Panic-buying is back, but it shouldn’t be

But first: big changes in the baby food industry — Check out what we Skimm’d for you today October 3, 2024 [Subscribe]( [Read in browser]( [daily_skimm] [Together with]( [little spoon]( But first: [big changes in the baby food industry]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [Update location]( or [View forecast]( Quote of the Day "$12,000" — The amount one woman [dropped and then got back]( thanks to a kind civilian. Faith in humanity temporarily restored. [Facebook]([Twitter]([Email](mailto:?body=Sometimes you just need a story to remind you there’s good people out there. #theSkimm%0A3Ftype%3Demailurl%26r%3DSKIMM%26utm_source%3Demail%26utm_medium%3Ddsshare%23custom) What's Happening [Flooding in North Carolina.] US NEWS Southeast Faces Unprecedented Devastation and Recovery After Helene's Destructive Path What's going on: Hurricane Helene has transformed the Southeast into “[post-apocalyptic](” landscapes, reducing entire neighborhoods to rubble and isolating towns with floods and landslides. The hurricane killed at least 182 people across six states, from Florida to Tennessee, with many more still missing. Power outages, broken water systems, and downed communication lines are hindering rescue and recovery efforts, forcing supplies to be [delivered by air]( or [even by mule]( in the most inaccessible areas of North Carolina. Meanwhile, countless families remain uncertain about [the fate of their loved ones](, and residents throughout Appalachia describe their communities as [unrecognizable](. In response to the widespread damage and delays in aid, President Joe Biden deployed up to 1,000 active-duty troops [to support aid efforts]( as the region continues to grapple with Helene’s aftermath. What it means: A week after making landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast, the full scale of Helene’s devastation is still unfolding. State officials across the Southeast emphasize that immediate needs like search-and-rescue and road repairs are just the beginning, as a full recovery will take years. The long tail of recovery from a devastating hurricane can be [an arduous process]( — with individuals struggling with delayed insurance payments, underestimated damage assessments, and legal challenges to get compensation. Meanwhile, as storms get more frequent and severe, many residents flee their towns, hurting the city’s recovery. Around 3.2 million Americans [have already migrated out of flood zones](, according to one study. And then, there’s the long-term death toll. A recent study found that indirect deaths from health issues may reach up to 11,000 per hurricane — [hundreds of times higher than official estimates]( — and disproportionately affect vulnerable groups like infants, the elderly, and racial minorities. Related: [Asheville Was Once Considered a “Climate Haven.” Is Any Place Safe From Climate Disasters Anymore?]((Washington Post Gift Link) Business OpenAI Scores Billions in Funding, but Can It Buy Stability? What's going on: The chat(GPT) of Silicon Valley? How OpenAI raised $6.6 billion in its latest funding round. The new investment nearly doubles the startup’s [valuation to $157 billion]( (yes, that comes with nine zeros) and places it alongside giants like Goldman Sachs and Uber. In this latest round of funding, the ChatGPT maker secured checks from Microsoft, Nvidia, and SoftBank. So, why does OpenAI need the amount of money equivalent to Fiji’s GDP? Well, building, operating, and maintaining AI (read: making it smarter) comes with a hefty price tag. In the past nine months, the company has hired over 1,000 people, and it’s expected to hire even more. As part of the deal, OpenAI also secured commitments from investors not to fund direct competitors, with the aim of maintaining its leadership in the AI landscape. What it means: The amount OpenAI raised marks [the largest venture capital deal of all time](, according to Axios. It highlights the tech industry’s sustained enthusiasm for AI, despite ongoing concerns about the tech’s safety and effectiveness and [the lack of government regulation](. Still, this means the pressure is on for OpenAI to deliver amid several challenges. The company [projects $3.7 billion in revenue this year](, but it expects to lose $5 billion in costs, meaning it is not yet profitable. The startup has also [lost several high-profile executives](, following the controversial ousting and reinstatement of CEO Sam Altman in 2023. Then, there’s the fact that OpenAI has to [fully convert to a for-profit company]( within a certain time frame, or investors could pull their money. Related: [Are You Ready for All of the Voice Assistants That Are Coming Thanks to OpenAI?]( (Reuters) Money California Raised Its Minimum Wage for Fast Food Workers and Researchers Say It's Paying Off What's going on: When the Golden State [passed a law in 2023]( mandating that restaurants pay fast food workers a minimum wage of $20 per hour, business owners claimed it would lead to significant price hikes and higher unemployment rates. However, [new research]( from UC Berkeley found that neither of those predictions came true since the law went into effect in April. The study found that the cost of a small burger went up by an average of 15 cents, while workers are expected to take home an average of $4,000 more annually. However, it is worth noting that the pay increases apply only to large franchises like McDonald’s, Burger King, and Starbucks. What it means: UC Berkeley’s research shows that companies may not have to slash jobs or pass on costs to consumers in order to pay workers better wages. Meanwhile, the findings come amid a larger wave of wage bumps across the country. At least [22 states]( have bumped employees’ paychecks this year — increasing pay for about 9.9 million workers. An analysis from the Economic Policy Institute found that Black and Hispanic workers and women benefited the most from the raises. [At least 20 states]( currently have a minimum wage below or equal to $7.25 — the federal minimum wage since 2009. Efforts to change this have failed, and [a government report earlier this year]( found that raising the federal minimum wage to $17 an hour would cut poverty but could also lead to the loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs. Related: [Trump and Harris Want to Stop Taxing Tips, But What About Raising Minimum Wage?]