What's Happening
US News
Women in Uniform Are Being Sidelined
What's going on: CNN reports that a top Naval officer and Purple Heart recipient was set to take a career-defining post overseeing Navy SEALs — until the Pentagon abruptly rescinded the offer two weeks before her induction, without much explanation. This effectively ended her two-decade military career. Sources familiar with the decision told CNN they believe Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth didn’t want a woman in the role, with at least one calling him “straight-up sexist.” One special operations source put it bluntly: “They want to keep it the brotherhood.” The Pentagon, for its part, insists women are “excited” to serve under Hegseth.
What it means: Analysts say this Naval officer’s story shows how Hegseth’s brand of misogyny is infiltrating the military like some insidious psychological operation. A dozen active-duty women also told CNN they’re increasingly alarmed that his policies are pushing out qualified women service members. The numbers tell the story: The US currently has no female four-star generals (the highest military rank) — down from four just two years ago. Women have been passed over for deserved promotions (according to their own peers), with some considering leaving the military altogether, CNN reports. Analysts say it reflects a broader Trump-era pattern of sidelining women and people of color across the government.
Related: Lawsuit Says Army OB/GYN Filmed Patients & Was Allowed To Keep Practicing (NBC)
Health
Pick a Plan, Any Plan — It'll Still Cost More
What's going on: Forget untangling the holiday lights. It’s time to make sense of health insurance all over again. Welcome to open enrollment. Premiums are rising across the board, no matter how you’re covered — through your employer, the Affordable Care Act marketplace, or Medicare. Healthcare companies can set their own rates with little government oversight, so every year, the baseline cost of care rises right along with their profits. While corporate greed plays a big role, it’s not the only culprit. Costs are also climbing because more people are using the system to access medications like GLP-1s, undergo surgeries, or seek other types of care. The Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) estimates that people with subsidized insurance will pay an average of double or more next year. May the odds be ever in your favor.
What it means: It’s never been pricier to stay healthy — or alive — in the US. To top it off, KFF estimates more than 40% of Americans already have medical debt, and that number could climb, especially as the fight over ACA subsidies plays out in Congress. As for how to save a penny? Shopping around always helps. One expert told Vox that hospitals often charge the most, while outpatient clinics may offer the same care for less. Generic drugs work just as well as brand names and cost far less, the expert added. Even paying cash can sometimes lower the bill. Otherwise, there’s always the Bubble Boy strategy — good luck keeping it inflation-free.
Related: This Health Insurance Calculator Might Help Estimate Your Premium (KFF)
Lifestyle
It Was All a Scream
What's going on: There’s an iconic scene in The Bold Type in which the three heroines scream into the noise of a speeding subway train. If anyone actually did this on a platform, it would cause real panic and alarm… but they might’ve been onto something. More people are literally screaming into the void these days — for fun and for catharsis. Screaming groups are forming like book clubs, major cities have guides to their best “screaming spots,” and big stars like Olivia Rodrigo have turned collective shrieking into a tour ritual. Which begs the question… Are we OK?
What it means: In a world where bad news outpaces the good at almost every turn, it makes sense that people have found new ways to cope. For some, that’s yelling into the ether. Science, though, isn’t exactly on Team Scream. Although one psychologist from the ‘60s popularized “primal scream therapy” as a cure-all for emotional pain, follow-up research didn’t back him up. One expert told The Guardian it might even make things worse. And screaming at people? Definitely not recommended — just ask any couple mid-fight. Still, if a good banshee yell makes you feel a little lighter and you’re not where you can disturb others? Go ahead. Let it rip.
Related: These Small Self-Care Techniques Can Make a Big Difference (Good Housekeeping)
We Needed This
On Our Calendar
A few things to jot down today…
🗓️ The House is expected to vote on the funding bill.
🗓️ Join the Skimm+ team and Dan Pelosi (@GrossyPelosi) for an hour of baking.
🗓️ Happy National Happy Hour Day to all who celebrate. It’s 5 o’clock somewhere.
Psst…For more dates worth knowing this week, check out the Skimm+ calendar.
Luxury Gifts From Our Favorite Retailers
If you’re investing in a big-ticket gift, best to get something from a luxury retailer that’s trustworthy (and that they’re guaranteed to love):
A personalized baguette cut birthstone necklace that’s equal parts meaningful and elegant.*
The absolute best noise-canceling headphones
A ceramic cookware set they’ll being using for years
(More) gifts of the day: a pretty fleece blanket, an adorable toddler water bottle, and a laundry set in a viral fragrance
Know It All
Jell-O wants to start a family feud with these new holiday options. Which one didn't make the cut?
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