Skimm'd over apples and peanut butter

"He quite likes 'The Lion King'" - Prince William on one of Prince George's favorite movies. Because he just can't wait to be king.

THINGS HAPPENING FAR AWAY

RAQQA

The Story

US-backed forces have taken back control of Raqqa, Syria.

What do I need to know?

Back in 2014, ISIS seized Raqqa, making it their de-facto capital in Syria. The group has been racking up human rights abuses there ever since (think: public beheadings, selling women as sex slaves). Earlier this year, after months of taking back ISIS territory across the country, local US-backed forces kicked off an operation to send ISIS packing from Raqqa. Mission accomplished.

theSkimm

Three years after ISIS became a household name, it has lost almost all of its land in Syria and Iraq. So the group is down. But with heavy online recruiting for terror attacks in the West, and picking up steam in Africa, it's far from out.

NIGER

The Story

There are still a lot of questions about an attack on US soldiers in Niger.

What do I need to know?

Hundreds of US soldiers are in Niger training local forces in counter-terrorism. Earlier this month, four US Green Berets were killed when they were ambushed by ISIS-linked fighters. Now, the Defense Department is investigating what happened. Meanwhile, President Trump responded to questions about why it took him over a week to speak publicly about the attack, by making claims that his predecessors didn't call the families of fallen soldiers.

theSkimm

While ISIS has been losing ground in the Mideast, militants who've pledged allegiance to the group are pushing into new territory. That includes Niger. You'll hear about this again.

PS: We have a new audio product called Skimm Notes. This week, you can listen to the one about the rise of ISIS for free. Listen here. We'll have more Skimm Notes in theSkimm App every week.

REPEAT AFTER ME...

What to say when there are slow walkers in front of you...

Blocked. Yesterday, a federal judge in Hawaii temporarily blocked most of President Trump's travel ban...which was set to go into effect today. This is the third time Trump has tried to make a travel ban happen. It would've stopped almost all travel to the US from seven countries - Iran, Libya, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Chad, and North Korea. Plus block some Venezuelan gov officials and their families. Unlike the other bans, not all of these countries have Muslim-majority populations. Meaning it was expected to stand up better in court. But Hawaii sued, saying the ban still discriminated against Muslims. Yesterday a judge said 'agreed,' and that the gov hasn't shown that the people affected are a national security risk. The Trump administration plans to appeal. And around we go.

What to say when there's only one more slice...

Let's split it. Congress is compromising too. Yesterday, Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) announced a deal to fund Obamacare subsidies. ICYMI, the GOP has tried (and tried) and failed (and failed) to repeal and replace President Obama's signature law. Last week, Trump took matters into his own hands. He made it easier for small businesses to offer cheaper plans with fewer benefits. He also said he's ending billions of dollars worth of federal subsidies that help cover health costs for low-income Americans. Meanwhile, these senators have been working on a deal to cover the subsidies for two years. It's a short-term fix and Trump says he's behind it while the GOP works out a long-term repeal plan. TBD on whether the rest of Congress agrees.

What to say when you forget cash...

Venmo? Yesterday, PayPal announced that Venmo - which it owns - will now be accepted at millions of US online retailers. Meaning when you click 'add to cart' from your phone, you can now pay using Venmo. It'll work almost everywhere that already accepts PayPal - which is basically everywhere. This is a way for both PayPal and retailers to cash in on all the millennials using Venmo. And a way for Venmo to grow from an app that splits your drink bill into a digital wallet à la Apple. Watch out Tim Cook.

Have you met Skimm Notes? Our new feature for theSkimm App that gives you audio breakdowns, in less than 10 minutes, on some of the most relevant topics you need to know in order to understand the world around you.

Your Daily Skimm has all the news and info you need to start your day. Skimm Notes is an audio product that goes deeper on some of the topics you read about all the time. It's waiting for you when you start your commute. And when you finish we've anticipated your rabbit hole. We'll follow up with a recap of what you learned, and a curated list of listens and reads for more.

They hit on the big topics -- from artificial intelligence to the opioid crisis...to WikiLeaks. WikiLeaks has broken some of the biggest stories over the past decade. Skimm Notes looks at how it started, its founder, and what's next for the secret-sharing site. It's better than a "Mr. Robot" episode. Listen here.

There are five of them available in theSkimm App and we'll have new Skimm Notes for subscribers every week.

SKIMM LIFE

For when you always have to explain your food allergies...

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For when you're sitting on the next big idea, but have no idea where to start...

Here to help. Skimm A and Skimm B are helping female entrepreneurs turn their business ideas into reality. In episode 3 of "Get Off The Couch," watch these contestants tell us how to break things, dress for the weather, and find that perfect white dress. Watch here.

*P.S. This is an affiliate partner, which means if you purchase or sign up, theSkimm may get something in return.

SKIMM SHARE

Lots of Skimm HQers are tying the knot. Share theSkimm with your friend who always goes for an off-registry gift.

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SKIMM BIRTHDAYS

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HALP

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