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“‘Oohs’ and ‘ahhs’”

— What California's superbloom is giving. It’s living up to The Golden State name.

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Florida

The Story

Florida is lowering the bar for the death penalty.

How?

Yesterday, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) signed a bill that reverses a 2017 state law requiring a unanimous jury decision for the death penalty. Under the new law, only eight out of 12 jurors need to recommend capital punishment. The legislation is in response to the Parkland gunman’s trial. Last year, a judge sentenced him to life in prison without parole, after a jury voted 9-3 in favor of execution. The sentence infuriated the families of the 17 people killed in the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Only three other states — Alabama, Missouri, and Indiana — don't require a unanimous jury vote. Now, Florida has the lowest threshold in the nation for the death penalty. The law went into effect as soon as DeSantis signed on the dotted line.

What are people saying?

DeSantis said once a defendant is found guilty by a unanimous jury in a capital case, “one juror should not be able to veto a capital sentence.” Parkland victims' families said the new law will save other families from the injustices they said they suffered. Meanwhile, critics said the legislation violates the constitution and could lead to wrongful executions. One org found that at least 30 inmates sentenced to death in Florida have been exonerated — more than in any other state. The law could also be at odds with a majority of Floridians, who prefer life without parole for murder convictions. FL’s new law is expected to be challenged in the courts. It all comes as Gov. DeSantis is expected to sign a separate bill that would allow the death penalty for defendants convicted in the rape of a child under 12.

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Currently, 27 states allow capital punishment. Now, Florida has the lowest threshold for the death penalty in the country. It means some Floridians who are convicted in the future could see their fate decided much quicker, just as Americans remain divided on the issue.

Related Stories

A Map of States With The Death Penalty
Biden Isn't Keeping His Promise To End The Death Penalty
Where Firing Squad Executions Could Make A Comeback

And Also...This

Who's getting off scot-free for now…

Alec Baldwin. Yesterday, New Mexico prosecutors dropped involuntary manslaughter charges against the actor for the deadly “Rust” shooting. Earlier this year, Baldwin pleaded not guilty to the charges in the death of 42-year-old cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. The movie's director Joel Souza was also shot and injured. In a statement, prosecutors said “new facts were revealed that demand further investigation and forensic analysis.” New evidence reportedly showed that the gun Baldwin used on set was altered, potentially impacting the prosecution's claims against the actor. The decision came on the same day filming for the movie resumed and less than two weeks before Baldwin's trial was scheduled to begin. The actor's lawyers said they are “pleased with the decision to dismiss the case.” However, this may not be over just yet. Prosecutors said the charges against Baldwin could be refiled, depending on their investigation. Meanwhile, the film’s armorer (who is in charge of guns on movie sets) is still facing charges.

What's made its way through one chamber…

A ban on trans athletes. Yesterday, the Republican-controlled House passed a bill that would ban transgender women and girls from competing in female school sports. It passed strictly along party lines with a 219-203 vote. The bill’s supporters said parents don't “believe it’s equitable a male can compete with women in female athletics.” The bill is reportedly the first measure to make it this far at the federal level. It calls for Title IX — a federal civil rights law that blocks sex-based discrimination — to recognize the sex of a person as assigned at birth. Over the last few years, GOP lawmakers have pushed legislation to limit or ban trans girls from competing in school sports across 21 states. The bill has zero chance of passing the Democratic-held Senate. Even if it did, President Biden said he’d automatically veto it. The White House said the bill “targets people for who they are and therefore is discriminatory.”

What’s looking at the fine print…

A book ban report. Yesterday, a new report from PEN America found that almost 1,500 books were pulled from school shelves between July and December 2022. PEN said nearly 75% of the books pulled are a result of a push from advocacy groups or new legislation. Some of the most targeted books include “Gender Queer” and “Flamer” — which focus on gender identity. A graphic novel edition of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Milk and Honey,” and “The Bluest Eye” were also among the most banned. Most of the book bans are happening in Texas, Florida, Missouri, Utah, and South Carolina, driven mostly by “local actors and state-level policy.” However, the report said the number of book bans is “unquestionably much higher.”

What people are talking about…

BuzzFeed News. Yesterday, BuzzFeed announced it’s shutting down its Pulitzer Prize-winning news division and cutting another 15% of its staff. Buzzfeed has lost about 90% of its value since it went public in 2021. The company said it'll continue to publish news under the HuffPost brand, which Buzzfeed bought in 2020.

While We’re on the Subject...

Curious about today’s subject line? (Today is your day, go take it) We saved you a google. It’s a…

A: Scene from the comedy film “Gringa,” in theaters today

B: Lyric from Hunter Hayes' newest album, “Red Sky”

C: A scene from “Beau Is Afraid,” out today

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

STATE OF WOMEN

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Skimm Life

Parents, unite. If you’re struggling to wrangle your little ones, we hear you. Here are some of our favorite things to catch (and hold) their attention:

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

1. A new show you’ll want to binge this weekend.

Cancel your plans because every episode of Netflix’s “The Diplomat” is out now. In this high-stakes political drama, the UK’s new US ambassador (played by Keri Russell) diffuses international crises on a global stage.*

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4. Sustainably made shoes that’ll be your warm weather go-tos.

This brand’s sandals and slides have a breathable feel and timeless design that make them juuust right for all your spring plans. PS: Skimm’rs get 20% off their first purchase with code SKIMM23.*

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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.

Getting unstuck…Zoe M and Jess A (CA). They started a workshop to help their community fight burnout. They hold in-person, six-week workshops and are launching a remote version. Learn more here.

(Some) Birthdays…Kristin McCormack (NY), Krysta Lowry (TX), Caitlin Clever (PA), Leanne Baum (NY), Hailey Lapin (MO), Marissa Harenberg (IL), Kim Nicholl (PA), Mindy Pedersen (WI), Chelsea Rowley (MI), Stephanie Jacobs (IL), Katie Fallon (MA), Monica Weimer (NJ), Margaret Kurtz (NY), Christen Ryan (IN), Heather Ragsdale (TX)

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

Answer: A. Today’s subject line (Today is your day, go take it) is from “Gringa,” a coming-of-age story of an American girl searching for her father in Mexico. If you’re going for a different plot, and want to maybe sneak into another theater (although we didn't tell you that), Joaquin Phoenix is starring in “Beau Is Afraid,” also out today. For those looking for a different weekend “Victory,” Hunter Hayes is back with his fifth studio album, “Red Sky.” Thank you for always making us feel “Wanted.”

federal civil rights law The Golden State name Daily Skimm Skimm Top StoryFloridaThe StoryFlorida graphic novel edition Firing Squad Executions female school sports The White House Parkland victims families involuntary manslaughter charges book ban report unanimous jury vote Gov Ron DeSantis three other states unanimous jury decision