The Daily Skimm

The Story

Virginia will become the first Southern state to abolish the death penalty.

That sounds historic.

Speaking of, time for a quick history lesson. Virginia's use of the death penalty dates back to colonial times – when a spy for Spain was executed in 1608. Since then, Virginia's put more people to death (reportedly nearly 1,400) than any other state. Since the Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty in 1976, the state has executed 113 people – second only to Texas. Now, VA lawmakers want to make sure it never happens again.

Go on.

Yesterday, the state's Democratically-controlled legislature approved a bill to end capital punishment. Gov. Ralph Northam (D) is expected to sign it and it would go into effect in July. If that happens, two Black men who are currently on death row will have their sentences commuted to life in prison without parole. In their arguments, Dem lawmakers said it was time to "stop this machinery of death" that disproportionately affects people of color. Some Republicans agreed. But most didn't, arguing that those responsible for a heinous crime should be executed. And that the death penalty can provide justice for the victims and their families. The bill sparked a broader conversation about racial justice.

How so?

Virginia's history with the death penalty shows the prevalence of systemic racism in the criminal justice sphere. For years, death sentences were explicitly decided not just by the level of the crime, but by the suspect's race. Even after anti-discrimination laws were put in place, all-white juries perpetuated systemic racism. From 1900 to 1969, Virginia executed 73 Black defendants for robbery, attempted rape, or rape. Not a single white defendant was executed for the same crimes. But it's not just Virginia's history, it's America's past and present too. Black Americans make up about 13% of the US population – but 42% of inmates on death row. And studies show there are still racial disparities in every step of the criminal justice system – Black people are disproportionately stopped by police, arrested, and unlikely to make bail.

theSkimm

Virginia's on track to become the nation's 23rd state to abolish the death penalty. But the practice is still legal at the federal level. Now, advocates hope the state's coming change can motivate others to take similar action.

And Also...This

Who's being remembered...

Elijah McClain. Yesterday, independent investigators accused Colorado police and paramedics of making several errors that led to McClain's death. In 2019, the 23-year-old Black man died after police put him in a chokehold and paramedics injected him with ketamine. Yesterday, independent investigators released a 157-page report that found that Aurora police had no justification to stop, frisk, or choke McClain. And that paramedics didn't do their due diligence in assessing McClain before sedating him. On top of that, the report argues that Aurora PD "failed to meaningfully investigate" the officers involved. The Aurora Police Dept has not commented on the findings. McClain's mother said she was relieved that her son's name was cleared from being a suspect.

An ongoing movement: McClain is one of countless Black Americans killed or harmed by police brutality. And his name was one of the many highlighted during Black Lives Matter protests over the summer.
What's next: The report recommended that the Aurora Police Dept review its training of officers. And said it needs to completely change its use-of-force policy and focus on things like de-escalation practices.

Which company still has safety concerns...

Boeing. After an engine on a Boeing 777 plane caught fire and fell apart mid-air over the weekend, the company is trying to play it safe – recommending dozens of its 777 jets be grounded. Boeing urged airlines not to fly aircrafts powered by the Pratt & Whitney engine model involved in the incident. So United Airlines (the only US co to use the specific engine) grounded all 24 of its Boeing 777 planes. And the FAA and NTSB are investigating the engine failure.

Not a good look: This is the latest controversy affecting Boeing since two fatal crashes involving the company's 737 Max jets killed 346 people. And it comes just months after 737 Max jets were cleared to come back to the skies.

What's got SCOTUS saying 'let's move along'...

Former President Trump's tax returns. Yesterday, the Supreme Court rejected Trump's last-minute efforts to keep his tax returns private. It was the latest ruling in the drawn-out legal saga for Trump, whose defense team has fought to keep his financial records sealed. And marks a victory for the Manhattan DA's office, which has tried to get a hold of Trump's tax deets as part of an investigation into alleged hush-money payments to two women. Trump condemned the decision, calling it a politically motivated "fishing expedition." Now, the DA's office is expected to get a peek at those records within days.

...Oh and speaking of the Supremes, they denied an appeal from Pennsylvania Republicans to disqualify thousands of last year's mail-in ballots.

Who Americans are mourning...

Their families. Yesterday marked 500,000 people in the US dead from COVID-19. President Biden held a moment of silence for the lives lost – more than the number of Americans who died in battle during World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam War combined.

While Daft Punk isn't living happily ever Dafter...

At least we have Obama and Bruce.

The Search Is On

Just hearing the words "job interview" can get sweat flowing. But it's the stage we're all hoping to reach after hours (and hours and hours) of searching and applying.

So when you land one, just remember STAR. It stands for situation, task, action, result. It'll help you give clear answers that prove you've got the experience and skills for the job. First, set the stage by explaining the context. Then, tell them what your role was in the situation. Next, describe what you did to handle the situation or overcome the challenge. Finally, tell them the (hopefully positive) outcome of your actions. Btw, interviews might look a little different these days. Indeed can help you nail a face-to-face convo – even if there's a screen involved. So, keep calm and job search on.

Let's talk about sex, baby. Turns out too much time with your other half can actually hurt your libido. In one survey of couples, more than 50% of women said they were having sex two or more times a week before the pandemic. And in lockdown, only 35% of them reported doing it that often. But here's the thing: Sex is proven to reduce stress, help you sleep, and boost your immune system. Which are all things we could use right now. Our guide helps you understand your sexual health so you can get in a rhythm that works for you.

PS: We also rounded up smart products to help you reenergize your sex life. Yes please.

Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life...

1. How to eat according to your genes. This company can help you under-strand which nutrients your body needs, and whether you're sensitive to stuff like gluten or lactose, by analyzing your DNA. (Get it?) PS: they're giving Skimm'rs 60% off for a limited time.*

2. Expensive-looking, timeless pieces made from 100% organic cotton. These clothes look and feel premium, but don't have the luxury markup. They're the things you'll actually want to wear when you have to get dressed.*

3. 11 devices that'll turn your place into a smart home. Turning on the lights by flicking a switch is sooo 2020. This list of genius gadgets will make you feel like you're living in the future. Watch out, Marty McFly.

PS: Like what you see here? Make sure you're signed up to get more picks like these in your inbox every Monday. We've got exclusive shopping recs, streaming ideas, life hacks, and more.

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

Skimm’rs

We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.

Spreading the love...Meldie M (CA). She's organized over 1,000 handmade Valentine's Day cards for isolated seniors in long-term care. Those recruited included her 12-year-old son, his local Boy Scout and Girl Scouts, school children, and community members.

All the warm and fuzzies...Liz C (CA). She founded Quiltlove, a company that makes custom quilts. Each quilt features artwork and messages from the recipient's support network. Learn more.

(Some) Birthdays...Julia Englander (NY), Greg Danilow, Rena Martinolich (NY), Alma Fraga (TX), Laura Libby (CO), Christine Kelly (NY), Vanessa Balzano (NJ), Cassie McQuade (TX), Andy Affleck (RI), Shannon Andre (WI), Robin Johnson (IL), Oriana Paolillo (ES), Tracey Gilliland (TX), Jamie Leder (NY), Karlee Schrunk (NE)

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

We've got cleaning recs to help you go green. Think: reusable sponges, compostable trash bags, and a reed diffuser.

And if you're looking for other smart ways to spend your time…

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Skimm’d by Maria del Carmen Corpus, Mariza Smajlaj, Clem Robineau, and Julie Shain