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November 19, 2021
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Quote of the Day

“MEOUCH” – An IG post from Jake Gyllenhaal’s rumored cat that many see as a response to “Red.” Meredith, Olivia, and Benjamin, the ball (of yarn) is in your corner now. 

Exonerated

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The Story

Two men convicted of killing Malcolm X have been exonerated. 

Can I get a recap? 

Malcolm X is widely known for his civil rights work in the 1960s. And as a major figure of the Nation of Islam – a group that combined Islam and Black nationalism. Malcolm X was extremely outspoken against racism. But stirred controversy when he called for racial separatism. He later changed his views and left the Nation of Islam – a move many saw as traitorous. In 1965, the 39-year-old was assassinated as he was preparing to give a speech in NYC. Three men were convicted for his murder: Mujahid Abdul Halim, Muhammad A Aziz, and Khalil Islam (who died in 2009). Aziz and Islam maintained their innocence for years. Now, a judge has dismissed their convictions.

Tell me more. 

For decades, many have questioned the two men’s convictions. Especially since Halim confessed to the killing and insisted the other two weren't involved. They both had alibis and no physical evidence tied them to the crime. But Aziz and Islam each spent more than 20 years in prison. Last year, Netflix released a docu-series on Malcolm X’s murder. And the Manhattan DA Cyrus Vance Jr partnered with the Innocence Project to take a closer look at the convictions. A 22-month investigation found new evidence, including FBI documents, that would’ve cast doubt on Aziz and Islam’s involvement. Now, Aziz and Islam have their names cleared.

What are people saying? 

Aziz – who’s been out of prison – said he’s been “victimized by the criminal justice system.” And that it’s a corrupt process “that is all too familiar” for Black people. The judge called the case a "serious miscarriage of justice." Civil rights activists hailed the dismissal as “long overdue.” And the DA apologized on behalf of law enforcement, adding they failed Aziz and Islam’s families. Now, NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio's reminding everyone that there's still a lot that Americans don't know – including who killed Malcolm X and why.  

theSkimm

Studies have shown that Black people in the US are seven times more likely to be wrongly convicted of murder. And as this case and others – like the Exonerated Five – have shown, the criminal justice system has stolen years of people’s lives and they rarely see justice. 

And Also...This

Whose case also has updates…

Julius Jones’. Yesterday,OklahomaGov. Kevin Stitt (R)commutedthe 41-year-oldBlack man’sdeath sentence– hours before his scheduled execution.In 2002, Jones received the death penaltyfor the 1999murderof Paul Howell during a carjacking.But Jones has always maintained hisinnocence.And his defense team has pinned his conviction on racial biasand alleged misconduct.In 2018, adocu-series renewed attention on Jones’ case. And earlier this month, a parole board recommended that Jones’ sentence be changed to life in prison with the chance ofparole. Now, Oklahoma’s governor sayshe commuted Jones’ sentence to life in prison after "prayerful consideration” – on the condition that Joneswill never have a chance of getting parole.The NAACP reportedly plans to fight for Jones and is calling for a retrial.

  • The national spotlight:Earlier this week,celebrities like Kim Kardashian West and reportedly hundreds of Oklahoma students pleaded for Stitt to commuteJones’ sentence. A petition for Jones’ clemency had more than 6.5 million signatures.

  • The families: Howell's family says Jones’ public support has led them to be “re-victimized.”And Jones' mother called the past two decades a “waking nightmare.”

What could be hitting reverse…

India. Yesterday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the gov’s repealing a trio of controversial farm laws. Last year, parliament passed three pieces of legislation aimed at revamping the country's struggling agriculture sector – sparking months of protests that have reportedly left hundreds dead. The laws reduced the gov's role in the farmers' selling process. But farmers argued it could put small farms in the hands of big corporations – affecting their income and livelihoods. Important because roughly two-thirds of Indians work in agriculture. Now, Modi’s saying ‘I hear you.’ But some are saying ‘interesting timing.’ Especially since there are upcoming elections in India's most populous state next year. Protests will continue until India’s Parliament repeals the laws later this month.

What's already looking forward to 2022...

Ann Arbor, Michigan.It passed a cityordinancerequiring all public bathrooms to provide free menstrual products.It’s believed to be the first cityin the US to make such a move.At least 10 states have ditched theso-calledtampon tax– aka the sales tax added to products like tampons and pads. (Meanwhile, Viagra isn't taxed across the majority of the US.) For years, people have called for menstrual products to be more accessible.Now, starting in the new year, Ann Arbor will be lending a helping mitten.

What doesn’t have everyone saying ‘très bien’...

“iel.”Last month, French dictionary “Le Robert” added the gender-neutral pronoun to its online edition – combining “il” (he) and “elle” (she). It's got several French lawmakers saying 'Oh la la.’ But the dictionary's snapping back with 'get with the times.'

When you’re navigating tough conversations at the dinner table…

Think about Peanut Butter and Jelly.And casseroles.

PS: But seriously, Thanksgiving can be triggering for people with disordered eating. Here’s how to take care of yourself.

What's the big drill, er, deal with the infrastructure law...

Sec. Pete Buttigieg will tell you. Plus, how it could affect millennials.

