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October 27, 2022
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Guilty

The Story

Darrell Brooks was found guilty.

What happened?

Yesterday, a jury found the 40-year-old Wisconsin resident guilty of homicide and dozens of other charges stemming from last year’s Christmas parade attack. On November 21, 2021, Brooks drove an SUV into a crowd of people at a parade in Waukesha, WI, after fleeing the scene of a fight with his ex-girlfriend. Ultimately, Brooks killed six people — including an 8-year-old boy — and injured more than 40 others. He now faces multiple mandatory life sentences. But recently, it was the trial itself that caught the country’s attention.

Go on.

At first Brooks pleaded not guilty on mental health grounds. Then last month — two weeks before the trial was set to begin — he switched his plea to ‘not guilty’ and fired his public defenders. Instead, Brooks asked to represent himself. And while noting Brooks has a personality disorder, the judge found him competent to stand trial. Since then, Brooks has claimed to be a “sovereign citizen” and refused to recognize the court’s jurisdiction. He refused to answer to his own name, took off his shirt, was kicked out of the courtroom, and got into daily arguments (and even a stare down) with the judge. Now, the chaotic three-week trial is over.

How are people reacting?

Tens of thousands of people on TikTok followed the trial closely. And few questioned his guilt — thanks to eyewitnesses and video evidence. But witnesses and survivors were frustrated by his behavior. Some legal experts said it may have been a tactic to cause a mistrial. Meanwhile, Brooks’ mother noted that her son suffers from mental illness and has blamed the tragedy on lack of treatment. Next up: a hearing on Monday will determine a sentencing date. The city’s mayor says the community can now “re-focus on taking steps forward” and “continue the healing process.” Meanwhile, Brooks may face an uphill battle to appeal his case. And the appeal question could rest on whether he was in fact competent to represent himself.

theSkimm

The Wisconsin community is getting closure nearly a year after the Christmas parade tragedy. But the process to convict Brooks was a trial circus. Many were left baffled by the legal process that enabled it to happen...and the public’s obsession surrounding all of it.

SKIMM THE MIDTERMS

Ahead of the midterms, we’re talking to the White House about the state of the country and the issues that matter most to millennial women. If you had five minutes with the president, what would you ask him?

And Also...This

Who’s in the hot seat…

Herschel Walker. Yesterday, a second woman accused the Georgia Republican Senate candidate of having “pressured” her to have an abortion. The unidentified woman says that in 1993, Walker gave her cash to pay for the procedure, and drove her to the clinic, where he waited until it was complete. Now, she’s calling the anti-abortion supporter a “hypocrite.” It comes weeks after another woman accused Walker of paying for an abortion in 2009. But the former football star is denying both allegations and saying he’s “done with this foolishness.” All of this comes after other claims against Walker, like domestic violence and fathering children out of wedlock. Now, the GOP is banking on Walker to win the closely-watched GA race that could determine who controls the Senate. One poll reportedly shows Walker’s support is falling slightly behind incumbent Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA).

...Oh and speaking of key Senate races: Pennsylvania. Many are still reeling from Tuesday’s debate, when Lt. Gov. John Fetterman (D) struggled to form sentences as he continues to heal from a stroke earlier this year. Recent polling shows Fetterman neck-and-neck with Republican candidate Dr. Mehmet Oz.


What isn't going away…

Climate change. Yesterday, a UN report revealed that methane concentrations last year saw the biggest increase ever recorded. And those numbers keep going up. Officials say the findings show that we’re “heading in the wrong direction.” And that current climate plans aren’t “ambitious enough” to prevent “catastrophic” warming levels by the end of the century. The UN also suggests implementing cost-effective strategies to tackle methane emissions — especially from the fossil fuel industry. Next up: world leaders are being asked to make their climate plans even stronger at the UN’s climate change conference (COP27) starting next month. Meanwhile, climate activists have been stirring up conversation — and controversy.


Where people are mourning…

Iran. Yesterday, thousands of mourners gathering at Mahsa Amini’s grave were reportedly met with tear gas and bullets. The mourners were in Saqqez in the country’s northwest to mark 40 days since the 22-year-old’s death. Since then, anti-regime protests have exploded across the country, with women burning hijabs, cutting their hair, and defying Iranian police. Yesterday, as crowds grew near her burial to honor the end of the traditional mourning period, clashes broke out with security forces. One woman can be seen standing on a car without a hijab. It’s not clear how many were injured or killed.


