Daily Skimm for May 19

The Story

The COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act is on its way to President Biden's desk.

Good. Tell me more.

The US has a long history of discrimination against the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. The bill, passed by both chambers of Congress, came in response to the rise in hate crimes against the AAPI community during the pandemic. In many major US cities, anti-Asian hate crimes rose nearly 150%. And a report from Stop AAPI Hate found that there have been more than 6,600 hate-related incidents between March 2020 and March 2021. A few months ago, a gunman killed eight people – including six women of Asian descent – in the Atlanta area. And attacks against Asian Americans in broad daylight keep happening. Now, the government is taking action.

What's in the bill?

The COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act would order the Justice Dept to put hate crimes at the top of its review list – especially those against Asian Americans. And would provide local law enforcement agencies with more resources to better document this type of violence. It would also call on HHS to work with communities to raise awareness of hate crimes against the AAPI community, especially about COVID-19. And would set up an online reporting system – which could help victims coming forward. President Biden is expected to sign it into law later this week.

What are people saying?

In a bipartisan agreement, most House Republicans supported it after behind-the-scenes negotiations. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), who helped introduce the bill, said that the Asian American community hasn't just been dealing with a pandemic – they've also faced "the virus of hate and bigotry." But over 100 Asian and LGBTQ+ groups have questioned whether the law would change the root problem of this hate. And are worried additional reporting wouldn't be enough to prevent the ongoing violence.

theSkimm

Racism against Asian Americans is nothing new in the US. But as calls to support the AAPI community and "Stop Asian Hate" have grown louder over the past few months, the government is finally taking a major step to do the same.

PS: We spoke to Stop AAPI Hate co-founder Manjusha Kulkarni about the org's impact following unprecedented surges in hate against the AAPI community throughout the pandemic.

And Also...This

Who people are talking about...

Andrew Brown Jr. Yesterday, a prosecutor said three sheriff's deputies in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, won't face charges for shooting and killing the 42-year-old Black man. Last month, deputies tried to serve warrants at Brown's home. But they shot Brown multiple times as he tried to flee the scene in his car, killing him. His death came less than 24 hours after Derek Chauvin was convicted for George Floyd's murder. And prompted days of protests calling for justice. After reviewing body cam footage, the DA said the shooting was "justified," and claimed Brown used his car as a weapon, putting deputies in danger. But Brown's family says 'that's not true' and is calling Brown's death an "execution." And want the Justice Dept to get involved. Now, the decision's sparked new protests calling for change.

On camera: Body cam footage is at the center of this conversation. While the prosecutor played some of the video, it hasn't officially been released to the public due to a NC law requiring a judge to sign off – leading to calls for greater transparency.

Skimm More: We explain why police convictions are rare.

Who's saying 'stress balls aren't enough'...

The WHO. Earlier this week, it revealed that clocking in too many hours at work is killing hundreds of thousands of people a year worldwide. The first-of-its-kind analysis looked at data from 194 countries from 2000 to 2016. And found that working 55+ hours/week led to an increased risk of stroke and heart disease. The org says working from home during the pandemic probably isn't helping either. So take this as your cue to use your PTO.

PS: Another possible side effect of overworking: burnout. Maybe you're feeling that right now. We called up a psychologist to help.

Who's giving a health update...

Medical experts. A US task force says all adults should get screened for colorectal cancer starting at age 45 – five years earlier than the current guidance. That's because more and more younger people are getting diagnosed with it – and it's the third-leading cause of all US cancer deaths.

Who will be found on the big screen…

Evan Hansen.

What's got people saying 'yuck'...

Cicadas, chicken brains, and snail slime.

You probably know the "five a day" rule. But a new study is shaking it up. Turns out, two servings should be fruit and three should be veggies. And certain foods have bigger benefits than others. Looking at you, citrus, berries, spinach, and kale.

Daily Harvest can help you get the good stuff. They have over 85 options built on organic fruits and vegetables. All delivered right to your door and ready in minutes. We're fans of the…

Chocolate and Blueberry Smoothie. Berries? Check. Leafy greens? Double check. (Because spinach plus kale.)

