Potential protests. For months, the Manhattan district attorney’s office has been investigating the former president for allegedly covering up a hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels. In 2018, Trump’s former lawyer, Michael Cohen, admitted to paying Daniels $130,000 to stay quiet about an alleged affair with Trump in 2006. Cohen testified that the former president reimbursed him through the Trump Organization, but labeled it as a legal expense. It has the Manhattan DA looking into whether Trump falsified business records for the payment. Now, Trump has called on his supporters to protest and “take our nation back.”
I’m getting…
Flashbacks? Federal, state, and local law enforcement are beefing up security, including putting barricades around the Manhattan Criminal Court. Officials in DC are preparing for protests as well. New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) said he’s “confident” the city’s prepared for any protests. Authorities near Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate are also taking security measures. It all comes as some extremists have reportedly called a Trump indictment a “line in the sand" — raising concerns that protests could get violent. Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers, including House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), have called for calm and urged against demonstrations.
What happens now?
The Manhattan DA has yet to announce charges, but could reportedly take the plunge tomorrow. If Trump is still at his Mar-a-Lago home, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) could get an extradition request. DeSantis has said he’s got enough to deal with and isn’t getting involved “in any way.” As far as 2024, it’s not clear how an indictment would affect Trump’s presidential campaign, which is already in full swing.
theSkimm
The indictment of a former US president would be a historic moment in our nation. Now, after Trump has called on his supporters, many worry that there could be a repeat of the violent protests on Jan 6.
Los Angeles. Today, tens of thousands of Los Angeles Unified School District employees are expected to begin a three-day strike. The move means the nation’s second-largest school district will cancel classes for its more than 500,000 students. The scheduled strike comes after negotiations between the district and the union representing bus drivers, special education assistants, custodians, and cafeteria workers broke down. The union says staffers make an average of $25,000 a year. So, they’re calling for a 30% wage increase and an additional $2 an hour for the district’s lowest-paid employees. But the district’s not meeting those demands. Now, the LA teachers’ union has called on its 35,000 members to protest in solidarity. The district’s superintendent said he’s ready to resume negotiations whenever the union’s ready. In a statement, the union said it knows “a strike will be a sacrifice” but the district pushed the workers.
Who's giving a final say...
President Biden. Yesterday, he issued the first veto of his presidency over retirement investments. The move upholds a Labor Dept rule allowing retirement fund managers to consider the environmental and social impacts of their investments. Earlier this month, Congress passed a bill to scrap the rule, with Republicans calling it a "woke" policy. Now, Biden's rejected the bill, saying Congress's measure would have put the "retirement savings of individuals across the country" at risk. Any effort to override Biden's veto is unlikely to pass in the House and Senate.
...Oh and speaking of retirement, French President Emmanuel Macron’s government survived two no-confidence votes. Now, his plan — which triggered nationwide protests — will gradually increase the retirement age by three months each year until it reaches 64 in 2030.
Who’s getting justice…
XXXTentacion. Yesterday, a Florida jury found three men guilty of first-degree murder and armed robbery in connection with the rapper’s death. In 2018, 20-year-old XXXTentacion was shot and killed outside a Florida motorsports shop during a robbery. He was known for songs like “Sad!,” “Roll In Peace,” and “Look At Me!” and for his passionate fanbase. Now, all three men are facing life sentences.
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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.
Track star…Michelle R (NY). Six weeks out from the New York City Half Marathon, she decided to train despite not feeling ready. She managed to not only complete the marathon but also finish before the 2:30 benchmark. Victory clap.
(Some) Birthdays…Michelle Peleg (CA) Satya Patel (CA), Caroline Paris (NY), Alexis Mortenson (NY), Amy Busch (OR), Colleen Scott (NC), Jennifer Lunny (FL), Kalei Click (WA), Katie Tebbe (MO), Lejla Maley (OH), Lenora McEntire Doss (GA), Michael Cipoletti (NIC), Mikey Gaudet (CA), Ryan Barnes (OK), Sarah Pawli (GA), Suzy Badger (TX)
PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
Skimm'd by: Rashaan Ayesh, Melanie De Lima, Maria del Carmen Corpus, and Mariza Smajlaj
Photos by Scott Olson / Staff via Getty Images, Brand Partners
