Skimm'd while checking up on US healthcare

"I am not a woman, so I don't have bad days" -- Russian President Vladimir Putin in a recent interview. How charming.

COMEY OUT TO PLAY

The Story

Areee youuu readyyy? This morning, your co-workers are breaking out the popcorn to watch former FBI Director James Comey testify in front of the Senate.

Wait, back up.

The Senate's conducting one of several investigations into whether President Trump's team colluded with Russia to interfere in last year's presidential election. The House and the FBI are also looking into this. Meanwhile last month, Trump fired Comey. Trump initially said it was because of how Comey handled the FBI's investigation into Hillary Clinton's emails. Then he said he had "this Russia thing" on his mind when he made the decision.

And...?

Since then, memos Comey wrote about his interactions with Trump over the last few months have been leaked. They've raised a lot of questions about whether Trump tried to interfere in the FBI's Russia investigation. So now the Senate's asking Comey to come in and clear a few things up.

So what's Comey going to say?

That he and Trump had nine private convos in the months before Comey was fired. Including one where Trump demanded Comey's loyalty, leading to an "awkward silence" since the FBI's supposed to be independent from the White House. Other highlights from their chats? Comey told Trump that he wasn't under investigation personally. And Trump pushed Comey to 'let go' of the FBI's investigation into former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn and his ties to Russia.

Anything else?

Yup. While all this is about to go down, Trump's been busy finding someone to fill Comey's shoes. Yesterday, he said he's going to nominate Christopher Wray - a criminal defense lawyer - to be the new FBI director. Wray worked in the Justice Dept under President George W. Bush, and repped NJ Gov. Chris Christie (R) during Bridgegate. The Senate has to give him a thumbs up before he gets the job.

theSkimm

Comey's time in the spotlight today is the most highly anticipated testimony in DC in decades. Expect Senators to ask him whether he thinks Trump tried to obstruct justice -- an impeachable offense -- when it comes to the Russia investigation.

PS: want a heads up about when to expect this kind of drama? You need our politics calendar. Get it here.

REPEAT AFTER ME...

What to say when those pants you ordered online are short on you...

Not what I expected. Today, the UK heads to the polls for a parliamentary election. Earlier this year, British Prime Minister Theresa May called this election...three years ahead of schedule. Yes, she can do that. May called the election to boost her party's majority and go into Brexit negotiations (aka divorce talks between the UK and the EU) with strong support for her plan. That plan includes pulling the UK out of the EU's trade and immigration agreements. And Parliament gets to sign off on the proposed deal, so May would really like her party to have a solid majority. When May first called the election, her party was way ahead in the polls and it looked like she'd get what she wanted. But ever since, opposition parties have stepped up their campaign game. And are offering a 'softer' Brexit, including staying in EU trade and immigration agreements. Plot twist: it's looking like some people are on board with that, and recent polls show May's party could be in a bad way. Some even suggest there could be a 'hung Parliament' - when no party wins a clear majority. If that happens, May might have to team up with an opposition party to form a new government. Bollocks.

What people are watching...

Iran. Yesterday, the country's capital city of Tehran was hit by two simultaneous terrorist attacks, killing at least 12 people and wounding dozens more. Four attackers opened fire inside the Parliament building. At around the same time, at least one attacker blew himself up at the tomb of the country's revolutionary leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.Six attackers have been killed and multiple suspects have been arrested. This is the first terrorist attack in Iran in years. ISIS claimed responsibility and said 'we even have a video to prove it.' But Iranian authorities are pointing the finger at Saudi Arabia -- its main rival in the region. They're saying it's suspicious that the attack happened just weeks after President Trump visited Saudi Arabia and told regional leaders to step up their fight against terrorism. Especially against Iran, which the US sees as a state-sponsor of terrorist groups. But Iran says Saudi Arabia's the one who supports ISIS. And Saudi Arabia's saying 'we had nothing to do with this attack.' Add this to a list of reasons the Mideast is juuussstt a little tense right now.

What to say to your friend who found her first gray hair...

We're all older than we think. Yesterday, scientists said they've found fossils in Morocco from five Homo sapiens aka some of the OG humans...that are about 300,000 years old. Previously, scientists thought humans were only around 200,000 years old and had come from East Africa. Morocco's in North Africa. So this discovery means humans have been frolicking around the earth way longer than everybody thought. And that we may have came from all over the African continent, rather than just parts of it. I bless the rains.

What to say when your doctor says 'oh my gosh'...

Please stop monkeying around.

NO EXCUSES: HEALTHCARE

Have you met No Excuses: Healthcare? For the next few weeks, Skimm HQ will meet you back here to get you read-in about the healthcare debate in America. First, a #TBT. Here's a thing to know...

2006: Heeeeere comes Mittens. Then-Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (R) decides to come up with a state health care law to insure more people in his state and drive down costs. Here's what he and his advisers come up with: everyone has to buy health insurance. Those who can't afford it will get an assist from the state government. Those who can't get coverage where they work get it from a state exchange. If this sounds vaguely familiar, that's because it is. Find out what happened next here.

PS: You can get the full timeline at our fancy new No Excuses site.

SKIMM LIFE

For your friend who's still looking for a Father's Day gift...

Comfy polos and button downs are shirt to make him happy. Plus Skimm'rs get a free polo if you buy a dress shirt.*

Psst...want more ideas for dear old dad? We've got you covered.

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

SKIMM'R OF THE WEEK

Gerard Kersey and That Suits You: Suiting up is not just for Barney Stinson. Gerard wants less fortunate young men to suit up too. This org takes in donated suits and gives them to kids who need them for free so they can crush things like job interviews and graduation. The org also teaches them to talk the talk and walk the walk. Haaaave you met Gerard's org?

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Skimm HQ is having bagels on bagels for breakfast. Share theSkimm with your friend who always gets scallion cream cheese.

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