Healing a broken heart is expensive

But first: why you may not actually be "sooo OCD" — Check out what we Skimm’d for you today October 15, 2024 [Subscribe]( [Read in browser]( [daily_skimm] [Together with]( [international ocd foundation]( But first: [why you may not actually be "sooo OCD"]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [Update location]( or [View forecast]( Quote of the Day "Sometimes, there is just a hole in the stage" — Olivia Rodrigo, after fans captured a [video of her taking a tumble]( during one of her concerts. The stage was the traitor. [Facebook]([Twitter]([Email](mailto:?body=Olivia Rodrigo took a tumble on stage #theSkimm%0A3Ftype%3Demailurl%26r%3DSKIMM%26utm_source%3Demail%26utm_medium%3Ddsshare%23custom) What's Happening [Destruction from Hurricane Helene] Politics Reports of Threats Hinder Hurricane Recovery Efforts What's going on: More than two weeks after Hurricane Helene [devastated western North Carolina](, federal emergency responders continue to face significant hurdles. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been battling a wave of misinformation — including [a barrage of antisemitic posts]( on social media. However, tensions reached a new high over the weekend following reports of an “armed militia” targeting FEMA. As a result, the agency [paused critical door-to-door outreach]( to help hurricane victims apply for federal aid. Although the militia reports turned out to be false, authorities [arrested an armed man]( in North Carolina for allegedly threatening to harm federal emergency workers in the area. Officials said he was working alone. What it means: Threats of violence hinder FEMA as it tries to get aid to those who need it, which is already difficult because of the mountainous terrain in western North Carolina, according to a former FEMA administrator. Compounding these challenges: The politicization of Hurricanes Helene and Milton has fed online conspiracies. According to [The Wall Street Journal](, white supremacist groups are taking advantage of the situation to recruit new members. Meanwhile, FEMA, already a frequent target of [far-right conspiracy theories](, now faces increased scrutiny, raising concerns about how law enforcement should handle vigilante groups and individuals interfering with recovery efforts. Related: [Hurricane Helene’s Death Toll Continues To Climb As Officials Recover Bodies]( (AP) International Oh Baby: Countries Around the World Struggle to Boost Birth Rates What's going on: People are hitting [pause on parenthood]( in many parts of the world, and governments appear to be freaking out about it. Europe’s population growth has been shrinking since the 1960s, but it’s been dropping at a faster rate in recent years compared to what experts initially predicted. The UN estimates Europe’s population will decrease by about 40 million by 2050. America isn’t far behind with a fertility rate of 1.6 children for every woman, according to data from the CDC. That’s far below the rate needed to keep the US population steady. Russia, China, Hungary, South Korea, and many other countries have made it a national priority to boost population rates by offering subsidies and benefits to growing families, but most haven’t seen major success. What it means: Experts told The Wall Street Journal the declining birth rate isn’t solely tied to financial concerns. (Though, [universal paid family leave and affordable child care]( would be nice.) They say the drop also represents a cultural shift in society as many couples prioritize hitting milestones tied to their education or career growth. Declining fertility rates are persisting among nearly all socioeconomic groups and age levels. As for the US, experts warn a declining population could strain future social security funding and limit economic growth. Experts say one key factor preventing a sharp population drop in the US is [steady immigration](, which helps maintain a strong workforce. Related: [Parents in America Are Struggling. This Is What Trump and Harris Are Saying]( (CBS) Space Move Over Mars…The Search for Life Outside Earth Moves to a New Planet What's going on: NASA is debunking the old schoolyard myth about going “to Jupiter to get more stupider.” In fact, top scientists crafted the agency’s latest mission — sending a spacecraft to explore [Jupiter’s mysterious moon Europa](— as part of a crucial quest. The vessel, which launched yesterday, will determine if a deep ocean exists beneath the moon’s icy shell. If so, it could create conditions that might support life — think Aquamarine-meets-ET vibes. Scientists estimate Europa (which is clearly a water sign) may hold twice as much H2O as Earth’s oceans. It’ll take NASA five and a half years and 1.8 million miles to reach the moon, so this is a long game. NASA’s also feeling sentimental, as the spacecraft (fittingly dubbed the “Europa Clipper”) carries a microchip engraved with about 2.6 million names sent in by the public, plus a[poem by US Poet Laureate Ada Limón]( (if there are aliens, they’ll know we’re cultured — though we might have sent the lyrics to “Drops of Jupiter,” too). What it means: Although NASA has sent [vessels to check out Jupiter before](, the Clipper will be the first one dedicated to understanding a complex, ice-engulfed ocean within our solar system, particularly one that’s potentially habitable for life. It’s a big swing and one that will cost $5.2 billion. NASA’s been conceptualizing the mission since 2013, and has faced a few obstacles, including dealing with Jupiter’s radiation field (the Clipper will have to [withstand the equivalent of several million chest X-rays](). While it orbits Europa, the spacecraft will try to figure out exactly how thick the moon’s ice layer is and make other discoveries about how that frigid sheet interacts with the ocean and the celestial body itself. Related: [How Are Those Astronauts Stuck in Space Holding Up?]