( (NBC) Quick Hits 😬 Should we [panic-buy this item]( because of the port strike? Probably not. --------------------------------------------------------------- 🫢 Politics isn’t just dividing the country, but some marriages too. [How do married couples navigate it?]( --------------------------------------------------------------- 📖 Reese Witherspoon is [writing a book](, and no, it’s not a romance. BookTok isn’t ready. --------------------------------------------------------------- 🥤 [“Protein Diet Coke”]( — ultimate gym hack or going too far? --------------------------------------------------------------- 👰 We finally got a glimpse of [Millie Bobby Brown’s secret wedding](, and you’ll never guess which Stranger Things co-star officiated. [Together with Climate Power]( Pop Quiz You can feel the hotter temps, but there are other effects of climate change you might not think of as often. So, give us your best guess: Which of the following is an effect of climate change? A. Poor nutrition B. Rising sea level C. Loss of species D. All of the above If you answered D, the good news is you’re correct. The bad news is that it’s true, plus other effects including water scarcity and a warming ocean. That’s where [Climate Power]( comes in. They’re an org on a mission dedicated to climate change education, protecting climate progress, and securing a healthy planet for future generations. [Join their movement]( and get updates on new research, legislation, and opportunities to get involved. Skimm Picks Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life… 4.7 million users can’t be wrong. [This service]( helps you put your mental health first with therapy sessions you can take from anywhere. Take their quiz and [get 25% off](.* --------------------------------------------------------------- From the [cardigan]( of our dreams to the [dishware set]( that makes us feel like we have our lives together, [here are the products]( our editors loved the most in September. --------------------------------------------------------------- If you needed a sign to get a new pair of jeans, [this is it](. Might we suggest [these mid-rise jeans]( that come in a ton of washes? --------------------------------------------------------------- We [taste-tested celebrity alcohol brands]( at Skimm HQ — here's what to sip and what to skip. Psst…love our recs? Follow [@skimmshopping]( on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag). Settle This [An Oscar statue ] Which actor just [came out of retirement]( to work on a film with their son? [A. Cameron Diaz]( [B. Daniel Day-Lewis]( [C. Terrence Howard]( Extra Credit [Noodles in a plate] Stream Pull up a chair — after a two-year hiatus, Chef’s Table is back, and this time, it’s all about noodles. The Emmy-nominated Netflix series returns with the aptly-titled [Chef’s Table: Noodles](, showcasing four renowned chefs as they share their favorite recipes, noodle-making techniques, and the stories behind their signature dishes. Come for the mouth-watering food imagery, stay for the heartwarming stories. For more recs... Check out the Daily Skimm Weekend newsletter, in your inbox every Saturday and Sunday. We'll help you spend your leisure time well. Thing to Know [Sponsored by]( [sage therapeutics biogen zurzuvae]( ~1 in 8 That’s approximately how many mothers in the US report experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression (aka PPD) after giving birth. Often dismissed as just “the baby blues,” PPD symptoms can include – but aren’t limited to – loss of interest in hobbies, changes in sleep patterns and appetite, and feelings of hopelessness.†But even though it’s one of the most common medical complications associated with pregnancy, PPD is still underdiagnosed and undertreated. Enter: [ZURZUVAE® (zuranolone)](, the first and only FDA-approved 14-day oral treatment for adults with PPD. [Learn more about this treatment option here](. Please see Important Safety Information about ZURZUVAE below, and full [Prescribing Information](, including Boxed Warning and [Medication Guide](. Intended for audiences over 18 in the U.S. †These are not the only symptoms of PPD. Individual experiences may vary. Please speak to your healthcare provider if you think you may be experiencing symptoms. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION What is the most important information I should know about ZURZUVAE? ZURZUVAE may cause serious side effects, including: - Decreased ability to drive or do other dangerous activities. ZURZUVAE may decrease your awareness and alertness, which can affect your ability to drive safely or safely do other dangerous activities - Do not drive, operate machinery, or do other dangerous activities until at least 12 hours after taking each dose during your 14-day treatment course of ZURZUVAE - You may not be able to tell on your own if you can drive safely or tell how much ZURZUVAE is affecting you - Decreased awareness and alertness [central nervous system (CNS) depressant effects]. ZURZUVAE may cause sleepiness, drowsiness, slow thinking, dizziness, confusion, and trouble walking - Because of these symptoms, you may be at a higher risk for falls during treatment with ZURZUVAE - Taking alcohol, other medicines that cause CNS depressant effects, or opioids while taking ZURZUVAE can make these symptoms worse and may also cause trouble breathing - Tell your