Daily Skimm: I'm not perfect, I'm overdramatic

“Staying away from toxic people”

— María Branyas Morera, the world’s oldest living person, on one of the keys to longevity. This advice never gets old.

Top Story

Tyre Nichols

The Story

Five former Memphis police officers were charged in the death of Tyre Nichols.

What happened?

Earlier this month, police pulled over the 29-year-old man in Memphis, TN, for reckless driving. During the traffic stop, police say they had two “confrontations” with Nichols, who then tried to flee on foot. Police then say he suffered from shortness of breath. And was sent to the hospital in critical condition. He died three days later. Preliminary findings revealed Nichols “suffered extensive bleeding” caused by a “severe beating.” The five officers involved in the incident have since been fired.

And now?

Yesterday, all five officers were charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct, and official oppression. They each face up to 60 years in prison. Nichols’ family — which has compared the incident to the 1991 beating of Rodney King — says the arrests give them “hope.” And that they will “continue to push for justice.” In the meantime, many are awaiting the footage.

What’s the latest?

The city is set to release police body cam footage tonight. It comes after the Nichols family described the video showing officers beating Nichols like “a human piñata” for three minutes. The city’s police chief urged residents to protest peacefully after seeing the video, despite calling the fired officers’ actions “heinous, reckless, and inhumane.” Meanwhile, there are multiple ongoing investigations into the incident, including civil rights investigations from the Justice Department and FBI.

theSkimm

Tyre Nichols’ death marks the latest high-profile death of a Black man — in this case, at the hands of Black officers. It comes as the US continues to experience a reckoning over how race may play a role in everyday police interactions — and the disproportionate deaths of Black Americans in interactions with police.

Related Stories:

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Who's on high alert…

Israelis and Palestinians. Today, Israel launched airstrikes in Gaza after Gaza militants fired two rockets into Israel, both of which were intercepted. The attack came a day after Israeli forces targeted militants at a refugee camp in the West Bank. The raid left nine people dead (seven militants and two civilians) in what was believed to be the single deadliest Israeli operation in 20 years. Israel reportedly says it launched the raid to prevent “major attacks.” The Palestinian Authority called Israel’s raid a “massacre” and cut off security coordination. All of this comes about a month into PM Benjamin Netanyahu's latest term alongside a new far-right government — and threatens to escalate Israeli-Palestinian tensions just as US Sec of State Antony Blinken is about to visit the region.

What might be on the up and up…

The US economy. Yesterday, the government reported that US GDP grew by a 2.9% annual rate in Q4. The economic growth — largely thanks to everyone still being willing to spend in *gestures wildly* this economy. But the growth was slower than Q3. And economists are still expecting a dun, dun, dun…recession. The news comes as the Federal Reserve is set to meet next week, which is when officials are expected to hike rates yet again.

Who’s saying ‘don’t hate the player, hate the game’...

The US gov. Yesterday, the Justice Dept said it “covertly infiltrated” a ransomware gang. The group known as Hive is responsible for extorting $100 million from over 1,500 victims around the world. Now, following what a US official called a “21st-century cyber stakeout,” the FBI turned the tables on Hive by hacking the hackers and thwarting more than $130 million dollars in ransomware payments. Game recognize game.

...Oh and speaking of wins, the DOJ charged 25 people for allegedly selling more than 7,500 fake nursing degrees. The $100 million multi-state scheme included fake diplomas from Siena College, Palm Beach School of Nursing, and Sacred Heart International Institute and helped thousands get a shortcut to the boarding exam.

Who sent out the ‘please make sure to clean up after yourselves' group text…

The National Archives, to former presidents and veeps.

While Earth dodged an asteroid…

No such luck for the Roy family.

While it’s about to be National Corn Chip Day…

Here’s a reminder on why dog paws smell like Fritos.

While We’re on the Subject...

Curious about today’s subject line? (I'm not perfect, I'm overdramatic.) We saved you a Google. It’s a…

A: Lyric from Chlöe Bailey’s new single, “Pray It Away”

B: Lyric from Rita Ora’s new single, “You Only Love Me”

C: Line from Taylor Swift’s brand new music video for “Lavender Haze”

Scroll for answer. Click here to submit a subject line.

