Daily Skimm

Where there’s outrage…

Tennessee. Yesterday, the state’s Republican-led House expelled two Black Democratic lawmakers over their protests in the chamber. Last week, State Reps Justin Jones, Justin Pearson, and Gloria Johnson — now known as the "Tennessee Three" — called for gun reforms in response to the deadly shooting at a Christian school in Nashville. All three were stripped of their committee assignments. And state Republicans called for their expulsion, saying the trio broke decades-old House rules and brought “disorder and dishonor" to the chamber. Now, Jones and Pearson have been voted out of office. But a third vote to expel Johnson, who is white, failed. It’s reportedly only the third time an expulsion vote in Tennessee has happened since the 1860s. There will be special elections to fill the two now vacant seats.

• The reaction: The results of the votes led to accusations of racism. Pearson said “the racial dynamic” couldn’t be ignored. And when asked why she thought she wasn’t expelled, Johnson said, “It might have to do with the color of our skin.” State Republican leaders denied that race was a factor, adding that the majority voted for Johnson to be expelled. Meanwhile, Jones said the expulsions were a “farce of democracy.”

Where tensions are rising…

The Middle East. Yesterday, the Israeli military struck southern Lebanon and Gaza in an apparent response to an earlier rocket barrage. Israeli officials blamed the Palestinian militant group Hamas for firing nearly three dozen rockets into Israel, reportedly hurting two people and damaging several buildings. It’s considered the worst violence between Lebanon and Israel since 2006. And it all comes amid high tensions as Jews celebrate Passover and Muslims observe Ramadan. Earlier this week, Israeli police raided the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound — a site that's sacred to Muslims but also to Jews who know it as Temple Mount. Officers arrested hundreds of Palestinians, drawing condemnation from the Arab world and leading to Gaza firing rockets in retaliation. Now, a UN peacekeeping force is calling the situation “extremely serious” and warning all sides against further escalation.

What’s looking to make changes…

The Biden admin. Yesterday, the Education Dept announced a proposal that would restrict schools from banning transgender athletes on sports teams. Under Title IX, sex discrimination is prohibited in federally funded schools. Now, the Biden admin wants to make sure trans athletes are covered under that law. It comes as 20 states have measures banning trans students from playing on teams that match their gender identity. The Education Dept said the plan’s to help create “equal opportunity in athletics.” But some trans rights advocates worry the change could lead to more discrimination. That’s because the proposal would give high schools and colleges the flexibility to ban some trans athletes, if fairness is a concern. The proposal will undergo a public comment period and is expected to face challenges.

Who's saying 'allow me to re-introduce myself'…

The IRS. Yesterday, the department unveiled its $80 billion plan to reinvent itself. On the to-do list: hiring additional staff, honing in on tax evasion, and updating old tech. The IRS said the funding for this project is for much-needed help since the IRS has been dealing with backlogs since the 2022 tax season.

…Oh and Speaking of tax season, a friendly reminder to file your taxes by April 18. Here are 11 forms to get done before the deadline, and here's where you can file your taxes for free. You're welcome.

Who’s getting backlash on the block…

JLo. 

Who’s reckoning with the crown’s history…

King Charles.

What’s scaring off the Peeps…

Red Dye 3.