Skimm'd with shiny new things

theSkimm50 West 23rd Street, Suite 5B; New York, NY, 10010, United States Update Profile

DECEMBER 02, 2019

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Skimm'd with shiny new things


  QUOTE OF THE DAY  

"The Fiend" – A WWE replica belt on sale for $6,500. Cyber Monday, giving the people what they need.

THINGS THAT MAY SEE SOME CHANGES

Iraq

The Story

Iraq's prime minister has officially tapped out.

Let's take a step back.

For months, protesters in Iraq have been clashing with security forces over a variety of issues. That includes high unemployment, poor public services, corruption, and growing Iranian influence in the country. Hundreds of people have been killed in the unrest. On Friday, Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi announced plans to resign after security forces killed dozens of demonstrators over a 24-hour period. Yesterday, Iraq's parliament approved his resignation.

Got it. So what happens now?

Some anti-gov protesters have been celebrating. But many Iraqis are worried about the future. The country's constitution doesn't have clear rules on what to do when a prime minister resigns. So for now, Abdul-Mahdi will stay on as "caretaker" until parliament nominates a new PM to form a new gov – a decision that could take time.

theSkimm

The PM's decision to resign is adding uncertainty to a place that's already struggled with years of war. It's also highlighting foreign influence in Iraq, an issue that isn't new to the country.


Taliban peace talks

The Story

President Trump wants to get along with the Taliban now.

So peace talks are...on?

Maybe. Reminder: for almost a year, the US and the Taliban were talking out ways to end the 18-year war in Afghanistan. Earlier this year, they seemed to agree on the basics: the US would gradually withdraw all remaining 14,000 troops from the country. And in exchange, the Taliban wouldn't let terror groups use Afghanistan as a base to launch attacks abroad. But back in September, the Taliban took responsibility for an attack that killed 11 people – including a US soldier. That's when Trump ended talks with the group and canceled a secret meeting with its leaders.

Got it. What's changed since?

It's unclear. Last week, Trump surprised American troops in Afghanistan on Thanksgiving. He said that he'd reopened peace talks with the Taliban and demanded a cease-fire. The Taliban apparently said they were "ready to talk" and pick up where they left off...but made no mention of a cease-fire.

theSkimm

Talks may be back on. But earlier this year, the US announced it's been pulling out thousands of troops from the area. It was hard enough getting the Taliban to agree to a cease-fire in the past. Now, American negotiators may have less leverage to work with.

AND ALSO...THIS

What people are keeping an eye on...

SCOTUS. Today, the Supreme Court is set to hear its first major gun case in almost a decade. It's about an NYC rule that prevented gun owners from taking their guns outside the city. Residents and the NRA's local affiliate argue it violated the Second Amendment. NYC says 'this is moot' since the rule's been repealed. A decision is expected next year.

  • High stakes: The case could impact how courts approach hundreds of gun restrictions passed in recent years. That's because until now, courts have mostly been using a...

  • (One) Two-step system: The process looks to protect the right to bear arms. But it may allow for some gov restrictions (think: to protect public safety). Now, a conservative-majority court might take a red pen to that process and potentially expand gun rights.

The impeachment inquiry. Here's where we left off pre-food coma: the House Intelligence Committee held two weeks of public hearings into President Trump's dealings with Ukraine. Specifically, whether there was an abuse of power when Trump called for investigations, including into former VP Joe Biden and his son...all while the admin withheld almost $400 million in aid.

  • Next on Dems' plate: this report. The Intel Committee is voting tomorrow on whether to hit 'fwd' on their impeachment report to the House Judiciary Committee. Key, because the Judiciary Committee is the one that has the power to actually bring articles of impeachment against the president.


Where people are mourning…

London. Over the weekend, a man stabbed and killed two people and injured three others near London Bridge. Many have praised the bystanders, who stopped the attacker before police shot and killed him. The attack is being treated as a terrorist incident. And is sparking questions about the efficacy of Britain's justice system. That's because the attacker had been convicted on terrorism charges back in 2012. He'd been released on parole last year, and was reportedly wearing an ankle bracelet at the time of the attack.


