In 2000, the Baltimore teen was sentenced to life in prison for the 1999 death of his high school ex-girlfriend Hae Min Lee. There was no direct evidence tying Syed to her death. But circumstantial evidence found that cell phone tower data indicated Syed was near the park where Lee's body was found. A friend of Syed's at the time — Jay Wilds — also said that he had helped Syed bury Lee's body. Another friend, Asia McClain, testified that Syed was at the library on the day of Lee's killing. Yesterday, a judge tossed Syed's conviction.
Why?
Let's take it back to "Serial." In 2014, the podcasting industry attracted less than 40 million listeners. But a new show changed that. "Serial" followed host Sarah Koenig as she dug into the case against Syed. And the inconsistencies and inadequate representation that may have played a role in his verdict. The podcast was a massive success — garnering 340 million downloads by 2018 and catapulting the true-crime podcasting industry. For years, Syed's lawyers pursued additional hearings based on new findings following the series' release. But each one had been denied — until last week.
What happened then?
This time it was the prosecutors themselves — representing the state of Maryland — who called for Syed's conviction to be overturned. They said the cell data technology was unreliable, only tracing incoming calls. And that their predecessors failed to follow through on two other suspects (but didn't name them). A Baltimore judge agreed and released Syed from prison but placed him on home detention. Prosecutors have 30 days to start a new trial or drop the case entirely. Lee's brother said he felt "betrayed" by the prosecutors. And called the ordeal a "never-ending nightmare."
theSkimm
This isn't just a case about one person — it's a case that highlighted everything from the power of the media to questions over the criminal justice system. Now, eight years after its debut, the subject of "Serial" will walk free. But Hae Min Lee's family is no closer to finding out what happened to her.
A Texas sheriff's office. Yesterday, Texas authorities opened an investigation into Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' (R) flights last week that carried about 50 migrants to Martha's Vineyard, MA. The migrants were flown from Bexar County, TX, to Florida. And eventually to Martha's Vineyard where they were "left to fend for themselves." Now, the Bexar County sheriff says he believes the migrants were "lured" to Martha's Vineyard under false pretenses of finding jobs. And is investigating whether the migrants were victims of crime. The sheriff said the move was a political tool, but stopped short of naming any suspects. DeSantis said the migrants went willingly and were given the opportunity to "seek greener pastures in a sanctuary jurisdiction."
Record immigration: This all comes as a record number of people have been apprehended crossing the US-Mexico border this year. And as a reported nearly 750 people — also a record number — have died along the way.
Who's coming home…
Mark Frerichs. Yesterday, the Biden admin said it exchanged the Navy vet and engineer for an Afghan heroin kingpin. In 2020, while working in Afghanistan, Frerichs was taken and held by a Taliban-linked org. Bashir Noorzai was serving a life sentence for drug trafficking charges and had been in US custody since 2005. As part of the deal, President Biden says he made the "difficult decision" to grant Noorzai clemency in exchange for Frerichs. The swap comes after months of negotiations with the Taliban. Frerichs' sister said Biden did "what was right." But critics said the country should not be "negotiating with terrorists." Meanwhile, the Biden admin is under pressure to bring home other Americans detained in foreign countries (like Brittney Griner and former Marine Paul Whelan).
What's a real page-turner…
Book bans. Yesterday, a new report found that more than 1,600 book titles were banned in schools over the past year. That's because of at least 50 advocacy groups, like Moms for Liberty, which are pushing to ban books — including a large percentage of titles covering LGBTQIA+ topics or with protagonists of color. Supporters say this is about parents having control over what their children learn. But the report says the movement is "intertwined with political movements" that grew out of the pandemic and what some consider to be divisive topics (like critical race theory). Texas accounted for the most bans, with 801 in 22 districts, followed by Florida and Pennsylvania.
What wasn't a part of the game plan…
This leak. Yesterday, Rockstar Games said hackers broke into its systems and leaked footage of its next "Grand Theft Auto" videogame. The alleged culprit is also taking credit for last week's Uber hack. Rockstar Games said it's "disappointed" but doesn't expect any long-term disruptions. No word on when gamers will be able to hit 'play' just yet.
Q: What should I consider before making a career change?
Sarah Ann Foehrenbacher: When it comes to changing careers, there are a few questions you might wanna ask yourself. Like: Why do I want a change? Will I need to learn a new skill set? What do I want from my next job? At my last job I wasn't being fairly compensated and was burnt out. I wanted to be in charge of my salary and schedule. So I started working at Northwestern Mutual as a financial advisor. Now, I get to help people achieve their goals and make a tangible impact – all while being my own boss. So ask yourself these Qs, then follow the answers to land in the right spot.
Sarah Ann Foehrenbacher is a teacher-turned-wealth management advisor at Northwestern Mutual. Her answer has been edited for length and clarity. Learn more about becoming a NWM advisor here.
Save Your Seat: Building Your Portfolio
Design: theSkimm
Mutual funds, stocks, real estate, and 401(k)s…Get those assets on the (trading) floor. Tune in tonight for our second SkimmU Money course: Building Your Portfolio, presented by Fidelity. CNET Money's Farnoosh Torabi will explain the do's and don'ts of long-term investing before Fidelity's Leanna Devinney joins for a panel discussion and audience Q&A. Register now.
Skimm Picks
Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. A foaming cleanser that won't dry out your skin. Finally. This purifying gel wash is specifically formulated with lactic acid to help exfoliate (and glow-ify) your skin. Did we mention it's cruelty-free? Snag it before it sells out.*
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†Terms apply.
Skimm'rs
We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.
Adapting to change…Stephanie and Kameron B (TX). They launched The Charlotte Letter, an adaptive clothing line for people with special needs that require the use of medical equipment. Now, people can feel both comfortable and fashionable when picking outfits.
(Some) Birthdays…Anne Hughto (NY), Jason Stern (NY), Tess Zelechowski (UK), Matthew Boggie (NY), Alexis Lopez (VA), Nick Jourdan (TX), Paula Casey (NY), Elise Roug (IL), Kelli Dace (IL), Regi Strauss (OH), Melenda Meazle (TX), Anna Hurley (OH), Michaelene McWhinney (PA) Madison Nasteff (TX), Anastatia Harrison (TX), Casey Treiber (FL), Tanya Moran (CA), Diane Bischoff (KY), Amy Price (VA), Angie Wierzbicki (TX), Cormac Dennehy (NY), Kayla Schwoerer (NY), Daniela Cabada (IN), Summer Lillenberg (NE)
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