“Smiling doesn’t win you gold medals” - Simone Biles to the “Dancing With the Stars” judges who suggested she smile more. Nailed it.  

COMEY OUT

THE STORY

Last night, President Trump fired FBI Director James Comey.

CAN HE DO THAT?

Yes, but it’s unusual. This is the second time it’s happened in US history. FBI directors typically serve 10-year terms to keep the job nonpartisan. Comey had over six years left.

WHY WAS HE FIRED?

Attorney General Jeff Sessions and his deputy AG recommended it. They say Comey fumbled the FBI’s investigation into whether Hillary Clinton mishandled classified info while she was sec. of state. They say all of this badly damaged the FBI’s reputation.

HOW’D THAT GO DOWN AGAIN?

Last year, after months of investigating, Comey said that he wasn’t recommending charges against Clinton. This was unusual, since that’s technically the Attorney General’s call. Then - in the final days of the presidential campaign - Comey said ‘hold up, we might have more evidence.’ The FBI looked into it…and cleared Clinton. Again. Comey got a lot of criticism for potentially influencing voters just before Election Day.

ANYTHING ELSE?

Until yesterday, Comey was leading the FBI’s investigation into whether Trump’s campaign was connected to Russian interference in the election. Meanwhile today, Trump’s expected to meet with Russia’s foreign minister at the White House.

WHAT ARE PEOPLE SAYING?

Trump’s team says the FBI needs new leadership to get the agency back on track. Supporters of the move say Comey showed a pattern of incompetence and it’s about time. Critics say it looks suspicious that Trump suddenly fired the man in charge of the Russia probe…over something that happened last year. Others are comparing this to that time President Nixon fired the Watergate special prosecutor. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle say this is why an independent investigator needs to take over on Russia.

theSKIMM

There are lots of opinions. But pretty much everyone is asking ‘why now?’ Meanwhile, Trump’s search for Comey’s replacement is on.

REPEAT AFTER ME...

WHAT TO SAY TO YOUR FRIEND WHO ALWAYS CHECKS HER HOROSCOPE...

There’s a new Moon in South Korea. Yesterday, South Koreans voted to make Moon Jae-in their new president. He’s replacing former President Park Geun-hye. She’s the one who was impeached earlier this year over corruption allegations. Moon campaigned in part on the promise to try to get North Korea back to the negotiating table. Reminder: for decades, the Koreas have technically been at war. In recent months, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s been test firing ballistic missiles, and apparently working on one that could reach the US - one of SK’s biggest allies. That led the Trump administration to say it’s open to military action against the North, and sent SK an antimissile defense system for protection. Now, Moon says he’s not a fan of that antimissile system, because he says it creates tension in the region. He’s also open to diplomatic talks with the North, potential economic cooperation, and maybe even paying the neighbors a visit. So…just a few changes. Moon landing.

WHAT TO SAY WHEN YOUR NEW BOSS FIRES PEOPLE ON DAY ONE...

Ruffling some feathers. Yesterday, President Trump said the US will arm the Syrian Kurds in the fight against ISIS. The Kurds are an ethnic group spread across Turkey, Syria, Iran, and Iraq. In Syria, a six year-long civil war has left a power vacuum for ISIS to run wild and free. For years, the US has been giving Syrian Kurdish forces, and other rebel groups in Syria an assist with things like airstrikes. US military officials have long considered the Kurds the best fighters on the ground. Former President Obama debated whether to arm the group. But never made that call because of Turkey - a key US NATO ally. For decades, the Turkish gov has been fighting with a Kurdish militant group within its own borders. The group wants a Kurdish state in Turkey. But Turkey’s always said ‘not happening.’ It also considers the Syrian Kurds an offshoot of this militant group. Turkey has warned the US against arming them. Now, never mind. President Trump has promised to wipe out ISIS. That includes by sending the Syrian Kurdish fighters things like ammunition and machine guns to make it happen. Later this month, Turkish President Erdogan will be visiting the White House. This will come up.

WHAT TO SAY WHEN YOU HEAR “AMERICAN IDOL” IS BACK...

Just couldn’t stay out of the spotlight. Like Apple. Yesterday, Apple shares hit an all-time high, putting the company’s market value at more than $800 billion. Apple was already the most valuable company in the world. Now it’s just showing off. This comes despite the fact that The Fruit hasn’t done so well in recent months. Fewer people than expected have been splurging on iPhones. But CEO Tim Cook says ‘not to worry,’ since everyone’s probably just saving up for the next one, expected later this year. And investors seem to agree. Now the company could be on track to hit a $1 trillion market value by the end of the year. iWin.

WHAT TO SAY TO YOUR FRIEND WHO THINKS SHE COULD BE BFF’S WITH ADELE…

Diva status.

iPHONE HOME

You might know that we have an iPhone app. It syncs directly with your calendar and adds important events and details. We’re constantly updating it to make sure you always have the latest info.

Today, we’re launching category specific calendars to make sure you have more of the things that matter to you...

* Entertainment...all the binge watches, TV specials, and new concert tickets on sale

* Politics…all the Supreme Court hearings, national and international elections, and big press conferences

* Business and Tech…all the key earnings reports, big IPOs, and events like Davos

* Sports…all the balls like the US Open, NBA finals, and World Series games

Whether you’re looking to impress your finance friends, stay in the know at the sports bar, in the office talking politics with co-workers, or just looking for a new TV show to binge…we’ve got you covered.

The app comes with a 30-day free trial. Give it a try.

SKIMM LIFE

Channel your inner Gracie Hart. Miss USA is on Sunday night. If you’re not into hearing about the perfect date or vague hopes for world peace, you won’t. Because you get to ask the questions. We’ve teamed up with Miss USA to source this year’s final round questions from Skimm’rs. Submit yours here. And watch Sunday, May 14 @8pm ET/5pm PT on FOX.

SKIMM GIFT

You woke up today thinking it’s Friday. You clearly need a break. Think: four days to eat your way around Hawaii. Plus money for the flight there. Aloha, good times. Enter here.

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SKIMM BIRTHDAYS

* indicates Skimm’bassador. Birthday suit on.

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