Skimm'd while sipping some red with Madeleine Albright

"Mr. Zuckerman" – What a congresswoman called Mark Zuckerberg during his testimony on Capitol Hill. That'll show him.

THINGS COMING IN AND OUT

Mike Pompeo

The Story

Mike Pompeo's in the final stages of his job interview for sec of state.

Fill me in.

Pompeo's a former Kansas congressman and the current CIA director. Earlier this year, President Trump booted Rex Tillerson as sec of state and picked Pompeo for the job. Today, he sits down with senators to answer some Qs to get the official thumbs up.

How will that go?

It won't be a breeze. Expect him to talk about filling some of the empty desks at the State Department. As well as his plan for tougher policy towards Russia. You also might hear him say that America has a "duty to lead" – a different approach than Trump's "America First" policy. He'll likely get grilled on things like his hawkish reputation, biz ties with China, and previous comments on Muslims and gay people.

theSkimm

It's unclear when the Senate will vote on Pompeo. But if they give him the OK, US policy with North Korea, China, Russia, Iran, and Syria will be some of the things waiting on his desk the first day.

PS: Want a deeper dive on Mike Pompeo's career and how he got here? Our Skimm Notes has you covered.

PPS: We talked to fmr sec of state Madeleine Albright about the confirmation hearing, and some of today's biggest foreign policy issues. Check it out.

Paul Ryan

The Story

Yesterday, House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) said he's calling it quits.

Fill me in.

Ryan's been in Congress for almost 20 years. He failed to get the VP job in the 2012 presidential elections. But became top dog in the House in 2015 after ex-House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) resigned. Ryan didn't actually want the job. But was seen as a reliable, traditional conservative when the GOP was looking for leadership. His main claim to fame is helping pass the new tax plan. Now he wants out. He'll finish out his term and pack his bags in January.

Why is he leaving?

To spend more time with his family so he doesn't become a "weekend dad." House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA) are already eyeing his job.

theSkimm

The GOP is stressing out. Around 40 House Republicans are saying 'pass' on running for re-election. And many that are running, face a tough race in the midterms. Losing a critical House member like Ryan could scare off donors at a time when the party can't afford it.

REPEAT AFTER ME...

What to say when you can tell drama is coming...

Get ready. That's what President Trump tweeted at Russia yesterday about a future missile strike in Syria. Last weekend, dozens of people died in a suspected chemical weapons attack near Syria's capital. The US, UK, and France pointed the finger at Syrian President Assad's regime. Which wouldn't be too surprising. But Russia – an Assad ally – claims the attack is all made up. And said it would shoot down any US missiles if the country retaliated. Now, Trump is saying 'not if...when.' No word on when exactly that's happening. But Russia didn't seem too intimidated. It responded saying "we do not participate in Twitter diplomacy."

What to say when you hear the DA's office is looking into Kevin Spacey...

We're learning even more about what the FBI was looking into during the Michael Cohen raid. Reminder: Michael Cohen is President Trump's longtime lawyer. Back in '16, Cohen paid $130,000 to porn star Stormy Daniels – who said she had an affair with Trump. This week, the FBI raided Cohen's home, office, and hotel room. Now, we're finding out more. The search warrant – authorized by a Trump appointee – is for documents related to the "Access Hollywood" tape. You know the one. Cohen's apparently being investigated for things including bank fraud and campaign finance issues. Stay tuned. In other news about shady dudes...Missouri's governor. A Missouri House committee released a graphic report in which a woman accused the gov of sexually assaulting her in his basement. And then blackmailing her. Earlier this year, he admitted to having an affair in 2015. But denies there was any "threat of violence." Now, many Missouri lawmakers are calling for him to resign. Or face possible impeachment.

What people are watching…

Algeria. Yesterday, a military plane there crashed soon after takeoff, killing at least 257 people – including soldiers, their families, and members of an Algerian-backed independence group in Western Sahara. It's still unclear what caused the crash. The Defense Ministry has opened an investigation.

What to say when you hear Spotify and Hulu want to make it work with you…

Netflix just Cannes-t.

What to say when your co-worker finally opens up to you...

Mariah Carey has something to share too.

THING TO KNOW

Melatonin

Not just the gummy or pill your coworker takes to zzzz faster. It's a hormone our body naturally produces that regulates our sleep cycle. Melatonin levels are higher at night....and still high when you press snooze. Pro-tip: crack open your blinds halfway. The natural sunlight creeping in will suppress melatonin production and be like a natural alarm. No loud noises necessary. Here are more tips to get the most of your AM and PM.

SKIMM LIFE

For when that really nice dress has been sitting in your cart all day...

Try before you buy. Stitch Fix delivers a personalized box of clothes to your door, and you only keep what you like. Spoiler: you'll like it. Especially since it includes brands like DVF, Free People, Rebecca Minkoff, and Vince Camuto. Yes please.*

For your friend who's getting into the photography game…
Say cheeeeese. Skimm HQ is celebrating National Grilled Cheese Day with this recipe.

SKIMM BIRTHDAYS

* indicates Skimm'bassador. Break out the bubbly.

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