Daily Skimm: You are the butter to my bread

Skimm'd from The Couch. Earbuds, in

FEBRUARY 28, 2018 READ IN BROWSER

Skimm'd from The Couch. Earbuds, in

QUOTE OF THE DAY   "G.M.O.A.T." - Serena Williams' husband put up billboards saying she's the greatest momma of all time. Making him the greatest hubby of all time.

LET ME DOWNGRADE YOU

The Story President Trump's son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner lost his top security clearance. Remind me. Earlier this month, White House aide Rob Porter resigned after both of his ex-wives went public with allegations of abuse. The FBI knew about the accusations, which is why Porter never got a full security clearance. Problem, since Porter's job was to handle all kinds of sensitive docs that crossed Trump's desk. Porter was one of dozens of White House staffers - including Kushner - who still hadn't received permanent security clearances, but were still able to access top secret info. Chief of Staff John Kelly started doing some damage control to change that. What's happening now? Last week, these staffers got a memo saying their clearances would be downgraded. This means Kushner will have limited access to classified info. Big deal, since up until now he'd had access to the prez's daily brief - which is full of top secret info. Why does this matter? Kushner's security clearance has been delayed for months since his FBI background check still needs to be completed. That's because there's concern over some of Kushner's business connections and foreign contacts. And whether any of them could be used to try to influence the Trump admin. Turns that may not be far off. It came out yesterday that some countries reportedly discussed ways to manipulate Kushner's business ties to their advantage. Kushner is part of lots of decisions in the White House including peace in the Middle East. Unclear how this downgrade will change his involvement. theSkimm This is raising questions about whether Kushner would still have a job if he didn't also have 'son-in-law' in his unofficial title.

REPEAT AFTER ME...

What people are talking about... North Korea and Syria. Yesterday, it came out that North Korea's been sending supplies to Syria that could be used to make chemical weapons. Reminder: Syria's been in a civil war for almost seven years. Syrian gov forces that support President Assad are fighting rebel forces there. Assad's forces have been accused of crimes against humanity, including chemical attacks on civilians. Now, a UN report says that North Korea may have helped out. The country sent Syria shipments of acid-resistant supplies in the last couple years. And they used a Chinese trading company to do it for them. Meaning Syria's getting help on possibly building up weapons to attack civilians while North Korea's been getting cash money that could go towards its nuke and missile programs. Not a good combo.

What to say when you hear about the Justice Dept's opioid task force... The Supremes also have an announcement. Yesterday, the court ruled that immigrants that are detained and could be deported can be held without getting bond hearings. Back in '04, an immigrant with permanent legal status was convicted of having drugs on him and driving a car that wasn't his. He was detained for three years without a bond hearing while the gov decided whether to deport him. The ACLU took up his case and eventually won his release when the court said immigrants should be allowed a bond hearing every six months. The gov appealed during the Obama admin, and continued while President Trump's been in office. Now, the Supremes ruled that immigrants don't have the right to these bond hearings because immigration laws don't guarantee that. The ruling applies to any immigrant, including those who entered the US legally or are seeking asylum.

What to say when you hear Johnnie Walker is being replaced by Jane... Pour some up for Starbucks. Yesterday, the company put on its fancy pants and opened the first of its new Reserve stores. Complete with a full bar. Plus a bakery, and you know, coffee. It's on the main floor of the company's Seattle HQ, but it plans to open 1,000 of these upscale stores in the next few years. In other business news, Comcast is shaking things up with its $31 billion offer to buy British broadcaster Sky. Last year, Disney announced it's buying a big part of media mogul Rupert Murdoch's 21st Century Fox - which owns part of Sky. Part of the deal is to hand over its Sky ownership, but Murdoch put in a bid to buy the rest of Sky back in 2016 and is still waiting for a final decision. Now, Comcast is getting into the confusing mix and offering Sky more cash money than 21st Century Fox is. Awkward. It's not the first time a media company's been trying to consolidate power, but this deal pits two of the biggest names in the industry against each other. And could put a wrench in the Disney deal. PS: 21st Century Fox is a minority investor in theSkimm

What to say when your plans become way too complicated... Calling it off. Yesterday, a teachers' strike that closed public schools across West Virginia ended. Teachers in the state have been asking for better pay and healthcare. Last week, the state passed a law that would give them a 4% salary bump in the next few years. Teachers weren't impressed. So they put up an OOO message for a few days. The walkouts impacted more than a quarter of a million students. Now, West Virginia's gov said teachers will get a 5% raise this year. The deal still needs to pass in the state's House and Senate, but teachers will be back to work tomorrow.

What to say when you hear the moon's getting a phone network... Amazon's getting new doorbells.

What to say when everyone keeps talking about something you've never heard of... Is it Vero?

