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EDITOR’S NOTE
Happy Saturday. I’m heading to the Bronx today for some hiking, followed by classic red-sauce Italian food on Arthur Avenue. If that’s not Octobering at its finest, I don’t know what is. Here’s what else I plan to get up to…
Copy my new favorite (and deeply unexpected) style icon: the Scooby Gang’s No. 1 diva. If you catch me rocking purple and chartreuse all fall, well, jinkies.
Order the hand cream I discovered at a hotel last weekend. It’s perfectly velvety, smells like an expensive candle, and absorbs immediately. I’m kicking myself for not snagging extra from the housekeeping cart.
Tear through this unsettling, atmospheric novel about a woman raised on an isolated Iowa compound by her brutal, Viking-obsessed father. A murder mystery slash family drama is always going to do it for me.
Hit “add to cart” on just about everything my all-time favorite food blogger recommends. The cinnamon is already a nonnegotiable in my kitchen, but I’m dying to try the French grocery-store mustard.
Go down yet another Depop spiral, thanks to this vintage-inspired bag trend. I’m betting I can find one secondhand, so if anyone’s grandma is cleaning out her closet, let me know ASAP.
— Julia Reinstein / Writer, Culture & Leisure / Brooklyn, NY

Try Not to Be Startled by How Good These Viral Beef Broth Bowls Are
theSkimm
In the words of the prophet George Costanza, “I’m shifting into soup mode.” First order of business? Chelsea’s Messy Apron’s Beef Broth Bowls, which likely have an iron grip on your feeds right now — and for good reason. At the base of this hearty-but-not-heavy dish is a rich coconut curry broth spiked with red curry paste, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and lime that’s honestly drinkable on its own. Add crispy, caramelized ground beef, fluffy basmati rice (ideal for soaking up every last drop), and whatever toppings you can think of (cucumbers, green onions, sesame oil, chili crunch). No wonder one fan described the capital-C comfort food as, “10/10, no notes.”
The Time Commitment: About 45 minutes.
Key Tips: For the best texture and flavor, use full-fat coconut milk. And the secret to gloriously browned ground beef? Chelsea Lords (aka Chelsea’s Messy Apron) says to let it sit largely undisturbed in the skillet, so it has “contact with the hot pan long enough to really caramelize.” Bonus: all those browned bits left behind make the broth even more flavorful.
Other Takes: Another reason the broth bowl trend lives up to the hype? It’s endlessly riffable. Case in point…
Lemongrass Broth Bowls with Yellow Curry Chicken. This brighter, Thai-inspired take is topped with juicy chicken thighs and fried shallots (TJ’s has them). Plus, it’s so easy, the creator says her 7-year-old could probably make it.
Coconut Curry Salmon and Rice. Say a prayer for your favorite takeout spot. In just 25 minutes, you can have this restaurant-worthy dinner on the table, with hardly any chopping involved.
Spicy Short Rib Coconut Curry Brothy Rice Bowls. Short ribs sound intimidating — until you realize your slow cooker (or Dutch oven) does most of the work. You just take credit for the fall-apart tender results.
What’s new in food & home:
😌 If you can’t remember the last time you saw your countertops, the “one surface rule” might save you from yourself — and it doesn’t mean keeping everything spotless.
🍝 Think pasta can’t be improved? Stanley Tucci’s favorite brand launched three new shapes, including a fusilli glow-up that makes the old spiral look like a rough draft. Mamma mia.
🍗 Move over, sumo oranges. Whole Foods just dropped a new potato variety in select stores that apparently tastes like — wait for it — roast chicken. Science, we love you.

