Hot Flashes, Hotter Politics

What's Happening

US News

Hot Flashes, Hotter Politics

What's going on:  Halle Berry isn’t just an Oscar-winner, she’s menopause’s fiercest spokesperson. Earlier this week, she criticized Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) for vetoing a menopause-related bill not once, but twice. “With the way he’s overlooked women — half the population — by devaluing us in midlife, he probably should not be our next president,” Berry said. The Menopause Equity Act would have expanded insurance coverage for menopause care and offered incentives for doctors who pursue extra training in the field. Newsom said he vetoed the bill because it would raise health care costs for millions of working women and families, and later said he and Berry were “reconciling” (whatever that means). More than a dozen states also weighed menopause bills this year, but most fell short of the finish line.

What it means: With all the buzz around menopause right now, getting lawmakers to treat it as actual health care — not a side project — is still an uphill climb. And that gap matters, especially as tech companies rush in to brand menopause and perimenopause like the newest wellness trend. To that end, Slate called perimenopause “the Labubu of women’s health concepts” (with some caveats). Meanwhile, doctors say misinformation is exploding too. So here’s our take: Stay picky about what you read and spend money on. There’s plenty of snake oil and fearmongering out there. But there are also genuinely helpful, evidence-based tips and tools — like this one from Skimm Well + Good — to help you cut through the noise. 

Related: The American Cancer Society Gave the Self-Swab HPV Test the Green Light (NBC News)

The News In 5

🗞️ A bipartisan group of lawmakers cobbled together a two-year plan to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies. Does it stand a chance?

🗞️ For the first time in decades, global child deaths are rising — and the cause is clear.

🗞️ Military officials showed some concerned members of Congress videos of a second strike on a Venezuelan boat, which killed the remaining survivors.

🗞️ The Supreme Court paved the way for Texas to use its redrawn congressional map in 2026 that gives Republicans an edge.

🗞️ The New York Times is taking the Pentagon to court over its new press policy.

Sports

Women's Soccer Is Tired of Hand-Me-Down Science

What’s going on: Women’s soccer just got a major upgrade: The Kang Women’s Institute. Think of it as a new hub meant to boost the sport through actual science — not leftovers repurposed from men’s programs. It plans to fund real research for women and girls from the ground up. It’s backed by Washington Spirit owner Michele Kang, and has three big projects in mind: A nationwide study to look at what players need at every level — from injury prevention to mental health to menstrual cycles. Also, a shared playbook with the NWSL and the United Soccer League on what best practices should look like across the sport. And lastly, new tools that support women’s health and help reduce dropout rates.

What it means: This is one of the first major attempts to build a research base for women’s soccer specifically. For players, that means better guidance that could cut down on ACL tears and concussions, smarter training, and nutrition plans that fit actual female physiology instead of one-size-fits-men. If you’re a parent, this could mean more support for your kid — especially during the ages when girls often want to quit. Sometimes the fix is simple, like finding the right sports bra during puberty, and hopefully the institute will find more solves right under our noses. And big picture? The institute sends a clear message: Women’s soccer won’t wait for old institutions to take it seriously. It’s creating the institutions it deserves.

Related: The NWSL Just Rejected Trinity Rodman’s Multimillion Dollar Deal (Bloomberg)

Sports

Is an Olympic Drug Crisis Brewing?

What's going on: Instead of worrying if there are enough condoms at the Olympic Village for the 2026 Winter Games, officials are focused on a different kind of package — ones that contain peptide-enhanced supplements. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) doesn’t care about athletes’ skincare regimen. It’s sounding the alarm over supplements that can jack up testosterone or boost growth hormones. Many peptides aren’t approved for human use in the US, and most “performance-enhancing” versions are banned outright by WADA. But getting them is as easy as hitting “add to cart” on Amazon or Alibaba. And after The Associated Press started asking both companies questions, several listings magically vanished. That doesn’t mean more won’t pop up to replace them.

What it means: It could be years before WADA uncovers a peptide scandal at the Olympics. Most peptides leave the bloodstream quickly, making it difficult to detect under current testing methods. Athletes can request medical exemptions, according to the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). Still, regulators say this isn’t just a sports problem anymore — it’s turning into a full-blown public health and internet-wild-west problem. This is a good reminder to be wary of the supplements you buy. Make sure to chat with your medical professional before adding them to your routine — especially as wellness trends come and go. As the USADA’s chief science officer puts it: “There’s the possibility of adverse health effects, and that’s concerning.” 

Related: What Do Influencers and RFK Jr. Have To Do With the Peptide Trend? (CNN)

On Our Calendar

A few things to jot down today…

🗓️ The federal vaccine advisory panel is expected to vote on its recommendation for the hepatitis B vaccine for newborns.

🗓️ The FIFA World Cup 2026 draw is today — here’s how to watch.

🗓️ Nominees for the Critics Choice Awards are announced. Welcome to red carpet season.

🗓️ Princess Kate Middleton hosts “Royal Carols: Together at Christmas” at Westminster Abbey.

Psst…For more dates worth knowing this week, check out the Skimm+ calendar.

Gifts for Homebodies

Whether they’re a dedicated home cook or an aspiring interior designer, these affordable home gifts will make a big impact on their space:

• Marble cutlery rests

• An heirloom-worthy coffee scoop

• A personalized home portrait they’ll cherish for years

(More) gifts of the day: a super-fast portable charger, an initial necklace, and a box of Swedish candy

Know It All

Who is the highest-paid female athlete, according to a new report?

Game Time

Kick your weekend off with Pile-Up Poker, a brand-new game where poker meets solitaire. Create as many poker hands as possible to earn cash and climb the leaderboard. We’re all in.