THING TO KNOW

Appreciation Not what you're thinking. It's the value of something going up over time. Like property or stocks. It happens because of things like inflation and increased demand. Real estate usually appreciates over time. Meaning investing in it can be a smart move. Want an easy and affordable way to invest in real estate online? This platform will get your head and cash money in the game. And potentially help you turn a little into a looot more by investing in things like hotels and apartment buildings. Sold. Get into it here.

SKIMM LIFE

For when you splurge on dessert... Skimm HQ's got a sweet tooth too. And is using this electric toothbrush to brush it real good. It's also super easy to travel with. Oh, and Skimm'rs get a discount off their first order. Sweeeet. Get yours here.* For when you need some career inspo... This will get you moving. Our guest on this week's episode of "Skimm'd from The Couch" is Sallie Krawcheck - Co-Founder and CEO of Ellevest. She started her own company after getting fired...twice. Listen here to get your inspiration on. For when you're marking your calendar for November 6... It's an election year. And women are more politically engaged than they have been in a long time. So theSkimm is teaming up with Vanity Fair's the Hive and Survey Monkey to better understand what this group is doing and thinking in the run-up to this midterm election. Here's what we found so far. *PS This is an affiliate partner, which means if you purchase or sign up theSkimm may get something in return. Thanks.

SKIMM QUESTION

All I do is win, win, win, no matter what...is what we want you saying at the end of this week. Same game, same rules: Guess the movie our subject line is from. If you get 4 out of 5 correct at the end of this week, you could win $1,000. One guess per day. Make it count. And for those who played yesterday...nice job, if you picked Mulan. Questions? We've got answers.

Let's spice things up. Which movie about our favorite foodie is today's subject line from?

Julie & Julia

Chef

Ratatouille

No Reservations

All I do is win, win, win, no matter what...is what we want you saying at the end of this week. Same game, same rules: Guess the movie our subject line is from. If you get 4 out of 5 correct at the end of this week, you could win $1,000. One guess per day. Make it count. And for those who played yesterday...nice job, if you picked Mulan. Questions? We've got answers.

Let's spice things up. Which movie about our favorite foodie is today's subject line from?

Julie & Julia

Chef

Ratatouille

No Reservations

Got it! Check here tomorrow to see if you're right.

SKIMM SHARE

Skimm HQ is listening to '90s throwbacks. Share theSkimm with your friend who knows all the words to every Backstreet Boys song. Or use this referral link theskimm.com/?r=e98aa03e

SKIMM BIRTHDAYS

* indicates Skimm'bassador. Raise a glass. Cristy Hollin PA, Dustin King PA, *Maddie Audet NC, *Cara Read DC, *Julia Bond OK, *Karen Boyer TX, *Skye Latimer OK, *Lauren Clements TX, *Anja Mikic NY, *Grace Wang NJ, *Malin Asplund Sweden, *Jessica Marin MN, *Keshia Rose VA, *Haviland Dunne NY, *Danita Laudenslager CA, *Will Bood TX, *Brandon M. Caten AL, *Jen Gilbert MD, *Krista Shogren CA, *Kate Patterson MI, *Kelsey Haworth MD, *Brittany Chicoteau FL, *Han Nee Than Tun Aung NY, *Lydia Bolder MN, *Kelly Roy AL, Hana Hall OH, Stephanie Eshom CA, Tracy Murphy CAN, Lisa Scully IN, Adrianna Domingos-Lupher AL, Ana Buling DC, Cary White CA, Joan Edwards CT, Abe Schacter-Gampel NY, Nan Silverman PA, Margie Parker MD, Rianna Lane NH, Jillian Gaier NJ, Kathy Van Ryn CA, Ashley Buckley TX, Jack Wakefield GA, Rubina Demirjian NJ, Yvonne Casuso NY, Laynie Thomas GA, Zach Hochster NY, Emma Southard NY, Amy Lohr TX, Sara Wells AL, Tim Taylor FL, Rob Tagliaferro TX, Kelsey Clark VA, Leah Cowper MA, Ryan Koppy MO, Hannah Ettema MT, Eva Carter MI, Julie Shanus NY, Karen Boyer TX, Sarah Bolger CA, Gordon Fair GA, Rachel Shields PA, Angela Peluso NY, Kim Jacklin FL, Sara Sweeterman OH, Alison Bragg MA, David Lerman NY, Mike Hitchcock NB, Jillian Coffey TX, Jenna Raduns IL, Rachel Miller NY, Melissa Homsher NJ, Caroline Bowles, Kate Trotter WI, Jenifer Slone PA, Madeline Rossettini VA, Deneece Hunt NC, Isabel Moreno-Garcia IL, Mary Holland Martinez FL, Hannah Bardin FL, Brandon Hall CA

Skimm'd something we missed? skimmthis@theSkimm.com Issues? help@theSkimm.com Copyright (c) 2018 theSkimm, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: theSkimm Inc. 50 West 23rd Street, Suite 5B New York, NY, 10010, United States Update Profile | Unsubscribe

theSkimm Inc.50 West 23rd Street, Suite 5B New York, NY, 10010, United States Update Profile

Daily Skimm: Say that to my face, you limp noodle

Skimm'd while figuring out how to get free pancakes

FEBRUARY 27, 2018 READ IN BROWSER

Skimm'd while figuring out how to get free pancakes

QUOTE OF THE DAY   "I wouldn't know what to do" - Oprah apparently doesn't know how to pump her own gas. Wish we could say the same.

