Skimm This: Criminal Justice Reform, A$AP Rocky, and Robocalls

It’s August 1st. Today, we Skimm’d This: 

• Criminal justice reform was one of the main topics at last night’s democratic debate on CNN. Candidates boasted about their plans -- and criticized each other’s records in the process. We’ll give you the background here. 

• Rapper A$AP Rocky appeared in a Swedish court today after being charged with assault. He says ‘not guilty’ and that he acted in self-defense. And US officials are backing him up -- President Trump even sent a special envoy to the courtroom to keep an eye out. 

• So long, familiar area code amongst unfamiliar numbers: the FCC voted today to ban international robocallers from making it look like they’re from your hometown.

• Finally: the organizers of Woodstock 50 have thrown in the sweaty towel. Rock … and roll. 

theSkimm: Onstage at last night’s democratic debate, candidates went after each other on their criminal justice records. Things got heated -- and personal. We’ll explain the history here. Meanwhile, rapper A$AP Rocky took the stand in Sweden today. He’s accused of being involved in a fight, and was charged with assault. Rocky says: ‘not guilty.’ And now US officials are backing him up. Also on today’s episode: good news for phone-owners everywhere, and Woodstock 50 organizers face the music.