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Quote of the Day
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"Tempted to let him take over for the day" – Jessica Alba on her 3-year-old working alongside her. Quite the WFH perk.
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Warning: This story mentions sexual assault, which could be triggering to some readers.
The Story
Bill Cosby's out of prison.
I need a refresher.
More than 60 women have accused Cosby of sexual assault or misconduct – dating back to the 1960s. Most of the cases were past the statute of limitations. But not for Andrea Constand, who said Cosby had drugged and sexually assaulted her in his home in 2004. In 2015, he was charged just days before the 12-year statute of limitations expired in the case. The first trial took place in 2017. But it ended in a mistrial when jurors couldn't agree after six days of deliberations. Following a retrial, Cosby was found guilty of aggravated indecent assault and sentenced three to 10 years in state prison. He's already served two years. But yesterday, the Pennsylvania state Supreme Court released him.
Why?
In order to understand why, it's important to go back further in the timeline. In 2006, Cosby had reached a $3.38 million settlement with Constand in the civil suit she brought against him. A district attorney in that case promised Cosby that any incriminating statements he made in the civil case wouldn't be used against him in a criminal one. But that's exactly what a different prosecutor did to bring the criminal charges against Cosby in 2015. Fast forward to yesterday, the PA Supreme Court said 'hold up – that violates Cosby's due process rights' (for fair treatment). Now, Cosby is a free man.
What are people saying?
Many aren't happy. Cosby's conviction was seen as one of the first landmark cases of the #MeToo movement. Several of his 60 accusers expressed outrage and said they were "shocked" that Cosby could go free over a "legal glitch." Gloria Allred, who represented dozens of Cosby's accusers, called the court's decision "devastating" and made clear that "it did not vindicate" him. Meanwhile, Phylicia Rashad, who played Cosby's on-screen wife, tweeted that a "terrible wrong is being righted." Many were shocked by today's news...but not everyone was surprised.
Why do you say that?
Convictions in sexual assault cases are still rare – despite the #MeToo movement. Sometimes perpetrators just get a slap on the wrist (Brock Turner). At least 201 powerful people lost their jobs or major roles amid the #MeToo reckoning. But only a handful have been convicted. Think: Harvey Weinstein, Larry Nassar, Jean-Claude Arnault, Keith Raniere, and Allison Mack. In the US, an American is reportedly sexually assaulted every 68 seconds. Nearly 80% of attacks go unreported. And by one analysis, less than 1% of cases end in a felony conviction.
theSkimm
Amid the #MeToo reckoning, survivors of sexual assault are speaking out against their abusers. But the justice system isn't giving everyone hope for accountability.
If you or someone you know is a survivor of sexual violence and needs help, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673. More here.
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What's got everyone confused...
The Delta variant. Yesterday, the CDC director said that fully vaccinated people are "safe" from the variant and don't need to wear masks. But that mask mandates are still up to local govs. (Los Angeles county still wants people to wear a face mask indoors.) It comes after the WHO's been saying 'not so fast' and urging fully vaxxed people to keep their masks on. Israel agrees. And the UK's pushed back its reopening date because of the rise in cases. The CDC's been in the hot seat since the beginning of the pandemic for giving Americans mixed messages. (remember the whole 'to mask or not to mask' debate last year?). Now, the CDC's saying 'we hear you, but it's fine.'
Psst...If you're unsure what the guidelines are for people fully vaccinated against COVID-19, we got you covered here.
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Who's saying 'committee, unite'...
The House. Yesterday, legislators voted nearly along party lines (222 to 190) to create a select committee to investigate the Jan 6 Capitol attack. Republican Reps Liz Cheney (WY) and Adam Kinzinger (IL) joined the Dems. But in general, the GOP has been pretty anti-investigating the attack. In May, Senate Republicans blocked a bill that would've created an independent 9/11-style commission. But Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) said it's Congress's "duty" to find out the truth. Now, Republicans like Rep. Anthony Gonzalez (OH) say the committee is anything but bipartisan and independent.
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Who people are remembering…
Donald Rumsfeld. Earlier this week, the former defense sec died at the age of 88 from multiple myeloma. He had served under Presidents Gerald Ford and George W Bush. And was the youngest person to serve as defense sec. He was behind some of the US defense strategies during the Cold War. But the main focus of his legacy has been his handling of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. His family said he'll be remembered for his love and the "integrity he brought to a life dedicated to country." RIP.
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What's got people saying 'do somethin''...
