New York Times Report Stirs Debate and Receives Criticism in Investigation of Old and New Brett Kavanaugh Allegations

A year after Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation hearing, a report from the New York Times has reopened conversations regarding sexual assault accusations against him.

The report (which is part of a larger book by Times reporters Kate Kelly and Robin Pogrebin) revealed that Deborah Ramirez, the second woman to come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct against Kavanaugh, provided the FBI with at least 25 witnesses to corroborate her claims, but the bureau didn’t interview any of them or allow Ramirez to testify.

The report also detailed a new accusation of sexual misconduct from Kavanaugh’s college years, though both the classmate who reported the event to the FBI, and the alleged survivor declined to be interviewed. Because of this, the Times received criticism from writers and politicians for their decision to publish the allegation.

Still, calls for Kavanaugh’s impeachment came, with Democratic Candidates taking to social media, calling into question whether the justice repeatedly lied to Congress under oath.

Take Action: Share resources and messages of support for survivors of sexual assault in your community.

James Corden Claps Back at Bill Maher’s Fat-Shaming Comments

Real Time host Bill Maher closed a recent episode of his show saying that “fat-shaming needs to make a comeback,” and fellow comedian James Corden had a few words to say on the matter.

On The Late Late Show, Corden shared his perspective as someone who has “struggled [his] entire life” with weight, and argued that fat-shaming does more harm than good. Corden pointed out that shame can lead to mental health issues and self-destructive behaviors, and he called out fat-shaming for what it really is -- bullying. It’s important to recognize that people can be fit and healthy regardless of size, like ultramarathoner Latoya Shauntey Snell. The comedian also spoke about the root causes of obesity, like poverty and genetics, that people should be addressing instead.

Take Action: Cancel bullying for the collective good. Spread positive affirmations at your school.

California Is Banning Private For-Profit Prisons

California lawmakers passed a bill that would prohibit the state from holding incarcerated people in privately run facilities, starting in 2028. It’s awaiting approval by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has previously spoken in favor of banning private prisons.

Unlike government-run public prisons, private prisons make money off of incarcerating people, and when prison becomes a business, it can lead to detrimental cost-cutting measures -- like reducing employee salary and training and denying healthcare to inmates.

Private prisons also have higher rates of inmate assaults and often don’t save the government money. Without profit as a motivation, prisons can operate with the wellbeing of inmates in mind. It’s a step in the right direction for overall prison reform, and focusing on things like alternative sanctions, re-integration, and access to justice will get us that much closer.

• Why aren’t more people talking about… how PewDiePie rescinded his $50,000 donation to the Anti-Defamation League after pressure from fans?

• Meanwhile, in Canada… the Toronto Raptors introduced team-branded hijabs inspired by a local group for Muslim women in sports.

• Today in viral cuteness… this Up-inspired photoshoot featuring a 5-year-old and his great-grandparents.

• I’m obsessed with… this very elaborate high-school dance performance of Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame. (And, I guess, spoiler alert?)

3 More Reasons Why Breakdown Readers Are Awesome

Last week, we asked Breakdown readers to tell us amazing things you’ve done recently. And you sure did not disappoint. Here are three of our favorite responses!

“I started a petition to add African American/Minority History classes to my high school's Curriculum. It got over 100 signatures and counting!” - Daijah, 14, New Jersey

“I am a youth actor in a mock peer pressure seen in Reality Tour in my town. Reality Tour is a drug prevention program and me and other teens in my area are working with local youth services to prevent drug use.” - Abbey, 16, Wisconsin

“My group won a robotics hackathon competition.” - Sarah, 15, Kenya

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