On theSkimm Screen

Guess who’s back. Back again. Catherine the Great’s back. Tell all your friends. No, but really. You — and they — won’t wanna miss the second season of Hulu’s hit show:

“The Great”

It’s...a satirical dramedy about the rise of Russia’s longest-reigning female ruler. Featuring only a few historical facts.

And...stars Elle Fanning as the newly crowned Empress Catherine and Nicholas Hoult as her husband, ex-Emperor Peter III. Who thinks he loves her even though she keeps trying to kill him. Awww.

Plus...this season is packed with even more mayhem and wild parties than the last one. Huzzah.

All 10 episodes dropped today. Only on Hulu. Consider your weekend plans made.

Season’s Savings

Have visions of dollar signs dancing in your head instead of sugarplums? Same. Keep reading for tips that can help you get through the holidays without a credit card hangover.

  • If you’re hosting, say “yes” when anyone asks if they can bring something to the festivities. And get specific re: what.

  • Skip the expensive presents and build personalized baskets with some of your giftees’ fave foods. Delicious creativity ftw.

  • Always always always look for cash-back offers on the Coupons.com app before you shop. (Or printable coupons, if you’re into that.) There’s no minimum to cash out, so you can get your $$$ when you need it. Like, we don’t know, say...before your holiday celebration. Get started.

Skimm Reads

We know the days leading up to Thanksgiving can be stressful — between traveling, family drama, and all those sides to prep. One of our fave ways to stay sane during it all? You guessed it: with a good book. So instead of picking out one trendy read to add to your cart this week, we're bringing you 10 buzzy books to unwind with this holiday season. Enjoy.

Skimm Picks

1. How to prioritize your financial goals. So you can tackle the most pressing ones first. Then work toward alllll the others. This video, created with Fidelity, will break it down. So you actually know where to start. Watch now.*

2. Chic lewks for those read-by-the-fire days. Or stream-in-bed days. Snuggle up with this brand’s new, limited edition waffle loungewear collection. Complete with irresistibly cozy, sustainably made joggers, long sleeves, fitted tanks, and more. Psst...Skimm’rs get 20% off $30+ purchases. Cocoa sold separately.*

3. The best Black Friday deal if you’re into clean eating. And boosting your metabolism. This female-founded wellness brand sees you, hears you, and wants to give you early access to their sitewide sale. Think: 25% off plant-based meals, super powders, teas, and more. Yes, please.*

4. Something inspirational to watch today. In our latest "Asking For A Friend" vid, we chatted with Teajuana about becoming a first-generation college grad. And about her experience using Plan B One Step® emergency contraception when she needed it along the way. Take a look.*

5. A luxurious throw that’ll make you feel like royalty. Deck out your throne – er, home with this faux fur blanket from Pottery Barn. It comes in four chic colors that go with practically everything. Get it for †as low as $17 a month with Affirm.*

6. Clean, zero-waste makeup that protects and perfects. Late-night scrollers, assemble. Trestique’s refillable, medium coverage Foundation Stick is full of skin-loving, cruelty-free ingredients. Like hyaluronic acid and a carrot complex that helps fight the harmful effects of blue light. Plus Skimm’rs get 25% off. Find your shade.*

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

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

†Your rate will be 0% APR or 10–30% APR based on credit, and is subject to an eligibility check. For example, a $700 purchase might cost $63.25/mo over 12 months at 15% APR. Payment options through Affirm are provided by these lending partners: affirm.com/lenders. Options depend on your purchase amount, and a down payment may be required.

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.

Giving the best shot...Michelle H (NJ). She works as a family nurse practitioner and has just been selected as Provider of the Quarter in her hospital network. 

All the nostalgia...Kirsten H (CA). She self-published her memoir titled "On Becoming Me: Memoir of an 80's Teenager." It’s a compilation of her diaries, journals, poetry, and letters. Add to your reading list here.

(Some) Birthdays...Victoria Krause (MD), Shayna Albertson (NY), theSkimm's Jackie Giddes (NY), Anne Horowitz (PA), Elizabeth George (PA), Lisa Towler (NY), Heather Monte (NY), theSkimm's Mike Jones (NY), Rachel Levin (NY), Camilla Morgan (NY), Maria Farina (CT), Elyanah Pinchas (VA), Alex Weissner (CO), Samantha Sublett (TX), Maria Mallon (NJ)

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

Skimm More

Elon Musk has been all over the news lately: selling Tesla stocks, insulting politicians, and telling the U.N. he’d help solve world hunger if they showed him a plan. This week on “Skimm This,” we save you a scroll down his Twitter feed with a breakdown of what he’s been up to…in 60 seconds.

And if you’re looking for other smart ways to spend your time...

We've got news...

We’re getting ready to launch a brand new Loyalty Program and a revamped Skimm Community in 2022 for you to connect, engage, and continue living your smartest life.

Think: Exclusive programming and content, opportunities to earn and redeem points, access to perks, events and so much more.

Learn more here.

Skimm’d by Rashaan Ayesh, Maria del Carmen Corpus, Mariza Smajlaj, Clem Robineau, and Julie Shain

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