Daily Skimm: The deadly shooting of a teenage boy in France has many calling for justice.

Unrest

The Story

The deadly shooting of a teenage boy in France has many calling for justice.

What happened?

Earlier this week, police allegedly shot and killed a 17-year-old during a traffic stop in a Paris suburb. The teen, identified as Nael M, is reportedly of Algerian descent. Authorities initially said the teen drove his car toward police, prompting an officer to shoot. However, a video of the alleged incident shows an officer pointing his gun at the driver of a stopped car. There’s a gunshot heard in the video, as the car pulls away and later crashes. Officials said Nael died of gunshot wounds to the chest. His death has sparked unrest and protests in Paris and surrounding towns. Now, authorities have opened two investigations into the tragedy that's put a spotlight on the French policing system.

Tell me more.

Nael’s death is reportedly the second in France this year involving a police shooting during a traffic stop. Last year, 13 people died in a similar way — a record in France. Activists say the country has a history of discriminatory policing tactics that mostly target people of African and Arab descent. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron called Nael’s death “inexplicable” and “inexcusable.” This morning, Macron held a crisis meeting to address the protests as at least 150 protest-related arrests were made. A French police union said the officers have “the right to the presumption of innocence.” A lawyer for Nael’s family said they plan to file a complaint accusing the officer, who’s in custody, of murder. A march in Nael’s memory is expected to be held today.

theSkimm

Nael's death has added to feelings of mistrust in France's policing practices. Many are speaking out against the violence, but it’s not clear if it will lead to change.

What’s got people staying indoors…

Poor air quality. Yesterday, more than 120 million people — from the Midwest to the East Coast — were under air quality alerts. Officials say poor air quality could last a few more days, as smoke from Canada's nearly 500 active wildfires moves across the US. The hazy skies come as 90 million people are under heat advisories. In recent weeks, at least 13 people have died from heat-related injuries in Texas. Now, temperatures across southern and central parts of the US are reportedly expected to jump 20 degrees higher than the norm, reaching the upper 90s or low 100s. 

What's raising concerns...

Harassment. Earlier this week, an Anti-Defamation League (ADL) report found that online harassment is at an all-time high. The civil rights org said that over half of Americans reported facing online harassment in their lifetime, with many experiencing it on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Reddit. The ADL noted that almost every demographic saw a rise in hate and harassment. However, the surge is affecting the LGBTQIA+ community the most. The rise comes amid an increase of anti-LGBTQIA+ bills in the US.

What’s got updates…

The Coast Guard. Yesterday, it announced the recovery of presumed human remains and debris from the Titan submersible. The announcement comes nearly a week since authorities concluded that the vessel imploded, killing all five passengers on board. The Coast Guard said the presumed remains and debris will be analyzed as part of investigation efforts to gain “critical insights into the cause of this tragedy.”

Where people are feeling youthful...

South Korea. Yesterday, South Koreans became one or two years younger after the country changed its age-counting method. Up until now, most of the country deemed people to be a year old at birth and tagged on a year every Jan 1. Now, South Koreans will be zero at birth and turn a year older on their actual birthday. 

What’s trying to level the playing field…

Nike’s soccer cleats and Adidas’ basketball sneakers designed for women.

Who's flipping ready…

Simone Biles.

What could be coming to a FYP near you…

TikTok’s online store.