Peck & Peck by Bonnie Garmus
theSkimm
Lessons in Chemistry fans, we come bearing good news — and (our best attempt at) a haiku: New Bonnie Garmus / There is no chemistry here / Poetry instead. Set in 1980s New York, Peck & Peck tells the story of Batter Gray (named after a heroic family dog, for those wondering), a recent college grad with an ear for poetry who lands a job at Peck & Peck, the most prestigious poetry journal in the world. The catch? Once inside, he’s relegated to the dingy basement, tasked with manning three copy machines, and caught in the crossfire of the two feuding editors in chief — who also happen to be twin brothers. As Batter navigates 39 snobbish editors and one exceptionally dysfunctional workplace, expect literary rabbit holes, a charming cast of characters (including Batter’s typeface-designer mother), and Garmus at her most delightful.
Meanwhile, on the internet…
If TikTok has you second-guessing your under-eye patch placement, rest easy: Dermatologists have weighed in on the viral debate. Cue our victory lap to the bathroom mirror.
Already hobbymaxxing to the fullest? Not unless you’ve gone on a “skillcation.” Excuse us while we abscond to a pottery retreat in the Greek isles.
And now, for a PSA: Check the bag policy before your next concert, lest you end up like one of these poor souls. We’re anxious just seeing these stories.

Charleston, Who? Greenville Is South Carolina’s New It City
theSkimm
We probably don’t have to tell you that Charleston is great — you’ve likely already been there for a bachelorette party… or four. But for a dose of Southern charm without all the large groups in matching T-shirts, allow us to suggest Greenville, South Carolina. Situated against the foothills of the idyllic Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville is quickly becoming one of the South’s worst-kept secrets — and it’s easy to see why. Think: a walkable downtown (stay at the Grand Bohemian Lodge for rustic luxury vibes), a flourishing arts community, big-city cultural offerings (catch a performance at the Peace Center), a buzzy restaurant around every corner, and easy access to sweeping lakes, forested mountains, and rushing waterfalls. Just don’t tell your engaged friends about it, OK?
🌿 You don’t have to look too hard to find outdoor activities in Greenville. In fact, Falls Park is located right in the middle of downtown, with beautifully landscaped grounds and an impressive suspension bridge that overlooks the cascading Reedy River Falls. Feeling more ambitious? Rent a bike and cruise the Swamp Rabbit Trail, a 28-mile path that connects Greenville to the nearby town of Travelers Rest (for fuel along the way, stop at the Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery). Or, head to one of the surrounding state parks, like Paris Mountain, which includes 17 miles of biking and hiking trails (the scenic Lake Placid Trail is one of the most popular), or Devils Fork State Park, home to the blissfully unspoiled Lake Jocassee, where you can fish, canoe, paddleboard, and swim (if you dare) in the pristine waters.
🖼️ Greenville boasts one of the South’s most vibrant art scenes, thanks in large part to West Greenville (dubbed “The Village”). There, you’ll find the Greenville Center for Creative Arts, which showcases the work of both on-site artists and fellows as well as regional and national talents, and dozens of studios and galleries: Pop into Spoonbill to admire Amy Shekhter’s glittery portraits of Dolly Parton, Taylor Swift, and Grace Kelly; stop by Joseph Bradley for colorful paintings of birds, bears, and other wildlife; and pick up some pieces of Chinese-, Japanese-, and Korean-inspired pottery at Darin R. Gehrke Ceramics. To continue your art crawl downtown, check out the top-notch watercolor collection at the Greenville County Museum of Art and take a self-guided walking tour of the city’s dozens of statues, murals, and sculptures — including Dale Chihuly’s striking Rose Crystal Tower.
🍴 Greenville takes its food seriously, so come hungry. Start your day on a sweet note with a cinnamon sugar-kissed morning bun, a flaky butter croissant, and at least one sourdough chocolate chip cookie at Rise Bakery. For lunch, swing by Gather, a bustling food hall made from repurposed shipping containers (HenDough’s artisan donuts and fried chicken sandwiches are a local favorite). Feeling fancy? Make a dinner reservation at The Anchorage, a James Beard semifinalist where the surprisingly affordable tasting menu features inventive seasonal small plates, like butternut squash carpaccio or tricolor grits. Or, check out Jianna to feast on homemade pastas and freshly shucked oysters with a view of Falls Park.
From after-school activities to weekends packed with plans and busier-than-normal work schedules — fall routines are in full swing. Thankfully, this fish oil supplement helps support joint mobility, heart health, and your immune system,† so your body can keep up with your calendar. It's sustainably sourced, non-GMO, and doesn't leave a fishy aftertaste. Plus, Skimm’rs get 10% off with code SKIMM10 to help your body function at its best.*

We asked you to vote on an etiquette question you’d like answered. The winner was:
My in-laws plan parties and family gatherings without clearing the dates with us first. I get that it’s their call — but we’re always expected to attend, and when we can’t make it, they guilt us. I don’t want to start drama, but how do we get them to check in with us before locking in a date?

