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 QUOTE OF THE DAY  |
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"My love for you has grown over the years by a total of 3%" – A real-life Valentine's Day message from actor Will Ferrell to his wife. Try finding that on a Hallmark card.
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The Senate
The Story
Yesterday, the Senate voted to limit President Trump's military actions against Iran.
Why's that?
Let's do a quick recap. Last month, the US ordered an airstrike killing top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani, whom the admin said was planning "imminent" attacks on Americans. The strike ratcheted up tensions with Iran, which retaliated by striking two Iraqi bases housing US troops. It also drew condemnation from Congress, including from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), who said lawmakers should have been consulted. And so last month, the House approved a non-binding war powers resolution.
Ok, so is this the same thing?
Kind of. When the House passed a similar version, the resolution didn't carry the force of law. But yesterday, the Senate passed a new war powers resolution (through a bipartisan vote of 55-45). This resolution says Trump would have to pull any US troops from military hostilities against Iran within 30 days unless he gets the green light from Congress. But it would still allow the president to act swiftly against an imminent attack. Unlike the House's resolution, this one is binding and requires the president's signature. It's expected to pass the House before it gets to Trump's desk. But the White House has already threatened to veto.
theSkimm
The Senate just made a big move to rebuke Trump's foreign policy...on a bipartisan basis. It's not something Americans are used to seeing every day.
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The Justice Department
The Story
Attorney General William Barr has the mic.
By all means, what would he like to talk about?
Buckle up, this is about to get complicated. Earlier this week, prosecutors recommended up to nine years in prison for Roger Stone – a longtime adviser to President Trump who was convicted last year for several crimes, including lying to Congress. Hours later – after Trump made clear he didn't approve of the sentencing recommendation – the DOJ suggested a more lenient sentence. Cue all four prosecutors quitting the case amid concerns that the White House pressured the DOJ. Now, Barr is opening up about the ordeal in an interview with ABC News.
What's he saying?
That the president has "never asked" him to do anything in a criminal case and that he wouldn't be "bullied or influenced" by anyone. But he also wants Trump to stop tweeting about the DOJ because he said it makes it "impossible" for him to his job. Meanwhile, Barr has agreed to testify before the House Judiciary Committee, which he could do next month. In it, expect him to face questions about his apparent open-door policy with Trump's personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani.
theSkimm
Trump's AG took the rare step of criticizing his boss's use of Twitter, after the rare step of intervening in a case tied to the president. Some see it as an exercise of the DOJ's independence. Others see smoke and mirrors.
Skimm This: Our latest podcast ep explains what else is on the agenda for the AG's testimony.
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What's still in the hot seat…
Huawei. Yesterday, the Justice Department unveiled new charges against the Chinese telecom company and its subsidiaries. The charges include racketeering conspiracy and conspiracy to steal trade secrets from US companies for over two decades. The DOJ accuses Huawei of stealing and copying US intellectual property (think: robots, cellular tech), and selling it in products around the world. Huawei denied allegations of spying on behalf of Beijing and called the DOJ's recent allegations "unfounded and unfair."
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Not the first time: Last year, the DOJ accused Huawei of stealing US intellectual property, violating sanctions on Iran, and threatening US national security. The White House has since warned other countries of security concerns involving Huawei's products.
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What scientists are talking about...
Antarctica. Scientists said the southernmost continent hit temperatures of over 68°F earlier this week – for the first time on record. And recently, an iceberg twice the size of Washington, DC, broke off there, raising further climate change concerns. The news comes as reports continue to note the rise of Earth's temperatures and the effects of global warming.
Arrokoth. Not a "Lord of the Rings" character – it's an object a billion miles beyond Pluto. Yesterday, NASA scientists published a report with pictures of the object. They said the discovery provides evidence that planets in our solar system, including Earth, formed from a cloud of dust. And that the universe itself may not have been created by violent collisions. They called it the best discovery "in the history of the solar system."
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Who's singing 'it's too late to apologize'…
MLB. Yesterday, the Houston Astros apologized for sign-stealing in 2017, the year the team won its first-ever World Series. But critics believe the team should be stripped of their title, something the team's owner isn't on board with.
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Who's saying 'I'm not a regular candidate, I'm a cool candidate'…
Mike Bloomberg, apparently.
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Skimm HQ is celebrating the Presidents' birthdays on Monday. Meaning no Daily Skimm. See you back in your inbox Tuesday.
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Delayed ovulation
When your ovaries press pause on the release of your eggs. This can happen on its own. But it's also how birth control and emergency contraception work to help prevent pregnancy.
Meet Plan B One-Step. It's a birth control back-up plan that has the same active ingredient as many popular birth control pills. But at a single, higher dose. It temporarily delays ovulation. Think of it as the ultimate missed connection: there's no egg released to meet the sperm. No egg + no fertilization = no pregnancy. We know our calculus.
Take it within 72 hours of unprotected sex. The sooner you take it, the better it works. Plan B One-Step does not work if you're already pregnant. If you want more info, we got you. Learn more.
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"In the Land of Men" by Adrienne Miller
"The Bold Type" hive assemble. This is the real version of what making a magazine was like in the glory days. Except set in the '90s. And filled with sexism. This memoir follows Adrienne Miller's path from a 22-year-old assistant at GQ to the first female literary editor at Esquire. Along the way, there's a lot of big egos, male-dominated rooms, and a defining relationship with one of America's greatest writers. It's an irresistible glimpse into the glory days of print magazines and the not-so-glorious behind-the-scenes moments.
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For when your perfect V-day plan includes a couch and PJs…
We have good news. Your fave TV couple is back sooner than you thought. Say 'hi' to Jamie and Claire. Season five of "Outlander" has dropped early. And the pair is fighting for the life they created in America. Download the STARZ app and watch the early release of the season premiere now.*
For when you're feeling unfulfilled at work…
Take a breath. And ask yourself what you can learn from every situation, even the bad ones. That's what entrepreneur and author Erica Williams Simon told us in our newest episode of "Skimm'd from the Couch," sponsored by H&R Block. Listen to it here.*
For when you've got a case of the winter blues...
Add more color. Enter Lilly Pulitzer's Presidents Day promotion. With lots of (you guessed it) fun prints in colors to help remind you that spring break is almost here. Plus, a free vacation-themed gift with a purchase of $75 or more. But the offer ends on Feb 17. Go go go.*
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*PS This is a sponsored post.
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Raising the bar with…Lauren R (KY). She led her team to raise over $100k last year. And she's celebrating her 30th birthday today.
Wedding bells for...Lauren B and Steven (FL). They survived grad school, started their engineering careers, and are now getting married today. Best Valentine's Day ever.
(Some) Birthdays….theSkimm's Hana Zuckerman (NY), theSkimm's Lizzie Wolff (NY), theSkimm's Rachel Miller (NY), theSkimm's Melissa Wimberly (NY), Nicole Keegan (NY), Billy Stern (NY), Wylie Stern (NY), Nicole Keegan (NY), Nathan Brown (IN), Jennifer Brown (OH), Lea Peck (IL), Maggie Lawter (SC), Cerille Avetria (NJ), Erin Srebinski (MI), Patti Cheney (MD), Peter Lesnik (CA)
*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
