Nicole Kidman, you’re making us blush

— Check out what we Skimm’d for you today October 24, 2024 [Subscribe]( [Read in browser]( [daily_skimm] [Together with]( [merit]( But first: [your fave beauty brand has perfume now]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [Update location]( or [View forecast]( Quote of the Day "Done being insecure" — Olivia Munn on [embracing her double mastectomy scars]( in a new Skims campaign. A new daily affirmation. [Facebook]([Twitter]([Email](mailto:?body=Olivia Munn is sharing an important reminder #theSkimm%0A3Ftype%3Demailurl%26r%3DSKIMM%26utm_source%3Demail%26utm_medium%3Ddsshare%23custom) What's Happening [Quarter pounder from McDonald's] Business McDonald's E. coli Outbreak Dims The Golden Arches What's going on: Federal health officials have [linked McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers to an E. coli outbreak]( across 10 states, which has resulted in one death, 10 hospitalizations, and dozens of illnesses. Most cases have been reported in Colorado and Nebraska, with the majority of people falling ill between late September and early October. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said it is conducting a “fast-moving outbreak investigation” to identify the contaminated ingredient, focusing on two suspects: slivered onions and beef. Preliminary findings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggest the onions likely caused the outbreak. However, the CDC noted that these onions are “primarily used on Quarter Pounder hamburgers and not other menu items.” Federal investigators are also working to determine if McDonald’s food distributor sold the contaminated products to other businesses. What it means: In response to the outbreak, roughly one-fifth of McDonald’s locations have removed the Quarter Pounder from their menus. The company is reassuring customers that its food is safe, saying in a statement, “we take food safety extremely seriously.” But for McDonald’s HQ, this E. coli situation is the last thing it needed on its plate this year. The world’s largest fast-food chain recently reported its first drop in global sales in nearly four years, as many consumers turn to healthier or [cheaper alternatives](. Now, McDonald’s shares have [dropped at least 9%]( in the wake of the E. coli reports. Related: [Trump Is Selling “MAGADonald’s” Merch After Picking Up a Shift Last Weekend]( (Intelligencer) Politics What's That Feeling? Election Anxiety Grows Amid Potential Threats What's going on: As the election inches closer, many voters are asking themselves: What could go wrong? Amid a tight presidential race, memories of Jan 6, and [dark messages]( on the campaign trail, it’s no wonder Americans might be feeling anxiety about Election Day and what follows. While cyberattacks and foreign interference are concerns, election officials are bracing for [other potential disruptions](. Among them: partisan poll workers who could deter voters from casting ballots, delays in vote counting that could fuel mistrust, and the election potentially hinging on one battleground state (looking at you, Pennsylvania). There’s also concern about a peaceful transfer of power, as former President Donald Trump’s camp has [refused to meet with the White House]( for transition planning. Plus, if one side [claims victory before results are finalized]( — like Trump did in 2020 — it could create further chaos. We know, it’s a lot. What it means: In the run-up to Nov. 5, there have been [lawsuits challenging election rules]( and a number of candidates who’ve [cast doubt on the process](. But officials maintain that voter fraud is rare and safeguards are in place to catch any funny business. Meanwhile, numerous states have taken action [to increase security]( — especially in battleground states. For example, in Maricopa County, Arizona, officials will use drone surveillance and security cameras to help police officers monitor the tabulation center. For all the anxiety, there is a glimmer of optimism: [one analysis]( found that most Americans trust their local officials to carry out fair and reliable elections. On that note, don’t forget to [make your voting plan here](. Related: [Harris Believes Trump “Is a Fascist” Following Reports He Praised Hitler]( (AP) Technology More Teens Are Turning to AI Companions — But Are There Hidden Dangers? Disclaimer: The following story mentions suicide, which could be triggering to some readers. What's going on: A mother is [suing Character.AI](, alleging the company’s AI chatbots played a role in her 14-year-old son’s suicide earlier this year. Megan Garcia [told The New York Times]( that her son became addicted to messaging his AI companion, increasingly isolating himself from family and friends. A therapist had diagnosed her son with mental health issues, but no one realized how