Do you have “brain rot”?

— Check out what we Skimm’d for you today December 3, 2024 [Subscribe]( [Read in browser]( [daily_skimm] [Header Image]( [Together with]( [American Cancer Society]( But first: [help support lifesaving research]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [Update location]( or [View forecast]( Quote of the Day "Not clocking they got Zendaya" — A viewer, who called out a local news station for [unknowingly airing footage of the celeb](. Imagine not knowing who Zendaya is. [Facebook]([Twitter]([Email](mailto:?body=Zendaya made the local news by accidentally strolling into holiday shopping footage.%0A3Ftype%3Demailurl%26r%3DSKIMM%26utm_source%3Demail%26utm_medium%3Ddsshare%23custom) What's Happening [ Gov. Gavin Newsom] US News California Sets Out To “Trump-Proof” Itself What's going on: Does the road to “The Resistance 2.0” start in the Golden State? Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) seems to think so. He kicked off a [special legislative session]( yesterday aimed at “Trump-proofing” the state, in anticipation of the incoming administration. Newsom hopes this session will be used, in part, to establish a $25 million fund to fight the president-elect’s policies in court. That’s not exactly chump change, but it might only be the beginning: During Trump’s first term, the state filed over 120 lawsuits against the administration, spending nearly $42 million, as The Washington Post notes. One of the state’s lawsuits successfully blocked Trump’s attempt to dismantle the [Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program](. This time, state lawmakers may have to [resume that fight](, and they’re also preparing for legal battles over reproductive freedom, pollution limits, and disaster relief aid. What it means: Democrats say the fund will help California stay ahead of future legal battles. But some pundits question how much this session will actually accomplish, suggesting it may be more about boosting Newsom’s profile as he eyes a potential presidential run. (Meanwhile, other liberal states such as [New York have thus far opted against holding similar sessions](.) Critics also say that Newsom shouldn’t position the state as the first line of defense against the Trump administration, but should [instead focus on finding ways to collaborate](. The governor seems to be attempting to strike a balance, especially after his deep blue state [shifted slightly to the right]( in the 2024 election. Newsom said yesterday that he’ll “work with the incoming administration,” but added: “When rights and freedoms are targeted, we will take action.” Related: [Documents Suggest Pete Hegseth Was Forced Out of Veteran Groups for Drinking and Misconduct, The New Yorker Reports]( (The New Yorker) International Why Thousands Are Protesting in Georgia What's going on: Tens of thousands of protesters are [taking to the streets in Georgia’s capital]( after the ruling Georgian Dream party suspended ongoing talks to join the European Union. Georgia, which was formerly part of the Soviet Union, first applied for EU membership in March 2022 after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Last week, Georgia’s prime minister paused the EU talks for four years, citing “blackmail and manipulation” from some of the bloc’s lawmakers. Demonstrators see the change as [bowing to Russian influence]( and have flooded the streets in response — singing the national anthem, shooting off fireworks, and even making GRWM-style TikTok videos showing what it’s like to speak out. At times, the protests have turned violent, with police using tear gas and water cannons. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, over 200 protesters have been arrested, and 42 ministry workers have been injured. What it means: The ruling party’s decision comes months after Georgia passed a controversial “[foreign agent law](,” which pundits say mirrors Russian legislation used to suppress independent journalism, dissidents, and watchdog groups. Now, Georgian Dream’s move to suspend EU talks has further escalated tensions, especially as experts note that EU membership could significantly benefit the country by enhancing security and strengthening its economy. Meanwhile, a Kremlin spokesperson said Monday that Russia is “not interfering” in Georgia’s politics. As for the US, it’s siding with the protesters, with one State Department spokesman criticizing the ruling party for making Georgia “more vulnerable to the Kremlin.” Related: [Russia Launched Another Big Attack on Ukraine’s Energy Grid]( (Politico) Reproductive Health Americans Are Having Fewer Kids, But Is Infertility To Blame? What's going on: Even though it feels like we can’t escape gender-reveal parties on our FYPs, the reality is that [Americans are having fewer children each year](. The fertility rate for women of reproductive age hit a historic low last year, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 2022, there were 11 births per 1,000 people in the US, down from 14.8 per 1,000 people in 1995. The declining birth rate has some asking: Is America facing an infertility crisis? The answer isn’t clear. The fertility data focuses on married women of reproductive age and doesn’t distinguish between people who have decided to be child-free and those who are struggling to conceive. However, [research from Johns Hopkins]( found that infertility rates among women have remained stable for decades, as of 2019. What it means: Researchers are tracking medical, social, and economic factors that may contribute to lower birth rates. Doctors have noted