“If the expectation is for you to attend and you weren’t consulted on the date, a polite conversation should happen before the next gathering. Ideally, have the son or daughter whose family is hosting speak to whoever is organizing directly. They can say, ‘We would love to be part of these gatherings and will do our best to make it work — but it would help to have some advance notice. Would it be possible to check with us on dates before locking anything in?’
Even with advance notice, you won’t be able to make every event — and you shouldn’t feel guilty if you have a legitimate conflict. A family member’s disappointment is not your burden when you weren’t consulted in the first place.”
FEATURED EXPERT:

Unleash your competitive side with today's games and puzzles. Go wild.

Try Not to Be Startled by How Good These Viral Beef Broth Bowls Are
theSkimm
In the words of the prophet George Costanza, “I’m shifting into soup mode.” First order of business? Chelsea’s Messy Apron’s Beef Broth Bowls, which likely have an iron grip on your feeds right now — and for good reason. At the base of this hearty-but-not-heavy dish is a rich coconut curry broth spiked with red curry paste, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and lime that’s honestly drinkable on its own. Add crispy, caramelized ground beef, fluffy basmati rice (ideal for soaking up every last drop), and whatever toppings you can think of (cucumbers, green onions, sesame oil, chili crunch). No wonder one fan described the capital-C comfort food as, “10/10, no notes.”
The Time Commitment: About 45 minutes.
Key Tips: For the best texture and flavor, use full-fat coconut milk. And the secret to gloriously browned ground beef? Chelsea Lords (aka Chelsea’s Messy Apron) says to let it sit largely undisturbed in the skillet, so it has “contact with the hot pan long enough to really caramelize.” Bonus: all those browned bits left behind make the broth even more flavorful.
Other Takes: Another reason the broth bowl trend lives up to the hype? It’s endlessly riffable. Case in point…
Lemongrass Broth Bowls with Yellow Curry Chicken. This brighter, Thai-inspired take is topped with juicy chicken thighs and fried shallots (TJ’s has them). Plus, it’s so easy, the creator says her 7-year-old could probably make it.
Coconut Curry Salmon and Rice. Say a prayer for your favorite takeout spot. In just 25 minutes, you can have this restaurant-worthy dinner on the table, with hardly any chopping involved.
Spicy Short Rib Coconut Curry Brothy Rice Bowls. Short ribs sound intimidating — until you realize your slow cooker (or Dutch oven) does most of the work. You just take credit for the fall-apart tender results.
What’s new in food & home:
😌 If you can’t remember the last time you saw your countertops, the “one surface rule” might save you from yourself — and it doesn’t mean keeping everything spotless.
🍝 Think pasta can’t be improved? Stanley Tucci’s favorite brand launched three new shapes, including a fusilli glow-up that makes the old spiral look like a rough draft. Mamma mia.
🍗 Move over, sumo oranges. Whole Foods just dropped a new potato variety in select stores that apparently tastes like — wait for it — roast chicken. Science, we love you.

