News·4 min read

Daily Skimm: Evictions, China, and Taylor Swift's New Album

A participant holding a Not One Eviction sign at the protest
Getty Images
July 24, 2020

On Notice

The Story

More than 12 million people in the US could soon face eviction.

Explain.

This is about the CARES Act. Back in March, Congress passed a law protecting certain renters from getting evicted if they're late on rent. Specifically, renters who live in homes that have federally backed mortgages. The protections were passed to help Americans struggling financially as unemployment skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic. But they were always meant to be temporary – and today they expire.

What happens now?

Landlords who've benefited from fed backed mortgages can start handing out 30-day eviction notices. This doesn't apply to everyone – some cities and states have set up additional protections for tenants under COVID-19 that don't expire until next month or later this year. Still, an estimated 12.3 million people (reportedly around 30% of US renters) could start getting notices. This comes as the $600 federal boost for unemployment benefits is also about to end, leaving many wondering how they're going to make ends meet just as unemployment has ticked back up. Now, Congress is stepping in and saying 'we're working on it.'

What do you mean?

Senate Republicans and the White House are negotiating their proposal for the next coronavirus relief package. Right now, they're considering another round of $1,200 stimulus checks and additional funding to help schools. But it's not clear if their plan would include support for renters. And it doesn't include a complete extension of the $600 weekly unemployment bonus – two things House Democrats want.

theSkimm

COVID-19 has taken a major economic toll on the country – and renters are one of the groups that have relied on an assist to get them through it. Now, protections could expire just as cases in several states surge and the unemployment rate remains high.

Skimm This: This week's episode explains how the new stimulus package could impact the economy and individuals

And Also...This

What's saying 'your move'…

China. Today, it ordered the US to close its consulate in Chengdu. The consulate is one of five the US has in mainland China, along with the embassy in Beijing. The news comes days after the US ordered China to close its consulate in Houston, Texas – which US officials said was a hub for spying and stealing medical research in the US. And that the move was to "protect American intellectual property" and their private info. China denied wrongdoing. And it's putting the blame on the US for acting first. All of it adds to the already heightened tensions between Washington, DC, and Beijing

Who's saying 'I'm looking into it'...

The DOJ's inspector general. Yesterday, the Justice Dept's internal watchdog said his office is investigating allegations of improper use of force by federal law enforcement in two cities: Washington, DC, and Portland, OR. Both cities have seen protests calling for an end to systemic racism and police brutality. Last month, officers used tear gas to clear the way for President Trump's visit to St. John's Episcopal Church in DC. And in Portland this month, agents were seen putting protesters into unmarked vans. They've also used tear gas there – including on the city's mayor. Members of Congress, the public, and the US Attorney for Oregon have all called for a review. Now, the IG is saying 'on it.

Who won't stay silent in the face of sexism...

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY). Yesterday, she took to the House floor to issue a rebuke to Rep. Ted Yoho (R-FL). The speech came days after Yoho reportedly called AOC a "f***ing b*tch" on the steps of the Capitol. He's since apologized for his "abrupt manner" but denied using profanity. And he pointed out that he has daughters and a wife. But AOC issued a pointed statement that men can have daughters and still "accost women." And said her parents did not raise her "to accept abuse from men.

Who's changing plans…

President Trump. Yesterday, he canceled Republican National Convention activities in Jacksonville, Florida as COVID-19 infections in the state continue to rise. It's a reversal for Trump – who had insisted on a location that would forgo social distancing and masks. He moved the RNC to Jacksonville from its original site in Charlotte, North Carolina, after NC's governor raised public health concerns. Some smaller RNC events in Charlotte will still be held in August

What's getting a brand refresh...

The Washington Football Team

What's hit the ground running...

"Folklore."

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