Daily Skimm: Don't need no hateration

"Carrot"

— The nickname of a 67-pound goldfish caught in France. Anyfin is possible.

Top Story

Thanksgiving

The Story

This year Thanksgiving may look different.

Explain.

For the first time in nearly two years (thanks COVID), thousands of more people are expected to come together for Thanksgiving. But that doesn't mean we're in the clear. There are still a few things that could ruffle our feathers before people sit down and carve in:

Prices: With inflation affecting everything from groceries to gas, the price surge hasn't spared tomorrow's dinner either. The cost of turkey and mashed potatoes went up by more than 20% since last year. Supply chain issues and extreme weather are a couple of the big reasons for the rise. But widespread avian flu gobbled up 3% of the expected annual turkey production. One option to save some $$ is to look out for last-minute sales or consider swapping some dinner classics. It comes as more than 13.5 million families in the US are food insecure and could struggle to put holiday meals on the table.

Travel: The Thanksgiving travel rush is back in action this year. For those flying, today is expected to be one of the busiest days at the airports. On Monday, TSA screened at least 2.5 million travelers — exceeding pre-pandemic levels as airlines (still) struggle to adjust to labor shortages. Sunday could be even busier as everyone heads home. For those driving, AAA says nearly 55 million people will be road-tripping. But with remote work offering people more flexibility, experts say it might help spread out the crowds with people heading out earlier or staying later — instead of being all crunched into the weekend.

Eating: Good company and even better food shouldn't come with feelings of guilt. Enter: Intuitive eating. Aka trusting our bodies to communicate when, what, and how much to eat. Setting boundaries on how to talk about food — especially around children — can also help. This week, a study showed how we speak to kids about weight matters. It recommended swapping words like "obese" and "fat" for "healthy weight." The studies' authors say it can help avoid feelings of sadness or shame. And past research shows the way parents eat and talk about food plays a role in developing healthy eating patterns.

theSkimm

Staying safe and healthy during Thanksgiving can still be a challenge (see: the threat of a tripledemic). But this year, as people return to a sense of normalcy it can be a great way to reconnect back with family and friends after holiday seasons filled with uncertainty.

Related Stories:

And Also...This

Who asked for an extension...

The Biden admin. Yesterday, the Department of Education announced it's extending the pause on student loan repayments through the end of June. Loan repayments were supposed to start back up again at the end of this year. But last week, a federal appeals court put in place a nationwide hold — blocking the debt relief plan. The Biden admin has asked SCOTUS to step in and let the plan go through. If the program is still held up in court by June, payments will restart 60 days after that. In the meantime, about 16 million borrowers who've already been approved, are in limbo to see what happens with student loan forgiveness.

Who's walking off the pitch…

Cristiano Ronaldo. Yesterday, Ronaldo left his soccer club Manchester United "by mutual agreement, with immediate effect." When Ronaldo (aka CR7) first debuted in 2003, he wore the ManU jersey. He then went on to play for Real Madrid and Italy-based Juventus. Ronaldo reached superstar fame, won a number of awards (think: The Golden Foot and Ballon d'Or), and became the top scorer in soccer's history. So when he announced his return to ManU last year, many saw it as a full-circle moment. But it wasn't all 'home sweet home.' ManU failed to qualify for the Champions League earlier this year. And Ronaldo reportedly didn't get along with his teammates or coaches. Things reached a boiling point last week when CR7 sat down with Piers Morgan and said he felt "betrayed" by the team and that he doesn't "respect" the team's manager. Now, his exit means one of the world's top and highest-paid soccer players is up for grabs. Ronaldo is currently leading Portugal at the World Cup so TBD when (and if) he will sign with another team. Manchester thanked Ronaldo for his "immense contribution." Ronaldo says it's time to "seek a new challenge."

…Oh and speaking of upsets, Saudi Arabia beat Argentina 2-1 (Lionel Messi's team, who's also Ronaldo's biggest rival) during the group stage at the World Cup. Not even the Saudis saw that one coming.

Who said 'out with it'...

The Supreme Court. Yesterday, SCOTUS rejected former President Trump's request to block the release of his tax returns to a Democratic-led House committee. The court noted no dissenting votes and didn't offer any legal reasons. Now, the decision from the highest court means the Treasury Department could release the returns in the next few days — ending a years-long legal battle. The Dems are on a time crunch to get the docs, which could give us more insight into whether Trump lied on his taxes before Republicans officially take the House in January.

Who's slipping out…

Dr. Anthony Fauci. Yesterday, Fauci gave his final White House briefing after more than 50 years in government. The nation's top infectious disease expert — who some found polarizing — asked Americans to get a COVID-19 booster shot one last time. Always on message.

What people are talking about…

This. Yesterday, a gunman opened fire at a Walmart in Virginia — killing at least 6. The shooting comes days after an attack at an LGBTQIA+ nightclub in Colorado. Police say the shooter is also dead. But it's not yet clear what the motive was.

Happy sweater-weather season to all who celebrate. If you've already stocked up on vitamin C, let this be your sign to add a few — wait for it — probiotics to your bathroom cabinet. Because research shows about 70% of the immune system is actually located in the gut. Yep, we were surprised too.

Enter: Ritual. Their 3-in-1 pre-, pro-, and postbiotic helps support a balanced gut microbiome. And its probiotics support immune health and help relieve occasional bloating, too.† All in one minty capsule. The best part? Skimm'rs can save 40% off their first order with code SKIMM40. Go gut it.

†This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration: This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, and prevent any disease.

Skimm Tested

Ever wonder what products are really, really worth it? Our series Skimm Tested — where we try out and review items so you know what to add to cart — aims to answer that Q. Check out:

Skimm Picks

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

1. A self-care gift that'll help you sleigh the holidays. Psst…it's a Massage Envy gift card. And you'll get a $20 promo card when you buy $100 worth in-location through 12/31/22. PS: This offer is not available online, and other terms apply.*†

2. Something that'll help make investing easier. Fidelity's Starter Pack comes with a cash management account and an investment account with no account fees or minimums. Fidelity customers get access to Smart Money℠ webinars, podcasts, and articles. Get $150 when you deposit $50+.‡

3. The best pet gifts for anyone with a cat or dog. From personalized portraits to a GPS tracker to the most adorable sweater, these presents are nothing to bark at.

4. Sneakers we're loving for winter. On the chilliest days of the year, there's nothing more uncomfortable than walking with numb toes. So slip into a pair on this list and thank us later.

Psst...looking for more discounts on brands Skimm'rs love? Check out all of our exclusive promo codes here.

On Our Radar

25% off sitewide at Reformation. Need we say more? Now get shopping.

Programming Note

Skimm HQ will be OOO eating turkey and cranberry sauce. We'll be back in your inbox on Saturday.

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.

(Some) Birthdays…theSkimm's Jessica Kelly (NY), theSkimm's Karell Roxas (NY), theSkimm's Kate Gilhool (NY), Rachel Grundmeier (DC), Mimi Drake (PA), Tara Krolick (NY), Dave Warren (FL), Sydney Williams (NY), Taylor Salditch (NY), Zoe Tomaras (IL), Jill Leiderman (CA), Erin Jankowski (NJ), Jason Berger, Eric Gastfriend (MA)

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

Skimm More

You might've been today years old when you found out there are debit cards specifically for kids. We Skimm'd how (and when) to teach your kiddos financial literacy and prep them for their first plastic. Read all about it.