attached he had become to the chatbot until it was too late. According to the lawsuit, Garcia’s son took his own life shortly after messaging the chatbot. Garcia alleges Character.AI’s chatbots “trick customers into handing over their most private thoughts and feelings.” Character.AI, which has 3.5 million daily users, denied the allegations and said it [introduced new safety measures]( for minors. The lawsuit is also against Google, which has a deal with Character.AI to license their tech. A spokesperson for Google [told CBS]( that the tech giant has not helped develop Character.AI. What it means: More and more people, especially teenagers, are turning to AI companions. Some teens told [The Verge]( that it’s extremely easy to talk about their emotions or mental health issues with an AI chatbot that doesn’t judge them. While these chatbots can provide harmless fun, there is virtually no research on their impact on mental health since the tech is still relatively new. Some users have reported feeling addicted to their companions — a concern that’s prompted mental health researchers to [raise alarms](. It also doesn’t help that AI remains largely unregulated, allowing these chatbots to become more sophisticated as they interact with more users. Related: [Teenagers Already Know How to Use AI Better Than Their Parents]( (Axios) Quick Hits 😮 Caught on camera: The moment a suspected drunk driver [nearly missed VP Kamala Harris’s motorcade](. --------------------------------------------------------------- 🍿 As if we needed another reason to watch Gladiator II: Enter [this on-theme popcorn bucket](. --------------------------------------------------------------- 💕 Fans are sending well wishes to Cardi B after she shared she’s [recovering from a medical emergency](. --------------------------------------------------------------- 🍷 What’s better than wine with your skincare? [Wine in your skincare](. Cheers. --------------------------------------------------------------- ❤️‍🔥 Nicole Kidman [explained the NSFW reason]( she had to pause filming during her most recent thriller. Babygirl, you okay? [Together with LetsGetChecked]( Testing, Testing [Lets Get Checked kit]( It’s Thursday morning. Do you know how your thyroid is? Seriously though: One in eight women will develop thyroid problems during their lifetime — and experiencing them during pregnancy can cause health consequences for the mother and the baby. Suddenly need to know more? [LetsGetChecked’s Thyroid Test]( can show you if your thyroid is performing as it should — and you won’t have to make any appointments or experience a single second in a waiting room. This test is a must for anyone with a family history of thyroid conditions or the symptoms of hyper or hypothyroidism (like fatigue, muscle cramps, impaired memory, low sex drive, irregular period, and unexplained weight loss or gain). [Order yours now to get 25% off](. Listen Now [comedian jenny slate on unlearning perfection](   🎧 Listen on [Spotify]( | [Apple]( Sponsored by [Paycor]( Skimm Picks Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life… Forget counting sheep and get better sleep with [this white chocolate peppermint dream powder](. Get exclusive 24-hour early access to their 50% off sitewide sale [with code SKIMM50](.* --------------------------------------------------------------- [This new perfume]( was developed by the youngest person ever to be named Senior Perfumer by the world’s oldest fragrance house. You’ve got to [smell it to believe it](.* --------------------------------------------------------------- Don't let the cold weather stop you from getting your steps in. Our favorite motivation to get outside? Putting on [cute, warm workout clothes](. Whatever works. --------------------------------------------------------------- And if you need to get the rest of your family out the door, do it with [our favorite fall gear for family activities](. [Portable s'mores](, anyone? 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 [A pregnant woman with a sonogram] The internet is giving its two cents after a woman shared she’s unhappy that her sister [scheduled a C-section…on her birthday](. How would you feel? [It’s my day for a reason]( [The more the merrier]( [The baby’s going to be named after me, right?]( Gifts of the Day A [pair of Chelsea boots](, [oval sunglasses](, and[an effortlessly chic bag]( with room for all the essentials.* This is worth your money [Product Image]( Creativity for Kids Ready To Grow Garden [$12.59 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, Maria del Carmen Corpus, and Marina Carver. Fact-checked by Sara Tardiff. --------------------------------------------------------------- Photos by Michael M. Santiago and Westend61 via Getty Images, Brand Partners 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