Skimm'd from the snack table

"I think both my music and fashion main influence was early Shania Twain" - Harry Styles, continuing to win hearts and minds everywhere.

THINGS GETTING REPLACED

The Tax Code

The Story

The GOP is thiiiis close to passing tax reform.

When?

The Senate could vote by today. Without Democratic support, Republicans can only afford to lose two GOP votes. They've been negotiating with party holdouts to try to get them on board. This didn't help. It's unclear whether there are enough GOP votes for it to pass. But it's close. And the Dow is already pre-gaming.

What does this mean for me?

If passed, you would likely keep more of your paycheck in the first few years. But some tax benefits would go away for many Americans in the long term. It would repeal the part of Obamacare that requires you to have health insurance or pay a fine. And gives some major cuts to corporations.

theSkimm

Democrats say this is a handout to corporations and the rich. Republicans - who are hoping for the first legislative win of President Trump's term - say it would provide much-needed tax relief to middle-class families.

Tillerson

The Story

The White House is making moves to replace Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

When?

In the next few weeks, apparently. CIA Director Mike Pompeo would get the job instead. Tillerson and President Trump's relationship has been openly tense for months. Think: Trump undermining Tillerson's efforts to negotiate with North Korea. And that time Tillerson reportedly once called Trump a "moron."

Anything else?

Trump is also making headlines for reportedly trying to get Senate Republicans to drop their investigation into Russia's meddling in the 2016 election. So there's that.

theSkimm

The Secretary of State is in charge of keeping international relations running smoothly and helping avoid things like war. At a time when North Korea is becoming a bigger threat, it's important this person and the president are on the same page.

REPEAT AFTER ME...

What to say when you make a big decision...

Reached a verdict. Yesterday, a San Francisco jury acquitted an undocumented immigrant of murdering US citizen Kate Steinle in 2015. This is the case that got a lot of coverage during last year's presidential election. President Trump used it to bring up issues like cracking down on immigration and sanctuary cities. That's because the defendant - who said he accidentally fired the shot that killed Steinle - had been deported to Mexico five times before the shooting. And since San Francisco is a sanctuary city, local officials there have refused to turn him over to the feds. After deliberating for days, the jury acquitted him of all charges except felony possession of a firearm. People - including Trump and Attorney General Jeff Sessions - have opinions.

What people are watching...

Libya. Some European and African countries have agreed to try to free thousands of enslaved migrants in Libya. Over the past few years, a wave of African migrants have been trying to escape poverty and war by fleeing to Europe through Libya. But a lot of them have ended up stuck in Libyan detention camps. Last month, video footage came out showing migrants being bought and sold at auction. Then earlier this week, European and African leaders met for a pre-planned meeting where the slave trade became top of the agenda. They agreed to work together to evacuate these migrants. It's unclear how that would happen, but many would reportedly be taken back to their home countries. The plan also includes trying to cut off human trafficking networks.

What to say to your friend who has a Kaepernick jersey...

Hear about this? Earlier this week, the NFL agreed to donate nearly $100 million to organizations that promote social justice. The money would go to causes important to black communities. This comes after months of protests by players during the national anthem. It started last season, when then-San Francisco 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick began kneeling during the anthem as a protest against racism and police brutality in America. Since then, more players joined in. Supporters say this is the players' First Amendment right. Critics say it disrespects the flag and service members. Now, the league seems to be trying to make it all better. But some say this is just the NFL's way of buying its way out of the controversy. Whistle, blown.

What to say when you cut toxic people out of your life...

Don't let the door hit you. Yesterday, music producer Russell Simmons said he's stepping down from his businesses. Early last week, a model accused Simmons of sexually assaulting her when she was a teenager in the '90s. He denied it. Yesterday, another woman - the screenwriter of "Rachel Getting Married" and "The Mummy" - said 'me, too.' And accused Simmons of assaulting her around the same time. Simmons gave a sort-of apology. Oh, and Matt Lauer is also saying sorry-ish.

What to say when your match's opening text is 'heeeyy'...

Be still, my beating heart.Yesterday, Apple launched an app that'll let it study users' heart rates through Apple Watch. The Fruit is hoping this will help it detect irregularities and let users know if they could be suffering from a heart condition. Meanwhile, GM is in an innovating mood too. Yesterday, it announced plans to roll out a driverless car service to major cities by 2019.

What to say to your friend who tagged you in the Ice Bucket Challenge...

RIP Anthony Senerchia Jr. Yesterday, it came out that the man who inspired the challenge - which raised more than $115 million to fund ALS research - recently died from the disease. He was 46 years old.

SMALL BALLS

Selection Committee

The squad that picks the teams in the college football playoff. This year, it's made up of 13 members, including NCAA execs and former head coaches. They'll consider things like strength of a team's schedule and games won. Their decision comes out this Sunday on ESPN. Until then, teams are saying 'pick me, choose me, love me.' Learn more here.

SKIMM LIFE

For when you're blanking on what to wear today...

Throw on some red for World AIDS Day. Good start. Now, here's what else you can do.

For when you need a present for an adult who reads good...

Hey there, good book-ing. These books are some of HQ's faves. And there's one for pretty much every kind of reader in your life. Page, turned. Get them here.*

For when you need a good family drama...

"Home Fire" by Kamila Shamsie is it. It's about two families in London whose lives become intertwined when one brother leaves home to join a terror network.*

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

SKIMM SHARE

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SKIMM BIRTHDAYS

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HALP

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