Peck & Peck by Bonnie Garmus
theSkimm
Lessons in Chemistry fans, we come bearing good news — and (our best attempt at) a haiku: New Bonnie Garmus / There is no chemistry here / Poetry instead. Set in 1980s New York, Peck & Peck tells the story of Batter Gray (named after a heroic family dog, for those wondering), a recent college grad with an ear for poetry who lands a job at Peck & Peck, the most prestigious poetry journal in the world. The catch? Once inside, he’s relegated to the dingy basement, tasked with manning three copy machines, and caught in the crossfire of the two feuding editors in chief — who also happen to be twin brothers. As Batter navigates 39 snobbish editors and one exceptionally dysfunctional workplace, expect literary rabbit holes, a charming cast of characters (including Batter’s typeface-designer mother), and Garmus at her most delightful.
Meanwhile, on the internet…
If TikTok has you second-guessing your under-eye patch placement, rest easy: Dermatologists have weighed in on the viral debate. Cue our victory lap to the bathroom mirror.
Already hobbymaxxing to the fullest? Not unless you’ve gone on a “skillcation.” Excuse us while we abscond to a pottery retreat in the Greek isles.
And now, for a PSA: Check the bag policy before your next concert, lest you end up like one of these poor souls. We’re anxious just seeing these stories.

Charleston, Who? Greenville Is South Carolina’s New It City
theSkimm
We probably don’t have to tell you that Charleston is great — you’ve likely already been there for a bachelorette party… or four. But for a dose of Southern charm without all the large groups in matching T-shirts, allow us to suggest Greenville, South Carolina. Situated against the foothills of the idyllic Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville is quickly becoming one of the South’s worst-kept secrets — and it’s easy to see why. Think: a walkable downtown (stay at the Grand Bohemian Lodge for rustic luxury vibes), a flourishing arts community, big-city cultural offerings (catch a performance at the Peace Center), a buzzy restaurant around every corner, and easy access to sweeping lakes, forested mountains, and rushing waterfalls. Just don’t tell your engaged friends about it, OK?
🌿 You don’t have to look too hard to find outdoor activities in Greenville. In fact, Falls Park is located right in the middle of downtown, with beautifully landscaped grounds and an impressive suspension bridge that overlooks the cascading Reedy River Falls. Feeling more ambitious? Rent a bike and cruise the Swamp Rabbit Trail, a 28-mile path that connects Greenville to the nearby town of Travelers Rest (for fuel along the way, stop at the Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery). Or, head to one of the surrounding state parks, like Paris Mountain, which includes 17 miles of biking and hiking trails (the scenic Lake Placid Trail is one of the most popular), or Devils Fork State Park, home to the blissfully unspoiled Lake Jocassee, where you can fish, canoe, paddleboard, and swim (if you dare) in the pristine waters.
🖼️ Greenville boasts one of the South’s most vibrant art scenes, thanks in large part to West Greenville (dubbed “The Village”). There, you’ll find the Greenville Center for Creative Arts, which showcases the work of both on-site artists and fellows as well as regional and national talents, and dozens of studios and galleries: Pop into Spoonbill to admire Amy Shekhter’s glittery portraits of Dolly Parton, Taylor Swift, and Grace Kelly; stop by Joseph Bradley for colorful paintings of birds, bears, and other wildlife; and pick up some pieces of Chinese-, Japanese-, and Korean-inspired pottery at Darin R. Gehrke Ceramics. To continue your art crawl downtown, check out the top-notch watercolor collection at the Greenville County Museum of Art and take a self-guided walking tour of the city’s dozens of statues, murals, and sculptures — including Dale Chihuly’s striking Rose Crystal Tower.
🍴 Greenville takes its food seriously, so come hungry. Start your day on a sweet note with a cinnamon sugar-kissed morning bun, a flaky butter croissant, and at least one sourdough chocolate chip cookie at Rise Bakery. For lunch, swing by Gather, a bustling food hall made from repurposed shipping containers (HenDough’s artisan donuts and fried chicken sandwiches are a local favorite). Feeling fancy? Make a dinner reservation at The Anchorage, a James Beard semifinalist where the surprisingly affordable tasting menu features inventive seasonal small plates, like butternut squash carpaccio or tricolor grits. Or, check out Jianna to feast on homemade pastas and freshly shucked oysters with a view of Falls Park.
From after-school activities to weekends packed with plans and busier-than-normal work schedules — fall routines are in full swing. Thankfully, this fish oil supplement helps support joint mobility, heart health, and your immune system,† so your body can keep up with your calendar. It's sustainably sourced, non-GMO, and doesn't leave a fishy aftertaste. Plus, Skimm’rs get 10% off with code SKIMM10 to help your body function at its best.*
Stay in the know with the Daily Skimm

