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Quote of the Day
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"I stopped trying to be cool in 1987" – Rob Lowe on playing lots of board games in quarantine. He quit that Trivial Pursuit long ago.
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The Story
Wisconsin's governor is calling for change after the shooting of Jacob Blake.
What happened?
As a reminder, cellphone video was released that showed police in Kenosha, WI, shooting Blake in the back multiple times on Sunday. Police say they were responding to a domestic incident, but haven't provided any other details on what happened. Witnesses say Blake was trying to break up a fight. Blake's currently hospitalized and his family says he's paralyzed from the waist down. The family lawyer said it would "take a miracle" for him to ever walk again, and that three of Blake's kids witnessed their dad get shot.
Are the officers being charged?
TBD. They're currently on leave while the state Department of Justice investigates the shooting. If it sounds familiar, it's because it is. And many Americans are fed up. Including Blake's sister, who spoke out and said she had been "watching police murder people" that look like her for years. And demanded change. Something Gov. Tony Evers (D-WI) said needs to happen on the state level.
Like what?
He's ordered a special legislative session starting Monday to consider a package of police reform bills. They'd ban chokeholds, end no-knock warrants, and require an annual statewide report on police use of force, among other things. The Republican-led legislature is saying 'let's not do anything hasty.' But they're going to feel some pressure.
Explain.
Despite a curfew and the arrival of the National Guard, protests in Kenosha are ongoing, but some have turned violent. Three people were shot at the protests last night and two were killed, according to authorities. Elsewhere, protesters from Minneapolis, New York, and Washington, DC have joined in the calls for justice for Blake. Celebrities like LeBron James have spoken out. The Detroit Lions canceled practice to talk about police violence. And the Toronto Raptors are reportedly considering boycotting an NBA playoff game.
theSkimm
Black lives matter. There shouldn't need to be protests to get that point across. But as long as Black Americans continue to be disproportionately shot and killed by police, Americans are continuing to fight for change.
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What's breaking with tradition…
The Republican National Convention. The RNC's second night was held around a theme of the "Land of Opportunity" as we heard from several of President Trump's family members. His children, Tiffany and Eric, took the stage to support their father's fight for freedom and for those "who embody the American Spirit." The president himself appeared on screen as he held a naturalization ceremony at the White House, praising legal immigration. First lady Melania Trump spoke about her own immigration story, thanked frontline workers, and offered her condolences for those affected by COVID-19. She added that "you always know" what her husband's thinking, and that his leadership is needed "now more than ever." And Secretary of State Mike Pompeo – whose speech, recorded in Jerusalem, may violate State Dept guidance – commended Trump's achievements in foreign policy and in keeping Americans "safe and our freedoms intact."
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What may have to play defense…
The NFL. Yesterday, two Black former NFL players sued the league alleging discrimination in the 2013 concussion settlement. Reminder: the NFL reached a $765 million deal with thousands of former players who have brain injuries stemming from football (like: ALS, dementia, Parkinson's disease). But Kevin Henry and Najeh Davenport's lawyers claim that the league's doctors use different standards for dementia tests for Black players vs white players. And that the NFL "explicitly and deliberately discriminates on the basis of race" since this process assumes Black players have lower cognitive functioning than white players. An NFL spokesman called the lawsuit "entirely misguided."
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Multiple penalties: This is the latest allegation against the NFL settlement that has faced accusations of things like delays, predatory lenders, fraud, and a lack of transparency. And comes as the league begins to acknowledge that it's dismissed multiple concerns from its Black players (see: Colin Kaepernick).
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What's saying 'welcome to the club'...
The Dow. Quick market talk: the Dow Jones Industrial Average is an index made up of 30 major company stocks. Investors often look at its performance as a benchmark for how the market's doing overall. And thanks to Apple, it's getting a makeover. Apple recently announced it's enacting a four-to-one stock split, which would have decreased the tech sector's representation in the Dow. To make up for that, Exxon Mobil, Pfizer, and Raytheon Technologies are getting the boot. And Salesforce, Amgen, and Honeywell are entering the big leagues. It's the largest shakeup since 2013 and is set to take effect August 31.
