Daily Skimm: With polar bear arms

"It's been missed for so long"

— A researcher, who confirmed that female snakes have clitorises. They just had to find it.

Top Story

The World Cup

The Story

A lot's happening at the World Cup.

Tell me.

Last week, 49-year-old sports journalist Grant Wahl unexpectedly died while covering the Argentina vs Netherlands game. Tributes from athletes like LeBron James and Carli Lloyd poured in. But so did questions about his death. Some on social media seemed to blame COVID vaccines. Others pointed fingers at the Qatari government. At one point, Wahl had been detained for wearing a rainbow T-shirt in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community. He was also known for speaking out against the Qatari World Cup organizers' mistreatment of migrant workers. But this week, Wahl's body returned to the US. An autopsy revealed he died of an undetected aortic aneurysm (aka a ruptured blood vessel), which is generally hard to diagnose and treat. Wahl's wife said his return home "was handled with the utmost care" by everyone involved. Then there's yesterday's game.

Go on.

Yesterday, reigning World Cup champ France defeated Morocco to move to the finals. The 2-0 win came after an attempted bicycle kick and strong defense, ending Morocco's Cinderella story. As the first Arab and African country to ever make it to the semifinals, Morocco's success became a rallying point for many in the Middle East — including the diaspora. Many of the Moroccan players' stories have struck a chord with those watching and dancing along. But even after the loss, reports say Morocco's fans cheered for the team with gratitude and pride. Next up: Morocco and Croatia face off Saturday for a chance at third place. Then, Kylian Mbappé and the French team are up against Lionel Messi and Argentina on Sunday. Messi (with over 700 career goals under his belt) has said this will be his final World Cup — making it his last chance to bring home the trophy.

theSkimm

Soccer is the single most popular sport in the world. So it's no surprise that anything that happens at the World Cup is a conversation starter. But this year, the tournament has seen people come together in an array of ways — whether it's supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, rallying the Arab diaspora, or reminding us of each other's humanity.

Related Stories:

And Also...This

Where things may be cooling down…

The Federal Reserve. Yesterday, it raised interest rates by 0.5 percentage point. This is the seventh time rates have gone up this year in an effort to get inflation — still near 40-year highs — under control. This time, it comes as the latest CPI report — which measures the average change in prices for a variety of goods and services over time — rose only 0.1% last month. That's the smallest annual inflation increase in nearly a year. Next up: the Fed said it will continue raising rates next year until inflation settles to that sweet spot of 2%. The news of the continuing rate hikes sent stocks sliding which investors found aggressive given the small inflation increase. Economists worry that additional rate hikes could tip the economy into a recession.

Where things have escalated…

Peru. Yesterday, the government declared a 30-day state of emergency after at least seven people died during violent protests. Last week, then-President Pedro Castillo — facing multiple corruption allegations — was impeached after he tried to dissolve Congress. Many saw it as a coup attempt. So lawmakers voted him out of office and authorities arrested him. His VP, Dina Boluarte, was tapped to replace him until the 2026 election — making her the country's sixth president in less than five years. Now, protests have erupted with some claiming Castillo is the rightful president. Meanwhile, others are demanding a fresh set of elections. To appease protesters, Boluarte proposed moving up elections sooner to 2024. Meanwhile, authorities suspended the rights of assembly and freedom of movement across the country to keep the peace. Boluarte said the demonstrations need to stop because "Peru cannot overflow with blood." But ousted Castillo says the "rights" of Peruvians "who cry out for justice" should be restored.

Who people are remembering…

Stephen Boss. This week, the DJ on "Ellen" also known as "tWitch" died at the age of 40 by suicide. In 2003, he rose to stardom after placing as a runner-up on "So You Think You Can Dance." He later returned to judge season 17 of the dance competition show. In 2014, he joined Ellen DeGeneres' talk show, later becoming co-executive producer. And had also appeared in "Step Up: All In" and "Magic Mike XXL." His wife remembered Boss — a father of three — as the "backbone" of their family who always led "with love and light." Ellen DeGeneres said she was "heartbroken" and will miss his ability to bring people together with "joy and laughter."

PS: If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.

This holiday season, we're making time to relax. (And officially requesting a rebrand to 'cozy szn.') Need some help getting comfy? Vuori's gotchu. Plus, Skimm'rs get 20% off their first order. Snuggle up in their…

Ultra-flattering joggers that'll surround you in softness ($94). Truly a look-good-feel-good dream. We'll take seven pairs, plz.
Leggings you'll be looking for on the daily ($89). These any-activity staples are ideal for your hardest workouts and your chillest hangouts. Plus they're available in new seasonal colors.
Zip-up hoodie that's had a subtle (but serious) upgrade ($98). Think added wiggle room. And a slightly more cropped fit to pair even more perfectly with joggers, jeans, and everything in between.

BRIGHTNESS BOOST

Together with

There's no denying that bright skin is in. But some skincare brands use chemical brighteners that can cause side effects like rashes and facial swelling to give you that glow. *Grimace emoji.*

Wanna know what else is out there? Our friends at Biossance are all about fermented lemon peel. That's right. Fermented lemon peel. It's natural. And it provides antioxidant support and helps even skin tone as it brightens. Which is why it's a star ingredient in their new deeply hydrating, nourishing, and pollution- and wrinkle-fighting Vitamin C Rose Moisturizer. Trust us when we say you do not want to sleep on this innovative, instantly brightening formula. Go on.

Skimm Picks

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

1. A fitness program that'll travel with you. And keep you on track. This brand's personal trainers will create custom workouts that work with your plans. So you can crush your 2023 goals from anywhere. Oh, and Skimm'rs get a free two-week trial.*

2. Holiday presents that aren't gift cards. Did we mention that these will ship fast? We've also included some subscription and experience options that won't even call for wrapping paper.

3. Up to 30% off Fly By Jing's top gift picks. Ever tried their seasonings? Well, now's the time. From Sichuan chili crisp to Zhong sauce, your meals will never taste the same.

4. Last-minute holiday decor ideas under $50. Hosting? We've rounded up items that'll be delivered quickly and work for whatever you're celebrating this season. Time to sleigh this.

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

On Our Radar

Up to 40% off at Away (squeals). Which means you can snag a brand-new suitcase or duffle for any holiday travel you have planned. Wheels up.

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.

Showtime…Susan S (VT). She's taking a kick at directing "Yesterday," a one-act play for her local theater's annual play festival. Cue the tongue twister warm-ups.

(Some) Birthdays…theSkimm's Gabbie Amboss (NY), Natalie Rowe Alexander (IL), Gina Telymonde (PA), Darrah Hulva (IL), Kathleen Bartke (LA), Rafael Corrales (CA), Nicole Barnas (NY), Sumeeth Jonathan (TN), Susan Bessemer (MD), Kailey O'Connor (IL), Shirley Garson (WV), Crystal Young (CA), Vickie Weinreb (NY), Todd Shanks (MA)

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