“I’d been meaning to talk to him” - The head coach of the New York Jets, who told reporters that he’s benching QB Ryan Fitzpatrick…before he told Ryan Fitzpatrick. Football in mouth.

THINGS IN THE WAITING ROOM

THE STORY

Earlier this week, lawmakers in Ohio passed one of the country’s strictest abortion bills.

TELL ME MORE.

The so-called ‘heartbeat’ bill would ban abortions in the state as soon as a fetal heartbeat can be heard. That includes cases of rape or incest. A heartbeat can be detected as early as six weeks into a pregnancy - before many women even realize they’re pregnant. Reminder: the Supreme Court ruled in Roe v. Wade that women have the right to an abortion, but also gave states some room to regulate abortion in the later stages of pregnancy - starting between about 24 and 28 weeks. Six weeks and 24 weeks…not the same thing.

SO...WHAT NOW?

Gov. John Kasich (R) still has to sign off. Or not. If he doesn’t do anything within 10 days, it automatically becomes law. In the past, he’s said he’s pro-life but would be OK with abortion in cases of rape, incest, or when the mother’s life is at risk. TBD on whether he gives this a thumbs up.

theSKIMM

Supporters have been trying - and failing - to pass this bill for years. But now, with a Republican-controlled White House, Congress, and probably soon the Supreme Court, they’re hoping political momentum’s on their side.

THE STORY

Yesterday, the Senate passed a sweeping new healthcare bill. For once, this has nothing to do with Obamacare.

TELL ME MORE.

The 21st Century Cures Act has been in the works for years. It’s a bill that would let the FDA approve new drugs faster, provide more cash money for research on things like cancer, and expand access to mental health care.

WHAT ARE PEOPLE SAYING?

Congress actually worked together on this one, so slow clap for that. Drugmakers are happy because they can get more of their drugs in front of patients, faster. Patients with rare or life-threatening diseases are happy because this could help find new treatments. But not everyone is on board. Some say that changing how drugs are approved could lead to potentially not-so-safe meds hitting the market.

theSKIMM

This bill needs the final OK from President Obama. And he’s a big fan, so it’s looking like he’ll sign, seal, and deliver his last health care hoorah before leaving the White House.

REPEAT AFTER ME...

WHAT TO SAY WHEN YOU HEAR DONALD TRUMP IS TIME’S ‘PERSON OF THE YEAR’...

Booking magazine covers and handing out job offers. Yesterday, it came out that the President-elect plans to nominate retired Marine Gen. John Kelly to head up the Dept. of Homeland Security. Kelly used to oversee US military ops in places like Central America. And now he’ll be overseeing Trump’s ‘build a wall’ plan across the US-Mexico border. Trump also plans to nominate Oklahoma AG Scott Pruitt to run the Environmental Protection Agency. Pruitt’s helped advocate for the oil and gas industries. He’s also one of a group of AGs that’s currently suing the EPA over certain climate change regulations. Meanwhile, WWE Co-founder Linda McMahon is expected to be nominated to lead the Small Business Administration aka the group that helps support your neighborhood bookstore with things like loans. And Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad (R) is saying ‘ni hao’ to a job as US ambassador to China. Apparently he and China’s President Xi Jinping are longtime BFFs, which might help smooth things over after Trump FaceTimed with Taiwan’s president and China lost its mind. All in a day’s transition.

WHAT TO SAY WHEN YOU CAN’T REMEMBER IF YOU TURNED OFF THE OVEN...

Better go check. Yesterday, two teenagers were charged with arson in connection with the Tennessee wildfire that broke out last month. The fire killed 14 people and injured more than 130 others. It started in the Great Smoky Mountains, but strong winds blew it into nearby towns a few days later. More than 1,700 houses and buildings were destroyed, and the town of Gatlinburg was hit especially hard. Yesterday, thousands of people who evacuated were told they can come home, but firefighters are still battling the flames in the mountains. It’s unclear how the fire started, but officials say the teens may face more charges and could be tried as adults.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE TALKING ABOUT...

Pakistan. Yesterday, a plane flying between two Pakistani cities crashed, killing all 47 people on board. One of the passengers was a former Pakistani pop star who became famous in the late 80s. A couple minutes before the crash, the pilot radioed air traffic control to say that one of the engines had gone out. Pakistan isn’t known for great air safety. This crash comes after several deadly plane incidents in recent years, including one in 2012 that killed 127 people.

WHAT TO SAY WHEN YOUR AUNT SHARES A QUESTIONABLE FB NEWS STORY...

Pope Francis thinks that’s sh*tty.

BALLS

Derek Carr: QB for the Oakland Raiders. He’s kinda good at this whole football thing, which is why he could be named NFL MVP. And also part of the reason the Raiders are number one in their division. NBD. Tonight, they face the division’s number two team, the Kansas City Chiefs.

P.S. theSkimm’s got more balls waiting for you over here. Download the Skimm Ahead NFL calendar and you’ll always be ready for kickoff.

SKIMM'NESS

We want you to have a holly jolly Chrismukkah. That’s why Skimm HQ has been hard at work curating something special. Say hi to...

Skimm the Season Gift Box. It’s got all of our favorite things from the past year. Hint: our best Skimm Read, one (or two) bottles of Skimm Wine, our Skimm Ahead app, a product we can’t put down, and more. Spread the wealth among all the people on your list, or gift it all in one place. PS: this is your last chance to buy, and we only have a limited number of boxes left. So buy now.

SKIMM GIFT

It’s time to deck your halls. We want to give you lots of cash money to help make it happen. Just in time to get your dinner party on. Enter here.

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SKIMM BIRTHDAYS

* indicates Skimm’bassador. Party time.

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