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| | | Quote of the Day | | | "I'll just swoosh my hair around, and then maybe turn up the angle a little bit" – A woman on finding your best look for video calls. Another thing we didn't expect to be dealing with in 2020. | | | | | |
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The Story A law China's considering is setting off alarm bells in Hong Kong. Remind me what the deal is there... Hong Kong is a semi-autonomous Chinese territory that has its own laws, courts, and economy. That's because the UK (which ruled Hong Kong for over a century) gave the territory back to China in the '90s on one big condition: that the territory keep some of its independence for at least for 50 years. The deal expires in 2047, when Hong Kong becomes fully part of China. But some residents already feel their rights are going away – and protests erupted last year. What happened last year? Millions protested a bill that would have allowed some criminal suspects to be extradited to China. The protests continued for months and at times turned violent, with police using tear gas and rubber bullets and some protesters throwing petrol bombs. The local government withdrew the bill in the fall, but activists said 'too little, too late' – and want their pro-democracy demands met. Meanwhile, the gov in Beijing wasn't happy, calling the protesters terrorists. Got it. So what's happening now? Today, China's legislature is considering a national security law that would ban "sedition, secession, and subversion" – effectively letting China bypass Hong Kong's local government and crack down on the protests. The legislation is expected to pass as early as next week. What are people saying? China's legislature says the move is necessary for national security. And that it will serve the "fundamental interests" of everyone involved. But critics say it's an overstep into Hong Kong's independence. And that it ignores the territory's Basic Law (the equivalent of its constitution) which only gives the local gov the right to pass rules like this. President Trump warns the US would react "very strongly" if China passed the law. And US lawmakers across the aisle are threatening sanctions. theSkimm China isn't the only country looking to increase its authority while the world's attention is on fighting COVID-19. See: Hungary, Poland. But critics are worried it could signal an end to some of Hong Kong's biggest freedoms and trigger another wave of protests. | | | | | |
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What's saying 'we fly high, no lie'… The Trump admin. Yesterday, President Trump said the US would withdraw from the Open Skies Treaty. The nearly 30-year agreement between 35 countries allows them to fly surveillance planes over each other's territory – so they can keep tabs on each other's military activities. It's intended to reduce the risk of war. But the Trump admin says Russia has repeatedly violated the agreement by not allowing aircrafts to fly over certain parts of its territory. And some have accused Russia of using it to gather US intel. But Russia reportedly denied it broke the treaty and called the US's decision "destructive." Now, the US is set to pull out of the deal in six months. ...Oh and add that to the list of things to brief Rep. John Ratcliffe (R-TX) on. He just got the thumbs up to serve as the next director of national intelligence. | | | | | |
Whose cases got an update… Ahmaud Arbery. Yesterday, Georgia investigators arrested the man who filmed the fatal shooting of the 25-year-old. He's the third person arrested in connection with the case – and is being charged with two crimes, including felony murder. The man, who claims he's just a witness, maintains he had "nothing to do" with the murder. But he was named in the original police report as having allegedly tried to block Arbery's path. Arbery's family – which had repeatedly called for his arrest – said they were "relieved."
Breonna Taylor. Yesterday, the FBI opened an investigation into the death of the 26-year-old EMT. Taylor was killed in her own home in March when police went into the wrong house to pursue a search warrant, according to the family's lawsuit. Now the FBI says it will make sure the "investigation is conducted in a fair, thorough, and impartial manner." This is the latest case involving police brutality toward black Americans. | | | | | |
Who could be missing the milkman, the paperboy, and evening TV... Lori Loughlin. Today, the actress and her husband are expected to plead guilty to conspiracy charges in the college admissions scandal otherwise known as "Operation Varsity Blues." Reminder: that's when dozens of parents were accused of scheming to get their kids into colleges. Loughlin and her husband were charged with conspiracy and bribery for paying half a million dollars to get their daughters into USC. They face a hefty fine, several months in prison, and hundreds of hours of community service. | | | | | |
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|  | | | Catherine the Great was an OG badass who broke glass ceilings before it was cool. As in, she took over and ruled Russia in the 1700s. So in honor of Hulu's new show, "The Great," we're partnering to bring you some wisdom from Cath herself. Preview coming in 3,2,1...
