Rape kits. They’re used to preserve possible DNA evidence of alleged rapists to identify them. Across the US, there’s been a backlog, leaving many kits unanalyzed. But that’s not why SF is under a microscope.
Go on.
This week, it came out that the police department hasn’t just been saving DNA samples from the assailants…it was also storing the samples of victims. For years. And keeping those samples to test them against a database of other crimes.
Whoa.
Exactly. SF’s district attorneyhasdropped property crime charges against a woman whose DNA was collected from a 2016 rape kit…even though she was the victim, not the assailant. The DA says the practice could violate her — and other victims’ — constitutional rights.
Explain.
The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures by the gov.California’s Victims’ Bill of Rightsis also supposed to provide survivors with privacy and dignity.
What’s SF police saying?
That theDNA collection policy was legal under the country’s forensic standards. But the police chief acknowledged that it can disincentivize people from coming forward. And has ordered a review of the policy.
What now?
It is unclear how many police departments do this. But the DA, who’s facing a recall election, is pushing for legislation to end the practice.
theSkimm
It’s no secret that women have faced hurdles when it comes to speaking out against their abusers.Amid a justice systemwhere convictions in sexual assault cases are still rare, women could now face repercussions for coming forward in the first place.
PS: If you need this, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline here or by calling 1-800-656-HOPE.
And Also...This
What you'll need more than one coffee to process…
The other Trump-Russia probe. Last week, special counsel John Durham alleged a client for Michael Sussmann (who worked for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign) organized a conspiracy to spy on the Trump admin. Reminder: Durham was appointed during the Trump era. And is investigating the origins of the FBI’s probe into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Sussmann is charged with lying to the FBI about his ties to the Clinton campaign. (Keeping up? Good.) At one point Sussmann said he had info suggesting Trump or his associates were using Russian-made smartphones. Turns out, he allegedly got that info from a guy whose tech company worked with the White House. Cue allegations that Sussmann’s flags to US intel agencies — which didn’t pan out — were politically motivated. And that the data gathered on Trump was improper.
Sussmann’s POV: He denies lying to the FBI. And called the latest allegations misleading, saying they’re intended to “inflame media coverage” ahead of his trial later this year.
Speaking of media coverage: Republicans have been fired up, accusing the media of downplaying the story. The message: 'this feels Suss.' Some news outlets are saying ‘it's weedsy’ while also trying to make clear where allegations are being distorted.
Why else Russia is on everyone's mind…
Ukraine. US officials say Russia is continuing to build up its military presence near the border — bringing the number of its soldiers there to 150,000. The news comes after Russia’s Defense Ministry said it was pulling back some troops. US intel is saying ‘show the receipts.’ Meanwhile, we're learning that US Navy surveillance aircrafts had dangerously close encounters with Russian jets last weekend. At one point, a Russian aircraft over the Mediterranean came within five feet of a US plane. You read that right. As in, closer than people get to each other while social distancing. The message: tensions are high.
PS: Need an assist on Russia-Ukraine history and why it’s gotten so tense? We got you.
PPS: On tonight’s episode of “Skimm This,” we hear from a reporter in Ukraine about what life there is like right now. Subscribe to get it tonight at 5pm ET.
What nothing breaks like…
A heart. No joke. Researchers are seeing a rise in “broken heart syndrome” — a rare and dangerous form of heart disease triggered by stress. It mostly affects women. Fortunately, people with the condition reportedly make a recovery in days to weeks, but long-term implications are still being examined.
Reminder: It's tax season. And filing might have you wondering, “What does Uncle Sam do with his cut of my paychecks?” The short answer: Your tax dollars go to work funding a variety of things, from paying into the Social Security programs you’ll benefit from in retirement to helping others (and you) today. The long answer: It's complicated. Skimm the full breakdown of where your tax dollars go and why.
Skimm Picks
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
2. How to connect with tax professionals on your time. Without making an appointment, mailing any paperwork, or learning a new software. EY TaxChat makes it easier to file faster. And Skimm’rs get $30 off with code SkimmYourTaxes. That’s more like it.*
3. A swim collection made with recycled nylon. Eco-fashion ftw. And these suits aren’t just sustainable. They’re stylish, supportive, and super comfy, too. Plus they come in sizes XS–XXXL. Oh, and Skimm’rs get 15% off their first purchase with code SKIMMYDIP. Beach, please.*
4. How to keep on keepin’ on with Anne Wojcicki. In our latest ep of “9 to 5ish,” sponsored by Porsche, we chatted with 23andMe’s co-founder and CEO about turning curiosity into a career and negative feedback into something that fuels you. Listen in.*
5. Made-to-order hair care products. After you take a free online consultation, this brand will create a custom pre-shampoo mask, shampoo, and conditioner from clean ingredients juuuust for you. And Skimm’rs get a special deal when they subscribe to three products. Lock it down.*
*PS: This is a sponsored post.
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.
Baking it forward…Tracy W (NY). She showed her support for frontline workers by baking and delivering hundreds of desserts during the pandemic. And now you can check out the recipes for her sweets here.
(Some) Birthdays…Billy Stern (NY), Wylie Stern (NY), Lael Halasz (WA), Heather Benjamin (CO), Paul Lopez (FL), Rebecca DeFrang (WA), Lara Goldstein (NJ), Sara Haar (WI), Christopher Courage (TN), Stefen French (OK), Holly Sandler (MD), Elaine Ferreira (NJ), Rachel Rendine (MO), Tatia Kiser (MS), Erika Greet (CA)
*Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
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