( (AP) Quick Hits 📜 Sean “Diddy” Combs faces a [series of new civil lawsuits]( spanning two decades. --------------------------------------------------------------- ☕ Starbucks’s new CEO has a [freshly-brewed plan](, and we don't love it a latte. --------------------------------------------------------------- 🛒 The store that once offered “low prices for life” is walking back that promise, as it [closes its last location in the US](. K, bye. --------------------------------------------------------------- ❤️ Lilly Ledbetter, a [trailblazer in the fight for equal pay](, is being remembered as a “crusader.” --------------------------------------------------------------- 💸 You can’t put a price on love, but you can apparently put one on heartbreak: [This is how much it costs to win your breakup](. --------------------------------------------------------------- 👀 You won’t be [able to unsee]( why this Bath & Body Works “Snowed In” candle stirred controversy online. Your Political Briefing The week in political chaos. The horse race: With just three weeks until election day, VP Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are “deadlocked,” according to the [latest national NBC News poll](. Also of note: The report found voters view abortion as their top motivating factor, or an issue so key they’d vote against a candidate solely because of it. “Spoiler” effect: At least one third-party or independent candidate is on the ballot [in every single battleground state this year](. They won’t win, but they could take away enough votes from the majority party candidates to tip the scales (Remember [Jill Stein](? She’s still here). Meanwhile, some are wondering if we’ll see another “[red mirage](.” Not-so-strange bedfellows: Harrison Butker is kicking off his [new political action committee](. Yes, the graduation speech was foreshadowing. Overheard on the trail: “It’s a cheap, defamatory, and politically disgusting hatchet job” — Former President Donald Trump, [posting a late-night review]( on Truth Social about The Apprentice. Sounds like someone had a movie night. Minding the (political polarization) gap: Stressing out about seeing that loved one who always needles you about politics? [These tips]( are the next best thing [to Adele](. Welcome to the Don’t Wait Health Challenge Did you know? Almost half of women don’t get their recommended checkups and screenings. Today we’re kicking off theSkimm’s Don’t Wait health challenge. Each day this week in the Daily Skimm, we’ll help you take one small, impactful step toward getting your preventive care. We’ll also suggest tools and resources to make the process as easy as possible. Let's start. What’s the biggest factor keeping you from booking your checkups? [A. It’s too hard to find a doctor I’m comfortable with.]( [B. It’s too hard to schedule and I’m too busy.]( [C.I’m healthy and don’t need them.]( Come back tomorrow for the next step. We’ll have personalized advice related directly to the answer you chose. See you then. [green progress bar] Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Skimm Picks Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life… Free trial alert. [This science-backed app]( is all about building — and sticking to — healthier habits. [Take their quiz]( to try it free for 14 days.* --------------------------------------------------------------- [These tiny devices]( have helped 400K+ people hear more clearly. With unrivaled speech clarity and seamless Bluetooth compatibility, these hearing aids are clinically proven to deliver clearer sound in any environment. [Ear-resistible](.* --------------------------------------------------------------- Hot sleepers, rejoice: [This certified organic, ridiculously soft bedding]( is breathable, sustainably made, and gets cozier with every wash. It’ll keep you cool all night long — [no sweat](.* --------------------------------------------------------------- It's a good day to be a Quince fan. For today only, the site is running their [Insider Sale](, where you can get up to 30% off across categories. On our wish list? This chic [clutch/crossbody bag]( and a [leather shacket](. Psst…love our recs? Follow [@skimmshopping]( on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag). Tell Us [Electoral College map ] Some argue that the US should move to a [popular vote model]( to make every individual vote count equally in presidential elections. Others defend the Electoral College as a way to balance the influence of smaller states against larger, more populous ones. Should the US shift to a popular vote model? [Yes]( [No]( Extra Credit [ Spiced Pumpkin Snickerdoodles] Eat We know, we know: Pumpkin? For fall? Groundbreaking. Except that these[Spiced Pumpkin Snickerdoodles]( from Sarah Fennel (aka [Broma Bakery]() kind of are. A twist on the classic cookie, this genius hybrid — which is included in Fennel’s upcoming cookbook [Sweet Tooth]( — combines some of the best fall flavors (think: cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and of course, pumpkin) in one delightfully chewy, perfectly puffy, melt-in-your-mouth treat. 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. Game Time [it's puzzling puzzmo typeshift game]( Start your Tuesday off right with [Typeshift](, a fun new game that challenges you to create words from a set number of letters. Warning: It’s very addicting. [Start playing](. Meet Us On The Leaderboard [Flipart]( | [Spelltower]( | [Crossword]( | [Typeshift]( | [Pile-Up Poker]( This is worth your money [Product Image]( Vitamix Blender [$459.97 at Amazon]( Stay ahead with the Skimm Well newsletter, where expert advice and tools help you confidently manage your health. [Subscribe now]( Skimm'd by: Rashaan Ayesh, Chantal Vaca, Molly Longman, Maria del Carmen Corpus, and Marina Carver. Fact-checked by Sara Tardiff. --------------------------------------------------------------- Photos by Mario Tama and Lynn Grieveson via Getty Images, Brand Partners, and Sarah Fennel via Newsroom 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? 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