Earlier this month, police pulled over the 29-year-old man in Memphis, TN, for reckless driving. During the traffic stop, police say they had two “confrontations” with Nichols, who then tried to flee on foot. Police then say he suffered from shortness of breath. And was sent to the hospital in critical condition. He died three days later. Preliminary findings revealed Nichols “suffered extensive bleeding” caused by a “severe beating.” The five officers involved in the incident have since been fired.
And now?
Yesterday, all five officers were charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct, and official oppression. They each face up to 60 years in prison. Nichols’ family — which has compared the incident to the 1991 beating of Rodney King — says the arrests give them “hope.” And that they will “continue to push for justice.” In the meantime, many are awaiting the footage.
What’s the latest?
The city is set to release police body cam footage tonight. It comes after the Nichols family described the video showing officers beating Nichols like “a human piñata” for three minutes.The city’s police chief urged residents to protest peacefully after seeing the video, despite calling the fired officers’ actions “heinous, reckless, and inhumane.” Meanwhile, there are multiple ongoing investigations into the incident, including civil rights investigations from the Justice Department and FBI.
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Tyre Nichols’ death marks the latest high-profile death of a Black man — in this case, at the hands of Black officers. It comes as the US continues to experience a reckoning over how race may play a role in everyday police interactions — and the disproportionate deaths of Black Americans in interactions with police.
Israelis and Palestinians. Today, Israel launched airstrikes in Gaza after Gaza militants fired two rockets into Israel, both of which were intercepted. The attack came a day after Israeli forces targeted militants at a refugee camp in the West Bank. The raid left nine people dead (seven militants and two civilians) in what was believed to be the single deadliest Israeli operation in 20 years. Israel reportedly says it launched the raid to prevent “major attacks.” The Palestinian Authority called Israel’s raid a “massacre” and cut off security coordination. All of this comes about a month into PM Benjamin Netanyahu's latest term alongside a new far-right government — and threatens to escalate Israeli-Palestinian tensions just as US Sec of State Antony Blinken is about to visit the region.
What might be on the up and up…
The US economy. Yesterday, the government reported that US GDP grew by a 2.9% annual rate in Q4. The economic growth — largely thanks to everyone still being willing to spend in *gestures wildly* this economy. But the growth was slower than Q3. And economists are still expecting a dun, dun, dun…recession. The news comes as the Federal Reserve is set to meet next week, which is when officials are expected to hike rates yet again.
Who’s saying ‘don’t hate the player, hate the game’...
The US gov. Yesterday, the Justice Dept said it “covertly infiltrated” a ransomware gang. The group known as Hive is responsible for extorting $100 million from over 1,500 victims around the world. Now, following what a US official called a “21st-century cyber stakeout,” the FBI turned the tables on Hive by hacking the hackers and thwarting more than $130 million dollars in ransomware payments. Game recognize game.
...Oh and speaking of wins, the DOJ charged 25 people for allegedly selling more than 7,500 fake nursing degrees. The $100 million multi-state scheme included fake diplomas from Siena College, Palm Beach School of Nursing, and Sacred Heart International Institute and helped thousands get a shortcut to the boarding exam.
Who sent out the ‘please make sure to clean up after yourselves' group text…
C: Line from Taylor Swift’s brand new music video for “Lavender Haze”
Scroll for answer. Click here to submit a subject line.
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On Our Radar
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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.
A new chapter.…Rachel H (VA). After spending nine years as a Registrar at a university, she made a career change and published her first novel — all while pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in Popular Fiction.
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Something we’re euphoric about? Texting with actress Storm Reid. She told us about working with Drake, her top music picks, and her new movie, “Missing.” Oh, and Snoop Dogg’s comment on her Instagram post. Watch now.
Answer: A. Today’s subject line (I'm not perfect, I'm overdramatic) is a line from Chlöe Bailey’s new song, “Pray It Away.” The singer just dropped the single ahead of her debut solo album in March. But she’s not the only one with music updates: Rita Ora just dropped “You Only Love Me” with the line “you only love me when the whiskey's pouring.” Someone check on Taika Waititi…and maybe Tessa Thompson. Oh, and Taylor Swift also just put out a music video for “Lavender Haze”...a day after John Mayer announced his tour. Would’ve could’ve should’ve known better.
Skimm'd by: Rashaan Ayesh, Melanie De Lima, Kate Gilhool, Julie Shain, and Mariza Smajlaj