healthcare provider if you develop any of these symptoms, or if they get worse during treatment with ZURZUVAE. Your healthcare provider may decrease your dose or stop ZURZUVAE treatment if you develop these symptoms ZURZUVAE is a federal controlled substance (C-IV) because it contains zuranolone, which can be abused or lead to dependence. Keep ZURZUVAE in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not sell or give away ZURZUVAE, because it may harm others and is against the law. Before taking ZURZUVAE, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you: - drink alcohol - have abused or been dependent on prescription medicines, street drugs, or alcohol - have liver or kidney problems - are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. ZURZUVAE may harm your unborn baby - are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. ZURZUVAE passes into breast milk, and it is not known if it can harm your baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of breastfeeding and about the best way to feed your baby during treatment with ZURZUVAE Females who are able to become pregnant: - Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant during treatment with ZURZUVAE. - You should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with ZURZUVAE and for 1 week after the final dose - There is a pregnancy registry for females who are exposed to ZURZUVAE during pregnancy. The purpose of the registry is to collect information about the health of females exposed to ZURZUVAE and their baby. If you become pregnant during treatment with ZURZUVAE, talk to your healthcare provider about registering with the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants at 1-844-405-6185 or visit online at Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. ZURZUVAE and some medicines may interact with each other and cause serious side effects. ZURZUVAE may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect the way ZURZUVAE works. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take antidepressants, opioids, or CNS depressants such as benzodiazepines. What should I avoid while taking ZURZUVAE? - Do not drive a car, operate machinery, or do other dangerous activities until at least 12 hours after taking each dose of ZURZUVAE because ZURZUVAE may make you feel sleepy, confused, or dizzy - Do not drink alcohol or take other medicines that make you sleepy or dizzy while taking ZURZUVAE without talking to your healthcare provider See “What is the most important information I should know about ZURZUVAE?” ZURZUVAE may cause serious side effects, including: See “What is the most important information I should know about ZURZUVAE?” - Increased risk of suicidal thoughts or actions. ZURZUVAE and other antidepressant medicines may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in people 24 years of age and younger. ZURZUVAE is not for use in children How can I watch for and try to prevent suicidal thoughts and actions? - Pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden changes in mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings, or if you develop suicidal thoughts or actions. This is very important when an antidepressant medicine is started or when the dose is changed - Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new or sudden changes in mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings - Keep all follow-up visits with your healthcare provider as scheduled. Call your healthcare provider between visits as needed, especially if you have concerns about symptoms
 Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms, especially if they are new, worse, or worry you:
 - attempts to commit suicide - thoughts about suicide or dying - new or worse depression - feeling very agitated or restless - trouble sleeping (insomnia) - new or worse anxiety - panic attacks - new or worse irritability - acting aggressive, being angry, or violent - an extreme increase in activity and talking (mania) - acting on dangerous impulses - other unusual changes in behavior or mood
 The most common side effects of ZURZUVAE include: - Sleepiness or drowsiness, dizziness, common cold, diarrhea, feeling tired, weak, or having no energy, and urinary tract infection These are not all of the possible side effects of ZURZUVAE. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. What is ZURZUVAE® (zuranolone) CIV? ZURZUVAE is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with postpartum depression (PPD). It is not known if ZURZUVAE is safe and effective in children. Please see full [Prescribing Information](, including Boxed Warning and [Medication Guide](. Sponsored by Sage Therapeutics, Inc. and Biogen Inc. ZUR-US-1092 09/2024 Skimm'd by: Rashaan Ayesh, Mallory Simon, Maria del Carmen Corpus, and Marina Carver. Fact-checked by Sara Tardiff. --------------------------------------------------------------- Photos by Melissa Sue Gerrits and Pedro Ugarte/AFP via Getty Images, Cottonbro Studio, Brand Partners, and Netflix Design by theSkimm --------------------------------------------------------------- *PS: This is a sponsored post. Want to wake up with us every morning? [Subscribe to all theSkimm has to offer](. --------------------------------------------------------------- [Instagram Icon]( [Tik Tok Icon]( [Linkedin Logo]( [Twitter icon]( [Facebook icon]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Skimm'd something we missed? skimmthis@theSkimm.com Issues? [help@theSkimm.com](mailto:help@theskimm.com) [Advertise with us]( | [Careers]( [See our full sponsor agreement]( | [Unsubscribe or Update Your Preferences]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright (c) 2024 theSkimm, All rights reserved. TheSkimm, Daily Skimm, and all Skimm-based marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of TheSkimm, Inc. 53 West 23rd Street, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10010