Our Guide to Valentine’s Day Gifting

It’s time to treat your special someone to something special. We found all the best gifts — for your S.O., galentine, and more — that’ll earn you a 10/10 in their eyes. Check out:

Skimm Picks

Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…

1. An expert-led community that’ll help you prioritize you. AthletaWell by Athleta offers a personalized wellbeing path with on-demand workouts, and a place to connect with other women. Plus, expert advice on topics like mental health, sleep, perimenopause, and more. Psst…it’s free to join.*

2. Something(s) to get you in the Valentine’s Day spirit. For a limited time, this brand’s signature comfy underwear, lacy bralettes, and silky soft loungewear are available in four fun, flirty V-Day prints. And Skimm’rs get 25% off — 40% if they’re Members. Go, go, go.*

3. We tested kitchen knives that are both strong and durable. If you're looking for something that'll make meal prep easier, this set (including three knives and a stand) is your answer. Chop, chop.

4. The best sales to shop this week. We’ve found everything from deals on tablets at Amazon to a sitewide sale at Baloo Living. Let’s get shopping and saving, shall we?

Psst...looking for more discounts on brands Skimm'rs love? Check out all of our exclusive promo codes here.

On Our Radar

From now until February 1, use code SKIMM25 for 25% off at Great Jones. What better way to show someone you love them than by cooking them a delicious meal?

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.

A new chapter.…Rachel H (VA). After spending nine years as a Registrar at a university, she made a career change and published her first novel — all while pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in Popular Fiction.

(Some) Birthdays…theSkimm's Chris Bitting (NY), Natalie Gilhool (NY), Dylan Lazarus (CA), Harrie Bakst (NY), Oprah Winfrey (CA), Jessica Berger (NY), Montana Blackley (TN), Allyssa Darling (NY), Rhonda Corbett (SC), Alden Gilligan (NM), Sam Blum (FL), Erin Blessing (LA), Michele Gold (NJ), Madi Eades (VA), Jennifer D'Erasmo (NY), Catherine Attewell (MO), Samantha Ramos (TX)

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

Skimm More

Something we’re euphoric about? Texting with actress Storm Reid. She told us about working with Drake, her top music picks, and her new movie, “Missing.” Oh, and Snoop Dogg’s comment on her Instagram post. Watch now.

Answer: A. Today’s subject line (I'm not perfect, I'm overdramatic) is a line from Chlöe Bailey’s new song, “Pray It Away.” The singer just dropped the single ahead of her debut solo album in March. But she’s not the only one with music updates: Rita Ora just dropped “You Only Love Me” with the line “you only love me when the whiskey's pouring.” Someone check on Taika Waititi…and maybe Tessa Thompson. Oh, and Taylor Swift also just put out a music video for “Lavender Haze”...a day after John Mayer announced his tour. Would’ve could’ve should’ve known better.

Maria Branyas Morera Sacred Heart International Institute National Corn Chip Day single deadliest Israeli operation police body cam footage The National Archives Daily Skimm Skimm oldest living person multiple ongoing investigations civil rights investigations The Palestinian Authority PM Benjamin Netanyahu State Antony Blinken Palm Beach School The US gov new farright government latest highprofile death everyday police interactions The US economy

Daily Skimm: I'm not perfect, I'm overdramatic

Daily Skimm

“Staying away from toxic people”

Top Story

Tyre Nichols

The Story

What happened?

And now?

What’s the latest?

And Also...This

Who's on high alert…

What might be on the up and up…

Who’s saying ‘don’t hate the player, hate the game’...

Who sent out the ‘please make sure to clean up after yourselves' group text…

While Earth dodged an asteroid…

While it’s about to be National Corn Chip Day…

While We’re on the Subject...

Our Guide to Valentine’s Day Gifting

Skimm Picks

On Our Radar

Skimm'rs

Skimm More

Key phrases

Older messages

Daily Skimm: Just need a light pink beamer

Daily Skimm: Museum victories, everyday

Daily Skimm: We'll take a cup of kindness yet

Daily Skimm: Whisper words of wisdom

Daily Skimm Weekend: Gonna be you

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