Women’s Health
The Gender Pain Gap Is Real
What's going on: There might be a reason you always ask a woman if she has Tylenol. In a study published earlier this month, researchers pooled pain data from more than 6 million people in 118 countries and found women report more pain than men at every one of the 11 body sites they tracked, from head to knees. (And that pain increases the most before age 55.) But here comes the hard part: getting someone to believe you. Now, a new study looking at women with autoimmune disorders (such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus) found that women took longer to get diagnosed, and were more likely to be told their symptoms were psychological. Over a third of women also wait four or more years for a diagnosis, and 43% of women had their physical symptoms attributed to a mental health condition, compared to 33% of men. One reason the authors suggest female symptoms are harder to pin down may have to do with hormonal fluctuations. Fair, but we suspect research still done mostly on males might have something to do with it.
How to speak up: In ERs, women are less likely than men to be prescribed pain meds, even when they report the same pain level… and nurses are less likely to record their pain score. So walk in with receipts. Get specific. Instead of “my back hurts,” say you can’t pick up your toddler or climb the stairs without flinching. And don’t leave without a game plan. More tests? A referral? If the answer is “let’s wait and see” — cue eyeroll — ask how long you’re waiting and the specific pain management plan in the interim.
Related: What’s Behind the “Sickfluencer” Backlash? (Ms. Magazine)
PS: Staying on top of health news is the first step to staying on top of your health. Skimm Well + Good breaks down the research so you understand your body and can advocate for yourself. Sign up here.
The News in 6
🗞️ At least three children and one adult were killed Thursday in a shooting at an elementary school in Bend, Oregon, more than 100 miles southeast of Portland. Authorities said the 16-year-old suspect was shot and killed by a bystander.
🗞️ President Donald Trump reversed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's decision to livestream the firing-squad execution of the man behind the 2009 Fort Hood mass shooting. The execution is still set to occur on Dec 3, but it will not be broadcast to the public.
🗞️ A school roof collapsed in northwest Pakistan, killing more than 30 students and one teacher. Crews are working to rescue more students believed to be trapped under debris.
🗞️ A new study projects the annual number of dementia cases will more than double by 2050 as the global population ages, with women and people from lower-income countries disproportionately affected.
🗞️ The Social Security Administration announced that benefits will increase by 3.6% next year in response to high inflation, giving average recipients an extra $75 per month.
🗞️ A CNN investigation found people with anorexia are getting prescriptions for weight-loss drugs via telehealth apps, raising serious questions about safeguards in the booming industry.
Food Fraud
The Actual SNAP Scam
What’s going on: Scammers are wiping out benefits for SNAP recipients in minutes — and in most states, the stolen benefits are not replaced, leaving families scrambling to supplement food costs each month. A recent ProPublica report estimates that in 2025, $470 million may have been stolen from food assistance accounts through skimmed payment terminals. That far exceeds the $64 million in SNAP recipient-committed fraud estimated annually by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Yet the focus in Washington is largely centered on recipient fraud. Last year’s Big Beautiful Bill removed 5.1 million recipients from the program, following claims like Vice President JD Vance’s assertion that “there are people who have Lamborghinis who currently receive SNAP benefits.”
So what is the government doing about this fraud?: Skimming has plagued SNAP recipients for years. While most banks upgraded debit and credit cards with microchips that make it harder to copy personal information, SNAP has lagged behind. Upgrading infrastructure is expensive, and states face reduced federal dollars to run their food assistance programs. For example, a recent USDA effort awarded seven states a combined $5 million to address fraud — a fraction of total losses. Federal legislation to mandate chip cards remains stalled in Congress. Some states are stepping up. California became the first state to issue chip-enabled EBT cards in 2025, resulting in a measurable drop in theft. Pennsylvania, where one in three residents receives SNAP benefits, plans to roll out chip cards early next year.
