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“Some people think I stand like a human”

— A Chinese zoo after visitors thought one of its bears was a human in disguise. We had to do a double-take too.

Top Story

Indicted

The Story

Former President Trump has been indicted for allegedly trying to overturn the 2020 election.

Tell me everything.

Yesterday marked the third time the former president has been charged in four months. Before this year, no other former US president had faced criminal charges.

How did we get here?

The House held a series of hearings on the events that led to the Capitol insurrection on Jan 6, 2020, and later released a report. Days after Trump announced his intention to run in 2024, Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed special counsel Jack Smith to investigate.

What did Smith find?

That Trump (and six unnamed co-conspirators) allegedly worked to reverse the election results. And that those efforts — ranging from privately contacting state officials to public statements undermining the 2020 results — constitute three crimes: defrauding the US, obstructing a government proceeding (the Jan 6 election certification), and working to deprive people of their civil rights (i.e. their right to vote). Smith also charged Trump with trying to obstruct the investigation into all of this.

So what happens now?

Trump has to appear in court tomorrow.

How is Trump responding?

He dismissed the indictment as “election interference,” called the charges “fake” and asked why prosecutors waited “two and a half years” to charge him.

Can Trump still run for president?

Yes — and he is. There is no precedent for what happens if a sitting president is convicted of a crime. He faces decades in prison if convicted — although a maximum sentence is unlikely.

But this isn’t the first indictment…

It’s not. Trump has also been charged over his alleged hush payments to Stormy Daniels and for his handling of classified docs. Those cases go to trial next year. There are also other investigations brewing.

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The Republican primary debates kick off in three weeks and Trump is leading the pack. Yesterday’s news, however unprecedented, is not expected to change that.

Related Stories

And Also...This

Whose story isn’t over yet...

Henrietta Lacks'. Yesterday, her family settled a lawsuit over the use of her bodily tissue without her consent or knowledge. In 1951, Lacks — a Black woman in Maryland — was treated for cervical cancer at Johns Hopkins Hospital where doctors took cells from her tumor without her knowledge. Famously dubbed as HeLa cells, her tissue allowed for numerous breakthroughs in modern medicine, including vaccines for polio and COVID. Her family did not know the tissue given to researchers until decades later and was never compensated. That’s why they sued the biotech company that used her cells. Now, her estate reached a settlement on what would’ve been Lacks’ 103rd birthday. The details are confidential, but both sides said they’re “pleased that they were able to find a way to resolve this matter.”

Whose truth might hurt…

Lizzo’s. Yesterday, three of her former dancers sued the pop star for alleged sexual harassment and a hostile work environment. The dancers are accusing Lizzo — who’s known for championing body positivity — of weight shaming. One of the dancers also claims she was fired for recording a meeting where Lizzo gave out notes to the dancers. They also allege the pop star pressured them to attend a nude cabaret bar and say dance captain Shirlene Quigley shamed those who had premarital sex. The dancers’ lawyer said that Lizzo and her team’s behavior behind closed curtains “seems to go against everything Lizzo stands for publicly.” Lizzo hasn’t commented.

What’s going dark…

Incandescent light bulbs. Yesterday, the national ban on the manufacture and sale of most incandescent light bulbs went into effect. The DOE estimates that the ban will cut emissions equal to what 28 million homes put out annually. It could also help the US further transition into using energy-efficient LED lights that use 75% less energy and last up to 25 times longer. Rep. Pat Fallon (R-TX) said the ban violates people’s personal freedom and is an example of the Biden admin’s “tidal wave of regulatory burdens crashing down on American families.” Next on the kill list: compact fluorescent light bulbs.

What's one way to boost your reputation...

Handing out $55 million in bonuses during your Eras tour.

Whose jersey might start selling out...

Melchie Dumornay.

Who’s swapping out a Pepsi for margaritas…

Cindy Crawford.

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

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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.

New York's Bravest…Katreana B (NY). She wrote a screenplay to honor her late father, who died in the line of duty as a member of the FDNY. It's already won awards and been recognized at seven film festivals.

(Some) Birthdays…Rory Greebel (NY), Andrea Lubel (NY), Ruby Kelrick (CA), Jack Schneider (NY), Amanda Casey (CA), Andrea Walters (NC), Cassandra Curtis (FL), Darian Somers (GA), Dianna Totten (WA), Elena Bartlett (PA), Elizabeth Smith (MI), Erin Roth (IL), Jill Winters-Bougard (FL), Jo Wilson (TX), Karen Trager (OR)

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