Britney Spears' conservatorship case. Yesterday, a Los Angeles judge rejected the pop star's request to remove her father, Jamie Spears, as her co-conservator. The conservatorship – in which Spears doesn't have control over much of her affairs – has been going on since her apparent mental health crisis in 2008. In November, her lawyer filed a request to remove Spears' father from the position of control in her life. And last week, Spears gave testimony on her conditions – which now have her father calling for an investigation. But the judge denied her request, reiterating that she remains "substantially unable" to manage her finances and "resist fraud or undue influence." It's not the end of the case though: there's another hearing scheduled for July 14.
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Who's yelling 'scoooooore'...
Student-athletes. Yesterday, the NCAA announced it's adopting an interim policy that will allow college athletes to make money off their name, image, and likeness starting today. A bunch of states had already planned to do so. Now, these rules are just subbing in until federal legislation or permanent ones are adopted. Gameday sounds a lot more like payday.
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Dopamine dressing
When you wear clothes that you know will lift your mood. For some people, that means bright colors, bold patterns, and statement pieces. For others, it might be athletic shorts and an oversized tee.
If you're looking for a happy medium (get it?), meet Athleta's Farallon Jogger. They pull on and have an adjustable waist, but taper and pair well with fancier tops. Basically, they're chic sweatpants. And the organic cotton is so lightweight and breathable you'll wanna wear 'em alllll summer long. For mornings on the beach, nights on the couch, and everything in between. Helloooo summer uniform.
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According to a Bankrate survey, 59% of Americans have a rewards card in their wallet...but 31% of 'em didn't redeem any rewards in 2020. Jaws, meet floor.
If you're looking to get in on the rewards game, check out the Verizon Visa® Card.† Cardholders earn Verizon Dollars (which can be redeemed for things like flights and gift cards) every time they use it. Racking up 4% when they swipe at gas stations and grocery stores, 3% at restaurants, 2% at Verizon, and 1% everywhere else Visa credit cards are accepted. Oh, and by opening a new account, new cardholders can also get up to $100 in credit applied to their wireless bill over their first two years. Head here to learn more. And start getting rewarded.
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†Only available to Verizon wireless account owners or managers with 10 or fewer phone lines.
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Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. Breezy jewelry that screams 'OOO'. This new collection by Simone The Label includes timeless, versatile pieces inspired by a dreamy desert oasis. Think: gold hoops, charm necklaces, and more. And they pair perfectly with...practically everything you own. PS: Skimm'rs get 20% off. Vacation mode = activated.*
2. How to make your jetsetter dreams a reality. And save up to $500 on travel. This club sends its members the best deals. Like a roundtrip to Paris from $275. Or Hawaii from $109. Psst...Skimm'rs can join for $1 for the next 48 hours.*
3. Products under $25 that'll solve all your annoying summer problems. Like frizzy hair, makeup that cakes, and itchy bug bites. We've got solutions for all of 'em. Fun in the sun, comin' right up.
4. A sunscreen stick for kiddos with SPF 50. It's easy to carry around and shouldn't explode in a bag like some tubes of lotion. Plus it's fragrance-free, fast-absorbing, and quick to roll on. Score.
5. Some 4th of July sales to shop ASAP. You ready to save? Brooklinen is offering 15% off sitewide through July 7, while Purple is knocking $350 off pillows, bedding, and mattresses. That's right — your bedroom is about to get a full makeover. Sweet dreams.
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*PS: This is a sponsored post.
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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.
Paying it forward...Kim M (MI). She's a widow whose website, Widow 411, offers a variety of useful resources for people who've lost their partner. It includes self-help guides, grief journals, and other products to help support widows learning how to navigate a new normal.
Once a Hoya...Tiffany Y (CA). She created the Disability Empowerment Endowed Fund at Georgetown University, her alma mater. It will support disability initiatives at the university (think: scholarships, events, student group support, and more) to advance disability empowerment and access at the university. She's matching up to $50k and is calling on donors to help.
(Some) Birthdays...Maggie Greebel (NY), Donna Klein (NJ), Taylor Zinman (PA), Kim Dans (NJ), Margaret Hawk (OH), Tori Wetmore (CT), Courtney Wagner (TX), Madeline Keig (TX), Jessica Smith (MA), Isabel Stewart (CO), Becca Hubbard (LA), Clementina Reynolds (AZ), Madeline Keig (TX), John Darr (NC), Veena Rangaswami (TN)
*Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
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Skimm’d by Rashaan Ayesh, Mariza Smajlaj, Clem Robineau, and Julie Shain
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theSkimm50 West 23rd Street, Suite 5B; New York, NY, 10010, United States Update Profile