Related: Some of the People Who Got Kicked Off ACA Will Be Added Back (NPR)
Mystery Corner
Searching for Amelia Earhart
What's going on: Calling all women who were once precocious 9-year-olds: The search for Amelia Earhart is back on. In 1937, Earhart and her navigator Fred Noonan went missing while attempting an around-the-world flight in their Lockheed Electra 10E aircraft, and now, some researchers may be close to finding evidence of their crash. An expedition team from Purdue University and the Archaeological Legacy Institute (ALI) reached the uninhabited South Pacific island of Nikumaroro in Kiribati — located between Hawaii and Australia — earlier this week. The mission? Investigate a lagoon where, in 2020, satellite images captured an object submerged in the water. Some researchers think the so-called “Taraia Object” (named after the peninsula it’s located on) may be remnants of Earhart’s plane. After surveying the lagoon, researchers will use a hydraulic dredge to remove sediment from the object and examine it. This marks the 20th organized search for the plane, and if it’s successful, researchers will have solved one of the greatest aviation mysteries of all time.
Twentieth time’s the charm?: Researchers say the discovery of the plane could prove the “castaway hypothesis,” which suggests that Earhart and Noonan crash-landed on the island and lived there briefly before dying. The International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery (TIGHAR) has investigated this theory since 1988, completing 12 expeditions to the island. The supporting body of evidence includes human bones that match a woman of Earhart’s size, 1930s artifacts including a freckle cream jar, and logs of distress calls picked up in the days after Earhart disappeared. However, even some proponents of the castaway hypothesis believe that any remnants of the plane have been lost over the past 89 years; they think that the Taraia Object is simply a tree. As for how the field mission is going: “We’re following our game plan,” Rick Pettigrew, executive director of ALI, said in a statement on Wednesday. “It’s too early to reach conclusions as we’ve got a lot of science left to apply.” So goes the mystery.
Related: The World’s Oldest Shipwreck May Have Been Found Off the Coast of Turkey (ABC News)
Expensive Gifts That Are Worth It
Ali, Senior Commerce Director, here. Buying holiday gifts for the family racks up quickly, so when I choose the few presents that cost $100 or more, I want to make sure they’re legit. Here are my vetted few:
Popsmith’s manual popcorn maker that’ll become key on movie nights
Over-the-ear headphones they’ll use every single day
The hobo bag that’ll defy fashion trends
PS: Want more options? Check out our gift guides here.
Quick Hits
📸 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made their first joint public appearance in the UK since trading Montecito for the Cotswolds earlier this year. Alexa, play “Who Says You Can’t Go Home.”
🐣 Hilary Swank, 52, announced she's pregnant with her third child, three years after welcoming twins. When a 39-year-old fan said the news gave her hope that she could still have a family, Swank reassured her that “things happen in their time, not ours.”
🍺 The internet roasted Mark Zuckerberg's painfully awkward Guinness sip on a tech podcast. Someone get this man a juice box.
🎂 A professional baker shared a few tricks to make store-bought desserts look homemade. Simply add fresh fruit, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of chocolate. The secret ingredient is plausible deniability.
👀 Men are reportedly shelling out as much as $40,000 for “hunter eyes” surgery, a risky procedure meant to give them a more intense gaze. We have officially seen enough.
🎬 Stanley Tucci could not stop gushing to theSkimm about Anne Hathaway’s Devil Wears Prada 2 press tour. Chief among his observations? “Women have always been stronger than men.”
🎃 Before you carve that pumpkin, know that most jack-o’-lanterns only last five to 10 days. A little petroleum jelly and some shade can help keep them fresh through Halloween. Even pumpkins need a little anti-aging routine.
💁♀️ Here’s how two of our editors got brighter, smoother skin in just three weeks.*
Skimm This
And the winning skimm is…
“All your bad decisions watching you make another.”

A big congrats to this week’s winner, Emily D. from Lexington, SC, who snagged 63% of the vote. File "Submitting to Skimm This” under not a bad decision.
Catch you back here on Tuesday for our next installment.
If you’ve ever had the munchies for your favorite snack and thought, “bury me in this stuff,” great news: Which brand just made a one-of-a-kind urn for a lucky fan to be buried in?

Stay in the know with the Daily Skimm


