Skimm'd after catching up on these books

"The Queen Has Been Forced to Fire Her Bra Fitter" - A real headline.

WELL, SH*T

The Story

Yesterday, President Trump reportedly asked lawmakers why the US accepts people from "sh*thole countries."

What.

This was during a bipartisan meeting on immigration reform. Lawmakers were briefing Trump on a potential deal to increase border security, and protect young immigrants brought to the US illegally as kids.

Tell me more...

As part of that deal, there'd reportedly be an end to the US's visa lottery program - which accepts people from underrepresented countries. They also talked about restoring protections for people who come to the US after natural disasters and war.

And?

...and Trump reportedly asked lawmakers why "all these people from sh*thole countries" should be allowed into the US. He was referring to Haiti, El Salvador, and African countries. His suggestion: bring people in from Norway. We'll let you make the connection.

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This is the same man who on camera called Mexican immigrants "rapists." And on camera said that "both sides" were to blame for violence following a white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, VA. The White House isn't denying these latest comments.

REPEAT AFTER ME...

What to say when you go on a roller coaster...

Ups and downs. Walmart is upping wages and improving worker benefits. That's the good news. The bad: it's also closing dozens of stores. Walmart is the US's largest private employer. Yesterday, it said it would bump employees up from a starting hourly wage of $9 to $11 - giving a nod to the new corporate tax cut. Hours later, the company said it's shutting down more than 60 Sam's Club stores. This could mean thousands of employees will be out of jobs. Also yesterday, the Trump administration gave states the go-ahead to put people on Medicaid to work. Medicaid provides health insurance to roughly 70 million low-income Americans. This new policy means states can now make able-bodied people on Medicare prove that they're working or volunteering in order to keep it. The admin says this will improve their mental and physical health. Critics say it'll take health insurance away from people who need it.

What to say to your friend across the pond...

Heard about this? Last night, President Trump said he's canceled a trip to London. He says this is because he doesn't like that the Obama administration moved the US embassy to an "off location," and that the old one was sold for "peanuts" in a "bad deal." Ahe Bush administration actually decided to move the embassy over security concerns. British Prime Minister Theresa May invited Trump to visit last year, but that date has been TBD for lots of reasons.

What people are watching...

Pakistan. Yesterday, protests continued in the northeast part of the country over the recent rape and murder of a seven-year-old girl. The girl is the 12th child to be killed in the area in the past year under similar circumstances. Back in 2015, officials discovered a pedophile ring responsible for abusing hundreds of kids in this same area. Since then, the police have gotten a lot of heat for not doing more to go after child abusers. This latest string of killings doesn't help.

What to say when you hear Julian Assange is now an Ecuadorean citizen...

You don't NSAy? Yesterday, the House renewed a law that lets the NSA spy on foreigners without a warrant. Like eavesdrop on the texts or Facebook convos of suspected terrorists. Foreigners' chats with Americans can also get swept up. Some lawmakers have been pushing for stricter privacy protections when dealing with the private convos of Americans. Yesterday before the vote, President Trump took to Twitter to bash the program. Which was confusing, since the White House had already said that its official position was that the law was fine as is. Then Trump said 'nvm.' The House renewed it without stricter privacy rules. The Senate still has to sign off.

What to say to your friend who donated to Time's Up...

Here's the latest reason why. Yesterday, three more women accused James Franco of sexual misconduct. Franco says the claims aren't accurate.

What to say when you pre-order chicken wings for the playoffs...

Going big - just like Dropbox.

SKIMM LIFE

For when you want to fill up your reading list...

Today, you'll get something off the price tag on a bunch of our fave Skimm Reads, thanks to Goodreads. Get into it.*

For when you've already broken your resolutions...

No judgment. You're all good just the way you are. But if you want to stay on top of 2018, here are our fave ways to do it.

For when you still drink iced coffee in the winter...

Skimm'ologist says cheers.

For when you need a freakin' long weekend...

We hear you. Skimm HQ is off for MLK Day. See you back here Tuesday. Traveling? One HQ'r can't stop talking about "The High Low" podcast. It's the British "Call Your Girlfriend." Our app gives you curated Skimm Picks like this every week. Get it here.

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

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