Skimm'd with a view

"JAY-Z" - Jay Z's new name. He went all caps and brought back the hyphen. New name for a new album. And he's REALLY EXCITED ABOUT IT.

THINGS KEEPING THE WHITE HOUSE UP LATE

NORTH KOREA

The Story

Yesterday, 22-year-old Otto Warmbier died one week after being released from a North Korean prison.

Wait...back up.

Last year, North Korea sentenced the University of Virginia student to 15 years of hard labor for allegedly stealing a propaganda poster. North Korea says that shortly after he was sentenced, he contracted a disease and was given a sleeping pill, which pushed him into a coma. After learning about his condition, the US demanded that he be released. Last week, after 17 months in prison, North Korea sent him home. US doctors say the explanation for what happened doesn't add up. They say Warmbier had severe brain tissue loss and there was no evidence that he'd been sick. Yesterday, his parents announced he died. And President Trump condemned the "brutality of the North Korean regime."

theSkimm

North Korea is known to detain Americans, but violence towards them is rare since the country likes to use them as bargaining chips. Meanwhile, the US is still trying to negotiate the release of three other American prisoners.

SYRIA

The Story

Yesterday, Russia said it's not afraid to target US warplanes in Syria.

Wait...back up.

Syria's in the middle of a civil war. Rebel groups have been fighting to kick Syria's president (who is backed by Russia) out of power. This chaos gave ISIS the chance to set up shop in the country. In 2014, the US stepped inwith airstrikes and weapons for some of the rebel groups fighting ISIS. Since the US and Russia are supporting different sides, they shook on a deal to avoid air collisions or accidentally firing on each other. Somehow, things just got more complicated.

So what now?

Over the weekend, a Syrian plane dropped bombs near US-supported ground forces. So the US shot it down, making it the first Syrian plane targeted by the US since the civil war started. Russia says this move goes against international law. Now, its throwing that deal out the window, and will treat US planes in Syria as potential targets.

theSkimm

For years, the US and Russia have backed different sides in this war. But things have ramped up in recent months, and many are hoping it won't lead to a more direct confrontation.

REPEAT AFTER ME...

What to say when your co-worker says your new hairdo is 'interesting'...

I'm offended. Yesterday, the Supreme Court ruled that offensive trademarks are OK. This all has to do with an Asian-American band called The Slants, who say they wanted to reclaim the racial slur. But back in 2011, the US trademark office gave their application a 'denied' stamp, saying trademarks aren't allowed to "disparage" people. Yesterday, the Supremes disagreed, saying the trademark law violates freedom of speech. Now, this decision could have a ripple effect for other high-profile cases. Hi, Washington Redskins. Meanwhile, SCOTUS is already filling up its schedule for next term. They've agreed to hear a major case about gerrymandering, which is when lawmakers redraw voting maps to benefit their party. This happened recently in Wisconsin, when the state's GOP redrew the legislative districts. Critics say the new lines are so partisan that they essentially make Dem votes useless. A lower court said 'yup,' this discriminates against one party aka is unconstitutional. Wisconsin appealed. Now it's headed for the Supreme team.

PS: Want to know more about what the Supremes are up to? We Skimm'd this year's big cases for you.

What to say when you see peaches on sale at the farmer's market...

Georgia on my mind. Today, GA voters head to the polls in a special election for the House seat that was left empty when Health and Human Services Sec. Tom Price joined President Trump's team. And all political eyes are watching to see what happens live. This race has turned into a litmus test for how Republicans are doing in the Trump era. And a preview to next year's midterm elections. This Georgia district has been red for decades, but last year Trump barely won it. And now Democrat Jon Ossoff - a 30-year-old political newbie - is putting up a tough fight against Republican Karen Handel. Earlier this year, no candidate won a majority in the first round of voting. So today, it's round two. Both sides of the aisle have been pouring money into campaigning, making this the most expensive House race ever. Some polls show Ossoff's got jussssttt a bit of a lead. On your political mark, get set, go.

PS: Want to know about other political showdowns? We have an app for that.

What to say when you catch your boss reading over your shoulder...

Looking for something? Yesterday, a report found that the Mexican gov has allegedly been using spyware to track journalists and activists.The report says that since 2011, the Mexican gov has bought around $80 million worth of spyware that can track calls, texts, emails, and even use a phone's mic to listen in on convos. The spyware company says they only sell to governments on the condition the software is used to fight crime and terrorism. Mexico apparently didn't get the message. The investigation shows that in 2015 and 2016, the Mexican gov spied on investigative journalists and lawyers looking into things like government corruption and human rights abuses. In Mexico, just like in the US, a federal judge needs to sign off on the surveillance of citizens. Former Mexican intelligence officials reportedly say it's really unlikely that a judge had given the green light. Mexico's saying 'yup we spy, just like every other country,' but that they'd never do something like this without approval.

What to say when you hear the Cavs fired their GM...

These couples are making it work. Yesterday, Time Warner shook on a $100 million deal with Snap. It includes creating new shows for the Dancing Ghost. Meanwhile, Vice Media scored a $450 million investment from a private equity group. It's going to use the cash money in part to create"the largest millennial video library in the world." It's been nice knowing you, productivity.

NO EXCUSES: HEALTHCARE

This week we're cracking open the Skimm'tionary to give you some key healthcare terms to know. Next up...

Single-payer system: Government-run health care. Under this kind of system, the 'payer' is the taxpayers. Everyone pays into the same system and has the same coverage - no matter what they make or how healthy they are. Meaning no deductibles, copayments etc. Your British friends know all about it.

Actuarial value? Essential health benefits? Exclusive provider organizations? It's all decoded here.

We want you to make sure you're taking care of yourself. Say 'hi' to our Care Calendar in theSkimm for iPhone. It lets you set custom reminders to book all of your VIP doc appointments. Get the app here.

SKIMM LIFE

Skimm HQ's all about an easy morning routine. This electric toothbrush is our go-to every AM (and PM). Bonus: the company sends replacement brush heads every few months. Because hygiene. We got you a discount off your first order. Get it here.*

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

SKIMM SHARE

Skimm A and Skimm B are practicing their French this week. Share theSkimm with your friend who's bilingual. Brownie points for trilingual.

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SKIMM BIRTHDAYS

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HALP

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