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| | Quote of the Day | | "Mummy, what's his name?" â A child, who interrupted her mom's live TV interview. "BBC Dad," you're not alone. | | |
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| Things Raising Alarms Abroad |
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Hong Kong
The Story Hong Kong feels pretty different right now. Yeah, what is going on? The national security law. Earlier this week, China passed a law that lets police crack down on the territory's pro-democracy protests. And the response has been immediate. Yesterday, Hong Kong police arrested hundreds of people protesting the legislation. Hong Kong residents deleted their social media accounts en masse out of fear of being punished for anti-government content. A museum commemorating the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre is reportedly working fast to digitize its archives in case artifacts are seized. What are people saying? UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has offered as many as 3 million Hong Kongers residency and a path to citizenship. Johnson said the national security law was a "clear and serious breach" of a 1997 agreement that required China to allow certain political and economic freedoms in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, US lawmakers from across the aisle are working to punish China with sanctions for what House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) called "the death" of China's "one country, two systems" model. theSkimm Critics had warned China's new security law would pose a serious threat to Hong Kong residents' freedoms. Now, they're already seeing changes. And while we haven't seen the full impact of the law, people now risk severe punishment for things like carrying banners â things that weren't illegal a few days ago. | | |
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Russia
The Story Russian President Vladimir Putin could stay in power until 2036. How? Because of constitutional amendments. Earlier this year, Putin proposed sweeping changes to Russia's constitution. The package of 206 amendments included everything from giving himself more sway over parliament to defining marriage as between a man and a woman. It also hit the reset button on term limits, which could allow Putin to run two more times once his term ends in 2024. It was all put to a referendum and yesterday was the last day to vote. And� Get ready for more Putin. Even though an election monitoring group called the process rigged, early results show that voters want Putin, all of Putin, forever, every day. theSkimm Putin has been running Russia since 1999. And he's now on his fourth term as president. This latest vote showcases just how strong his hold is on the country, both today and for the foreseeable future. | | |
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What's moving the needle... Seattle. Yesterday, officers there cleared out the autonomous "no cop" zone surrounding a police station, arresting at least 31 people who refused to leave. Hundreds of protesters have gathered in the zone â referred to as CHOP (Capitol Hill Occupied Protest) and CHAZ (Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone) â since last month, calling for an end to police brutality and systemic racism. But the city's police chief said the zone had become "lawless and brutal" ever since police were forced to evacuate, citing two deadly shootings in the last two weeks as well as multiple robberies and assaults. So yesterday, officers returned to regain control of the area. Protesters have said they should not be blamed for the violence. | | |
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What's making changes⦠Virginia. Yesterday, a new law went into effect banning discrimination based on someone's hair â specifically saying employers and schools can't discriminate against workers or students for having braids, locks, and twists. Earlier this year, two Black students were suspended from a Texas high school and could not return to school unless they cut their dreadlocks â the first was also told he could not walk at graduation because of his hair. There have been similar stories around the country. California, New York, and New Jersey have already passed laws like this and 13 other states are reportedly looking into it, too.
California. Yesterday, San Francisco police said they'll stop releasing mug shots of people unless they pose a public threat. The police chief said the decision was based in part on research suggesting mug shots can foster racial bias among communities. Experts believe it's the first city to make this move out of concerns about bias. Although there was support for the decision, some victims' rights advocates reportedly questioned how the department will choose which photos to release. | | |
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| Between summer heat and the whole 'stay home all the time' thing, your utility bills might be making your wallet sad. One way to help: set your ceiling fan to spin counterclockwise. It'll push cold air down and cool your room faster. Find more ways to cut back on housing costs here. |
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| "Sex and Vanity" by Kevin Kwan The "Crazy Rich Asians" author is back with another look at, yes, the crazy rich. This time, you'll meet Lucie Tang Churchill, who's torn between two men and two worlds. If your summer travel plans are on hold, this book has your back: it'll take you to places like Capri and East Hampton. One way ticket, please. |
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| Summer is here. Check out our fave picks for the seasonâ¦
1. Everything you need to know about bike riding. If you see a helmet in your future, here's where to start. Basket and bell not included.
2. Red, white, and blue manicure ideas. So your nails can be star-spangled awesome. Just like you. Baby, you're a firework.
3. 17 sweet and simple desserts. Like pies, puddings, ice pops, and more. Sign us up for seconds, thirds, and (July) fourths.
PS: Sign up to get more ideas for ways to spend your summer in your inbox every Monday. Like recipe ideas, movies and book recs, and more. Get in on it. |
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| Skimm HQ is OOO tomorrow to prep for our (socially distant) backyard BBQs. See you back in your inbox on Monday. |
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| For when (and if) you need to fly during the pandemic⦠Be prepared. Check out this seat cover, a security-approved necessities pouch, and a genius tray table solution. So you can touch fewer things. Prepare for departure.
For when you're in the mood to organize your entire home⦠Spices, we're talking about you. This list has a wall mount for your cleaning supplies, closet solutions, and something to hold your food storage lids. Somewhere, Marie Kondo is taking notes.
For when you wanna hang with friends but keep a safe distance apart⦠Enter the socially distant picnic. But be sure to pack things like an insulated tote, reusable utensils, and lawn chairs you can actually carry. Dig in. | | *PS This is a sponsored post. |
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| 1. Becoming a new mom during COVID-19 can be stressful. Shay Mitchell told us all about what that's been like for her. From setting aside 'me time' â think: workouts and catching up with friends (hi, Troian Bellisario) â to Zoom dates with her grandma.
2. Imagine quarantining with Uncle Jesse. We texted with the cast of "Fuller House" about what that would be like. And what shows they're currently bingeing. Plus, they gave us the Skimm on season 5. |
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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.
Escape with...Katherine C (CA). She founded Quarantine Diaries, a platform for people to connect, commiserate, and share stories about the struggles of being stuck indoors for oh, 1 zillion days and counting. Check it out here.
Fight along...Tessa C (MA). She's part of Design Yard Sale, a student-led online auction. They're raising money for the battle against racial injustice and inequality faced by the Black community. 100% of the net proceeds will go towards funding organizations engaged in dismantling racism like The Bail Project. Check them out here.
(Some) Birthdays...Lisa Alba (IL), Mike Breskin (NY), Spencer Shrage (NY), Kasey McBride (PA), Carol Weiss (NY), Hilary Saltzman (NY), Brett Cummings (NY), Alana DiSabatino (MD), Elizabeth Bernstein (FL), Catherine Kelly (OR), Jeanine Imperatore (NY), Julie Colgate (VA), Michelle Fleming (CA)
*Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured. |
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| Skimm HQ won't be satisfied until "Hamilton" comes out tomorrow. Share theSkimm with your friend who thinks it'll blow us all away. |  |  | | Or use this referral link theskimm.com/?r=98d063bf |
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