Skimm'd after virtual pride

"Wear a mask and be patient" – Adele's response to a fan asking about her next album release. She's just wishing nothing but the best for you.

Bounty

The Story

Russia apparently put bounties on US troops.

Excuse me?

On Friday, The New York Times reported that a Russian spy unit offered the Taliban money last year to kill US troops in Afghanistan. The info came in part from interrogations of Taliban militants – and US intel officials apparently briefed the gov on this earlier this year. Although intelligence seems to show Taliban militants collected the money, it's unclear if they succeeded in killing troops. At least two dozen US troops have been killed in Afghanistan since 2019.

Why would Russia do this?

It's unclear. But Russia – and this unit in particular – has been on a campaign to destabilize the West. The country also wants more influence in Afghanistan and has supported the Taliban in the past. It's also possible that Russia wants revenge on the US for what happened in Syria, when US forces killed Russians in a 2018 attack on pro-regime forces.

What's the US government doing about this?

The question of the hour. Apparently the National Security Council discussed this back in March, and came up with a range of responses – including filing a complaint to Russia and sanctions. But none of that has happened yet. President Trump denies being briefed – and has also cast doubt on the intel. But lawmakers across the aisle are saying 'we want answers.' Russia and the Taliban are denying that any of this is true.

theSkimm

This intelligence report could mark the first evidence of conflict between the US and Russia in Afghanistan since the 1980s. Today, it comes as Russia has carried out a range of cyber attacks in recent years, all while POTUS seems intent on bringing Russia into the fold.

And Also...This

What else kept the president busy…

This executive order. Last week, President Trump signed an EO protecting federal monuments, memorials, and statues from vandalism. It calls for federal law enforcement to arrest anyone who causes damage to these statues. They could face a penalty of up to 10 years in prison. It also threatens to withhold federal funding from state and local govs that fail to protect their own monuments and statues. The order comes after multiple Confederate statues have been toppled by protesters in the midst of nationwide calls against racial injustice. And after at least 22 cities have reportedly taken them down or have plans to.

Tweeting. Yesterday, the president hit 'retweet' on a video showing his supporters shouting "white power." Hours later, he deleted it. The White House claimed Trump hadn't heard the "one statement" in the video and was just sharing his supporters' enthusiasm. But the retweet earned widespread criticism, including from Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) – the Senate's only Black Republican – calling it "indefensible" amid nationwide calls for an end to systemic racism.

Where there's a showdown...

Poland. Yesterday, the country saw a record voter turnout in the first presidential election in the EU since the pandemic began. But with no candidate reaching the majority, a runoff election is set to take place next month. Incumbent President Andrzej Duda from the country's ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party will face centrist Rafał Trzaskowski. And the two are taking different stances on LGBTQ+ rights. Duda has campaigned on a conservative agenda that's targeted the community, reportedly labeling the LGBTQ+ movement as "destructive." And Trzaskowski – Warsaw's mayor – has called for tolerance of the LGBTQ+ community.

What's seeing updates…

COVID-19. Yesterday, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases topped 10 million worldwide and the number of deaths passed 500,000. In the US, Texas, Florida, and California ordered at least some of the states' bars to close. Only two states (Connecticut and Rhode Island) are reportedly seeing a decline in the number of cases compared to last week.

What's waving in a new era…

Mississippi. Yesterday, state lawmakers overwhelmingly voted to remove the Confederate battle emblem from its 126-year-old state flag. Mississippi's flag is the last in the country to display the emblem. Gov. Tate Reeves (R) says he'll sign the bill. And a commission will design a new flag Mississippians can vote on in November.

Who's welcoming the New(ton) player in town...

The Patriots.

Who won the BET award for 'best humanitarian'...

The creator of "Black Is King."

Summer is here. Check out our fave picks for the season…

1. Things to make your beach trip a little easier. So you can kick back and relax. This list has a portable table, an underwater camera, a blanket that won't trap sand, and more. Shades on.

2. Some bright new underwear. Because your top drawer could use a serious pop of color. This female-founded company's underwear is sustainably made from recycled fabrics. Plus, it comes in sizes XS - 3X and only costs $9. PS: Skimm'rs get 20% off five pairs or more. Treat yourself.*

3. Grilling for beginners. Veggie lovers, hot dog stans, and burger enthusiasts…this guide will prepare you for a job well done.

PS: Sign up to get more ideas for ways to spend your summer in your inbox every Monday. Like recipe ideas, movies and book recs, and more. Get in on it.

For when your kiddie pool is all set up…

Time for poolside drinks. Enter Hydrant. It's a refreshing drink mix designed to hydrate you quickly. And it's part of a certain Hollywood actress's daily routine. Psst...Skimm'rs get early access to their new orange mango flavor. And up to 47% off. Run, don't walk.*

For when your online cart is full…

Take the plunge. This free browser extension can help. It finds, tests, and applies coupon codes on over 30,000 sites. So you can say 'hey' to great deals and 'see ya' to searching for them. Get it.*

For when you're always the first one in the water…

Keep it up with this brand. Their signature swimsuit, The Sidestroke, has sold out over 25 times and once had a waitlist of over 10,000 people. Bonus: it's made of recycled materials. And they have 71 other styles. PS: Skimm'rs get $10 toward their purchase. Beachy.*

For when your morning walks are the best part of your day…

Keep up the good vibes. This wellness company's metabolism super powder eliminates bloat, regulates blood sugar, and controls your cravings naturally. And Skimm'rs get 20% off sitewide. Give it a try.*

For when you spend Zoom meetings analyzing your split ends...

Time for a change. Get sulfate-free hair products from this company. Take a short quiz and they'll send custom-made products right to your door. PS: this week only, get a free tote and 15% off your order. Mane, managed.*

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.

Finish up the month with...Bryanna W and Autumn G (CA). They created Justice in June, a website for allies to the Black community. It includes a month-long guide with podcasts, articles, films, and more. Lean more here.

Spice up your life...Nyana & Karen Q (MD). This mother-daughter duo started Camella's Kitchen, a Black women-owned business that specializes in Caribbean flavors. They make handcrafted sauces, marinades, spices, cakes, and more. Shop around here.

(Some) Birthdays...theSkimm's Sara Colodner (NY), Kate Brennan (CA), Libby Hipp (PA), Chelsea Halling (VA), Laura Bradshaw Kennedy (TX), Alice Elia (PA), Jeannie Wade (IN), Emma Fisher (CA), Kathryn Wall (MD), Ilana Muransky (FL), Alexa Askari (OH), Clare Horan (ON), Sarah Kaczor (SC), Amanda Lamb Griffin (NC), Kimberly Richer (MD)

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