November 7, 2025

What's Happening

US News

Now Might Be a Good Time To Embrace the Road Trip

What's going on: Flying soon? You might finally understand why your kid kept kicking the seat, yelling “Are we there yet?” Starting today, the Federal Aviation Administration is cutting flights at 40 major airports thanks to staffing shortages from the government shutdown. We’re talking major hubs — Atlanta, Chicago, and San Francisco — all feeling the squeeze. The Associated Press reports the FAA cuts start at about 4% (roughly 1,800 flights per day) and could reach 10% by next week. Some airlines preemptively canceled hundreds of flights ahead of today, with others scrambling to manage delays and bracing for passenger frustration. If the shutdown drags on, experts say Thanksgiving travel could be in trouble. And while delays are annoying, flying short-staffed is even riskier. As one air traffic union leader put it: “Every day this goes on, tomorrow is less safe than today.”

What it means for you: Consider this your pre-trip pep talk. With fewer staff on duty, expect longer lines, slower security, and plenty of waiting. Experts say to actually arrive two to three hours early for domestic flights — yes, even if you’re a PreCheck-certified power walker. International flights are expected to see few disruptions. If your flight is canceled, airlines must rebook you for free — but snagging a new seat could take days. You’re also entitled to a full refund, even on nonrefundable tickets and extras like seat upgrades. Just don’t count on free hotels or meals — airlines don’t have to cover those. And double-check your travel insurance — some policies don’t cover shutdown-related delays. Just try to be early, flexible — and for the love of boarding group 3, wait until it’s actually your turn.

Related: Judge Orders Trump Admin To Pay Full SNAP Benefits by Today (WSJ Gift Link)

Health

This Standard Test Might Be Behind So Many C-Sections

What's going on: While everyone’s birth story is unique, some experiences are shared. For example, it’s routine for doctors to strap sensors on a pregnant woman’s belly to check the fetal heartbeat for around-the-clock monitoring. Yet a New York Times investigation found that hospitals often rely on this technology to justify early C-sections — sometimes at the first sign of an irregularity. The NY Times suggests hospitals may lean on these sensors to protect themselves legally and support their business model. Multiple studies show the sensors do not accurately predict fetal distress — the number one reason for C-sections in otherwise healthy pregnancies — and healthy babies commonly experience temporary irregular heartbeats. Other research finds these monitors are no more accurate than a traditional stethoscope.

What it means: The US has a consistently high rate of C-sections, with one in three deliveries happening in the OR. One doctor said fetal monitoring has “probably driven up the C-section rate more than anything else.” The procedure can pose serious risks for mothers, including complications during recovery and potential challenges with future pregnancies. While doctors acknowledge research on the tech isn’t perfect, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists continues to recommend its use. Some hospitals have even set up remote hubs so nurses can monitor multiple patients’ data at once. As one doctor explained, “It’s just easier to keep patients hooked up continuously.” That’s not exactly as comforting as it sounds.

Related: Do Planned C-Sections Correlate to a Higher Risk of Childhood Cancer? (Newsweek)

Media

The End of the Teen Vogue Era?

What's going on: This week, publisher Condé Nast announced that Teen Vogue — one of the only remaining publications dedicated solely to young people and their interests — would be moved under Vogue.com. The magazine — out of print since 2017 — will remain a “distinct editorial property,” according to Vogue Business. But there could be some larger changes. One former editor noted online that, to their knowledge, “there will be no politics staffers at Teen Vogue” — a major shift for a magazine whose coverage of the 2016 election put it on the map. The outlet famously showed the world that young people could care about both social justice and “thigh-high boots” at the same time. (Note from our writer, Molly: I started my career writing there during this time — where else would let a college kid from Iowa cover the election and national conventions?)

What it means: Teen Vogue’s shift marks the loss of a unique space for young people to explore ideas, connect with their peers, and see their experiences reflected in media. To many, it wasn’t just a magazine — it was a place that “took young people seriously.” In particular, it highlighted young women, LGBTQIA+ youth, and teens of color as thinking, political beings — with taste. While some analysts pointed out that today, you can find similar content on TikTok and Instagram, it’s not a dedicated space. Besides, you’d have to scroll through a million Stanley Cup ads and dog videos to get the same feeling of connection, of being seen. 

Related: “Biased” and “Boring” — This Is What Teens Really Think of Media Right Now (News Literacy Project)

On Our Calendar

A few things to jot down today…

🗓️ The Grammy nominations will be announced this morning — will a female star clinch the best new artist category for the ninth straight year?

🗓️ The NWSL playoffs are about to begin — here’s how to tune in. 

🗓️ You can finally stream Guillermo del Toro’s take on Frankenstein.

Psst…For more dates worth knowing this week, check out the Skimm+ calendar.

Comfort Made Easy

Cold days call for comfort food. ALDI’s got you covered — and your budget, too.

Know It All

Dentists are begging you to avoid this ingredient — what is it?

Game Time

Kick your weekend off with Pile-Up Poker, a brand-new game where poker meets solitaire. Create as many poker hands as possible to earn cash and climb the leaderboard. We’re all in.