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"Pods" – A gym in California, on how people can work out without masks and still social distance. "Love Is Blind" would like a word.

Charged

The Story

The officer who killed Rayshard Brooks now faces murder charges.

Tell me.

On Friday, two police officers approached Brooks while he was sleeping in his car in a Wendy's drive-thru in Atlanta, Georgia. After a peaceful encounter, they tried to arrest Brooks but he ran away with an officer's taser. Former officer Garrett Rolfe then shot and killed him. Neither officer offered medical treatment for more than two minutes as Brooks lay dying. Now, Rolfe – who has had disciplinary issues in the past – faces 11 charges, including felony murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He could face life in prison or the death penalty.

What about the other officer?

The district attorney also brought three charges against Devin Brosnan, including aggravated assault for standing on Brooks's shoulder as he struggled for his life. The DA said Brosnan agreed to become a cooperating witness – which would make him one of the first officers in his county to testify against someone from his own department. But the officer's lawyer denied that he agreed to testify or plead guilty. Brosnan could face up to 20 years in prison.

Charges aren't normally brought this quickly, are they?

No, they're not. Brooks's family says they're "grateful" for the swift action. But others weren't as pleased. The Atlanta police union dismissed the charges as politically motivated at a time when the DA is up for reelection. President Trump weighed in, too, saying he hopes that Rolfe "gets a fair shake" and that police have "not been treated fairly in our country." But Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms (D) – who introduced police reform addressing the use of force earlier this week – reportedly said "we've got to train our officers differently." She's not the only one.

Who else is saying it?

Senate Republicans. Yesterday, they introduced the most sweeping GOP police reform legislation in years. If passed, it would establish commissions to study issues of law enforcement and race, as well as push police departments to ban the use of chokeholds, improve data collection on officers' discipline records, and provide funding for things like de-escalation training and body cams. It would also make lynching a federal crime, an effort that stalled in the Senate earlier this month.

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Officers are rarely convicted for shootings. But with nationwide protests against police misconduct and systemic racism, the charges in this case came especially quickly. Now, Brooks's family hopes they'll have a chance at justice, while Atlanta police are calling out of work.

And Also...This

Where COVID-19 is under a microscope...

Beijing. For the first time in nearly two months, the city's dealing with a new coronavirus outbreak (read: 137 new infections in six days). Authorities said it could be linked to human-to-human transmission at a Beijing food market. In response, the city has tested more than 350,000 people and cancelled more than 1,000 flights to and from its airport. Schools are suspended. And dozens of neighborhoods are back to doing temperature checks. But that's not all: at least four other provinces have linked new infections to the market, causing some cities to impose quarantine measures.

Six US states. Arizona, Florida, Oklahoma, Oregon, Nevada, and Texas have seen record upticks in coronavirus cases this week. Texas in particular saw its highest single-day increase on Tuesday with more than 4,000 new infections. Governor Greg Abbott (R) believes increased testing is behind the growing number of cases. But health experts are also attributing it to businesses reopening and people getting together for Memorial Day weekend. Meanwhile, Dr. Anthony Fauci reminded everyone fearing a second wave that we're still in a "first wave," and said people are being "risky" by not adhering to safety guidelines.

Who's saying 'can I have your attention, please'...

John Bolton. Previews of his memoir show the former national security adviser has some bombshell allegations against the president. Like his claim that President Trump asked Chinese President Xi Jinping to buy US farm products to help him win reelection. And that Trump seemed to endorse Beijing's detention of hundreds of thousands of Uighurs in concentration camps. The book also implies Democrats should have looked into Trump's dealings with Xi. But they come months after Bolton himself refused to testify in the House impeachment hearings. Now, the president is calling Bolton "a liar." And the Justice Department is trying to stop the book's release next week on the grounds of protecting national security.

Who people are talking about...

Danny Masterson. Yesterday, the "That '70s Show" actor was charged with sexually assaulting three women. The cases stem from the early 2000s and all three women claim Masterson raped them in his home. The actor's lawyer said his client is innocent and that his family is "in complete shock" at the allegations. Masterson is out on bail and due in court later this year.

