theSkimm - Daily Skimm: Drop it like it's hot

Whose death sparked outrage — and charges...

Patrick Lyoya’s. Yesterday, a prosecutor charged Michigan officer Christopher Schurr with murder for killing the 26-year-old Black man. During a traffic stop in April, Schurr pulled over Lyoya in Grand Rapids, Michigan, saying his license plate did not match the car. At one point, Lyoya fled and the officer tackled him to the ground, repeatedly asking him to let go of his Taser. Then the officer shot Lyoya in the head, killing him. When body cam footage was released, hundreds turned out to protest and demanded justice. Now, a prosecutor says Schurr is being charged with second-degree murder. The Grand Rapids Police Chief says he “respects” the prosecutor’s decision. Lyoya’s family says they will feel relief once Schurr is “arrested and brought to justice.”

• Rare: One study indicates that only about 10% of police officers involved in deadly shootings may be charged. And convictions are even rarer. That’s despite the prominence of the Black Lives Matter movement — and investments in more body cams for police officers.

Who’s marching for change… 

March for Our Lives. Tomorrow, an estimated tens of thousands of people will gather in DC and more than 450 other cities to demand an end to gun violence. For weeks, the country has been reeling from mass shootings in Buffalo to Uvalde to Tulsa, and beyond. Yesterday, three more people died in a shooting in Maryland — reportedly the 254th mass shooting this year. Now, survivors, teachers, and others affected by gun violence will speak to crowds and to Congress demanding gun safety measures like holding the gun lobby accountable. And a ban on assault weapons to reduce gun homicides, which this year reached their highest levels on record.

What’s looking at green to bring in green...

Thailand. Yesterday, the gov legalized growing and selling marijuana. Residents can now grow it at home…as long as they register and ensure it’s for medical use. Restaurants and cafes can also serve cannabis-infused foods but have a 0.2% THC limit. The announcement makes Thailand the first country in South Asia to decriminalize the drug. The goal: boost the economy through agriculture and foreign trade. The gov is even giving away 1 million cannabis seedlings to citizens to encourage them to enter their 'Plant Mom' era. But Thailand is sending mixed messages to tourists: they can light up for medical reasons. But smoking for fun is still banned. Those who break the law face fines and up to three months in prison. As one official put it, if tourists want to come just to smoke “don’t come.”

PS: While countries like Thailand have legalized weed, the US still hasn't. Here's why.

What’s adding a B side to its awards list...

The Grammys. Yesterday, the Recording Academy added five new categories, including songwriter of the year and best song for social change. Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr said they were excited to “honor” the “diverse communities of music creators” and cultivate “an environment that inspires change, progress, and collaboration.”

While Snoop Dogg’s blunt roller got a pay bump...

Sriracha isn't feeling so hot.