A Tale of Two Failures

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US News

A Tale of Two Failures

What’s going on: The latest update in the never-ending ACA subsidy showdown? Well, there isn’t one. After the Senate blocked two dueling health care bills, the US seems poised for major premium hikes come January. Republicans shot down the Democratic plan to extend enhanced ACA tax credits for three years, while Democrats rejected the GOP’s proposal to expand health savings accounts. Neither bill secured the 60 votes needed to advance — which brings us all right back to square one. If Congress can’t pull off a holiday miracle (or at least a compromise), the existing tax credits will expire at the end of this year — with premiums projected to rise by an annual average of $1,000. The House doesn’t seem rushed to figure it out. There’s no vote planned before lawmakers head out for the holidays. What a lump of coal.

What it means: Expect higher costs — whether you’re insured through work or the ACA. Not sure how much of a hike you might see? This calculator can help you estimate your ACA premium. If you haven’t signed up for coverage yet, you’ve got until December 15 to lock in a plan (this government guide can help you decide which one is right for you). And get comfortable reading the fine print. A little digging now could help you avoid leaving money on the table later. It’s also important to think about how often you go to the doctor and which ones you need to see regularly. Make sure they’re in-network wherever possible. Get to know the cost of your medications and check for generic brands whenever you can. Your future self will thank you, even if she’s still waiting for the doctor to call her back.

Related: Trump Says Affordability Problem Is Fake, Rising Costs Are a Con (NPR)

The News In 5

🗞️ Bulgaria’s prime minister and his cabinet have resigned following massive protests over alleged corruption and dysfunction.

🗞️ Kristi Noem’s Capitol Hill testimony was interrupted in the most unexpected way. That’s one way to quote The Exorcist. 

🗞️ The ByHeart baby formula recall keeps getting worse. 

🗞️ For the first time in 25 years, the FDA might approve a new sunscreen ingredient already used in Europe and Asia. No more sneaking it through customs... 

🗞️ The Walt Disney Company and OpenAI reached a deal to use these iconic Disney characters. AI Ariel wants to be where the people are.

Sports

There's a Flag on the Play

What's going on: The NFL is going all in on a new game plan: launching two professional flag football leagues, one for men and one for women. The goals the league hopes to score? Grow the sport and attract even more women, who’ve given the NFL a major jump in viewership. According to one league exec, this investment can also create a pipeline for youth to continue flag football into college and, eventually, go pro. The NFL isn’t alone. Big-time backers like the New York Jets ownership created a new collegiate women’s flag league, set to launch next year. No fouls here.

What it means: The timing of everything — ahead of flag football’s Olympic debut in 2028 — comes amid a growing trend in women’s sports. Girls’ flag football is on a full-out blitz, with more and more teams popping up at schools across the country. Last February, the NCAA’s Committee on Women’s Athletics even put the sport on its Emerging Sports for Women program. Meanwhile, flag football is also a huge green flag for players’ health. Two CDC studies found athletes sustain more head injuries in tackle football than flag, so a less violent version of the game is one that parents and fans can both cheer for.

Related: This Is the Reason Michigan Just Fired Its Football Coach (WSJ Gift Link)

Sports

These Athletes Got a Seat at the (Met Gala) Table

What's going on: If you’re worried the 2026 Met Gala won’t live up to this year’s historical theme, fear not, because women athletes are about to raise the bar. Earlier this week, Vogue announced that tennis legend Venus Williams is one of the co-chairs who’ll help create the guest list, curate the decor, and (most importantly) dress for the theme, Costume Art. Since fashion clearly also runs in the family, just like tennis talent, we’re sure she’ll get some pointers from younger sister Serena, who became the first athlete to host the event in 2019. WNBA icon A’ja Wilson is also on the host committee and will help raise funds, promote the event, and set the tone for the big night on the first Monday in May.

What it means: Sports and fashion have always played well together — and Williams and Wilson are MVPs in both arenas. Serena even won Wimbledon wearing a bright red tennis outfit from her own line. And before Naomi Osaka stirred the fashion pot with crystal roses in her hair, Williams set foot on the court in a lace dress that definitely had spectators talking. As for Wilson? Her tunnel fits say it all, as does her A’One line with Nike. Not to mention, she stunned in every look at her first Paris Fashion Week this year. But it’s only recently that women athletes have gotten their due — both on and off the court. This is only the second time a WNBA player has been part of the gala host committee (the first had the honor last year). Look good, feel good. 

Related: It’s Been How Many Years Since Beyoncé Was at the Met Gala? (USA Today)

On Our Calendar

A few things to jot down today…

🗓️ The 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement (yes, this falls in the same year Trump pulled the US out of it). 

🗓️ You can finally watch (the first two episodes of) Taylor Swift’s The End of an Era. Consider us booked and bejeweled. 

🗓️ It’s National Poinsettia Day, and now we have to rethink our holiday decorations.

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

Know It All

Self dropped the top 10 workouts of 2025. Which one isn't on the list?

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.