Skimm'd after ultimate frisbee

"Socially repulsive" – A scientist describing people who are sleep-deprived. So those dark circles under my eyes aren't attractive?

SPOTLIGHT 2.0

The Story

The Catholic Church is back in the headlines for covering up years of sexually abusive behavior by priests. This time, in Pennsylvania.

Not this again.

Sadly, yes. Yesterday, a grand jury released a report that's been in the works for two years. It spoke to dozens of witnesses and went through half a million pages of docs. The jury found that more than 300 priests in Pennsylvania sexually abused children for decades. And that the number of victims is over 1,000 – but could be much higher. The state's AG called it the biggest US report on child sex abuse in the Catholic Church. Ever.

And it was covered up?

Of course it was. Some priests that committed the abuse were often sent away without any explanation to churchgoers – although sometimes they would lie and say the priest was on "sick leave" or suffering from "exhaustion." Some church officials who protected these priests got promoted. Victims were pressed to keep quiet. And even law enforcement was convinced to back off from investigating it.

Get. It. Together. Catholic. Church.

Preach. The church has had a major problem with child sex abuse for years. A lot of it was uncovered in 2002 with Boston. And places like Chile, Argentina, and Australia have recently been dealing with their own cases. This report also comes weeks after Cardinal Theodore McCarrick – the former DC archbishop – resigned over sex abuse allegations.

So what happens next?

Most of these cases can't go to court because of the statute of limitations. The state's Catholic bishops reportedly said the church already made updates to make it safer and that people should pray for the victims. The grand jury and state's AG say 'you know what will help these victims? Justice.' And is calling for the state to expand the statute of limitations so older victims can bring their cases to court.

theSkimm

For decades, thousands of children who trusted their priests and other church officials were taken advantage of. This new report is putting even more pressure on the church to put an end to this systemic problem.

REPEAT AFTER ME...

What to say when your date texts you back...

My move now. Turkey is saying 'same.' Today, the country announced it's increasing tariffs on some US imports (think: cars, alcohol, cosmetics). This is after President Trump said last week he was doubling the amount of steel and aluminum tariffs on Turkey.

What people are watching…

The bridge collapse in northern Italy. Yesterday, a highway bridge collapsed during a storm, killing at least 37 people and injuring more than a dozen others. Officials are investigating what made the decades-old bridge collapse now. But it has many worried about Italy's infrastructure and other old bridges around the country. Italy's transport minister reportedly said that whoever is responsible "must pay."

What to say when you hear your co-worker talking about you...

Let's take this outside. Yesterday, the Trump campaign said it filed arbitration against former White House aide Omarosa. It claims her tell-all book violates a 2016 NDA she signed saying she wouldn't bad-mouth President Trump. Speaking of a bad mouth, Omarosa is claiming that Trump used the n-word and that it's caught on tape. He denies it and called her a "crazed, crying lowlife" and said he was glad his chief of staff fired "that dog." Press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders says she "can't guarantee" Americans will never hear Trump saying the n-word on tape. Comforting. In other news the White House is probably tracking, the trial of former campaign manager Paul Manafort – who's charged with bank and tax fraud. Yesterday, his lawyers rested his case without presenting any witnesses. They say the prosecution didn't prove its case. Bold move.

What people are talking about...

Nebraska. Yesterday, it became the first US state to execute a prisoner using fentanyl. The prisoner was convicted of killing two cab drivers decades ago. Nebraska hasn't always been a fan of executions – it temporarily banned the death penalty a few years ago. One of the problems states have with it: drug companies don't want their products associated with lethal injections. This time, Nebraska turned to fentanyl, an opioid that's at the center of the current crisis. A pharma co – who thought some of its products were being used in the injection – sued to stop it from happening...but lost. Nevada could be next.

PS: Want a deeper dive on fentanyl? Our Skimm Notes has you covered.

What to say when a member of your book club doesn't like the book choice…

Tough luck, you should have voted. Yesterday, four states voted for their picks to face off in the midterms. Meet Christine Hallquist (D-VT), the US's first major-party transgender candidate to run for governor. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) won the nom to run for Senate as a Dem – but he's expected to turn it down and stay Mister Independent. Also, in Minnesota, state Rep. Ilhan Omar (D) – aka the country's first Somali-American legislator – won the Dem primary to replace Rep. Keith Ellison (D). Speaking of, Ellison snagged the Dem ticket for the state's AG race. Meanwhile, Kansas's Republican governor finally conceded defeat to President Trump's pick, state Sec of State Kris Kobach (R) after last week's race. Speaking of things making decisions, West Virginia. This week, state lawmakers voted to give the entire state Supreme Court the boot. The reason? The judges were apparently hitting the credit card too hard for non-work expenses (think: office renovations). That suede couch tho...

PS: Midterms are only 83 days away. Are you ready?

What to say when you just want something nice in the world...

New Girl Scout cookies are coming. You're welcome.