Stay in the know with the Daily Skimm

8 min read

U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth takes questions from reporters during a news conference at the Pentagon on November 10, 2026 in Arlington, Virginia. — Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

To Impeach or Not To Impeach

War and Pete

Skimm’d by: Katherine Shen and Maria Corpus

What’s going on: Congress is officially back in session, and lawmakers got straight to business. The Republican-led House defeated an effort to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday. It comes after Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) filed eight articles of impeachment on Monday, accusing Hegseth of “high crimes and misdemeanors.” At issue was Hegseth’s role in the Iran war, which Massie said started without congressional authorization. The measure also focused on the boat strikes that killed alleged drug traffickers in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific Ocean. But in a show of unity, the GOP voted 211-204 to send the resolution to a committee, preventing an impeachment vote from moving forward. Massie joined Democrats as the only Republican in opposition.

What’s next?: Massie argued that if Hegseth isn’t held accountable now, Democrats will likely take action in January with their sizable majorities in both chambers. In his first press conference since May, Hegseth dismissed the resolution. He called Massie’s effort: “a farce and it’s a stunt and everybody knows it.” He also doubled down on his military operations even though many Republican lawmakers and Vice President JD Vance blamed the war in Iran for the GOP's losses in the midterms. President Donald Trump had vowed to "stand by" Hegseth: "He won two wars. He was in charge. We all won." So far, no Cabinet official has ever been removed from office through impeachment. And only two have ever been impeached: William Belknap, President Ulysses S. Grant’s secretary of war, amid a corruption scandal in 1876, and President Joe Biden’s homeland security secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas, over immigration enforcement in 2024.

The News in 6

🗞️ The average cost of gas hit below $4 for the first time since July — and it could continue to drop ahead of Thanksgiving. It comes as global oil prices dip and stations switch to cheaper winter blends of gasoline.

🗞️ Anthropic is seeking a $1.3 trillion IPO valuation. While lower than the roughly $2 trillion that investors expected, the AI lab is on track for a historic debut when it goes public this fall.

🗞️ The GOP elected conservative firebrand Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) as the next House minority leader, delivering a blow to Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA). Over in the upper chamber, Sen. John Thune (R-SD) will serve again as the GOP leader.

🗞️ The clock’s ticking in Mississippi. The state’s 82 counties have until Friday to certify results for the US Senate race, which remains too close to call.

🗞️ Authorities in the UK arrested a senior US Army soldier on Tuesday on suspicion of espionage. Officials say the allegations relate to assisting Russian intelligence.

🗞️ Since 1973, Senfronia Thompson — known as Miss T — has served Texas as a state representative. Now, the 87-year-old is poised to be the first woman and first Black lawmaker to become speaker of the Texas House.

In Our Rotation

Trying to get a good night's rest? Try this.

It's dry eye season. One editor uses these self-heating compresses and these eye drops religiously.

Video On

Working From Home, at the Office

Skimm’d by: Erika W. Smith and Maria Corpus

What's going on: If you’ve ever commuted to the office just to do Zoom meetings from your desk all day, when you could have slept in and sat on your couch instead, you’re not alone. A recent New York Fed survey of college-educated workers found that “days in the office often lack human contact” and that roughly half of in-office days are spent entirely on Zoom or solo work. Specifically, nearly 50% of survey respondents said they had no in-person meetings on the day they most recently worked in the office. Another 37% said they had at least one virtual meeting with colleagues physically at work. (Guess all the conference rooms were full?) The study authors pointed to some fully remote staff members and organizational sprawl as factors that make face-to-face interaction difficult. They also cited low compliance with in-office mandates. What can we say? Sometimes wearing sweatpants really is that serious.

Alone in a crowded room: It’s not just one study; data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics also shows that Americans now spend more time alone at work than they did before the pandemic. It has many wondering: Why not save on gas and work from home? The data on return-to-office mandates is mixed, too. Studies have found low employee satisfaction, with some workers even viewing in-office requirements as a strategy to make them quit their jobs. But there can be real benefits to in-person work, including that in-office workers are more likely to get promoted. Interestingly, the New York Fed study doesn’t conclude that employers should give up on in-office mandates. Instead, the authors write that they should ensure “adherence to the policy” and “deliver the face-to-face contact that workers crave.” Can we at least get some free bagels, too?