Ever faced down an uprising? (Ok if you even had to think about that… what is your life?) For Catherine, it came with the territory.
One particularly rough uprising happened in 1773. A dude named Yemelyan Pugachov tried to overthrow her. First, he pretended to be Catherine's dead ex-husband. Then Pugachov started storming through Russia with a big army, causing all kinds of trouble. It was really a LOT.
Keep reading here to see what went down next. And what you could possibly learn from this story. You got this. | | |
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| | "All Adults Here" by Emma Straub
A 68-year-old grandmother reassesses her life choices (and parenting skills) after witnessing a school bus accident in town. Cue a story about dysfunctional family life that's witty and charming. For all the "Modern Lovers" and "The Vacationers" fans…this one's for you.
PS: Need a good book to curl up with on Memorial Day weekend? Here are 11 buzzy books to choose from. Frosé not included. | | |
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| | The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting us all in different ways. No matter your situation, sometimes you just need to press pause. Enter: our picks to help you take a break…
1. Some contenders for song of the summer. Not even a global pandemic could stop a Justin Bieber banger from taking over. Enter: some competition from Dua Lipa, Missy Elliott, and more.
2. A popsicle kit. Nothing screams 'it's 5 p.m. somewhere' like some ice pops filled with booze. Add this mold and these recipes to your life for peak MDW vibes.
3. Three totally random things that made us happy: '90s bingo, a unicorn ring toss, and a wine and cheese pairing swatch.
PS: Sign up to get a list of things to do, watch, eat, and more to your inbox every Monday. | | |
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| | For when your space could use an upgrade... This furniture store's Memorial Day Clearance sale can help. Things like patio furniture, grills and fire pits, mattresses, and cookware are up to 70% off. Yes, you read that right. Run, don't walk.*
For when you're ready to turn side hustle into your main hustle… If you build it they will come. But first you need a website. Get a .store domain name for your ecommerce site with this company. It will help your customers remember you and help you sell more. Psst...Skimm's get a special offer. Get to work.*
For when your apartment is also your office is also your gym… Protect it. With this company, it only takes 90 seconds to get insured. Renter's insurance starts at $5 per month, and homeowner's insurance starts at $25. Easy peasy.* | | | *PS This is a sponsored post. | | | |
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| | Skimm HQ will be observing Memorial Day. See you back in your inbox on Tuesday. | | |
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| | 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.
An apple for...Paige O (NY). She works at Volunteers of America-Greater New York. The org's Operation Backpack gives children experiencing homelessness and those in domestic violence shelters a new backpack full of grade-specific supplies. But the pandemic has disrupted their operation and they're looking to pivot their donation and delivery model. Find out how you can help here.
Together, forever with…Kanishka C (CA). She co-founded TogetherSF, a San Francisco-based org that coordinates volunteer efforts in response to COVID-19. It's helped volunteers donate food and provide other services to local seniors and vulnerable populations. Learn more here.
(Some) Birthdays...Dr. Arielle Haves Bayer (NY), Gregg Brooke Henry (IL), Liza Andrews (NY), Peri Labovitz (GA), Octavia Obolensky (NY), Caryn Greenberg Albertson (FL), Annmarie Malgieri (NJ), Samantha Fitzsimmons (VA), Kelsey Ross (VA), Ariana Ghovanlou (CA), Caryn Cookie Albertson (FL), Priscilla Morales (MD), Violette Barrington-Janvier (CAN), Amanda Parmelee (NC)
*Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured. | | |
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| | Skimm HQ is hoping for some sun this long weekend. Share theSkimm with your friend who's ready for summer. | |  |  | | | Or use this referral link theskimm.com/?r=e98aa03e | | |
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