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December 9, 2021
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Daunte Wright

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The Story

The officer who shot Daunte Wright is now on trial.

Catch me up. 

In April, then-officer Kimberly Potter shot and killed the 20-year-old Black man during a traffic stop in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. Police said Wright was pulled over for his expired license plate tags and then noticed there was a warrant for his arrest. Body-cam footage showed a struggle as officers tried to handcuff Wright. Potter repeatedly yelled "Taser!” before grabbing her gun – instead of her Taser – and shooting Wright, killing him. Potter, a white 26-year veteran of the police force, resigned and is now facing manslaughter charges. Opening statements began yesterday.

What was said?

The prosecution said Potter violated her oath to protect, and instead of protecting life – she took one. They reminded the jury that she was a seasoned professional who was training another officer at that time. (Read: that she shouldn't have mistaken her Taser and her gun, especially since they have different weights and sit on different sides.) And that she apparently didn’t call for help after shooting Wright. Potter’s legal team said she “made a mistake.” They blamed Wright for not complying with police. And accused the media of smearing her when she "had to do what she had to do." She has pleaded not guilty and faces at least a decade in prison if convicted.

What’s next?

The trial is expected to wrap up by Dec 24th. In the meantime, the mostly white jury is in the same courtroom where Derek Chauvin was convicted for the murder of George Floyd. Potter, along with other witnesses, is expected to testify. The prosecution bears the burden of proof – and will need to convince the jury that Potter acted recklessly. Depending on the outcome, the prosecution says it could ask for a longer sentence. 

theSkimm

It’s not the first time an officer has mistaken their Taser for a gun. This time it ended in the death of a young father. And Americans are yet again calling for justice in the police killing of a Black man.

And Also...This

What’s got world leaders saying ‘oh, boy(cott)’...

The Beijing Winter Olympics. Yesterday, Australia, Canada, and the UK joined the US-led diplomatic boycott of next year’s games in China. Earlier this week, the Biden admin said its officials RSVP'd ‘no’ to the Olympics. The reason: China’s years of human rights abuses against Uyghur Muslims that the US gov has called a genocide. Now, three more countries are saying they’ll support their athletes from the comfort of their home country. And others could join in. New Zealand officials are also ditching the games but for COVID-19 reasons. China’s promising to retaliate against the US – though it didn’t get into specifics. 

What’s got some omicron updates…

Pfizer. Yesterday, the pharma giant said a third shot can put up a fight against the highly-mutated variant. At least 56 countries have reported omicron cases since South Africa first flagged it last month. And scientists have been scrambling to learn about the variant’s transmission, severity, and whether it evades vaccines. Now, Pfizer’s initial research shows its booster can provide a person with 25 times the antibody protection against omicron. And that while two doses are less effective, they can still prevent severe disease and death. But this is all lab data, only time will tell (read: coming weeks) if vaccines hold up IRL.

PS: There's still a lot we don't know about omicron. But here's what we do know.

Who people are talking about…

Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO). Last month, a video surfaced showing the congresswoman suggesting Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) was a terrorist. Omar, who is Muslim and wears a hijab, condemned Boebert. And has called on House leaders to take action against Boebert’s “hateful and dangerous” language. Especially since Boebert's apparently continued her anti-Muslim rhetoric. Now, Rep. Ayanna Pressley’s (D-MA) introducing a resolution to strip Boebert of her committee assignments (ring a bell?). But whether that moves forward is up to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA). 

Who could have handled things Better.com…

Better.com.

Stop the Spread

ICYMI, misinformation is putting public health at risk. Sorry. We’ll back up. Misinformation is any false information that catches on — whether the people behind it had a financial, political, or diabolical motive or not. And it’s been a thing for pretty much...ever. 

Tech (starting with the printing press and going through good ol’ social media) helps it spread faster. But our new, thoroughly fact-checked guide can help you spot it in the wild. And do your part to stop its spread. Here’s a preview of some of our tips: Vary your news diet, report fake news when you see it, and push fam and friends to look into the sources of the info they’re sharing. Head here for the rest.

Pop Cultured with theSkimm

Have you been listening to “Pop Cultured with theSkimm"? We've been breaking down the fast fashion trap (read: why to pass on that $15 dress you saw on Instagram), digging into racism in pro sports, and explaining why Meghan Markle's victory over a UK tabloid is such a big deal. Get fresh episodes every Tuesday night. Follow and listen now.

Skimm Money

Inflation doesn't just = higher prices. Meet inflation’s rude relatives: shrinkflation (when the size of a product gets smaller) and skimpflation (when quality and speed of service gets worse). All three ‘flations mean your dollar doesn’t stretch as far as it used to. Here’s how to prep your wallet (and patience) to deal with them.

Skimm Picks

Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…

1. A seriously soft mattress for seriously better Zzz’s. Consider this a sign to (finally) upgrade your sleep situation. Because Avocado’s new Luxury Plush Mattress is handmade with up to 21 layers of Mother Earth-approved materials like organic and natural latex, silk, and hemp. Nighty-night.*

2. Tinted moisturizer your skin will soak right up. No wonder it’s gone viral. This brand’s must-have cream is what happens when you combine your fave barely-there foundation, 100% clean sunscreen, and lightweight moisturizer. Aka a win-win-win. Here’s 15% off.*

3. A chic flannel that was made for fireside activities. Think: hygge, but make it fashion. This best-selling blanket shirt is warm, comfy, and oh-so-cute. Aaand sustainably made from 100% organic cotton. Even better: Skimm’rs get 20% off with code THESKIMM. Wonders never cease.*

4. Where to shop if you’re looking to support small businesses. That’s the spirit. Check out Goldman Sachs’ #MakeSmallBig Market for unique gifts for every age, interest, and style. And feel extra good as you finish your list. Get in there.*

5. Skimm-fave sneaks for the giftee who’s always on the move. Even if that’s you. These cult-fave kicks have over 7K five-star reviews and are finally back in stock after a massive waitlist. They’re also never on sale. But Skimm’rs get a veerrryyy special discount.*

6. How to grow thick(er) skin with advice from Carly Fiorina. In our latest ep of “9 to 5ish with theSkimm,” sponsored by Prime Video, we chat with the former presidential candidate slash business leader about unlearning perfectionism and working your way up. Tune in.*

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

PPS: Check out our selection of the best holiday gifts for everyone on your list.

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.

Lights, camera, action...Trevv C (NE). He launched his own freelance videography business, called Trevv Colson Media. And his family couldn’t be more proud. 

Honoring family...Jacqueline C (TN). She’s organizing a virtual blood drive in honor of her mom’s partner who passed away last month from blood cancer. People can pledge to donate in their city. Learn more. 

(Some) Birthdays...Noah Gold (NY), Julie Miller Davis (CO), Laina Petrinec (CA), Katie Sweatman (ON), Katie Langwell (OK), Nicole Zampolin (NY), Mary Ellen Albin (NJ), Marina Doyle (VA), Pooja Kini (IL), Erika Johndrow Tarquini (MA), Carrie Rhoads (AZ), Taunya Robinson (CA), Sarah Marquardt (WI), Rose Marcin (MD), Olivia Vellone (PA), Jessilyn Chwa (CA)

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

Skimm More

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