THINGS ON THE SUPREME RADAR

DACA The Story The Supreme Court is staying out of the fight over DACA. Tell me more. DACA is the Obama-era program that protects hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants brought to the US as kids from deportation. Last year, the Trump administration moved to get rid of the program, giving Congress until next week to find a fix. Cue the lawsuits to keep it in place. Last month, a federal judge ruled that DACA can stay for now. The Trump administration appealed. And asked the Supreme Court to step in. But yesterday, the Supremes said 'we'll pass.' theSkimm Now, DACA can stay while it goes back to the lower courts. This could all go out the window if Congress comes up with a plan. But it doesn't look like that's happening anytime soon.

Unions The Story The Supremes will decide whether all public-sector workers have to pay union fees. Tell me more. Back in the '70s, the Supreme Court ruled that it's up to the states to decide whether public sector workers who don't join a union still have to pay dues. Unions say these requirements make sure there aren't any 'free riders' getting the benefits without paying up. Critics say workers shouldn't be forced to pay for something they disagree with. Why are we hearing about this now? An Illinois public sector worker sued the state, saying that forcing non-members to pay fees to unions whose views they may not share violates his free speech rights. Now, the Supremes are hearing the case and it could affect millions of workers in dozens of states. theSkimm The Supremes heard a similar case in 2016, but the court was split on the issue while then-President Obama's Supreme Court nomination was held up by the Senate. Now, President Trump's appointee Neil Gorsuch is on the bench and he'll cast the deciding vote.

REPEAT AFTER ME...

What to say when your coworker trash talks you to your boss... Won't stand for this. Thousands of teachers in West Virginia are expected to shut down schools in their fourth day of protests today. Teachers there are almost the lowest paid on average in the country. Last week, the state passed a law that would up their salary 4% in the next few years. But teachers said 'not good enough.' And that they want better salaries and better health care ASAP. So teachers from every school across the state didn't show up to work on Thursday. Or Friday. Or Monday. The walkouts have impacted more than a quarter of a million students. But the governor's expected to meet with teachers around the state on all this. TBD on how that all goes.

What to say when some Georgia Republicans want to kill a tax break for Delta... Taking sides. Yesterday, a federal appeals court decided that companies can't fire employees for being gay. In 2010, a skydiving instructor filed a lawsuit for allegedly being fired after telling a client he was gay. Now, the court's taking the instructor's side. The judges say he's protected under Title VII - part of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that says employers can't discriminate based on things like race, religion, or sex. And that sexual orientation falls under sex. Unclear if the employer will appeal to the Supremes. Meanwhile, yesterday it came out that the first transgender recruit joined the US military. This comes as the Pentagon missed its Feb 21 deadline to release details on its transgender military ban.

What to say when you get cut off in a meeting... Not finished yet. Yesterday, more details came out about allegations against Ryan Seacrest. Last year, his former stylist at E! accused Seacrest of sexual misconduct. Seacrest denied the allegations and said he'd cooperate in the investigation. Earlier this month, E! said after looking into it that there was "insufficient evidence to support the claims." Now, a media report dropped additional info. The woman reportedly alleges she dealt with years of sexual abuse by Seacrest including that he groped her and rubbed against her in his underwear multiple times. Her employment reportedly ended shortly after discussing the situation with HR execs in 2013.

What to say when you have the winter blues... You might want to see a doctor about that. Some doctors are recommending that people older than 12 years old get checked for depression at least once a year. Only about half of all young people who have depression are diagnosed before they become adults. And this comes at a time where suicide rates are really high among teens. Some of the goals with these new guidelines are to help get rid of the stigma around mental health and help diagnose people who have depression at a younger age.

What to say when Iceland's feeling the heat... Rome could use some of that.

THING TO KNOW

Avo box The trendy new way of proposing. People are putting engagement rings inside avocados. Where the pit usually is. Yes, we've officially reached peak millennial.

