International Relations

The Summit After the Scandal

Skimm’d by: Erika W. Smith and Kate Preziosi

What's going on: The US Justice Department opened multiple investigations into Nvidia yesterday, just hours after the AI chipmaker’s longtime CEO Jensen Huang resigned. It seems that the DOJ thinks it’s worth taking a closer look at Huang’s affair with a Singaporean business executive… who US intelligence says is actually a Chinese spy. (It didn’t help Huang’s case for keeping his job that he also had affairs with two employees, according to Reuters.) Huang co-founded Nvidia 33 years ago, and steered it into a multi-trillion dollar company that is the world's leading supplier of the chips that power AI. That made him a key voice in the White House, as Huang pushed President Donald Trump towards looser restrictions between the US and China on tech products. Last year, at Huang’s urging, Trump greenlit the sale of some Nvidia chips for export to China despite strong pushback from advisors and Congress. 

The Americans reboot when?: Matthew Rhys won’t return our calls. But the timing is awkward for an international honeypot spy scandal. Next week, Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to meet at a summit in Shenzhen, where AI is set to dominate their agenda. Of particular concern are testing requirements for new AI models, which seem to break containment constantly these days. Trump told reporters on Monday that he doesn’t plan to bring up l'affaire Huang, though “I’m sure President Xi will ask me about it.” The vibes are decidedly moodier in Beijing. Chinese officials insist that the US is drumming up these Nvidia spy allegations to “smear” the country and justify clamping down on tech trade. There are already bipartisan efforts in Congress to further rein in exports of AI chips, and without Huang acting as “the industry’s most effective lobbyist,” some bills may move forward.

Related: Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick Agrees to Testify Before Congress on Nvidia (NBC News)

Perk Up

It's That You Espresso

Skimm’d by: Anna Davies and Samantha Darby

What's going on: So scientific research does let us have nice things: A new US study spanning 43 years found that drinking two to three cups of coffee a day dramatically lowered dementia risk. Out of 100,000 adults, researchers found 141 cases of dementia among coffee drinkers, compared to 330 cases for the group who didn’t drink it. (The result was also seen in tea drinkers, though not as dramatically, with limited effect on decaf drinkers.) Another recent study linked coffee drinking to a lower risk of liver disease. This comes after the American Heart Association (AHA) found coffee may have cardiovascular benefits — and that up to five cups a day is OK for most adults.

Hold my mocha: Moderation is still in play — while home brew can have a third less caffeine than commercial brands, a standard cup is 8 ounces (a grande Starbucks is 16 ounces). Too much caffeine can also potentially raise blood pressure and interfere with certain meds. Plus, experts usually study straight-up java: One of the co-authors of the AHA statement found that too much sugar and cream can dilute those heart-healthy benefits. And we’re adding plenty. A Tufts University study found that calorie consumption from coffee rose nearly 40% between 2003 and 2018, even though the amount we drank barely changed. Non-dairy creamer contributed the most added calories, ahead of sugar and milk. So… hold the whipped cream?

Related: Why Your Brain Really Craves That Afternoon Treat (Men’s Journal)

PS: Your AM drink of choice pairs nicely with a dose of smart health news. Every Wednesday, we break down the science-backed updates you need to live your best life in Skimm Well + Good. Sign up here.

Going to the Dogs

Vet Care Takes a Bite out of Wallets

Skimm’d by: Stephanie Gallman

What’s going on: One lap around my neighborhood is proof we’re treating our pets like members of the family. Even if you opt out of filtered water bowls and fancy carriers, the cost of owning a pet is skyrocketing. Routine expenses for a cat or dog are more than $4,000 a year. Veterinary care costs have also gone up 60% since 2014, outpacing inflation. Those rising prices are pushing more pet owners to invest in pet insurance or delay treatment. The stress of higher bills (from the vets) and higher expectations for care (from the pet owners) has everyone barking mad. One vet in South Carolina even turned his frustrations into a side hustle, offering "Charming the Angry Client" lessons to vet clinics.

Inflation has come for the dogs: So has a shortage of veterinarians, which could grow as more people exit the field. Private equity firms are also buying up local vet clinics, reducing competition and raising prices. In the US, private equity groups now own up to half of all standard-care vet clinics and 75% of specialty clinics like emergency and oncology centers. Still, there are practical ways to save money while caring for your pet: Prioritize preventative care, negotiate bills, and brush their teeth. No flossing required.

Related: Should You Consider Pet Insurance This Open-Enrollment Season? (CBS News) 

Early Sales Worth Shopping

Martha here, senior commerce writer and resident sales girl. Since I’ve been keeping my finger on the pulse of Black Friday sales for weeks now, I can share that discounts are starting earlier than ever. Gone are the days when you had to stand in line at 5am to get the best deals. You can shop the below right now from the comfort of your own home:

• Two notable memberships bundled into one lower price

• A NuFace set that’s over $100 off

• A pair of loafers OG Anunoby would approve of (IYKYK)

• Your daily vitamins, 40% off

• 30% off throws, pillows, candles, and more at Anthropologie

Quick Hits

🐒 Babe, wake up, there’s a new Punch the monkey video, and he’s playing with another baby. 

🪑 You might have heard that sitting is bad for your health. You’re also not quitting your desk job anytime soon. Instead, try these five tips to add movement to your day.

⚽ Manchester United has fired their head coach and has a “verbal agreement” with USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino to take over. What in the Ted Lasso?  

🦃 Love Thanksgiving dinner, but hate spending all day in the kitchen? These 15 make-ahead recipes from chefs like Martha Stewart and Giada De Laurentiis let you do the heavy lifting early. More time for seconds (and thirds). 

🍩 Boo. It’s Friday the 13th, and Krispy Kreme is offering a one-day-only deal. Just don’t walk under a ladder on your way to get your donuts. 

❄️ Colder weather means drier skin, so here are four tips to stay moisturized — including doing less with your skincare routine. 

💓 If you were worried Ariana Grande's new f*ck *ss bob would hurt her ponytail game, rest easy: the high pony is back on the red carpet. Her on-again boyfriend Ricky Alvarez was there too.