It is. Yesterday, a Russian judge found the WNBA star guilty of smuggling drugs into the country and sentenced her to nine years in a penal colony. Griner — who was in Russia to play in a basketball league — was also fined 1 million rubles (more than $16,000).
They’re sending her to...a penal colony?
Correct. Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly said he likes having a place where “everyone is afraid to go.” Russian opposition leader, Alexei Navalny, staged a hunger strike in a penal colony after alleging he wasn’t getting proper medical care. Other inmates — who reportedly sleep in dorms on metal bunks and work in production facilities — allege they’ve been beaten, medically neglected, and put under severe psychological pressure.
How are people reacting?
In court earlier, an emotional Griner appealed for leniency. She reiterated that this was “an honest mistake” and that she never intended to break the law. She also apologized to her loved ones for causing any hurt. President Biden slammed the decision and called on Russia to “release her immediately.” Griner’s team, the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, said they remain “heartbroken” by the “168-day nightmare” Griner has endured.
What’s next?
Her legal team has 10 days to appeal. And they’re expecting a court hearing next week. Officials in Russia say they're ready to "discuss" a prisoner exchange now that a verdict has been handed down — bringing a swap closer to reality. Meanwhile, one US official said those conversations have been "ongoing.” But didn’t give a timeline.
theSkimm
Griner is one of the best female basketball players in the history of the sport. Now, she is in the hands of the Russian government...one that has a dangerous history of how it treats prisoners. Her fans, teammates, and loved ones have a resounding message: #FreeBrittneyGriner.
Public Health Emergency
Yesterday, the Biden admin declared monkeypox a public health emergency. The announcement comes almost two weeks after the World Health Organization made the same call — and days after three US states (NY, CA, and IL) did, too. To date, the US leads the world with over 7,000 recorded cases of monkeypox — about one-quarter of the world’s total.
Now, the health secretary’s announcement could open up access to emergency funds. The goal: help distribute vaccines, hire more workers to manage the spread, and make it easier for doctors to treat patients. It could also allow the FDA to authorize more ways to diagnose, prevent, or treat infections. And it gives a chance for agencies to gather more data when it comes to cases and vaccinations. The declaration comes after weeks of pressure from activists and other law officials to do something to stop the spread. Especially when vaccines are in short supply. But the Biden admin is saying ‘better late than never.’
PS. If you're worried about monkeypox, read this first.
And Also...This
Whose name we’re saying…
Breonna Taylor’s. Yesterday, the Justice Dept charged four current and former Louisville police officers with federal crimes in connection to her death. In March 2020, Louisville, KY, officials carried out a no-knock warrant on the 26-year-old Black woman’s home. Police ultimately fired shots into her apartment, killing her. Now, more than two years later, federal prosecutors are accusing the four men of lying to get the warrant that was used to search Taylor’s home and then trying to cover it up. Attorney General Merrick Garland says their “unlawful acts” resulted in her death. Meanwhile, her family called the charges a “huge step toward justice.” Two of the officers have pleaded not guilty, and an attorney for one of the defendants plans to contest the charges.
Who has to pay up…
Alex Jones. Yesterday, a jury said the Infowars host and conspiracy theorist must pay the parents of a 6-year-old Sandy Hook victim at least $4 million in damages. In 2012, Jones falsely claimed the 2012 school shooting that left 26 kids and adults dead — including Neil Heslin and Scarlett Lewis’ son, Jesse — was a hoax. The two parents sued, saying they suffered death threats and harassment as a result of Jones’s comments. At one point during the trial, Jones had said he had never texted about Sandy Hook. Turns out, his lawyers say they accidentally sent a copy of all his text messages to the opposing lawyers. And he was caught using iMessage…blue-handed. Oops. Jones now says he believes the elementary school shooting was “100% real.” Today, a jury will decide whether to award the parents more money for punitive damages. Meanwhile, Heslin and Lewis say they plan to put the $4 million “to good use.”
What’s food for thought…
This new study. Earlier this week, a study found that if 20% of your caloric intake is ultra-processed foods, it could lead to cognitive decline. If this news has you regretting last night's combo meal, experts recommend focusing on swapping out processed foods for whole nutritional foods, like whole grains, fruits, and veggies. Yes, yes, experts, we’ve heard of those.
Summer is coming and going fast. We’ve said goodbye to July, and now we’re looking back at your faves from last month. Here’s what Skimm'rs added to cart the most these past few weeks:
Astrology is having its moment in the sun. We're on a quest to find out why and get the breakdown of all the 'sun, moon, rising' terminology. But first, let's test your knowledge:
What percentage of millennials and Gen Z-ers believe that astrology works?
A. 25%
B. 48%
C. 60%
D. 75%
Find out on this week's episode of “Pop Cultured.” Listen here.
Skimm Picks
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. Actually comfortable sculptwear that looks like lingerie. This beloved brand’s bodysuits, bras, and shapewear provide all of the sculpting — and none of the squeeze. They’ve got a range of 18 chic, size-inclusive designs for every occasion. Plus, Skimm’rs get 10% off with code skimm10.*
2. Products to keep your dog cool in the summer heat. Whether you’re looking to protect their paw pads from hot pavement or wanna make sure they stay hydrated on outdoor adventures, we’ve rounded up things to keep them comfy.
3. The best sales to shop this week. Browse home items at Macy's and an anniversary sale at Dermstore. Go go go.
4. Backyard camping essentials for all ages. From backyard fire pits to camping cots and more, here's what you need to have some fun under the stars, no hiking required. Pass the s’mores, please.
*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.
Helping hand…Ashley (TX). She’s a physician assistant and the program director for IVUmed — a global surgery non-profit that trains local surgeons. And she’s gearing up to attend her first workshop. Good luck.
(Some) Birthdays…Michelle Fort (CA), Pat Martinolich (NY), Kittie Brown (IN), theSkimm's Mary Murcko (CO) Noah Holtzer (NY), Amber Burger (CA), Namrata Kang (NY), Michi Gustafson (DC), Michaela Ramicone (PA), Ashley Levesque (CT), Jessica Harn (MO), Jemmye Carroll (NY)
PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
Skimm More
Whether you overused Paris Hilton’s famous ‘that’s hot’ in the early 2000s or joined Megan Thee Stallion’s Hottie stans, the word hot is…well, hot. This week on “Skimm This,” we look at the transformation of the word and how it came to take on so much meaning. Listen now — it’s a hot girl bit.
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Skimm’d by Rashaan Ayesh, Melanie De Lima, Kate Gilhool, Julie Shain, and Mariza Smajlaj
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