Chris D'Elia. Multiple women accused the comedian this week of sexual misconduct ranging from inappropriate messages to soliciting nude photos of underage girls. D'Elia denied the allegations and said all his relationships "have been both legal and consensual."

Where you'll be seeing some changes…

Your pantry. Yesterday, the company behind Aunt Jemima – the popular maple syrup and pancake mix brand – said it's changing its name and logo. Hours later, Mrs. Butterworth's and Uncle Ben's said 'think we might need a rebrand, too.' The companies said they recognize their role in ending racial bias and want to do their part by evolving their brand packaging.

Who's getting ready for a royal close-up...

Bella Swan.

Unfortunately, Tax Day's on the 'postponed, but not canceled due to COVID-19' list. So you'll have to file by July 15 if you haven't yet. Silver lining: credits and deductions are still a thing. We Skimm'd them for you here.

Here are our recs to help you take a break this week...

1. The perfect summer sneakers. These from Cariuma are sustainably made, and are comfy enough for long socially distant walks. Bonus: for every pair purchased, Cariuma is planting two trees in the Brazilian rainforest. And Skimm'rs get 15% off for a limited time only. Get em.*

2. A spa-like face mask tutorial. In her latest video for QVC, celeb makeup artist Mally Roncal shows you how to soothe your skin with ingredients you have in your kitchen. Oh, and she also shows you her makeup routine and teaches you a simple dinner recipe. Get into it.*

3. The best movies to watch with your parents. For when you've sat through one too many awkward love scenes on family movie night. If you're with your fam for Father's Day, these picks have your back.

PS: Want more ideas for things you can shop, eat, watch, and more? Sign up to get them right to your inbox.

For when you've learned to make cool cocktails at home…

You're basically a mixologist. Just keep vitamins on hand from this company. They help your body metabolize alcohol, detox your liver, and restore vital nutrients. So you can wake up the next morning ready to go. Cheers to that.*

For when you've been dreaming of a poolside vacation…

You're not alone. And when you're ready to safely travel again, Cambria Hotels has you covered. With pools and rooftops that are perfect for lounging. Plus, if you're a Choice Privileges® Member you'll get a $10 Cambria Credit to use at the bar or marketplace on every stay. Take a look.*

For when your underwear drawer could use a refresh…

Asked and answered. This female-founded company has underwear that's bright, colorful, and only $9. They're sustainably made from recycled fabrics. And come in sizes XS - 3X. PS: Skimm'rs get 25% off four pairs or more. Here you go.*

For when you're sick of cleaning your pots and pans…

Do dinner different. Enter: new frozen meals from this online marketplace. They're made with organic ingredients, and ready to eat in minutes. Psst...Skimm'rs get up to $20 in shopping credit when you join today. Yes, please.*

Skimm’rs

In times like these, community matters more than ever. Let us know how you (or someone you know) is making an impact by helping others.

Serving justice...Kelsey N (SC). She's spreading the word about Food Industry Action, a nationwide fundraiser on Saturday, June 27 to help support the fight for racial justice. Dozens of restaurants across 22 states (and counting) will donate 5% of their sales to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. Find participating restaurants in your state here.

Coloring the world...Bellen W (VA). She's nine years old and the founder of Bellen's More than Peach Project. It's a nonprofit that provides kits with multicolored crayons to help children have crayons that represent their actual skin color and identity. Learn more here.

(Some) Birthdays...Annie Trout (NY), Verena Briley-Hudson (NV), Lauren Colson (FL), Maxine Todd (NC), Rebecca Henderson (GA), Rachael Gibson (OR), Kirstyn Hughes (GA), Jessica Cannon (NY), Emma McLoughlin (NY), Ashli Holland (PA), Lindsay Martinez (MI), Nako Ishii (NY), Hannah Cavallin (CAN), Helen Yates (VA), Roxann Belle (CA)

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

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