SKIMM LIFE

For when you're getting a head start on spring cleaning... Clean out that room. Then fill it up with new clothes, jewelry, sunglasses, makeup, and a looot more. This sends you all the fashion pieces you need for the season. Right to your doorstep. Plus Skimm'rs get a discount off their first box. Cha-ching. Get into it here.* For when you're on a health kick... Our Skimm'r of the Week Racine Tucker-Hamilton (Washington, DC) has your back. And heart. She works at WomenHeart - a coalition that teaches people about heart disease and advocates for women living with or at risk of the disease. That's 48 million women. Learn more here. PS: We'll be featuring a Skimm'r of the Week every week. And at the end of 2018, we'll pick our Skimm'r of the Year. Everyone's in the running. Have someone you want us to consider? Tell us. For when you're into crime novels... Watch "Babylon Berlin." Skimm HQ is binge-watching it. Think: Cabaret, crime, and '20s glam. It's as crazy as it sounds in the best ways. *PS This is an affiliate partner, which means if you purchase or sign up theSkimm may get something in return. Thanks.

SKIMM QUESTION

ICYMI, the Oscar's are coming up. Here's what we're thinking: guess the movie our subject line is from. At the end of the week, if you get 4 out of 5 correct, you could win $1,000. One guess per day. Because rules. Congrats to everyone who guessed correctly yesterday. Wedding Crashers FTW.

Which of your childhood faves is today's subject line from?

Shrek

Mulan

Space Jam

Toy Story

ICYMI, the Oscar's are coming up. Here's what we're thinking: guess the movie our subject line is from. At the end of the week, if you get 4 out of 5 correct, you could win $1,000. One guess per day. Because rules. Congrats to everyone who guessed correctly yesterday. Wedding Crashers FTW.

Which of your childhood faves is today's subject line from?

Shrek

Mulan

Space Jam

Toy Story

Got it! Check here tomorrow to see if you're right.

SKIMM SHARE

Skimm HQ is carbo-loading. Share theSkimm with your friend who makes the best spaghetti and meatballs. Or use this referral link theskimm.com/?r=e98aa03e

SKIMM BIRTHDAYS

* indicates Skimm'bassador. Party time. Todd Glickman IL, Alex Dilorio OH, Hiba Hashim NJ, William Mack NY,*Kalli Scherlis AL, *Laura Dale CA, *Nina Vascotto NY, *Alisha Wieckmann VA, *Brittany Sakowitz TX, *Taylor Chesnut TN, *Shannon Pratt OH, *Elizabeth Fenner TX, *Jay Patel, *Hailee Kessler NJ, *Livi Farber MD, *Kalie Manke MN, *Marjolein Zelinsky GA, *Kayla Smith IL, *Andrea Cable PA, *Riley Angarella CA, *Chrissy Smith NJ, *Elizabeth Walls KS, *Marissa Lannacone, *Lara Cooley NY, *Nadia Prinz CT, *Heidi Shenk OH, *Sarah Baker UK, *Sophie Hoegh NY, *Andrea Carelli OH, *Laura Logan VA, Brenda McBride PA, Zoë Eagan AR, Ed Vick FL, Natalie Davis TX, Dale Oberst Hopmans CA, Kelsey Wessels DC, Tia Malkin-Fontecchio PA, Tricia Handza PA, Marjo Zelinsky GA, Kristin Malhotra OH, Jon Saelinger NY, Daniel Urdaneta NY, Madison Ellis VA, Syzanne Snider CO, Eshcol Curl OH, Joanne Hunter CT, Fatima B. Khan NY, Carl Tinkham PA, Kara Romano Brick NY, Ann Hart Steele CA, Carolyn Becic OR, Jenna Marcucci NY, Kate Ricca NY, Deborah Whitman AL, Jo Ann Wright MD, Chelsea Aaron FL, Cate McRitchie LA, Daniel Ting TX, Jean Warwick ID, Sonia Sakhrani NY, Kristin Herrel TX, Alyssa Siano NY, Catherine Smith AL, Mary Ann Benedetti SC, Jade Yaa Kankam-Nantwi, Lindsey-Rae Ackerman CA, Caitlyn E Jurica TX, Kevin Studer IL, Kelsey McGillis NY, Elizabeth Walls, Kristi Mathis MI, Sara Beisel NY, Marley Leitner IL, Meg Wilson SC, Kara Grossman NY, Karen Brohard CA, Ava Lillian NY, Caroline Davis GA, Dawn Wood IL, Joanna Meng CA, Jessica Clavijo WI, Diana Sweeney WA, Suzanne Snider CO, Carol Ann Bettini, Christine Nieves Rodriguez, Madison Koogler TX, Shauntelé Patterson NJ, Kimberly Currier, Tracy Parker TX

Skimm'd something we missed? skimmthis@theSkimm.com Issues? help@theSkimm.com Copyright (c) 2018 theSkimm, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: theSkimm Inc. 50 West 23rd Street, Suite 5B New York, NY, 10010, United States Update Profile | Unsubscribe

theSkimm Inc.50 West 23rd Street, Suite 5B New York, NY, 10010, United States Update Profile