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 QUOTE OF THE DAY  |
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"Mars (of which the Moon is a part)" – President Trump thinks that the moon is part of Mars. Who wants to tell him?
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The Story
Hundreds of thousands of people in Hong Kong protested a potential new law yesterday.
More specifics would be great.
Organizers say more than 1 million people turned out to protest a bill that would let suspects of certain crimes be extradited to mainland China.
Why China?
Because Hong Kong is a semi-autonomous Chinese territory. Even though Hong Kong has its own legal and political systems, many have been wary of China's influence over the region through the years – especially since President Xi Jinping has taken office.
Why's that?
He's taken a harder stance against dissent in Hong Kong – which has typically been a safe haven from China's communist rule.
Hm. So what are protesters saying about the bill?
They're worried it would give China more control over the region. And because the Chinese legal system is seen as secretive, some think that suspects could be tortured or face other human rights abuses. Businesses are also concerned that the bill could harm Hong Kong's reputation as an international financial center, since its legal system would be more closely tied to China's.
What's the world saying about it?
Countries like the US, the UK, and Canada have said they're concerned about the proposal. And US lawmakers said this could "negatively impact" its relationship with Hong Kong. Meanwhile, Hong Kong says that only serious crimes would fall under this law, and it wouldn't apply to political crimes. That it would monitor cases of potential abuse for those that are extradited. And that it wouldn't let the city's reputation take a hit.
So how likely is it that this will actually take effect?
It seems that the government has enough votes to pass it – and it could vote on it sometime this month.
theSkimm
30 years after the Tiananmen Square massacre, the Chinese gov is still cracking down on those who aren't afraid to speak out against it. And this weekend's demonstration – which was one of the largest in Hong Kong's history – serves as a stark reminder of how much influence the country yields beyond the mainland.
Skimm More: Our app has an audio ep on the 30th anniversary of Tiananmen Square and how China works to keep political dissent under control today.
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Who people are thinking about…
David Ortiz. Yesterday, the former Boston Red Sox star was shot. Ortiz – who helped the team win three World Series titles – was at a bar in the Dominican Republic (where he's from) when a gunman shot him from behind. Ortiz had surgery and is in stable condition. Two other people were also reportedly injured. Police say the suspect was captured and that they're still trying to figure out a motive.
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Who's tired of hearing the word 'tariffs'…
Mexico. On Friday, President Trump announced that tariffs against Mexican goods were "indefinitely suspended." Late last month, Trump said the US would slap a 5% tariff on all Mexican imports until "the illegal immigration problem is remedied." And said an extra 5% increase would happen every month until the number hits 25%. On Friday, officials said 'nvm, we're good.' The reason for the change of heart: Mexico is agreeing to deploy thousands of troops to the country's border with Guatemala in the hopes of reducing the amount of migrants headed to the US. And take in more migrants seeking asylum in the US while their cases play out.
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Where people took to the polls…
Kazakhstan. Yesterday, it held its presidential election. It was the first time Nursultan Nazarbayev – who led the country since it became independent from the Soviet Union in the 90s – wasn't on the ballot. Many assumed the authoritative leader would run in next year's planned elections. But, earlier this year, he unexpectedly resigned and a snap election was called. The former prime minister – and a Nazarbayev ally – Kassym-Jomart Tokayev became acting president, and was expected to win this snap election easily. Although there were seven candidates on the ballot, people showed up to protest saying that the election would not be free or fair. That's in part due to the fact that Nazarbayev handpicked Tokayev to be his successor. Police detained about 500 people during the protest. Exit polls are currently showing Tokayev in the lead by…a lot.
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Who has a little more money in his pocket…
Hugh F Culverhouse Jr. On Friday, the University of Alabama said it's giving back all the money it had received in donations from Culverhouse, and removed his name from the university's law school. Culverhouse is a real estate investor and lawyer who was born and raised in Alabama. Last year, he pledged to donate a record $26.5 million to the school. But then, the state of Alabama passed a restrictive abortion law that would make nearly all abortions a felony. Culverhouse called for a boycott of the school and the state over the law. And now, the school is returning his money, saying it was because of his "ongoing attempts to interfere in the operations." He called the decision a "charade" and pointed to Gov. Kay Ivey (R), who signed the abortion bill into law and is a voting trustee of the school.
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Who's popping some well-deserved champagne…
Ashleigh Barty. Over the weekend, she won the French Open for her first Grand Slam title. She is the first Australian woman to win the tournament since 1973.
Rafael Nadal. Yesterday, he won his 12th French Open title. Now, he has 18 Grand Slam trophies. Which means he's two behind Roger Federer's men's record of 20. Underachiever.
Italy. Yesterday, the team played its first Women's World Cup game since 1999...and won. And the tournament is just getting started.
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Skimm This. Our daily podcast will have you thinking 'how about the International Space Station?' for your next trip. We explain how NASA wants to help make your vacation…out of this world.
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What has the Potterhead in your life creeped out…
Dobby…is that you?
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Tomorrow is the day. "How to Skimm Your Life" will officially be on sale. That means it will be in bookstores, on coffee tables, bookshelves, and in your hands. We can't believe it's here. If you haven't ordered a copy yet, there's no better time. Get it here. Pencils down.
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For when you drank Aperol Spritzes all weekend…
'Tis the season. It's also the season for new clothes. Madewell's summer collection is here (think: lightweight denim, dresses and sandals). Skimm'rs get an exclusive 15% off. Heads up, the deal's over on Wednesday. Go, go, go.*
For when your millennial burnout is showing…
Hit refresh. This online service makes it easy to get matched with a licensed therapist and start sessions from your phone. No office necessary. Skimm'rs get something off the price tag. Find out more.*
For when your dad's impossible to shop for...
He's not a regular dad, he's a cool dad. We got you. Find the perfect present in our Father's Day gift guide. One and done.
For when you're making the jump from lip balm to lipstick…
Get ready for the glow up. This cosmetics company makes limited edition palettes minus sh*tty chemicals and animal testing. Oh, and Skimm'rs get 20% off. Here you go.*
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*PS This is a sponsored section, which means if you purchase or sign up, theSkimm may get something in return. Thanks.
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Buying some peanuts and Cracker Jack for...Alanna S (CA), who just got hired as the first female physical therapist for the New York Mets.
Raising a glass to…Hannah L (MI), who won third place in her first-ever literary contest for a short story in October Hill Magazine.
(Some) Birthdays…theSkimm's Elyse Steinhaus (NY), Scott Stanford (CA), Allison Katz (NJ), Heather Shapiro (FL) Gabi Richter (NY), Linda Topal (CA), Pat Fischer Doak (NY), Millie Moncada (NY), Jeremy Auerbach (CT), Barbara Hamilton (KY), Brooks Vickery (TX), Kirby Clark (VA), Pat Gustafson (MN), Shay Kak (AZ)
*Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
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theSkimm50 West 23rd Street, Suite 5B; New York, NY, 10010, United States Update Profile