What's giving hope...

This HIV drug. Last week, a pharmaceutical company announced a new strawberry-flavored HIV drug designed for babies and toddlers. It will cost less than $1 a day. The FDA is still reviewing the drug. But since traditional pills can be hard to swallow, experts think this version could save thousands of lives.


Who's dropped out of the 2020 race…

Former Pennsylvania congressman Joe Sestak and Montana Gov. Steve Bullock.


What deserves extra stuffing…

This mashed potato Cybertruck.

ADD TO CART

What's breaking the internet today? Cyber Monday. Last year retailers reported $7.9 billion in sales. Yes, with a B.


We know there's lots going on, sales-wise, and we're here to help you focus on the things you really need. (Your bank account will thank you later.) Like winter boots. Here are some of our faves from Marc Fisher LTD.


Winter-ready boots to take on the cold


Pointy toe booties for winter work meetings


Chelsea booties to wear all week (and weekend) long


Heeled booties that say 'I'm cold but ready for anything'


PS: Skimm'rs get 25% off on everything sitewide. But the deal only lasts through tomorrow. Don't wait.

SHOP SMARTER

Have yourself a merry little...shopping season.


It's that time of the year to buy your family and friends gifts you hope they like. We curated a shop with products to make sure your holidays aren't filled with forced thank you's.


PS: Like to see things before you buy them? theSkimm – with our presenting sponsor Batiste – has a pop-up shop in NYC to get the full holiday experience. Plus you'll get free shipping on all orders.

SKIMM PICKS

For when your family is celebrating the holidays somewhere warm…

Jealous. Pick up gifts they'll love at Lilly Pulitzer before you go. Bonus: for the first time ever you can get $20 off for every $100 you spend. But the deal only lasts until midnight. Don't miss it.*


For when it feels like everyone is getting engaged this month...

Maybe because they've found their dream rings. JamesAllen.com has them down to a science (literally). Their lab-created diamonds let you find the perfect ring without icing your wallet. Think: up to 30% less per carat. Shine bright, shine far.*


For when you forgot your toothbrush on your trip home…

Happens to the best of us. But it's time for a change. Enter quip. Gift yourself with their bundle that has new refillable floss, an electric toothbrush, toothpaste and a toiletry bag. Bonus: get up to 20% off in their Cyber Monday sale happening now. Here you go.*


For when you're dreaming of summer…

Here's the next best thing. This swimwear brand is offering Skimm'rs $20 towards their order and free shipping, plus a kit of travel essentials that's worth $50. PS: They have travelwear and PJs too. Do it to it.*


For when you need a gift for your fanciest friend…

Say no more. This home essentials brand has luxe pieces for every room. Think: bedding, bath linens and dinnerware. Psst...get up to 25% off during their once-a-year sitewide sale. But the sale only lasts until midnight. Don't wait.*

*PS This is a sponsored post.

SKIMM'RS

Cheers to…Briana M (PA). She ran her first half marathon in Philadelphia. She said she's come a long way since last year's 5K. Run, Briana, run.


Spotlight on...Ramzi J (CA). He's riding in his third consecutive AIDS Lifecycle. This spring, he will be biking 545 miles to stop the stigma against HIV/AIDS. Good luck, Ramzi.


(Some) Birthdays...theSkimm's Pat Shores (NY), Pam Shores (ENG), Monica Climaco (CA), Jessica Scheer (NY), Glenn Turtletaub (NJ), Jenny Grosvenor (VT), Samantha Gill (IL), Jill Fraticelli (NJ), Josephine Cook (AUS), Anna Allen (TX), Maureen Mullarkey (NY), Sam Hack (FL), Alea Frazier (TN), Jackie Murray (NY)


*Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.