a rise in impaired fecundity — the difficulty to conceive or carry to term — over several years. Meanwhile, more Americans are choosing to start having children later in life, which can come with its own set of issues. Women’s fertility drops significantly after the age of 37, and men’s sperm quality drops around age 35. Obesity rates continue to climb in the US, potentially impacting ovulation and sperm quality. Recent research also suggests [exposure to harmful chemicals]( can negatively affect reproductive health and disrupt hormone functions. However, experts say more studies are needed, since most people are exposed to these chemicals every day and such substances are hard to avoid. Related: [The Reasons Some Conservatives Are Pushing for Americans To Have More Kids]( (Axios) Quick Hits 📰 The Israeli military said that [US-born Israeli soldier Omer Neutra](, initially thought to be kidnapped alive, was killed in Hamas’s attack on Oct. 7, 2023. --------------------------------------------------------------- 💔 [Jack Schlossberg’s thirst-trap post]( is raising questions: “heartbreak sucks.” --------------------------------------------------------------- 🧠Oxford’s Word of the Year is...“[brain rot.](” Naturally, there’s [a quiz to see if you’ve got it](. --------------------------------------------------------------- 👀 Do you know [the difference between a “full” or “partial” hysterectomy](? The confusion is impacting some women’s health. --------------------------------------------------------------- 🥒 You’ll want to [check if the cucumbers in your fridge]( have been recalled for salmonella. --------------------------------------------------------------- 🥖 A customer [found a mysterious message on an Olive Garden breadstick](, and TikTok sleuths knead answers. --------------------------------------------------------------- 📅 Aging is now optional, according to these [Benjamin Button-formulas]( — and they’re 30% off.* --------------------------------------------------------------- 😏 The allure of [gray sweatpants]( is alive and well.* [Together with American Cancer Society]( End Cancer [Every 15 seconds someone in the US is diagnosed with cancer]( And 1 in 3 of those diagnosed are women. The [American Cancer Society](, the largest non-profit funder of cancer research, is dedicated to improving these stats. A gift of any amount this Giving Tuesday will help fund lifesaving research breakthroughs and provide support to patients, families, and caregivers so they have the resources they need to prevent, detect, and treat cancer. It’s time to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. [Donate today](. Skimm Picks Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life… Boost your arousal with [this FDA-registered flexible vibrating ring for women](. Here’s to dispersed simulation, magnified sensations on the whole vulva, [and 35% off](*. --------------------------------------------------------------- Yapping to your girlfriends is free, but then again, so is [this service](. Skimm’rs can get one month of free therapy ($300 value) from now until December 5. [Get started](.* --------------------------------------------------------------- Act fast — it's the last day to get up to 70% off at [Lunya](. This washable [silk sleep set]( makes us feel put together, even at bedtime. --------------------------------------------------------------- If your workout clothes could use a refresh, you're in luck: [Athleta extended their Cyber Monday sale](. They're offering up to 70% off sale items *plus* 30% off your entire order through today. 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 [Online shopping ] Even though the internet collectively complained about the lack of Black Friday deals, [most shoppers got their bargains online](. How much did online shoppers spend per minute? [A. $11.3 million]( [B. $1.3 million]( [C. $113 million]( Extra Credit [Variation ] Read Wildly popular romantasy author Rebecca Yarros is back with another novel — but this time, she's swapping dragons for dancers (sorry, [Fourth Wing]( fans). Or, more accurately, one dancer: Alessandra Rousseau, an elite ballerina who suffers a potentially career-ending injury and heads to her summer home to recover. There, Allie has to contend with dark family secrets, a strained relationship with her mother, and the unexpected arrival of a precocious 10-year-old girl — which reconnects Allie with her first love, Hudson. Filled with complex characters and stunning twists, we wouldn’t be surprised if Netflix is already adapting [Variation](. 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. Calling all homeowners We're building a resource to empower women with the data they need to make confident, informed decisions about homeownership. If you’ve bought a home, we’d love for you to share your experience —anonymously, of course — [in this form](. 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]( Eight Sands Vitamin C [$38.00 at Amazon]( Early Access We’re launching something new and premium and we can’t wait to share it with you. Join the waitlist to be first to know when we launch. [Get on the list]( [Learn more]( 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, Molly Longman, Mallory Simon, Maria del Carmen Corpus, and Marina Carver. Fact-checked by Jordan Mamone. --------------------------------------------------------------- Photos by Andrew Harnik and Neil Godwin/Future Publishing via Getty Images, Brand Partners, Montlake 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. 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