Consumerism Countdown

Deck the Halls & Open All the Advent Calendar Doors

Skimm’d by: Stephanie Gallman and Samantha Darby

What’s going on: Every Christmas when she was growing up, Skimm editor Samantha received an Advent calendar from her English granny. That was back when the cardboard box with perforated doors held a single, bite-sized chocolate. Now, the sweet tradition of Advent calendars has become big business, with sales reaching $2.6 billion last year, according to the research firm Growth Market Reports. More brands are using the format to debut product lines or justify premium pricing for miniature packaging (looking at you, Bonne Maman). As one analyst told The New York Times, “You’re not just opening one gift. You’re getting that joy and excitement for 24 days, which for me is value.” And it seems to be working — the market is growing by about 9% annually across the US and Canada.

Is this whimsy or just more stuff?: Advent calendars trace back to the 19th century when German Protestants got creative (with chalk lines on doors or lighting candles) to count the days until Christmas. We've come a long way from wooden frames and single cranberries to this year’s $25 Needoh version that sold out in October, or Christian Louboutin’s $720 makeup box (sadly, no red bottoms included). While a daily dose of holiday joy is hard to turn down, 24 days of premium tinned fish might be pushing it. And nobody wants another overpriced box of hair ties that ends in refunds — looking at you, Kim.

Together with 1 MILLION CARE CONVERSATIONS

Thing to Know

Nearly 40% of people in the US are taking care of aging or sick family members, children, spouses, or disabled loved ones. Let that sink in.

Almost everyone will need or give care at some point in their lives. So, this National Caregiving Month, the 1 Million Care Conversations campaign is making a nationwide effort to talk with people who give and receive care about exactly what support they need.

The goal? To create a vision for the future of caregiving in the US, shaped by families across all 50 states.

Anyone can join the conversation, and it only takes a few minutes. In this case, sharing really is caring.^†

Share Your Opinion

Quick Hits

🏃 What do you do after becoming the first American in eight years to podium at the NYC Marathon? Jess McClain told theSkimm she ate a special NYC-themed snack. Victory is sweet.

📱 “Tech neck,” meet “smartphone pinkie.” Luckily, there are simple ways to prevent both, like switching hands and taking a break to stretch.

🍽️ These seven cooking tips will level up your sheet pan brussel sprouts. Number one: Use more oil than you think you need.

🎶 Paul McCartney officially joined Taylor Swift and Jay-Z in the billionaires’ club. But money can’t buy him love, right?

🛁 Forget the sauna. A hot bath at home can also offer powerful health benefits, like improving blood circulation. Get the bath bombs ready.

🦃 If you’re hosting Thanksgiving, these five cooking tools can make it easier, like an under-$10 peeler perfect for prepping mashed potatoes.

We Needed This

On Our Calendar

Wednesday, November 11

🇺🇲 Veterans Day

Fun fact: Up until 1954, this holiday had a different name. Still, the sentiment hasn’t changed: It's a day to recognize those in the US military. Thank you for your service.

🛍️ Alex Mill x J. Press collection drops

Sweater weather is officially here — and this collab includes colorful options with a collegiate, preppy twist. We think Blair Waldorf would approve.

🍿 The Body out on Netflix

A “raunchy teen psychodrama with a dash of Catholic horror” is how showrunner Quinn Shephard describes the eight-episode series. It’s giving The Craft… for Gen Z.

Psst... See what else is happening this week so you never miss a moment.

A Few Good Things

As we’ve been browsing this week, we’ve spotted a few things we felt deserved your attention. You know we already have the holidays on our type-A shopping brains, so any of these would make fantastic gifts:

A kid's bathroom kit they can bedazzle
A new retinol body lotion that actually makes a difference (and isn’t super expensive)
A skincare set that comes with a festive fuzzy pouch
The best red light option for those who are constantly on-the-go

In Our Rotation

Does a delivery of pumpkin cinnamon biscuits sound good to you? Click here to take $40 off your first Wildgrain box.

If you can resist this woodland creature-themed doormat, you're stronger than we are.

Which iconic Friends look is now part of a Quince ad?

