Daily Skimm: I've had a long day and still got laundry

"I've got some overdue books" – A man returning his aunt's library books from the 1920s and '30s. See? At least you're not a century late on that email you promised Friday.

At Attention

The Story

The US just celebrated its birthday. So let's talk about the people who defend this country.

Go on.

In 2018, more than 20,000 service members experienced sexual assault. But fewer than 8,000 reported it. Part of the problem may be how these cases are handled: commanders (who are highly ranked) decide what to do, including whether or not to prosecute. But that rarely happens – and in recent years, only 7% of cases reportedly ended with a conviction. The issue was brought to a head last year with Vanessa Guillen. The soldier was found dead after telling family members that she'd been sexually harassed. Her story shined a light on similar cases and inspired many survivors to share their stories. It also led to the firing or suspension of 14 Army officials at Fort Hood following an investigation into command. Now, there's a plan for change.

Tell me more.

Last week, an independent commission released a 300-page report of their 90-day review of military sexual assaults. It found that trust between commanders and service members is broken. That some military women feel singled out and face sexist comments almost daily. And that the military doesn't have adequate resources (think: advocates, support system) for survivors. The report outlined 80 recommendations including: creating a special office to prosecute sexual assault cases – removing commanders from the equation. Calling for better victim advocate services. And offering judge-ordered military protective orders for survivors so that civilian authorities can also enforce them. It wants the changes approved by Congress before October 2023.

What are people saying?

President Biden gave his stamp approval. Defense Sec Lloyd Austin agreed to work with Congress to turn these recs into legislation. But Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) worry that creating a separate reporting system for sex assault crimes could stigmatize female accusers. Instead, they're pushing to expand this reporting change to other serious crimes as well, like murder. Meanwhile, military commanders have long resisted change, arguing that removing them from the reporting process could take a hit on discipline and order.

theSkimm

For years, the military has faced criticism for not taking sexual assault seriously. And while change could be on the horizon, others wonder if it'll be enough to regain service members' trust.

And Also...This

What people are watching…

Surfside, FL. On Sunday, officials demolished the remaining portion of a condo amid concerns over Tropical Storm Elsa, which could impact Florida as soon as today. Last month, a section of the 12-story condo collapsed. It left 28 people dead, including two children. 117 people are still missing. At one point, search and rescue efforts had to be put on hold because they were nervous the remainder of the building could fall. And multiple Miami-area buildings have since been evacuated.

• Ongoing investigation: A 2018 report flagged structural damage to the building (like the cracking of parking garage columns). But investigators are still trying to pinpoint what triggered the collapse.

What's not stopping...

China. On Sunday, its cybersecurity watchdog pumped the brakes on Didi – the country's version of Uber. It came after the ride-hailing giant made its IPO debut on Wall Street last week. Now, China's banned Didi from app stores as it undergoes a cybersecurity review. (Existing users can still use the app.) But it's not the only app in the hot seat. Beijing played its national security card and put three other platforms under review. All had recently listed shares in the US.

Hackers. Last week, Russian-linked hackers attacked software provider Kaseya – affecting thousands of businesses in at least 17 countries. They impacted everything from grocery stores to schools. It could be the biggest global ransomware attack ever recorded. The group – which goes by REvil – is known for hacking meat processor JBS back in May – and bleeding the company of $11 million. Now, it's demanding $70 million. But cybersecurity experts say they're working on it. Comforting.

...Oh and speaking of hacks, new pro-Trump social media app GETTR got hacked on the day it went live.

Who people are talking about…

Sha'Carri Richardson. Last week, the track and field star was suspended and disqualified from the 100-meter race at the Tokyo Olympics after she tested positive for marijuana. Richardson apologized and explained she used marijuana after learning her biological mom died. And did so in Oregon where it's legal. But US anti-doping officials and President Biden are saying 'rules are rules.' Meanwhile, celebs and athletes are supporting Richardson. And some lawmakers say this is a chance to change the policies on marijuana use.

What looked like a scene from a horror movie...

The "eye of fire." Last week, a fire broke out in the Gulf of Mexico after a pipeline gas leak. Bright orange flames raged out of the water for hours, some comparing it to lava. No one was hurt and officials were able to put out the flames. But the sight made a serious impression. Officials are investigating what happened.

While Mark Zuckerberg's been surfing with an American flag...

