'round. And your spending habits can help create the change you want to see. If you're looking for ways to take a stand against racism, here are a few organizations that are accepting donations. -
The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund: a nonprofit that fights for racial justice through litigation, advocacy, and public education. -
The Bail Project: a revolving fund that helps low-income people pay bail. After a case closes and bail is returned, the same money can help someone else. -
Campaign Zero: a group dedicated to police reform and reducing violence through policy change. -
The Loveland Foundation: an org focused on providing mental health support for black women and girls. | | |
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| | We're committed to helping you spend your time well. In this moment, that means Pressing Pause on distractions, and focusing on the crisis our country is facing. Here are some recs worth checking out...
1. Anti-racist social media accounts to follow. This list suggests activists and organizations to check out on Twitter and Instagram.
2. A Code Switch playlist. Guests from the popular NPR podcast curated songs that help them through heavy times. PS: Here are eight episodes of the pod that go deep on race, identity, and culture.
3. The 1619 project. This New York Times Magazine initiative won a Pulitzer Prize for its exploration of how America was built on slavery. Read the essays, then download the audio series hosted by journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones.
PS: Sign up to get a list of more things to listen to, watch, and read in your inbox every week. | | |
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| | For when you can't get motivated to go to the grocery store... Try this online marketplace. They have thousands of pantry staples, clean wine, and more. And it all gets delivered right to you. Psst...Skimm'rs get up to $20 in shopping credit when you join today. Cue a sigh of relief.*
For when you're wiping down your counters 100 times a day… Check out these genius products that'll make cleaning a whole lot easier. This list has things to prevent kitchen messes, a dust solution, something to clean up pet hair, and more. | | | *PS This is a sponsored post. | | | |
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| | In times like these, community matters more than ever. Let us know how you (or someone you know) is making an impact by helping others.
Joining the movement...Destiney K (NY). She's a first year medical student at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in NYC. She's calling on the college to take action on the recent protest sparked by George Floyd's death including providing students with resources and avenues for community activism, among other things. So far, 35 orgs at her college have signed in support.
It takes a village...Amanda T (TX). She works at a staffing firm that places traveling nurses and allied health care providers nationwide. Since the pandemic started, the firm has staffed over 1,100 positions across the country including in NY, NJ, and CA.
(Some) Birthdays...Linda Foley (CA), Sadie Thomassen (MO), Tiffanie Terry (NC), Lauren Parent (PA), Erin Laidlaw (MI), Andrea Dempsey (NY), Luana Mendoza (TX), Kelsey Farrell (IL), Brittany Barretta (NJ), Ashley Ray (TN), Lucas Reed (CA), Courtney Smith (IA), Lisa Greenwood (MT), Jessica Asbell (GA), Angela Davis (PA)
*Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured. | | |
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| | Skimm HQ is taking time to meditate. Share theSkimm with your friend who likes to pause and reflect. | |  |  | | | Or use this referral link theskimm.com/?r=1dd176ea | | |
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