Friends stars waiting on an answer — NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

Voted by 2.7k Skimm’rs

Finally, a solvable crossword. Finish this puzzle quickly for bragging rights.

To Impeach or Not To Impeach

War and Pete

Skimm’d by: Katherine Shen and Maria Corpus

The News in 6

🗞️ The clock’s ticking in Mississippi. The state’s 82 counties have until Friday to certify results for the US Senate race, which remains too close to call.

🗞️ Authorities in the UK arrested a senior US Army soldier on Tuesday on suspicion of espionage. Officials say the allegations relate to assisting Russian intelligence.

Video On

Working From Home, at the Office

Skimm’d by: Erika W. Smith and Maria Corpus

Consumerism Countdown

Deck the Halls & Open All the Advent Calendar Doors

Skimm’d by: Stephanie Gallman and Samantha Darby

Together with 1 MILLION CARE CONVERSATIONS

Thing to Know

Nearly 40% of people in the US are taking care of aging or sick family members, children, spouses, or disabled loved ones. Let that sink in.

The goal? To create a vision for the future of caregiving in the US, shaped by families across all 50 states.

Anyone can join the conversation, and it only takes a few minutes. In this case, sharing really is caring.^†

Share Your Opinion

Quick Hits

🏃 What do you do after becoming the first American in eight years to podium at the NYC Marathon? Jess McClain told theSkimm she ate a special NYC-themed snack. Victory is sweet.

📱 “Tech neck,” meet “smartphone pinkie.” Luckily, there are simple ways to prevent both, like switching hands and taking a break to stretch.

🍽️ These seven cooking tips will level up your sheet pan brussel sprouts. Number one: Use more oil than you think you need.

🎶 Paul McCartney officially joined Taylor Swift and Jay-Z in the billionaires’ club. But money can’t buy him love, right?

🛁 Forget the sauna. A hot bath at home can also offer powerful health benefits, like improving blood circulation. Get the bath bombs ready.

🦃 If you’re hosting Thanksgiving, these five cooking tools can make it easier, like an under-$10 peeler perfect for prepping mashed potatoes.

We Needed This

A Few Good Things

A kid's bathroom kit they can bedazzle
A new retinol body lotion that actually makes a difference (and isn’t super expensive)
A skincare set that comes with a festive fuzzy pouch
The best red light option for those who are constantly on-the-go

Which iconic Friends look is now part of a Quince ad?

Voted by 2.7k Skimm’rs

Stay in the know with the Daily Skimm

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang sits during an interview — Jose Sarmento Matos/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Let The Chips Fall Where They May

Tinker Tailor (Corporate) Soldier Spy

Skimm’d by: Aryanna Prasad Bhullar and Maria Corpus

What’s going on: A powerful CEO has a clandestine affair with a suspected spy, potentially exposing his company to corporate espionage — this isn’t the latest TV drama, it’s Jensen Huang’s real life. He’s the founder and CEO of Nvidia, the world’s largest semiconductor company and the most-valued publicly traded company (or at least it was). The chip maker's stock price fell on Monday after Nvidia announced an investigation into its CEO and his alleged affair with Alice Huang (yes, they have the same surname), a former executive at a Singapore data center company who US intelligence officials say is a Chinese spy. Per The New York Times, an internal White House memo said she’s been feeding intel to Beijing — aka the US’s biggest competitor in the AI chip arms race. A spokesperson for the Chinese government called the allegations of espionage “unsubstantiated.” On Sunday, Jensen admitted in a note to staff (which includes his kids) that he had an extramarital affair, cheating on his wife of over 40 years. Didn’t the Astronomer cheating scandal teach us anything?

Love is blind?: Nvidia’s board says it doesn't believe Jensen compromised proprietary information and plans to keep him on as CEO. Still, the intel on this relationship has sparked a lot of questions and AI-generated memes (oh, the irony). According to The NYT, Beijing’s top spy agency recruited Alice to learn about American AI chips and convince Nvidia to make its most advanced versions in China. While that didn't seem to work, Jensen did get President Donald Trump to ease restrictions on US chip sales to Beijing. And in 2024, the Commerce Department had been looking into Alice’s company until Nvidia stepped in. As an internal investigation gets underway, the US is expected to make its own congressional inquiries, putting Jensen’s close relationship with Trump under a microscope. In an interview with Fox News, the president stood behind Jensen, calling him “an honorable guy” who “probably has an excuse for [the affair].”

