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June 25, 2021

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Skimm'd while talking to GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis

Quote of the Day

"He took some big steps and then he took off" â A St. Louis Zoo vet after they gave Enrique, an elderly penguin, custom shoes to help with his arthritis. He's got some new balance.

Missing Children

The Story

Canada has failed its Indigenous youth.

Tell me.

We're talking about residential schools. Since the 1880s, Canada has funded about 150 boarding schools, most run by the Catholic Church. The goal: to forcibly assimilate Indigenous kids into Canadian society. More than 150,000 Indigenous children were forced to go to these schools â forbidden from speaking their native language or performing cultural practices. At least 4,000 never returned home. Their parents were given no explanations. Officials called them "missing children." But it's not a thing of the distant past: the last of these schools shut their doors in the late 1990s. Now, unmarked graves are being discovered â shedding a light on Canada's dark past.

Go on.

Last month, the Tk'emlÃºps te SecweÌpemc First Nation discovered a burial site of 215 children on former school grounds in British Columbia. This week, the Cowessess First Nation said they found the graves of an estimated 751 people in Saskatchewan â many reportedly children. Overall, Indigenous communities have found hundreds of unmarked graves throughout Canada. And it's not yet clear how they died. Diseases like tuberculosis were rampant back then. Many children suffered sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. Priests and monks reportedly impregnated girls, incinerating the infants after birth. And schools buried the bodies near or on school grounds to save money.

What are people saying?

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau vowed to help Indigenous communities â and the gov's dedicated some money to help with searches. Pope Francis has called the discovery "sad." But the Catholic Church has yet to apologize for its role â something many continue to call for. One Indigenous leader called the atrocities a "crime against humanity." And communities have vowed to continue their search in efforts to get some sense of closure. Meanwhile, in the US â where similar schools existed in the 19th and 20th centuries â the Interior Dept is launching its own review.

theSkimm

For generations, the systemic abuse of Indigenous people has been dismissed. Now, Canada's forced to face its dark past while communities are still trying to heal from generations of trauma.

And Also...This

What's moving forward...

The infrastructure plan. Yesterday, President Biden announced the White House had struck a bipartisan deal with a group of senators. In late March, Biden intro'd his $2 trillion wish list. But Republicans took one look at the price tag and the corporate tax rate hike needed to pay for it and said 'that's not going to work for us.' Lawmakers and the White House got back to the drawing board in hopes of passing a plan everyone can get behind. Now, the White House and 21 senators agreed to spending $1.2 trillion over eight years for things like roads and bridges, EV chargers, and broadband internet. But as with most negotiations, not everyone is happy. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) called the deal "pathetic." Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) was not pleased that Biden is still pursuing the rest of his progressive wish list items without Republican support. Next up: considering the Senate is divided 50-50, Biden's going to need all Dems and at least 10 Republicans on his side to push the infrastructure plan through.

Why now: The push for an upgrade has been happening for years. Engineers warn that until US infrastructure is revamped, consumers and businesses will have to bear the brunt of the various costs.

...Oh and speaking of things on the Biden admin's priority list, the CDC extended the eviction moratorium to July 31.

What people are paying attention toâ¦

Surfside, Florida. Yesterday, a 12-story condo building near Miami Beach partially collapsed. At least one person died, and 37 others were rescued from the rubble. 99 people are still missing. Officials are investigating what caused the building to collapse. But a recent study reportedly found that the building showed signs of sinking since the '90s. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) called the event "traumatic" and declared a state of emergency.

Who people are talking aboutâ¦

Derek Chauvin. Today, the former Minneapolis police officer is scheduled to be sentenced. In April, a jury convicted Chauvin for murdering George Floyd last year when he kneeled on Floyd's neck for over nine minutes â all while the 46-year-old Black man cried out he couldn't breathe 27 times. Today at 2:30pm ET, a judge is expected to deliver a sentence for the most serious charge: second-degree murder. Prosecutors are recommending 30 years in prison, while Chauvin's lawyers are asking for probation. Some experts predict he could be sentenced to 12.5 years in prison, given he has no prior criminal record.

PS: Police convictions like this are rare. We explain why here.

Who temporarily can't practice lie, oops, 'law'...

Rudy Giuliani. Yesterday, a New York court suspended President Trump's former personal lawyer from practicing law in the state. The reason: lying to courts, lawmakers, and the American public while pushing the lie that the 2020 election was stolen. Giuliani reportedly called the court move a "one-sided decision" and may appeal.

What's saying 'message received'...

Canada Goose.

Pride Month is coming to a close. But when it comes to LGBTQ+ issues around the world, there's still a lot more work to be done. We spoke to President and CEO of GLAAD, Sarah Kate Ellis, on this week's episode of "Skimm This" about how the US is working toward prioritizing LGBTQ+ rights in America's diplomatic dealings around the world.

Skimm Reads

"Seven Days in June" by Tia Williams

Warning: things are about to get steamy up in here. In this super buzzy novel, a bestselling erotica author and single mother has a surprise run-in with an award-winning novelist at a literary event in NYC. Turns out they actually spent one hot and heavy week together 15 years ago. And before they can fully rekindle their former fling, they'll have to cope with some serious stuff from their pasts. It's a 'cancel all my plans, I have to finish this right now' kind of read. So maybe don't overload your calendar this weekend. Take it from us.

Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter lifeâ¦

1. Everything you need for a good night's sleep. Tuft & Needle's mattresses are breathable, heat-wicking, and ship to your door. And they're wallet-friendly, just like all their other bedroom products (hi, foam pillows). Shop now for up to 20% off mattresses and 10% off bedding.*

2. Hydrating af coconut water. Because hot girl summer calls for refreshment. This brand ethically and sustainably sources their (single) ingredient from organic Thai coconut farms. So you can feel good about your purchase. PS: Skimm'rs get 20% off their first one. Plus free shipping.*

3. Comfy and lightweight shoes to wear this summer. A world without blisters, aching arches, and sweaty feet? We can feel it now (and it's toe-tally awesome).

4. Sex toys for every person and preference. So you can explore your body, explore your partner's body, and explore your body with your partner. Time to heat things up.

5. Pimple patches that'll help fight breakouts overnight. These hydrocolloid patches cover breakouts and reduce inflammation. They work to extract pus, healing the skin along the way. Looking good.

6. Products that'll help keep your kids entertained for hours. School's out and the camp counselor of the house is...you. Here's everything you need to bring the fun.

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

â Savings based on 2 deliveries per week vs. non-member $7.95 fee.

Skimmârs

This Pride Month, we're recognizing LGBTQ+ leaders, businesses, & orgs for doing great things in the world and in the community.

Building community...Kevin H (MI). He founded the Detroit Regional LGBT Chamber of Commerce, which has developed partnerships with major corporations. And helps advocate for inclusive business practices. Check it out.

Cover stars...Madelyn & Margo W. They're transgender identical twins who are taking the modeling world by storm. And are fierce advocates for the LGBTQ+ community. Instas here and here.

(Some) Birthdays...Jeffrey B Lane (NY), theSkimm's Erin Lueck (NY), Amanda Wasserstrum (NY), Joelle Reynard (CA), Miranda Tollman (CA), Terry Crowley (FL), Brett Griffin (NY), Anna Moseley (CA), Julie Kubacki (NY), Renee Daly (CA), Caroline Chung (TX), Kate Stevens (MN), Kendall Wood Akey (NY), Ken Campbell (FL), Kara Zawacki (NY)

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

Our guide has you covered with our fave products from LGBTQ+-owned brands and small businesses.

And if you're looking for other smart ways to spend your timeâ¦

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