President Biden is now the subject of an impeachment investigation.

Inquiry Minds Want to Know

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President Biden is now the subject of an impeachment investigation.

Walk me through it.

Yesterday, Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) told three House committees to formally investigate the president. The question: whether Biden improperly benefited from his son Hunter’s overseas business ventures (in places like China and Ukraine). For the past nine months, the House GOP has been digging into whether there’s any evidence tying the president to those dealings. The allegations include abuse of power, obstruction, and corruption after a 2017 email in which Hunter's business partner asked a Chinese energy company for 10% for “the big guy.” Now, McCarthy’s saying it’s time for a formal inquiry, saying the allegations “paint a picture of a culture of corruption.” But many — including Senate Republicans — aren’t buying it.

Why’s that?

Normally, an impeachment inquiry comes after the House votes to look into whether the president committed a “high crime.” This time, McCarthy picked the committees to investigate first — without a formal vote. Many, including Senate Republicans, see the move as a last ditch effort from McCarthy to appease the far-right in his party so that he can keep the government funded this month and stay in power. McCarthy said he did not “make this decision lightly” and that Americans should care “regardless of your party, or who you voted for.” The White House called the inquiry “extreme politics at its worst” and said there’s “no evidence of wrongdoing.” One far-right Republican called the inquiry a mere “baby step.”

theSkimm

Four years ago, McCarthy criticized then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) for skipping a House vote before launching the first impeachment inquiry into then-President Trump. But that was a Speaker who didn’t have to worry about threats to get voted out as speaker. Now, McCarthy is putting the spotlight on Biden — a move some see as a check on power and one that others see as smoke and mirrors.

What brought on the party…

The MTV Video Music Awards. Last night, many were left confused when the jam-packed show closed up shop without announcing more than ten awards. But it wasn't hard rooting for the record-breaking Anti-Hero Taylor Swift who was bejeweled with nine wins — including the big ones: “Video of the Year” and “Artist of the Year.” Meanwhile, Doja Cat had everyone's attention. So did Olivia Rodrigo's (staged) stage malfunction. Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion brought out the bongos. Sean “Diddy” Combs is now a global icon. Shakira and the MTV Video Vanguard Award were meant to be together. Backstreet Boys did not come back but NSYNC said hi, hi, hi. Stray Kids were feeling like the best of the best. And Grandmaster Flash, Nicki Minaj, and Lil Wayne honored hip-hop’s roots. 

Whose case is getting an update…

Tyre Nichols. Yesterday, the Justice Dept charged five former Memphis police officers with federal civil rights violations, conspiracy to witness tampering, and obstruction in connection with Nichols’ death. Earlier this year, the five Memphis police officers beat the 29-year-old Black man to death after a traffic stop. All five of the Black officers had pleaded not guilty to state murder charges. Now, the indictment comes after the DOJ launched an investigation into the city of Memphis and its police dept. The DOJ said the former officers “willfully deprived” Nichols of his constitutional rights “to be free from the use of unreasonable force by a police officer.”

Who’s proving the Jets curse might be real…

Aaron Rodgers. Yesterday, the NFL announced that the 39-year-old New York Jets’ quarterback is out for the season after tearing his left Achilles tendon. Rodgers got hurt about three minutes into Monday night’s game after he was sacked by a Buffalo Bills defensive end. The announcement broke the hearts of Jets fans who were hoping that the four-time MVP could bring back glory and even a ring to the team for the first time since 1969. Now, Rodgers — who left the Green Bay Packers after 18 seasons for NY — will have to watch from the sidelines for months.

What’s driving a change…

Lyft. Yesterday, the ride-hailing company whipped up a new feature to help match women and nonbinary riders with drivers of the same gender and identities. Lyft says women make up half of its riders but only 23% of its drivers. The goal, according to Lyft, is to make women and nonbinary drivers more confident when driving and to give riders greater choice.

What’s not working…

That decongestant. Just in time for a rise in COVID cases. Speaking of, your new vaccine should arrive by the end of the week.

While Olivia Rodrigo says she isn’t beefing “with anyone”…

Bad Bunny is keeping it tight-lipped, too.

What’s not seeing red…

California.