Daily Skimm: Is that you, Ms. Sagittarius?

"Maybe I can get him off of Kim's case"

— Julia Fox, on why she dated Ye. Not all heroes wear capes.

Top Story

Not Meating Expectations

The Story

Beyond Meat is having a meltdown.

What do you mean?

Yesterday, leaked photos reportedly show dangerous and dirty conditions at the company's Pennsylvania plant. Pics show mold on containers, boxes, and walls. Yummy. Leaked docs also revealed that Beyond Meat's products were reportedly contaminated with listeria on almost a dozen separate occasions. But that's not all. The issues come amid a wonky time for the meat alternative company. Beyond Meat has ongoing financial struggles that could bring the once-booming company flamming down.

What's been going on?

Let's start with stocks. Beyond Meat's stock dropped nearly 83% in the past year— a blow to a company that saw shares soar went it went public in 2019. The company expected sales to rise as much as 33% this year. Spoiler alert: it didn't. Partnerships with fast food chains like McDonald's and Pizza Hut didn't pan out. And just last month the company was forced to lay off 19% of its staff — with four other executives also recently stepping down. Its own COO also made headlines by seeming to bite off more than he could chew.

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The rump in Beyond Meat's sales could be another byproduct of inflation as shoppers are looking for cheaper options. But the slowdown shows that the plant-based industry as a whole may have reached its boiling point — and is no longer piquing the interest of new consumers curious to make the meatless switch.

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What people are talking about…

Iran's national team. Yesterday, all players refused to sing Iran's national anthem ahead of their World Cup match against England. For months, thousands of Iranians have been calling for leadership change and women's rights. More than 300 people have reportedly been killed. Now, potentially pulling a page out of climber Elnaz Rekabi's playbook, Iranian soccer players have taken a stance at a public sporting event in an apparent act of solidarity. Ahead of the game, the team's captain said the players "support" those who've died. There's also worry that the players could be at risk if they express clear support for the protests. But some are saying 'too little, too late' after players met with the country's president in advance of the match. Meanwhile, some fans in the stadium held signs that said "Woman, Life, Freedom."

Where people are mourning…

Indonesia. Yesterday, a powerful earthquake struck the country's West Java province — killing at least 250 people. Indonesia is prone to earthquakes, which are sometimes followed by deadly tsunamis. Rescuers have been working around the clock to save others who could still be trapped under debris. But the area struck by the quake is densely populated and vulnerable to landslides. Some buildings have been reduced to rubble. Now, more than 13,000 people are displaced and the death toll is expected to continue rising. One official says over 45 aftershocks were recorded, but no tsunami warning has been issued.

What might need to stay in the medicine cabinet…

Some pain meds. Yesterday a new study found that some anti-inflammatory drugs might actually be hurting people with osteoarthritis. About 32.5 million Americans have been diagnosed with the chronic joint disease. There's no cure for it, but doctors often recommend anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen to ease pain and swelling. But a new study — made up of more than 1,000 people — found that long-term use of some pain-relieving drugs may actually cause joint inflammation and cartilage damage. The researchers said they were "surprised" by the findings and called for more research to figure out why some anti-inflammatory drugs did the opposite of the intended effect to treat arthritis.

The busiest shopping days of the year are here. And you miiiight want some inspo. Whether you're looking for something giftable or original artwork that'll zhuzh up your home, Minted's gotchu. We're into…

This new luxe tote that's a work of (wearable) art ($64). Designs from independent artists + Italian leather straps + closing snap = what bag dreams are made of.
Holiday cards you'll keep on the fridge year-round ($1.46/per card). Spread holiday cheer to alllll your loved ones. Bonus: They'll address your envelopes for free.
A photo collage that preserves your fave memories ($111). Pick your frame and color theme. Then add custom text — if you're into that kinda thing.

PS: Skimm'rs get 10% off their first fabric gift and 20% off their first purchase with code THESKIMM.†

†Exclusions may apply.

Gifts, Gifts, Gifts

From finding affordable presents for friends and fam to prepping for festive office parties, you may be feeling a tad overwhelmed this holiday season. If so, look no further. We've got ya covered with:

Skimm Picks

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

1. 20% off impossible-to-mess-up beauty essentials. This brand makes clean, minimalist beauty products that take luxury to the next (responsible) level. And right now, they're giving Skimm'rs exclusive early access to their only sale of the year with code EARLYACCESS22. Time to stock up on eeeeverything.*

2. A major deal on gourmet popcorn you (and your giftees) will love. This brand is changing the snacking game with the world's first flavor-wrapped™ popcorn kernels. And Skimm'rs get exclusive early access to their Black Friday deal. Get giving with 25% off sitewide.*

3. Gifts that'll instantly make them smile, trust us. We rounded up some of the happiest, mood-boosting homeware, trinkets, and more just because. Whether you give them to your friend or you simply want to treat yourself.

4. One woman's journey as her own health advocate. When hives popped up and wouldn't go away, she made it her mission to get a diagnosis. And kept going 'til she got one: chronic spontaneous urticaria (aka chronic hives with no known cause). Watch her story.*

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

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

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On Our Radar

A Black Friday sale at Everlane. The discounts start today and run through Cyber Monday. Snag these cozy leggings or a pair of trusty jeans.

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.

Running with a cause…Jessica R (NY). After losing her dad to pancreatic cancer, she is now raising money for Experience Camps, a national no-cost program for grieving children who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling, or caregiver.

(Some) Birthdays…Lindsay R. Schneider (NY), Kathy Roszak (IL), theSkimm's Jessica Pepper (NJ), Janet Elias (NY), Kim Janca (TX), Carol Malin (MA), Whitney Zickafoose (AL), Jen Opie (IL), Nichole Saunders (TX), Kristin Moore (IN), Nha-Uyen Hua (FL), Jennifer Waldman (NJ), Makenna Diesel (FL), Seddon Macholz (CA)

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