Butternut Squash and Kale Shakshuka. This harvest bowl = an easy, delicious way to spice up the day.

Artichoke and Spinach Flatbread. Broccoli crust FTW.

PS: Skimm'rs get up to $40 off their first box. Yum.

Asking for a Friend

Q: What's the biggest investing mistake you've ever made?

Jully-Alma Taveras: My first big mistake was not understanding that the "free money" I was getting from my company [through a 403(b) match] had what is called a "vesting period." It meant that I had to work there for three years to keep my money. When I left two and a half years in, I was forced to leave thousands of dollars behind. It was definitely disappointing. But it made me ask more questions about employee benefits next time.

Read the rest of our Q&A with Jully, aka "Investing Latina" on Instagram, who's working her way to a $1 million portfolio. And sign up to get our Skimm Money newsletter in your inbox every Friday.

Every Thursday, our Skimm Your Life newsletter gives you recs for what to buy, watch, read, and more. Here's a little preview, but you can sign up here to get more ideas like these to your inbox.

1. The comfort of a sports bra plus the style of lingerie. This female-founded brand makes leisurée. Which combines the best parts of athleisure, intimates, and swimwear. Get 15% off your first purchase.*

2. Our guide to protecting your vaccine card (in style). Aka the season's hottest accessory. Because no one needs to spend their summer worrying about losing or ripping their VIP (very important paper).

3. 22 of the best-ever books by celebrities. Bennifer may come and go, but these true Hollywood reads are forever.

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

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

1. Soothing CBD serum, lotions, and balms. That can help ease muscle tension, calm achy joints and moisturize skin. This brand is all about helping you get – and stay – well. Oh, and they're giving Skimm'rs 20% off. Soothe move.*

2. An online therapy platform that'll connect you with a licensed professional. Talkspace can help you get your mental health needs met. Whenever, wherever. Right from an app on your phone or a browser on your laptop. Get $100 off with code SKIMM120.*

3. 21 smart gifts for recent grads in your life. It's time to swap out their Solo Cups and textbooks for some stuff that screams 'I'm an adult now.' Cheers to their hard-earned diploma.

4. A 1-gallon, time-marker water bottle to keep you hydrated. Put the iced coffee down. And pick up this water bottle with a carrying strap and leakproof lid with a locking feature. Get sippin'.

PS: Like what you see here? Make sure you're signed up to get more picks like these in your inbox every Thursday. 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.

Pup-ular duo…Ali S (NY). She's a certified child life specialist, and she and her therapy dog Professor Bunsen Honeydew worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to provide comfort, joy, and play to patients at Mount Sinai Kravis Children's Hospital. Check out their fur-bulousness.

The good fight...Jennifer D (NY). She founded Everyday Activism Network, a new digital platform helping people take action on social justice issues and increase their impact. Get active here.

(Some) Birthdays...theSkimm's Maria del Carmen Corpus (NY), Abigail Wenner (MD), Clemon Maddox III (CA), Felicia Thompson (AZ), Sydney Johnson (CA), Karin Leereveld (FL), Elyse Anderson (OK), Hannah Bishop (MA), Amy Schaubert Brown (VA), Mark Janssens (NY), Taylor Webb (KY), Roshan Sharma (TX), Emma Cobb (TN), Katie Morris (MO), Aika Aluc (DC)

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

Looking to simplify your routine? We've got product recs to help you do just that. Like bins to organize your fridge, a veggie chopper, and a self-watering planter.

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

Listen to our news podcast "Skimm This" for clarity on the biggest stories of the week.
Tune in to our career podcast "Skimm'd from the Couch" for tips to build your resume.
Subscribe to our "Skimm Money" newsletter to keep up to date with your wallet.
Sign up for our "Skimm Your Life" newsletter for curated shopping, reads, and entertainment recs.
Follow us on the gram, Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook.
Download our app to get it all in one place.

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