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 QUOTE OF THE DAY  |
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"I opened a Pandora's box and released a Frankenstein's monster" – The man who gave us the labradoodle, disavowing his life's work. But now that the box is open...we'll take them all.
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The Story
Well, this impeachment thing is getting pretty serious.
This week has been overwhelming.
Agreed. So quick refresh: Last week, we learned about a phone call President Trump had with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in July. This week, we saw a rough transcript: it shows Trump had urged Zelenskiy to investigate former VP Joe Biden for corruption, apparently over a Ukrainian company Biden's son had ties to. And the call happened while the Trump admin was withholding aid to Ukraine. Cue alarm bells over whether any of the things we just said violate the law.
Do they?
The Justice Dept didn't think so. And Trump says he was just withholding aid because he wanted Europe and others to contribute more. Not because he was trying to pressure Zelenskiy into investigating a political rival or anything. He released the aid this month...while Democrats were bringing a microscope to all this. The House has since launched an impeachment inquiry.
What's the latest?
Yesterday, we saw the complaint from the whistleblower, a CIA officer who originally flagged this phone call. The whistleblower saw it as the White House trying to solicit foreign interference in the 2020 election. And accuses the admin of trying to cover it up – not the first time he's said politically sensitive transcripts like this were buried. Meanwhile, the acting director of national intelligence had to explain why he at first didn't share the complaint with Congress. The DOJ didn't require him to, arguing it wasn't an "urgent concern."
So where do things stand?
Remember, Trump is only the fourth president to face an impeachment inquiry. So things are about as dramatic as you'd expect. The House GOP leader accused Dems of launching the impeachment process "without one bit of evidence." Trump says whoever helped the whistleblower is basically a spy, and seemed to reminisce about the "old days" when spies were handled "a little differently" – which some people took as witness intimidation. And over 90% of Dems support (or are open to supporting) the impeachment process.
theSkimm
For years the words 'Russia investigation' dominated the news. Now, one phone call with Ukraine will have the world saying 'impeachment' for the foreseeable future. So buckle up, because this is only the beginning.
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What else the Trump admin has on its mind…
California. Yesterday, the EPA accused the Golden State of failing to meet water quality standards, tying it to the homelessness crisis there. CA is home to the largest homeless population of any state, with 70,000 people experiencing homelessness in San Francisco and LA county alone. The EPA says the state isn't doing enough to counter the effects homelessness may have on "human health and the environment." One example: human waste on sidewalks that can contaminate nearby water. The agency's giving CA 30 days to respond to these concerns. This comes on the heels of multiple clashes between the admin and the state. And CA's governor thinks this move is President Trump trying to "attack his political opponents."
Refugees. The Trump admin plans to cut the number of refugees allowed to resettle in the US over the next year from 30,000 to a record low 18,000. The State Dept says the country's immigration system needs to be alleviated before it can let in more refugees, pointing to the influx of migrants coming to the US-Mexico border. But critics say the US is ditching its moral responsibility to take in those who are forced to flee their homes.
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Who's had a biz-ier week than you…
Peloton. Yesterday, the company that charges an arm and a leg for a spin bike and treadmill went public – and had a rough first day of trading. But it's not alone. 2019 has been a year for tech IPOs – with some like Uber and Lyft having a bumpy ride and others like WeWork saying 'IPOh wait, we're gonna need a minute.'
McDonald's. It's testing out a PLT – a 'plant, lettuce, tomato' sandwich. The star of the dish: the Beyond Meat patty (so hot right now). The sandwiches will debut next week...in Ontario, Canada. What a PLTease.
$: What's money got to do with it? Here's how IPOs could affect your wallet.
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What's on the rise...
Income inequality. New gov data shows it's at its highest level since the 1960s. There may be a few reasons why this is happening – including the stagnant federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour) and a decline in labor union participation.
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If money grew on trees, fall would be the time to rake it in. Use the new season as the excuse you need to spend smarter. Our guide on the 50/20/30 rule explains how.
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For when you get to work and regret your outfit choice...
Happens to the best of us. HUGO BOSS can help with new arrivals that are business...casual...and business casual. Think: luxe suits, skirts, blazers and elevated basics. Bye, outfit anxiety. Take a look.*
For when shopping is your favorite fall sport...
Get more for your money. NextAdvisor says this card will get you the most cash back. Plus 0% interest for 14 months. Talk about a home run. Get more info here.*
For when you have an "aha moment"...
Sarah Kauss, founder and CEO of S'Well, says you might be onto something. On our latest episode of "Skimm'd From The Couch," sponsored by AC Hotels by Marriott, she tells us how she learned from her competitors, and how she turned a simple idea into a major company. Give it a listen.*
For when you booked a country cabin for the weekend…
It's called cozy chic. Dress the part with comfy leggings and classic blouses from this company. They're all about doing more with less. Psst…Skimm'rs get 15% off. Fall for it.*
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*PS This is a sponsored post.
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Sundance, er, sunshine day for…Kelsey H (UT). She just got hired as a publications director for the Sundance Film Festival.
What a year this week has been for…Jenn D (CAN). She just ran her first half marathon and was appointed veep of her chapter of the Canadian Condominium Institute in the same week.
(Some) Birthdays…theSkimm's Anoush Schaefer (NY), Bob Fiascone (IL), Meghan Otis (IL), Michael Castleman (PA), Theresa Cerami (IL), James MacDonald (IN), Sarah Celentano (NY), Abby Livingston (DC), Danielle Alhale (NY), Theresa Cerami (IL), Haley Wahl (WV), Oriah Ben-Gal (FL), Tara Blackman (NY), Chloe Hays (NY)
*Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
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theSkimm50 West 23rd Street, Suite 5B; New York, NY, 10010, United States Update Profile