Who’s facing the music...

Ye. Yesterday, the rapper formerly known as Kanye West was escorted from Skechers’ California HQ after showing up “unannounced and uninvited” and allegedly filming. In recent weeks, Ye has made antisemitic comments that’s led to many cutting ties with him, including Adidas. Now, Skechers said it has no plans to work with Ye following his hate speech.

Tory Lanez. Yesterday, the rapper was put under house arrest ahead of his trial. In 2020, Lanez was charged with assault after allegedly shooting at Megan Thee Stallion's feet and carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle. Now, after allegedly assaulting August Alsina last month, the judge wants him placed on electronic monitoring and house arrest until his trial begins next month. Lanez has pleaded not guilty to assault charges.


Who’s walking in like they own the place…

Elon Musk. Yesterday, the wealthiest person on the planet strolled into Twitter HQ ahead of tomorrow’s deadline to close out the $44 billion deal to buy Twitter. He also walked in with a sink, to make sure it all fully registers. And apparently told employees he will be addressing them on his first day as “Chief Twit.” Get it? You get it.


Where has Rihanna been all our life…

Who’s to say? But she’s coming back.


Who’s the one doing the listening this time…

Taylor Swift. She’s edited her music video in response to the critics.

PS:Learn more about fat stigma, BMI, and diet culture.


What’s not expected to read like a fairy tale...

Prince Harry’s memoir, apparently hitting shelves in January.

Freshen Up

Together with saie x sephora

Got any crumbly blushes or outdated foundation in your makeup bag? Then consider this your sign to give it a refresh. Good news: Our friends at Saie can help. They’ve got clean, innovative, good-for-your-skin products. All of which you can now snag at Sephora. Here are some of our faves:

PS: Skimm’rs get a free gift with code SAIEGLOWY when they spend over $35.

Skimm Well

Together with Fertility Out Loud

Real talk: 6.1 million women in the US struggle to get or stay pregnant. That’s about 10% of women of child-bearing age in this country. But even with such a large percentage of the population facing these challenges, talking about it can still feel taboo. 

That’s where Fertility Out Loud comes in. They’re all about supporting and empowering anyone struggling to start or grow their family. With straightforward, no-BS info that can help you navigate insurance coverage, find a fertility specialist, and connect with other people who have been there. Join the community.

Skimm Picks

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

1. A mystery pack you’ve got to feel to bra-lieve. This brand’s bundles come with a curated selection of their bestselling, comfier-than-comfy bras, bralettes, loungewear or maternity essentials. Plus they ship free. And Skimm’rs can save over 50% if they act fast.*

2. Answers to common questions about kids and sleep. Like ‘What’s a normal age to stop napping?’ and ‘Does sleep training work?’ We tapped Boston Children’s Hospital’s Dr. Judith Owens to break it all down. Hear the convo.*

3. The secret to saving big on your monthly phone bill. This service lets you build your own phone plan on the most reliable 4G LTE/5G network. Sans contract or hidden fees. And Skimm’rs get 20% off their first month with the unlimited plan.*

4. Charcuterie board ideas for every occasion. We’ve rounded up some of our fave options that’ll become your go-to for any dinner party, big or small. Happy hosting.

On Our Radar

30% off absorbent Proof period underwear with code TREAT30. And if you're looking for even more ways to make your period more tolerable, check out our roundup of must-haves.

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.

To be or not to be…Illana (R). Her non-profit, Être, launched a survey highlighting the importance of mentoring girls’ confidence in finance, STEM, and sports. 

(Some) Birthdays…Michele Littenberg (NY), Carmen Rincon-Linde (NY), Sophie Shain (NY), theSkimm's Lianna Scott (NY), theSkimm's Lisa Dallenbach Burkitt (NJ), Mari Buttarazzi (VA), Hillary Sanders (IN), Rachel Landoski (MI), Petra Lewis (NY), Kelly Janhunen (CO), Peg Golden (MA), Barbara Bigford (PA), Ginny Saunders (FL)

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

theSkimm Loyalty Program

Design: theSkimm

Midterms are coming up. Get ready to head to the polls with theSkimm while earning points towards prizes. Not a member yet? Sign up here and get rewarded for preparing to cast your vote.

Skimm’d by Rashaan Ayesh, Melanie De Lima, Kate Gilhool, and Julie Shain

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