"Meat of the future" – KFC, on its plan for 3D-printed chicken nuggets. First of all, what the cluck?

Civil Rights Icons

The Story

The US just lost two civil rights icons.

Who?

Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) and Rev. CT Vivian. On Friday, Lewis died at the age of 80 after a battle with cancer. A civil rights legend, Lewis was the last surviving speaker from the 1963 March on Washington, which he helped organize. He led lunch counter sit-ins as a founding member of SNCC and was one of the original 13 Freedom Riders. In 1965, he led the famous march from Selma to Montgomery to demand equal voting rights for Black Americans – and was brutally beaten by Alabama state troopers. Images of the violence protesters faced that day – which became known as Bloody Sunday – helped win public support for the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Lewis was arrested more than 40 times in his pursuit of civil rights. But his fight continued into his service in Congress.

Go on.

Lewis was a leading advocate for voting rights. Known as "the conscience of the Congress," he continued his nonviolent activism with multiple sit-ins, on issues ranging from gun control to health care to immigration reform. And he urged people to get involved in "good trouble" – part of the title of a recent documentary about him. His passing came the same day as Rev. CT Vivian's.

Tell me about him.

Vivian was also a Freedom Rider – and a member of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr's group of advisers. He helped King run the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, which organized sit-ins and civil rights marches across the South. In 1965, Vivian led a group of people to register to vote in Selma, Alabama, where he was punched on camera by a segregationist sheriff. Both he and Lewis were recipients of Presidential Medals of Freedom – the country's highest civilian honor.

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Democrats are pushing to honor Lewis by passing legislation to restore parts of the Voting Rights Act that were struck down by the Supreme Court in 2013. Others want to rename the bridge in Selma after him. These men helped pave the way for some of the most monumental achievements in our country, but the work they started is far from over. As Lewis said in one of his final interviews – praising this year's protests – "we have come too far and made too much progress to stop now."

And Also...This

Where things are getting heated...

Oregon. The state is clashing with the federal government over the presence of federal agents in Portland. For over 50 days, protesters have turned out in the city to protest police brutality and racism. The Trump administration has sent federal agents to the area, saying it's meant to help the city get protests under control and protect federal property. While most protesters remained peaceful, others set fire to a police union building and reportedly threw cans at officers. But federal authorities are accused of responding with tear gas, batons, and rubber bullets. As tensions escalated, they apparently used unmarked vans to detain protesters. Now, the state's AG is suing the admin, accusing it of taking people into custody without explanation. And the mayor wants agents out ASAP, accusing the admin of "escalating the situation." But federal officials reportedly said they're staying put.

Where people are mourning…

New Jersey. Yesterday, the 20-year-old son of US District Judge Esther Salas died after a shooting inside her North Brunswick home. Salas's husband was also shot and is in critical condition. Authorities said the gunman appeared to be wearing a FedEx uniform and fled after the shooting. It's unclear whether Salas – who was unharmed in the attack – was targeted. The FBI, US Marshals, and local authorities are searching for the suspect. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) called the shooting a "senseless act."

What's raising questions…

This footage. Yesterday, China's ambassador to the UK was asked about a drone video allegedly showing prisoners from Xinjiang shackled, blindfolded, and being led to trains. The region is where an estimated 1 million Uighurs – a Muslim minority group in China – have been detained. The ambassador denied knowing where the video came from. And said "Uighur people enjoy peaceful, harmonious coexistence" with others. But the UK's foreign secretary said it's clear there are "gross, egregious human rights abuses going on" in Xinjiang.

What some Americans need to plan around...

This expiration date. This week is set to be the last one for more than 25 million unemployed Americans to receive an extra $600 in federal unemployment benefits. Congress is working on another coronavirus relief package, but it's unclear what benefits it'll include. This comes as COVID-19 related deaths in the US have topped 140,000.

Who's got a strong line of defense…

The Pentagon. Last week, it banned the Confederate flag at military bases around the world. But it made the change without mentioning the word "Confederate." Officials said it was to avoid upsetting President Trump, who has said the flag represents freedom of speech.

What'll have you practicing the handshake...

"The Parent Trap" reunion.

Summer is here. Check out our fave picks for the season…

1. 12 gadgets you absolutely need in your kitchen. This list has containers to keep your produce fresh, herb scissors, and a spoon designed for peanut butter jars. Chef's kiss.

2. The best motivational podcasts. Oprah? Check. Brené Brown? Check. Here are some pods for when you want career advice, inspiring stories, or insight into the (really) big questions in life. Your next chapter, coming right up.

3. Workouts based on your personality. This list pairs you with exercises that actually fit your Myers-Briggs type. Congrats on finding your perfect match.

PS: Sign up to get more ideas for ways to spend your summer in your inbox every Monday. Like recipe ideas, movies and book recs, and more.

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For when your patio is the place to hang this summer…

Make sure it's in tip-top shape. This list has floor cushions, a hammock, a Bluetooth speaker, and more. HGTV is knocking.

Skimm’rs

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.

Working together with...Erica S (GA). She recently started The BW Factor, a membership community that's supporting Black and Brown women in business. It provides an online course for people who want to become better allies to women of color. Learn more here.

Stepping it up...Jennifer P, Katie B, Renee D, and Amanda G (IA). They walked a marathon last month to help raise $7,000 for the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund.

(Some) Birthday...Marilyn Haykin (NY), Sheila Caputo (IL), Frank Levato P (IL), Gigi Rovito (IL), Emily Jacobs (MA), Melissa Pierro (FL), Paige Host (NY), Janice Kolbe (TX), Abbie Biggers (TX), Leigh Rocca (MO), Kanya Dwire (MN), Cami Williams (NY), Renée Andriaccio (TX), Claire Jones (SC), Therese Daly (NY)

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