The Daily Skimm

The Story

There's a step toward justice for Breonna Taylor.

Tell me.

Yesterday, the city of Louisville, KY, agreed to a $12 million settlement with Breonna Taylor's family as part of a wrongful death lawsuit. In March, the 26-year-old Black woman was in bed when police officers entered her apartment following a "no-knock" search warrant. The officers killed her, shooting her at least eight times in her own home. Her name became a rallying cry in nationwide protests against police brutality and racial injustice. And her family filed a lawsuit. Now more than six months later, Louisville's announced one of the largest settlements of its kind.

Go on.

Three months after her death, "Breonna's Law" was passed, banning "no-knock" warrants in Louisville. Now, part of this settlement also includes more police reforms – intended to address the errors that led to Breonna Taylor's death. Like an overhaul of search warrants, requiring officers to review and provide written approval for all warrants. And the creation of an early warning system to flag officers with disciplinary problems. Also, paramedics will be on stand-by whenever officers carry out a search, ready to offer medical help – something Breonna Taylor's family says she wasn't given.

What are people saying?

Breonna Taylor's name. Because despite this being a significant settlement, her family believes it's only the beginning. Her mom said "it's time to move forward" with criminal charges against the officers. The Kentucky AG is (still) investigating the case, and so is the FBI. But some legal experts say that under state law, the officers may be able to claim self-defense...meaning charges could be unlikely. That's because Breonna Taylor's boyfriend – who says he thought the police were intruders – fired his gun when they came into the apartment in the middle of the night.

theSkimm

In many deadly police shootings, families of the victims have waited years for settlements, and they typically come after charges have been filed. (If they come at all.) While Breonna Taylor's family may be seeing a glimpse of justice, they (and many others) are waiting for the needle to move further along.

And Also...This

What's come under fire...

ICE. Earlier this week, several advocacy groups accused an ICE detention center of "jarring medical neglect" in a whistleblower complaint. It was filed on behalf of a nurse who worked at the center in Georgia. She claimed that a suspiciously "high rate" of hysterectomies (when part or all of the uterus is removed) were being performed on immigrant women there. And that some of the women didn't seem to understand why they were having the procedure. The report also claims detainees were living in unsanitary conditions and weren't given proper medical care (even amid COVID-19). The nurse also alleges she was demoted and reprimanded for bringing up these concerns. Now, lawmakers and advocacy groups are calling for an investigation, and some are even calling for the doctors involved to have their licenses suspended. ICE said it takes "all allegations seriously."

Who signed on the dotted line...

Israel, the UAE, and Bahrain. Yesterday, the White House hosted a signing ceremony for the two Arab states and Israel. As representatives from the three countries (along with the US) put pen to paper on the Abraham Accords, they officially agreed to set up new diplomatic relations. That includes a formal recognition of Israel by the two Gulf states. And calls for the three countries to work together to establish embassies and bilateral agreements on tourism, education, and health care. The agreements are a win for President Trump, who's made foreign policy a major part of his reelection campaign.

Times are changing: Until yesterday, only two other Arab states (Jordan and Egypt) had official ties with Israel. This latest agreement brings that number up to four, and Trump said he expects more Middle Eastern countries to follow "very quickly."

What's showing some startling numbers...

This CDC report. It found that minority children in the US are disproportionately dying from COVID-19 compared to white children. Children are typically less likely to suffer severe symptoms from COVID-19 than adults, but the risk of dying is never zero. Of the 121 children who died from the coronavirus between February and July, 78% of them were Black, Hispanic, or American Indian. The report points to underlying social and health disparities among minority children – issues that have also led to minority adults being disproportionately impacted by the virus.

...Oh and speaking of COVID-19, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) says the House won't go on recess next month unless Congress agrees to a new coronavirus relief bill.

What people are bracing for…

Hurricane Sally. The slow-moving Category 2 storm is expected to hit the Gulf Coast today. Residents in some parts of Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle have been told to evacuate and forecasters are predicting "historic" flooding and winds over 100 mph. Rainfall could total up to 30 inches in some areas.

Who's sending warm regards…

Alexei Navalny. Yesterday, the Russian opposition leader snapped a selfie for the first time since being poisoned in August. And said he is finally able to breathe on his own. He reportedly plans to return to Russia to "continue his mission."

