Skimm'd while sipping something new

"I want to thank me for believing in me, I want to thank me for doing all this hard work...Snoop Dogg you a bad motherf*cker" – Snoop Dogg, after getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

THINGS DEMS ARE UP TO

Lawsuits

The Story

Three Senate Democrats are suing over President Trump's acting AG appointment.

Tell me everything.

Earlier this month, Trump ended things with then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions. He told Sessions' chief of staff Matt Whitaker 'you're running things for now.' But Whitaker's made it clear he's no fan of the Trump-Russia investigation...which he's now overseeing. There've been protests. Some Dems want an investigation into why Sessions got the boot. Yesterday, three sued, claiming that Trump should have gone through the Senate to get his acting AG passed, regardless of whether or not the role's temporary. This comes after Maryland's lawsuit last week, asking a judge to step in and put Deputy AG Rod Rosenstein in charge instead of Whitaker.

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Trump can only appoint an acting AG for 210 days before he nominates someone to the Senate. But the special counsel's investigation could wrap up anytime now – aka while Whitaker's in charge. Both Republicans and Dems want to make sure this investigation can finish out without any funny business.

Leadership decisions

The Story

Rep. Nancy Pelosi's (D-CA) bid for House speaker just hit a speed bump.

Tell me everything.

Pelosi became the first female House speaker back in '07. Her biggest legacy was her role in getting Obamacare passed. Cut to 2018: Democrats took the House majority – meaning, they get to choose a new speaker to replace outgoing House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI). Pelosi wants her title back. She's running unopposed, and some think her experience will help her get things done in a chaotic political climate. But she's not exactly popular with everyone – some think Americans want new leadership. She's expected to have enough votes to win a Dem-only vote later this month. But this goes to the House floor early next year. And she can only afford to lose 14 or so Dem votes to get the job. Problem. Because yesterday, 16 Dems signed a letter saying they won't vote for her. Crickets on who they'd vote for instead. Although some are eyeing Marcia Fudge (D-OH) as a possible contender.

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This period between an election and taking office could have been used to focus on policy plans for the incoming party. Instead, Dems are showing there's some disarray over the direction of said party. And who should lead it come January.

REPEAT AFTER ME...

What people are talking about…

Immigration. Yesterday, a federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump admin from denying asylum to migrants who cross the US-Mexico border illegally. Reminder: People can claim asylum if they're facing or could face persecution back home for things like their race or religion. If they get asylum, they get legal protection to stay in the US. Earlier this month, while the migrant caravan was making its way to the border, the admin announced new rules that deny asylum claims to migrants caught crossing illegally. The admin argued asylum seekers should cross the border through official entry ports aka legally. Critics said the rule change is illegal and advocacy groups sued. Now, a judge ordered the admin to go back to accepting asylum claims from migrants regardless of how or where they entered the country. The order will be in effect until next month, when the judge will consider a permanent fix.

What people are watching...

The death of Saudi dissident Jamal Khashoggi. And the fallout...or lack thereof. Yesterday, the Saudi king delivered his version of the State of the Union address. No mention of Khashoggi. Some take this to mean the king is standing by his son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who's been accused of ordering the murder. Meanwhile, Germany isn't standing by anything. Yesterday, it banned 18 Saudis suspected of being involved in the killing and will halt arms sales to the country. In other things Saudi Arabia is thinking about, Yemen. The country is in the middle of a civil war and humanitarian crisis that pits Houthi rebels (backed by Iran) against gov forces (backed by Saudi Arabia). Now, Houthi rebels say they'll hit pause on sending missiles into Saudi Arabia for the sake of peace talks if the other side's ready, too. The king said he supports efforts to end the war.

What to say when your co-worker hasn't paid you back…

Show me the money. Yesterday, Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn was arrested over allegations of financial misconduct. An internal investigation found that he'd been underreporting his salary for years, among other shady things. Ghosn is considered to have turned the Nissan business around, but the company is saying 'see ya never.' He's still chairman and CEO of Renault. And chairman of Mitsubishi. TBD what happens there.

What to say when your family is skipping turkey this year…

Breaking with traditions. Just like the White House correspondents' dinner. Next year, instead of having a comedian host the annual event, it will be...drumroll, please...a historian. Guess Michelle Wolf scared 'em good.

What to say when you miss hearing about 'her emails'...

Wait, whose emails?

What to say when you're thinking about all the Thanksgiving sides…

Hi, Peas and Carrots.

THING TO KNOW

Postprandial somnolence

The scientific way to say "food coma." As in, what happens when you eat way too many carbs at Thanksgiving. All that food makes your blood sugar crash and triggers the unbutton-your-pants-and-nap reaction. Let it all hang out on a Casper mattress. They're having a Black Friday sale, and you get something big off the price. Blessed.

SKIMM PICKS

For when the barista remembers your name…

Never bean so happy. Dunkin' has new handcrafted espresso drinks that'll make you even happier. Think: Caramel Lattes, French Vanilla Iced Cappuccinos, and more. Skimm HQ tried them and now we want to order on the reg. Start sipping at your nearest Dunkin'.*

For when you get a title change but not a salary bump...

Thanks but no thanks. Secret wants women to get their money's worth. As in, closing the gender pay gap. Watch this music video with Sophia Bush, Abby Wambach, and Samira Wiley and get inspired to ask for equal pay without breaking a sweat.*

For when the shoes you've been eyeing sell out…

Closet, meet FOMO. It'll never happen again if you go to ShopStyle. It's a shopping platform that curates fashion, beauty, and home products all in one place. Their Sale Alert Tool lets you bookmark your favorite products, then grab them as soon as they go on sale. Mental note: use for Black Friday. Go for it.*

SKIMM BIRTHDAYS

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