The Daily Skimm

The Story

Not a single officer has been charged with killing Breonna Taylor.

Excuse me?

Back in March, officers served a search warrant at Breonna Taylor's apartment in Louisville, KY, where the 26-year-old Black woman was asleep with her boyfriend Kenneth Walker. The officers have said they knocked and announced themselves before coming in. Walker says he didn't hear them and thought intruders were barging in, so he fired a "warning" shot. Officers fired back, striking Breonna Taylor six times, killing her. Her death fueled nationwide protests against police brutality and racial injustice. Now, 194 days later, a grand jury is saying two (of three) officers involved were "justified" to use force. Only one officer is being charged...for endangering Breonna Taylor's neighbors.

Say what now?

Former Officer Brett Hankison was charged with three first-degree counts of wanton endangerment. Under Kentucky law, a person is guilty of the crime if they show "extreme indifference to the value of human life." In this case, investigators found that Hankison fired 10 rounds blindly into Breonna Taylor's apartment which went through a wall – putting three neighboring residents at risk. He could face up to 15 years in prison. But Det. Myles Cosgrove – who authorities say fired the fatal shot that killed Breonna Taylor – and Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly are walking free.

How is this possible?

Because it's nothing new. In the US, one analysis found that less than 2% of officers involved in a deadly shooting in recent years got charged with crimes. Kentucky's AG Daniel Cameron said, "sometimes the criminal law is not adequate to respond to a tragedy." And for months, people across the country have been calling for changes to our criminal justice laws – so things like this don't keep happening. But for now, Kentucky's governor wants the case details to be released, because Kentuckians "deserve to see the facts." And for many, the charges (or the lack of charges) were a slap in the face.

Tell me more.

Breonna Taylor's family attorney called the decision "outrageous and offensive." The NAACP and the ACLU called it a "miscarriage of justice." Lawmakers, celebrities, and athletes took to social media to share their anger and their heartbreak. And Americans nationwide showed up to protest and demand justice in New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Grand Rapids, Philadelphia, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, and Washington, DC. In Louisville, things turned violent. Two officers were shot and wounded at the demonstrations. The police said they're both in stable condition and a suspect is in custody.

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Breonna Taylor's case has caused outrage across the country. And highlights the glaring holes in the American justice system – if officers can shoot and kill a Black woman in her home...and only get charged for shooting a wall.

And Also...This

What's seeing progress…

Vaccines. Yesterday, Johnson & Johnson began its final stage of clinical trials for its single-dose coronavirus vaccine. The company is a couple of months behind other large-scale trials but it's aiming to recruit 60,000 adult volunteers across the US and several other countries for its trial – one of the largest by far. Johnson & Johnson said it could know by the end of this year if the vaccine is a success. Meanwhile, Dr. Anthony Fauci said that if a safe and effective vaccine is found, there could be enough doses for everyone in the US by April.

One step at a time: Yesterday, the FDA commissioner said that it won't cave under political pressure to get a vaccine approved quickly, and that "science will guide" its decision. But President Trump later said, 'the rules are up to me.'

Who people are showing up for…

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Yesterday, more than 100 of Ginsburg's former law clerks lined the steps of the Supreme Court as her casket was brought into the building – where family, colleagues, and members of the public paid their respects to the late justice. In a private ceremony, Chief Justice John Roberts called Ginsburg a "rock star" and said that although she had a soft voice, "when she spoke, people listened." Republicans and Democrats, including former President Bill Clinton (who nominated her to the Supreme Court in 1993), also honored her memory. Tomorrow, Justice Ginsburg will lie in state in the US Capitol – the first woman ever to receive that honor – before being buried at Arlington National Cemetery in a private service next week.

Where people are concerned...

Belarus. Yesterday, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko – nicknamed "Europe's last dictator" – was sworn in for his sixth term in a secret inauguration ceremony. Reminder: Last month, Lukashenko won reelection with 80% of the vote in what many have called a rigged election. For weeks, people have taken to the streets demanding he resign. Some members of the opposition party have allegedly been kidnapped – and his main opponent fled the country after apparent threats. Now, the opposition is calling the secret ceremony a "farce" and world leaders are jumping in – including the US, which announced it wouldn't recognize Lukashenko as the country's legitimate president.

Where people have climate change on their minds...

California. Yesterday, its governor signed an executive order ending the sale of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035. The goal: more electric and eco-friendly vehicles in the Golden State. Somewhere, Elon is jumping for joy.

What's saying 'save the popcorn for later'...

These films.

Thing to Know

60 hours

The amount of time the average person spends grocery shopping every year, according to one survey. Wide eye emoji.

Turns out aimlessly wandering the aisles, trying to concoct meals in our head, then heading home with a bunch of stuff that makes no sense together, really adds up. And that hits even harder right now, when we want to be keeping our trips to the store as short as possible.

Blue Apron to the rescue. They deliver delicious meals right to your door, complete with all the ingredients you need. So you can 'see ya' to those too-long trips and 'hey' to great dinners. Yes, please.*

Meet Nakeya. Her story starts with a divorce and a lot of credit card debt. But there's a happy ending. Watch her lay it all out here. And borrow some of her tips if you find yourself on the bad end of some big balances, too.

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

1. How to (majorly) simplify your beauty routine. Because nobody has time for 17 steps. This list has a lip balm that's also a skin salve, a concealer that doubles as sunscreen, and an eyeliner stamp to help your shaky hand. Easy, breezy, beautiful.

2. 7 signs your metabolism is lagging. An article from this wellness brand breaks down the signs of a slowing metabolism. One thing that could help? Their Metabolism Super Powder. Don't stop get it get it.*

3. The most anticipated new movies dropping this fall. Last week we gave you TV shows...now let's hear it for the big screen (er, that you're probably watching on the small screen).

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

For when your commute could use a boost…

Keep things fresh with Mentos Pure Fresh Gum. It comes in an on-the-go package that's easy to keep in the car. And it gives you the burst of freshness you need. For the road ahead.*

For when you're ready to transition out of wearing PJs to WFH…

This company is here for you. They make clothes that combine "professional" with "comfy." Aka they're perfect for work, errands, and looking good while feeling good. PS: Skimm'rs get 30% off their new dress pant yoga pants. Yes, please.*

For when you might want kids one day…

This at-home test helps you plan ahead. With physician-reviewed, personal insight into egg count and other fertility factors. For a fraction of what you'd pay at a clinic. Plus, Skimm'rs get $15 off, and the rest is HSA/FSA eligible. Take the quiz to get started.*

*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.

The gift that keeps on giving...Avery S (TN). She's the founder of SunnyBird Project, a fundraising initiative that sells baby gifts and donates 100 diapers for each product sold to the customer's local diaper bank. Oh baby.

Building women up...Nora E (NC). She's the founder and CEO of Hope Renovations, an org that provides skilled trades training to underemployed women to jumpstart their careers in construction. Learn more.

(Some) Birthdays...Charles Bonnello (NY), Nichole Twohill (CT), Fallon Mazza (PA), Virginia Rose Barbatti (MA), Rachel Stewart (NY), Hannah Sarraf (NY), Tamika Spruill (NC), Nadia Hercules (NJ), Mallory Paul (GA), Laura Moriarity (IN), Michelle Garvie (NY), Karra Barron (CAN), Sarah Ford (MA), Caitlin Davis (NC), Alayna Chabot (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