theSkimm - Daily Skimm: Running up that hill

Where people are getting a break...

Shanghai. Today, China’s largest city — and financial hub — started loosening restrictions after a two-month COVID-19 lockdown. ICYMI: In March, the city became the epicenter of China's largest outbreak since the beginning of the pandemic. And since China has a zero-tolerance COVID-19 policy, that meant mass testing, mandatory quarantines, and 25 million people confined to their homes for eight weeks. During that time, some were separated from family members and food and medicine ran short, prompting protests. Now, after hitting a record of nearly 20,000 cases, Shanghai reported 15 new cases today. So residents can start using public transportation and going to stores as they open gradually. 

...Oh and speaking of things on China’s mind: Taiwan. This week, the self-governing island accused China of sending 30 planes into its air defense zone — one of the largest raids this year.

What's got updates...

The Trump-Russia probe. Yesterday, Michael Sussmann, a lawyer for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign, was acquitted of lying to the FBI. In 2016, Sussmann shared a tip to US intel agencies that he had info suggesting a possible backchannel between Russia and the Trump Organization. Those allegations never panned out, and John Durham, a Trump-appointed special counsel, accused Sussmann of concealing that he was working on behalf of Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign. Sussmann always maintained he didn't lie, and yesterday, a jury agreed with him — delivering a blow to Durham, who was appointed by former President Trump to investigate the origins of the FBI’s probe into Russian interference in the 2016 election. The acquittal has Durham saying he’s “disappointed in the outcome.” While Sussmann says “justice ultimately prevailed.”

Where there's a new public health approach...

Canada. Yesterday, the province of British Columbia announced it was decriminalizing opioids, meth, cocaine, and ecstasy. The announcement comes years after the region first announced a public health emergency. And last year, a record number of people there — more than 2,000 — died of drug overdoses. Now, the western province of British Columbia will stop penalizing people who carry these drugs — so long as they don't produce or traffic them. The local government says the goal is to provide those experiencing addiction to have access to local officials if needed without fear of arrest or stigma. The government is also hoping this will help avoid over-policing of marginalized communities. The change is set to go into effect next year.

• Meanwhile, in the US: More than 107,000 people died of overdose deaths last year — the highest on record. Experts say the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the problem.

What’s down under but putting women on top…

Australia. Yesterday, the country’s new PM Anthony Albanese named a record 10 women to his incoming Cabinet. It’s a vegemitey achievement.

What's got us e-x-c-i-t-e-d...

The National Spelling Bee.