Related: From Journalist to Executive to Possible Spy, Here’s What We Know About Alice Huang (The Wall Street Journal gift link)

The News in 5

🗞️ President Donald Trump said the war in Iran is militarily “effectively over” and backed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who could face an impeachment vote in the House this week.

🗞️ Russell Brand was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison for rape and sexual assault. The judge called him “a sexual predator” and praised “the determination and bravery” of the women who came forward.

🗞️ GLP-1 drugmakers will have to include a label warning customers that potential side effects include an increased risk of an optic nerve condition that can lead to blindness. The FDA’s decision comes after dozens of patients sued drugmakers, alleging they lost their vision.

🗞️ A handwritten draft of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, which was found sitting in the desk drawer of his former aide, is going up for auction in January. Proceeds will go to the King Center and charitable causes.

🗞️ Some people in North Carolina and Tennessee spotted a blazing meteor traveling at 47,000 miles per hour, NASA reported. It was just two inches in diameter and weighed six ounces.

Setting Expectations

Will Everything Still Be Expensive in January?

Skimm’d by: Stephanie Gallman and Samantha Darby

What’s going on: Voters made it clear in the midterms that they aren’t thrilled with the state of the economy. Here’s what might be on the agenda come January: Senate Democrats say they will repeal President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canada, cap credit card interest rates, and rein in private equity for immediate relief. They also want to restore Affordable Care Act subsidies. To lower soaring energy costs, Democrats might also move to defund the Iran war. Less directly, some sitting congressional Democrats sent letters to companies like airlines and grocery stores to inquire about practices that led to record profits while American consumers struggled. They’ve also announced plans to grill CEOs on their White House ties.

The catch: President Trump’s veto pen remains their steepest hurdle, but the party may also be fighting itself. Many legacy Democrats want to take things slow (strongly worded letters, anyone?), while other members of the party are ready to go scorched earth on the status quo. There’s also concern that answering some of their campaign promises — like curbing data centers and slowing AI — could have unintended negative economic consequences. And when it comes to fighting inflation, Congress really isn’t in the driver’s seat. The Federal Reserve raised interest rates in September, pushing up borrowing costs. So while Democrats are riding the blue wave, one voter told The Guardian: “People have not suddenly become Democrats. People are very clear that they want something different.”

Related: Shoppers Are Using Black Friday To Stock Up on Basics (The New York Times gift link)

The End of an Era

About That Road Trip Detour

Skimm’d by: Erika W. Smith and Maria Corpus

What's going on: If you’ve ever driven past a kitschy roadside attraction, we hope you stopped to take a picture. Skimm writer Erika loves seeing Detroit’s Giant Cow Head and the World’s Largest Tire whenever she visits her parents in Michigan, while Skimm editor Maria is a fan of the Mars Cheese Castle in Kenosha, WI. These offbeat landmarks are common across the US, Canada, and Australia, but many may soon be gone, thanks to rising upkeep costs and expiring leases. (While some of the oldest attractions are eligible for grants — shoutout to New Jersey’s Lucy the Elephant — most pull from the town budget or donations for maintenance.) Take Alberta, Canada’s Tyra the Tyrannosaurus, who is 86 feet tall and holds a viewing platform between her fiberglass teeth. She needs a spruce-up every five to seven years, and the last one cost over $200,000. With her land lease set to expire in 2029, residents wonder if she should go the way of real dinosaurs. If Tyra goes extinct, she’ll join many other attractions that have reached the end of the road (RIP, World’s Largest Hockey Stick).

Let’s drive: Roadside attractions peaked around the mid-20th century as highways expanded and car ownership increased. Some served as advertisements (the World’s Largest Tire is essentially a billboard for Uniroyal Tires), while others simply tried to get people to stop and spend some cash in town. But within a few decades, the novelty wore off. The rise of the internet and GPS navigation didn’t help, either. However, some experts say that after a long decline in popularity, social media may be sparking a new resurgence in interest. (Just think about how many likes your TikTok of Long Island’s Big Duck could get.) “More and more people want to know: What’s something only [found] in North Carolina, or what’s something unique and quirky?” a Visit NC director told The Assembly. (Answer: The World’s Largest Chest of Drawers, of course.)