Skimm More: Stocks have been on a wild ride this year. Here's how to know when to say 'I'm out.' And when to stay calm and invest on.
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What's bringing us some good news…
Africa. Yesterday, the continent was declared 'wild poliovirus free' – a historic milestone that's been decades in the making. Wild polio paralyzed an estimated 75,000 children in Africa each year in the '90s, but the last case was reported in Nigeria four years ago. But the fight isn't officially over yet. Vaccine-derived polio – when virus particles in some vaccines mutate to cause paralysis – still poses a threat in several African countries but is typically pretty rare.
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"Forward Into Light"
A saying that became a rallying cry for the women's suffrage movement. It's said that it was used on banners and signs at marches and demonstrations.
Thanks to the women who marched, we've come so far. Last week, we celebrated the 100th anniversary of when the 19th amendment was ratified, securing women's right to vote in the Constitution (though many women of color still couldn't cast their ballots). And today, August 26th, marks the day that it was signed into law.
In honor of this moment, the Women's Suffrage Centennial Commission is celebrating. Tonight, they're lighting up buildings and landmarks across the country (think: places like the White House, the Kennedy Center, and Niagara Falls) in the colors of the movement, purple and gold. Find out which landmarks are participating in your city here. And go here for more info about other programs and initiatives from this bipartisan group of women leaders.
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Because life isn't always all rainbows and smiles, we've got a rainbow de-stress ball that'll be your main squeeze for managing stress. Or you can color your way to zen with a curse word coloring book. We swear it works. Check out more of our favorite de-stress products here.
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Here are our favorite picks to help you take a break today...
1. 17 things you need if you really, really love wine. Like a DIY sangria kit, filters to prevent hangovers, and adorable rosé espadrilles. Nothing to wine about here...
2. Pro makeup tips you've never heard before. Good news: we now have weekend plans. Live from our bathroom, it's…a night spent in front of the mirror.
3. 35 questions to ask your partner at every stage of a relationship. L is for...this list of things to discuss. Happily ever after, coming right up.
PS: Want more? Sign up to get weekly recs in your inbox.
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For when you're starting to think "comfortable bras" are a myth…
This female-founded brand begs to differ. Their no-wire bras are so comfy, their crew has coined them "the no-bra bras." And 70% of their customers have gone wire-free. Psst...Skimm'rs get 15% off their first purchase. Believe the hype.*
For when you've spent the last few months making your home an oasis…
We must protect this house. Time for a security system from SimpliSafe. You can order online and set it up yourself in under an hour. And you'll be covered for break-ins, fire, water damage and more. PS: Skimm'rs get 20% off and a free gift. Get started.*
For when you hit snooze five times this morning…
Waking up is hard to do. Make it easier with Metabolism Super Powder from this wellness brand. It enhances energy, eliminates bloat, and controls your cravings naturally. Oh, and Skimm'rs get 20% off sitewide. Get moving.*
For when you've kept your house plants alive all summer…
Reward yourself by revamping your space. This furniture store has great finds no matter what your budget is. Plus flexible financing and free shipping on thousands of products. It's all on the table.*
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*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.
Taking a stand...Alex A (NY). She co-founded Collaborate Against Hate, an org that's providing a free webinar series with leaders from various cultural orgs. The goal: to educate and empower teens and young professionals to stand up to all forms of hate. Check them out here.
Run away with...Beth B (WA). She's the founder of Running Evolution, which specializes in coaching non-runners. It's aiming to expand globally with its virtual classes. Learn more here.
(Some) Birthdays...Shari Ager Michaels (IL), Kendall Carpenter (MA), Jamie Yezzi (GA), Kelly Kerschner (NC), Kayleigh Brickman (VA), Samantha Scibilia (PA), Micaela Branecky (TN), Jennifer Burnley (NJ), Meghan Erdman (DE), Alyssa Bass (TX), Genera Nelson (MD), Kelsey Moe (MI), David Dockery (AL), Steph Jeffirs (SC), Elana Black (NY)
*Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
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Skimm’d by Maria del Carmen Corpus, Mariza Smajlaj, Ellen Burke, Niven McCall-Mazza, and Clem Robineau
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theSkimm50 West 23rd Street, Suite 5B; New York, NY, 10010, United States Update Profile
