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The Essentials
Keep Calm and Stock Up?
Skimm’d by: Aryanna Prasad Bhullar and Maria Corpus
What’s going on: Doomscrolling has taken on a new meaning with emergency preparedness messages trending globally. Last month, the UK launched its “Be Ready” campaign, which urges the public to stock up on 72 hours’ worth of supplies — and surprise, it has led to panic buying. Sweden just updated guidance for its citizens in the event of a “crisis or war.” And as of this week, Japan’s National Disaster Management Agency began operations to help the public prepare for megaquakes or volcanic eruptions. The US, meanwhile, has taken a more military-focused approach amid cuts to disaster relief. Earlier this fall, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth rolled out his “FORTRESS America” plan, which aims to ensure that military bases can operate solo for at least 90 days.
So is there an imminent threat looming?: The UK and US haven’t named any specific threat. But as Swedish guidance put it, “the state of the world has worsened drastically in recent years” due to extreme weather, terrorism, and disinformation campaigns. Then there are the cyberattacks. Both hackers and autonomous AI agents are disrupting everything from infrastructure to bank accounts, and the effects are far-reaching: 70% of websites are vulnerable, and so are online systems, as European grocery stores learned again on Monday. And though Americans haven’t gotten the same formal messaging as the UK or Sweden, the Department of Homeland Security offers Ready.gov, which acknowledges 25 types of disasters and encourages people to make a plan. No, this doesn’t mean you have permission to panic-buy toilet paper.
Related: How To Protect Your Information From AI Hacking (ABC News)
Together with Vuori
0% Chance of Return
Shopping for someone who’s impossible to please? Vuori makes clothes so soft and wearable that they’ll be wearing them on repeat. We rounded up the best Vuori gifts for everyone on your list — and we won’t judge if a few end up in your own cart.
Skimm This
Send us your best skimm of…
…this photo in 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: This angel-like figure from a German Christmas tradition showed up at a London train station to open its holiday display. Thanksgiving, who?
Things In My Cart
Ali here, Senior Commerce Director. It’s now November, which means I’m locking into holiday shopping even harder. I refuse to be caught in a last-minute panic, so here’s what’s sitting in my cart:
The hydration packs I’m adding to my cousin’s stocking. She just finished her second marathon and is already training for her third.
The crossbody I’m gifting to my mom (it’s 30% off right now).
A custom hairbrush for my sister. She constantly steals mine and it irks me like no other (it’s also 25% off).
Zut alors, a new poll says Paris is no longer the world’s most romantic destination. Which dreamy location replaced it?
Ease into your day with Typeshift, the word-building game. Start playing.
The Essentials
Keep Calm and Stock Up?
Skimm’d by: Aryanna Prasad Bhullar and Maria Corpus
What’s going on: Doomscrolling has taken on a new meaning with emergency preparedness messages trending globally. Last month, the UK launched its “Be Ready” campaign, which urges the public to stock up on 72 hours’ worth of supplies — and surprise, it has led to panic buying. Sweden just updated guidance for its citizens in the event of a “crisis or war.” And as of this week, Japan’s National Disaster Management Agency began operations to help the public prepare for megaquakes or volcanic eruptions. The US, meanwhile, has taken a more military-focused approach amid cuts to disaster relief. Earlier this fall, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth rolled out his “FORTRESS America” plan, which aims to ensure that military bases can operate solo for at least 90 days.
So is there an imminent threat looming?: The UK and US haven’t named any specific threat. But as Swedish guidance put it, “the state of the world has worsened drastically in recent years” due to extreme weather, terrorism, and disinformation campaigns. Then there are the cyberattacks. Both hackers and autonomous AI agents are disrupting everything from infrastructure to bank accounts, and the effects are far-reaching: 70% of websites are vulnerable, and so are online systems, as European grocery stores learned again on Monday. And though Americans haven’t gotten the same formal messaging as the UK or Sweden, the Department of Homeland Security offers Ready.gov, which acknowledges 25 types of disasters and encourages people to make a plan. No, this doesn’t mean you have permission to panic-buy toilet paper.
Related: How To Protect Your Information From AI Hacking (ABC News)
Together with Vuori
0% Chance of Return
Shopping for someone who’s impossible to please? Vuori makes clothes so soft and wearable that they’ll be wearing them on repeat. We rounded up the best Vuori gifts for everyone on your list — and we won’t judge if a few end up in your own cart.
Skimm This
Send us your best skimm of…
…this photo in 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: This angel-like figure from a German Christmas tradition showed up at a London train station to open its holiday display. Thanksgiving, who?
Things In My Cart
Ali here, Senior Commerce Director. It’s now November, which means I’m locking into holiday shopping even harder. I refuse to be caught in a last-minute panic, so here’s what’s sitting in my cart:
The hydration packs I’m adding to my cousin’s stocking. She just finished her second marathon and is already training for her third.
The crossbody I’m gifting to my mom (it’s 30% off right now).
A custom hairbrush for my sister. She constantly steals mine and it irks me like no other (it’s also 25% off).
Zut alors, a new poll says Paris is no longer the world’s most romantic destination. Which dreamy location replaced it?
Stay in the know with the Daily Skimm
Midterm Mayhem
Nearing the (Stay in Line) Finish Line
Skimm'd by: Stephanie Gallman and Samantha Darby
What's going on: Tomorrow is Election Day, if the dozens of text messages haven’t reminded you. With House and Senate majorities on the line, there’s a lot happening. All eyes will be on Michigan (which could elect the first Muslim US senator), Alaska (where the Dan controversy still looms large), Ohio (both Senate and gubernatorial races), and Georgia (which could elect Atlanta’s former mayor as the US’s first-ever Black female governor). Other races in South Carolina (with Darline Graham trying to hold onto her late brother’s seat) and Texas (where the GOP could lose its footing) are uncharacteristically close. Experts labeled several traditionally red states as “toss-ups.”
What else are we voting on?: In addition to the candidates, there are several ballot measures that could change state laws and constitutions. Abortion will be on four states’ ballots, with three of them voting for abortion protections and one voting for an anti-abortion measure. Voters in multiple states will decide on whether to ban transgender girls and women from female sports teams. And in what feels a bit meta, voting rights — including redistricting and voter ID — are also at stake.
Know before you go: If you’re not one of the tens of millions of people who voted early this midterm (no shade, we operate best with a deadline, too), there’s still time. You can check your registration status (and register to vote if you haven't), your precinct locations, and what you need to bring via Vote411. The Justice Department plans to send a record number of election observers out to the polls to ensure compliance.
When will we know who won?: It depends. We may go to sleep (or stay up all night watching John King and his Magic Wall) not knowing who wins. Each state handles vote counts differently, and with razor-thin margins in several races, it could be a few days or even longer until we know for sure. At least the text messages will stop. (We hope.)
Related: A Judge Tossed the Justice Department’s Lawsuit Over Alaska’s Election Certification (The Associated Press)
Gifts for Your Most Stylish Recipients
Caroline, Senior Commerce Editor, here. I have some discerning loved ones in my life, and little makes me prouder than finding stylish pieces that pass their highly specific vibe checks. Here are a few fashion gifts on my list this year:
For my mom: a standout signet ring that looks chic as a pinky ring
For my sister: a collar necklace that can be customized with initials and crystals
For my boyfriend: a new pair of Vans for the former skate kid
For everyone else: accessories that consistently draw compliments
PS: Want more options? Check out our gift guides here.
Which iconic ’90s band will perform at halftime when the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs battle on Thanksgiving Day?
Stay in the know with the Daily Skimm