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“Aubergine”

— Prince William’s most used emoji, also known as an eggplant. Sounds peachy.

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Boo, It’s a Haunted House

The Story

House Republicans don’t have a speaker…but they’re a step closer.

How so?

Yesterday, in a secret ballot, the Republican caucus voted 113-99 to nominate Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA). Scalise beat Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) — who co-founded the far-right House Freedom Caucus — to get one step closer to the position. Now, Scalise will need a ton of the Jordan supporters to get the 217 votes needed to win in a floor vote.

When will that happen?

It’s not clear. That vote was supposed to happen yesterday but Scalise doesn’t seem to have united his party yet behind him. But Jordan could be backing Scalise, so that could help.

What do I need to know about Scalise?

As the House Majority Leader, he’s the No. 2 conservative Republican interested in issues like reducing taxes and small government. He also survived a gunshot wound at a 2017 baseball game and is undergoing chemotherapy. He’s considered the more conservative version of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), but many expect he’d run the House like he did. But with at least ten Republicans standing firm against Scalise, he could be on track for a repeat of January: a series of House votes before there’s an elected speaker.

theSkimm

House Republicans struggled to pass bills and even fund the government with their razor thin 221-212 majority. But the empty leadership seat is coming amid another looming government funding deadline and war in Israel and Gaza. Speaking of...

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What is a unity government?

After much back and forth in the Israeli government (see: five elections in four years),Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took his seat back in late 2022and formed the country’s most right-wing administration in history. But disagreements over things like judicial reform left the gov and the country divided. Netanyahu’s corruption trial didn’t help. Now, things are changing.

In the wake of Hamas’s deadly attacks — which have killed at least 1,200 people — Israel announced it’s formed an emergency unity government and war cabinet. Netanyahu and opposition leader (and former Defense Minister) Benny Gantz have agreed to combat Hamas as a united front, saying they’re ready to “wipe this thing called Hamas off the face of the Earth.” Netanyahu said this gov will only focus on bills that address the conflict and promised to work with Gantz “shoulder to shoulder.”

Today, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to land in Israel. He will meet with Netanyahu and other senior officials to discuss creating a safe passage for civilians out of Gaza — where more than 1,000 people have been killed and access to water, food, fuel, and electricity has been cut off. Blinken is also reportedly set to meet with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Friday.

And Also...This

Who’s not the best at making friends…

Rep. George Santos (R-NY). Yesterday, New York prosecutors hit Santos with additional charges including credit card fraud and identity theft. Prosecutors say Santos stole his campaign donors’ identities and reportedly charged about $15,000 onto one of their credit cards without their knowledge. He now faces 23 charges total which also include conspiracy, making false statements, and falsifying documents. Santos has denied wrongdoing, said he won’t accept a plea deal, and plans to run for re-election. Now, NY Republicans are signing on to oust Santos. It’s not clear if the House will take it up considering his departure could further hurt the Republican’s extremely narrow majority.

Who was arrested…

Sergio Brown. Yesterday, the former NFL player was arrested for killing his 73-year-old mother. Brown went missing for about a month after authorities found his mother’s body near her home in September. Authorities had a warrant for his arrest for murder and found him entering the US through the Mexico border. He will be extradited to Illinois where he faces first-degree murder charges.

Who an Alabama public library accidentally targeted…

An author with the last name “Gay.”

Who’s really doubling down on her entanglement...

Jada Pinkett Smith.

Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…

1. How one beauty exec always outperforms.

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4. The fall candles you should be burning now.

Sweet pumpkin? Crisp apple? Bonfire night? Choose your fall fragrance adventure with some of our favorite seasonal candles.

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Psst…love our recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag).

Skimm'rs

We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.

Business state of mind…Jenny L (VT). She runs the Suwandi Foundation in Bali which prepares children to become entrepreneurs that give back to their communities.

(Some) Birthdays…theSkimm's Allison Horrell (NY), theSkimm's Anna Davies, Rachel Karnovsky (NY), Colleen Degnan (WI), Taylor Griffin (TX), Jill Quisenberry (TX), Janine Adkins (AZ), Mary Odenbach (NM), Lauren Melz (IL), Christine Phillips (FL), Ellie Grant (FL), Erin Cleland (SC), Karalee Masker (MI), Corina Owens (FL), Amy Stroup (ND)

PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.