Jeff Bezos is surfing out of Amazon's CEO spot.

Chatting with Planned Parenthood

Health care has been a major topic on everyone's mind throughout the pandemic – not to mention one of the most divisive issues in the US.

According to the CDC, Black people are two times more likely to die from COVID-19 than their white counterparts. That number increases for Hispanic and Latino people, where the rate is 2.3 times more likely. Meanwhile, the LGBTQ+ community has long faced health care barriers for many reasons, including discrimination and heteronormative assumptions that can exclude members of the LGBTQ+ community. (Example: The idea that queer women don't need birth control, which is false).

We chatted with Planned Parenthood Federation of America's President and CEO Alexis McGill Johnson to better understand how her org makes sure these communities feel seen, tackles systemic racism, and keeps up with cultural changes. Tap here to read all about it.

You know what feels great: that post-beach glow. Not so much: when you notice a new dark spot on your skin. But before you type "Do I have skin cancer?" into your search bar, read our guide all about what melanoma and other skin conditions can look like, and when to call a derm.

Psst...This is the first story in our new series "Do I Have…" where we ask experts to answer Qs about conditions that we know you're Googling. If there's a health topic you want us to Skimm, check out @theSkimm's Instagram Story today and let us know.

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

1. Swimwear with over 250 style and color combos. Summer plans are ramping up, and mix and match pieces are basically essential. Thankfully Summersalt's got tons of limited-edition print designs for this season (and beyond). All made from recycled materials, btw. Here's $10 toward your purchase.*

2. Tips that can help you summer smarter. No offense to the holidays, but summer just might be the most wonderful time of the year. And our latest video with Crocs can help you with the only not-so-fun parts (think: bugs, heat, sunburn). Check it out.*

3. A healthy habit cheerleader that's available 24/7. This program uses behavior change psych to help you set (and crush) your wellness goals. So you can stay motivated and be-e-aggressive when it comes to decision-making. Try it free for 14 days.*

4. A plant-based powder to curb your sweet tooth. This female-founded brand's best-selling metabolism booster can help get rid of sugar cravings altogether. While keeping you full for longer. Double-yum. Oh, and Skimm'rs get 20% off. Boost a move.*

5. A shower cleaner that doesn't require any scrubbing. Just spray, let it sit, and then wipe away. It'll prevent soap scum buildup, keeping your shower walls sparkling clean. Use it once a week for the best results. Thank us later.

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.

What? Like it's hard?...Nicole A (CA). She and her best friend launched the podcast "Legally Judgy." These entertainment lawyers break down pop culture legal cases in a way that's easy to understand and funny.

Push it real good...Carolyn T and Lauren S (ID). They created the Mental Push Plan. The program helps people mentally prepare for childbirth. It includes tools on mindfulness and sport psychology to help maintain mental control during the rigors of birth.

(Some) Birthdays...theSkimm's Claire Bonnett (NY), Teresa Mason (WA), Michael Cassidy (PA), Johanna Sherry (SE), Ellie Spaulding (MA), Emily Downing (GA), Kelsey Bishop (NJ), Amber Carter (NJ), Jen Nichols (DC), Anshika Maheshwari (CA), Tara Boehnlein (IN), Jade Wangensteen (MN), Hilary Reid (NC), Alex Lieberman (NY), Shella Bowlin (OK)

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

Looking for other smart ways to spend your time?

• Listen to our news podcast "Skimm This" for clarity on the biggest stories of the week.

• Tune in to our career podcast "Skimm'd from the Couch" for tips to build your resume.

• Subscribe to our "Skimm Money" newsletter to keep up to date with your wallet.

• Sign up for our "Skimm Your Life" newsletter for curated shopping, reads, and entertainment recs.

• Follow us on the gram, Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook.

• Download our app to get it all in one place.

Skimm Share

Friends don't let friends get bogged down in headlines. So click that share button to send theSkimm to your network. Because, as they say, sharing is caring.

Skimm’d by Rashaan Ayesh, Maria del Carmen Corpus, Mariza Smajlaj, Clem Robineau, and Julie Shain

Skimm'd something we missed?

skimmthis@theSkimm.com

Issues?

help@theSkimm.com

Copyright (c) 2021 theSkimm, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:

theSkimm Inc. 50 West 23rd Street, Suite 5B

New York, NY, 10010, United States

See our full sponsor agreement

Unsubscribe