Related: The “High-Camp Wonderland” of Vintage Motels (Dwell)

Together with THE AMERICAN OPTOMETRIC ASSOCIATION

20/20 Isn’t Everything

Reading the bottom line of the eye chart? Impressive. But there’s more to healthy eyes than acing a vision test. While online vision tests and kiosks may offer a convenient vision check, they can’t assess your eye health or reveal clues about your overall health.

Many eye and systemic health conditions develop without noticeable symptoms. During a comprehensive exam, an optometrist examines your cornea, retina, and optic nerve for signs of 270+ eye and overall health conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetes, blood pressure, and certain cancers.

Translation: Seeing clearly doesn’t always mean all clear. Learn why a comprehensive in-person eye exam matters.

See For Yourself

Quick Hits

🍞 Running on fumes? It might be because you’re low on iron, fiber, or one of the other three nutrients Americans tend to under-consume.

🎥 If you’ve ever panicked about missing a scene in a movie because you had to pee, you need the app that gives you the exact time and line where it’s OK to go. If only there was a similar app for the snack line.

👰 A bride thought she said “yes” to rewearing her mom’s carefully-preserved wedding dress from 1994… until she opened the box and found a different gown. This is not what she meant by “something borrowed.”

🍸 The quest to find the next James Bond just got shaken and stirred as British heartthrobs Robert Pattinson and Nicholas Hoult have entered the running. Maybe it’ll come down to who can do the best Sean Connery impression.

📜 It was the Ring camera photo that led internet sleuths to map out Bill Belichick’s relationship with Jordon Hudson. Three years later, the 25-year-old filed a lawsuit claiming the footage was unlawfully released.

🥗 Edamame, blueberries, and quinoa? That’s what nutritionists consider the makings of a “perfect salad.” We make no guarantees about the taste.

👙 ‘Tis the season of giving… and issuing refunds if you’re Skims. Customers are outraged after Kim Kardashian’s brand gifted bobby pins and bra straps in its $150 advent calendar. The tissue paper was a paid actor.

Skimm This

Send us your best skimm:

A photo of an investor looking nonchalant in France — Yaro Roland/Getty Images for Jane Owen Public Relations

Make us laugh, make us think — just make it 20 words or fewer. We’ll pick our top three and put those to a vote in Thursday’s Daily Skimm. Then, we’ll announce the winner in Friday’s email.

This week: The glasses. The bag. The nonchalance. Investor Anna Namit did her part. Your turn.

Submit Your Skimm

Gifts for the Home

It’s hibernation season, and these holiday gifts will keep their homes cozy and bright until spring:

A soft and breathable waffle blanket
A nostalgic board game for those cold nights at home
The cutest heart-adorned taper candles
And more small decor gifts that make a big impact

*PS: If you have gifter’s block (aka writer’s block for gift giving), QVC has a little something for everyone.

Which Thanksgiving staple just got an extremely questionable chocolate-covered makeover?

Thanksgiving Chocolate Makeover Pic — Jonathan Knowles via Getty Images

Stay in the know with the Daily Skimm

In Our Rotation

Trying to get a good night's rest? Try this.

It's dry eye season. One editor uses these self-heating compresses and these eye drops religiously.

On Our Calendar

Wednesday, November 11

🇺🇲 Veterans Day

Fun fact: Up until 1954, this holiday had a different name. Still, the sentiment hasn’t changed: It's a day to recognize those in the US military. Thank you for your service.

🛍️ Alex Mill x J. Press collection drops

Sweater weather is officially here — and this collab includes colorful options with a collegiate, preppy twist. We think Blair Waldorf would approve.

🍿 The Body out on Netflix

A “raunchy teen psychodrama with a dash of Catholic horror” is how showrunner Quinn Shephard describes the eight-episode series. It’s giving The Craft… for Gen Z.

Psst... See what else is happening this week so you never miss a moment.

In Our Rotation

Does a delivery of pumpkin cinnamon biscuits sound good to you? Click here to take $40 off your first Wildgrain box.

If you can resist this woodland creature-themed doormat, you're stronger than we are.

Finally, a solvable crossword. Finish this puzzle quickly for bragging rights.