Why you'll love these 'flashy ways'…

Biggie's crown.

Stay Fresh

Feeling stuck in a rut? Same. So we partnered with Mentos Pure Fresh Gum to bring you some ways to shake things up. Because Mentos is all about fresh breath, fresh ideas, and fresh perspectives. This week, we're talking about refreshing your ride.

Take care of your cupholders. Because they're a minor detail...that you use literally every day. The solution? Put a silicone cupcake holder into each one. Then when that gets grimy, it's easy to take out and wipe clean.

Stay organized. Hang a shoe organizer with clear pockets behind your passenger seat. Then use it to keep all your car essentials accessible and off the floor. Think: phone chargers, extra masks, and hand sanitizer.

Choose your gum wisely. Mentos Pure Fresh Gum comes in a container that fits in your cupholder and is easy to pop open. So you can always grab a piece. Plus, you can say 'see ya' to gum wrappers in the cracks of every seat and 'what's up' to a burst of freshness. Now you're ready to ride.

The end of summer means it's time to check back into reality. And reality looks a little different right now (thanks, 2020). During a time when taking care of yourself is more important than ever before, we're here to help. Meet Skimm Well: it's our newest resource to help you live your smartest (and healthiest) life. Whether you're looking for tips to improve your daily routine or want help planning for the future, we've got you covered. Powered by WW (Weight Watchers reimagined).

To kick off Skimm Well, we're celebrating your victories, no matter how small. Whether you made it out of bed without hitting snooze or DIY'd lunch rather than ordering takeout, we want to recognize your wins. Tell us one thing you're proud of for a chance to win a bundle of self-care products. Go you.

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

1. A guide to fall foliage. Bookmark this prediction map to find out when and where the leaves will be falling this year. So you can plan a drive, and, you know, the perfect Insta shot.

2. 8 types of self-care and how to practice them. Turns out, learning how to bake sourdough is actually good for you. It's called intellectual self-care, sweetie. Look it up.

3. The best nail polish colors you need right now. Now's the time to say goodbye to "Ballet Slippers" and hi to something dark and moody. "Caviar Bar," this is your moment.

PS: Want more? Sign up to get weekly recs in your inbox.

For when you're starting a side hustle…

Get some eyes on it. Enter: this company. Their intuitive process will help you build a professional website. And you can make anything from a portfolio to an eCommerce store. Your new venture, meet world. Get started.*

For when you want to redecorate your bathroom…

Stay away from pink. The pink tax, that is. This company did, so their razors are only $9. And they're designed specifically for women. Psst...Skimm'rs get an exclusive offer for today only. Lookin' good.*

For when your breakfast and lunch options are getting stale…

Mix it up with this brand. They have over 75 chef-crafted recipes. Like smoothies and oat bowls for breakfast, soups and flatbreads for lunch...we could go on. Everything is 100% plant-based, gluten-free and delivered right to your door. Skimm'rs get $25 off their first box. Eat up.*

For when it's perfect jeans-and-a-t-shirt weather…

Dreams do come true. Celebrate with a new pair from this company. Their high-rise skinny jeans have the perfect balance of stretch and support. And they're made with seriously comfy fabric. Hi, fave fall outfits.*

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

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.

Never give up...Kelly E-S (MA). Three weeks before running the Virtual Boston Marathon this year, she broke her toe. But that didn't stop her. It took her over nine hours to finish the race as part of the Spaulding Hospital Race for Rehab team. Support them here.

All the awards go to...Kate S (CA). She started a do-gooder's club and is spending hours every day with a small team helping her clean up the dog poop left on sidewalks.

(Some) Birthdays...theSkimm's Eugenia Finizio (NY), Anna Bailer (NJ), Amy Bott (FL), Lauren Samuelson (FL), Makayla White (NC), Samantha Calvin (AZ), Johanna Ernst (CA), Tess Beeler (GA), Kathleen Kuhar (MO), Stephen Scibal (PA), Alex Salvatore (CA), Natalie Hachem (MA), Stacey Roshan (MD), Mary Evert (NE), Sarah Meredith (TX)

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

Skimm’d by Maria del Carmen Corpus, Mariza Smajlaj, Ellen Burke, Niven McCall-Mazza, and Clem Robineau