Daily Skimm

Good morning.

Tomorrow is the first day of autumn, and you know what that means (nope, PSL season apparently started weeks ago): It's Fat Bear Week. This year's finalists are here in all their pre-hibernation glory. I tend to vote with my heart, and Bear 284 — with her bold personality and deep respect for personal space — is speaking to me. Before you cast your vote, here are some paw-sitively essential words to live by. I will also be celebrating Dolly Day (very appropriately on 9/25) by wearing pink and practicing random acts of kindness. And finally, I'm late to the party on Whistler, but ready to dive in. Author Ann Patchett just spoke with theSkimm and shared the important lesson she learned from fellow icon Barbara Kingsolver. Now, let's get to the news...

— Marina Carver / Senior Editor / Brooklyn, NY

A CNN sticker is seen on equipment in the James Brady press briefing room of the White House in Washington, DC.

Freedom of the Press

What Would Woodward and Bernstein Do?

What's going on: Talk about a news dump. Over the weekend, President Donald Trump barred CNN, Politico, and MS Now reporters from the White House over negative coverage. He called them “fake news,” and promised, “Other Fake News Media Outlets to follow.” The three outlets, along with the White House Correspondents' Association, released statements asserting that journalists have a First Amendment right to cover the White House. Even former President Barack Obama weighed in, saying, “I’m trying to think what would have happened if I’d said, ‘You know what Fox News, get out of here.’ It’s unimaginable.” But Trump appeared to celebrate on Sunday by posting a seemingly AI-generated image that showed three trash bags labeled with the names of the news orgs on the White House lawn.

This isn’t the first time: Trump has issued similar bans in the past, including against the Associated Press and former CNN correspondent Jim Acosta. In both cases, the courts restored their access (though the White House is still appealing the AP case). A leading First Amendment lawyer told NPR that this latest ban is similarly unconstitutional. Trump is open to welcoming the outlets back. He said, “Maybe they can get better and we’d like to have them in,” apparently offering access in exchange for more favorable coverage. It’s an approach critics have compared to government-controlled media in countries such as China and Russia. “We are on the path to having a state media-like system in this country,” Acosta told MS Now on Friday.

Related: How Americans Feel About Press Freedom (Pew Research Center)

The News in 5

🗞️ Russia held its first elections since invading Ukraine five years ago, with a pro-Putin outcome all but guaranteed thanks to Kremlin interference. Meanwhile, Ukraine launched 1,000+ drone strikes on Russia on Sunday in what Moscow’s mayor described as the “largest ever” drone attack.

🗞️ A Venezuelan man is in serious but stable condition after an ICE agent shot him in the torso during a traffic stop in Austin, Texas. Authorities are investigating what led up to the shooting.

🗞️ The White House is drafting an executive order — pushed by Project 2025 co-author and Trump appointee Russell Vought — to create a new political review process for National Institutes of Health grants.

🗞️ Patrick Clancy told 60 Minutes that he forgives his ex-wife Lindsay Clancy and believes mental illness caused her to kill their three children. He and his new wife also shared that they're starting a family.

🗞️ Converse pulled a sneaker campaign following criticism that its ad imagery evoked a KKK hood and lynching. The brand apologized, saying it “got this wrong.”

✴︎

In Our Rotation

If your car insurance bill makes you sigh, this free tool checks if you’re overpaying — and could save you $600+ a year. You’re welcome.*

GLP-1s can cost as little as $5 to make but $500 to buy. This membership ends predatory pricing by offering doctor-prescribed compounded GLP-1s at $59/month. Stop overpaying.*

Keep scrolling... more recs below

Rx Marks the Spot

Is There Really a Doctor in the House?

What's going on: If you’ve ever started a doctor appointment with “Here for a Z-Pak,” then this is kind of the same — minus the waiting room. There are now “emergency medical kits” on the market, where, for about $200, you can keep antibiotics for everything from strep to pneumonia to a UTI at home. These are prescribed via a medical history form that may include a quick telehealth visit, depending on your state. Despite this guardrail, doctors aren’t thrilled, citing the potential for self-misdiagnosis, not to mention misuse. In addition to prescription medications like Zofran for nausea and amoxicillin for strep throat, these kits may include treatments unlikely to be needed for standard illnesses. Remember ivermectin?

You, MD: AI has made it easier than ever to self-diagnose, and let's be honest, even a telehealth appointment is not exactly The Pitt. (Doctors are likely to prescribe antibiotics even when they’re not appropriate via telemedicine, according to one study.) And taking drugs you don’t need isn’t risk-free: Antibiotic-resistant infections kill more than 35,000 Americans a year, and antibiotic misuse is one reason why. Instead, consider keeping a solid first aid kit on hand, including OTC pain relievers, which can safely reduce fevers and pain when you can’t immediately talk to the doctor. If symptoms stick around, that’s your cue to check in with your doctor or a local urgent care.

Related: How Healthcare Has Become a DIY Project (The Wall Street Journal gift link)

PS: Your medicine cabinet shouldn't be a health hazard. Every Wednesday in our Well + Good newsletter, we break down the latest studies and research, so you can live your healthiest life. Subscribe here.

Store Credit

We’re Still Toys “R” Us Kids

What’s going on: If the "I don't want to grow up, I'm a Toys ‘R’ Us kid" jingle is lodged in your core memory bank, we've got big news. The once-dominant toy retailer plans to open 120 standalone stores across the US this holiday season, a wild second act for a chain that filed for bankruptcy in 2017 and liquidated US stores a year later. But Geoffrey the Giraffe was playing the long game. He knew we’d eventually trade in mom’s credit card for our own, and apparently, we had some unfinished business. Overall toy sales have jumped 17% so far in 2026, the strongest first half in six years — and adult-only households now account for 55% of those sales. The thrill of trading that little paper ticket for a video game has some serious staying power.

Welcome to the “kidulting” universe: Whether you build LEGO sets, hunt rare Pokémon cards, or treat blind boxes like a competitive sport, grown-ups have turned toys into hobbies, fandoms, social experiences, and even investments. But the nostalgia boom goes way beyond toys. And brands have taken the hint: Claire’s is planning a piercing comeback after bankruptcy, and Delia’s recently resurfaced at Target. Toys “R” Us also hopes to make the shopping trip part of the fun again, with cafés, candy shops, and Creator Studios. Like we needed another excuse to relive our Barbie aisle glory days.

What I’m Buying for Fall

Caroline, senior commerce editor, here. Fall is the best time for getting dressed, because you can take all your wardrobe’s greatest hits, throw them together, and not suffer in the heat or cold. Here are a few new pieces I’m eyeing and how I’d wear them:

A slouchy long-sleeve tee to pair with lace-trimmed shorts and ballet flats.
A windbreaker to go with my all-time favorite capris and sneakers.
A zip-up and wide-leg sweats for early-morning dog walks.
A great pair of jeans and the softest sweater known to man.

Quick Hits

🐣 A woman gave birth in a KFC parking lot and took inspiration from the fast-food chain for her baby’s name. Do they make bolo ties in newborn sizes?

👀 Dakota Johnson’s latest home tour will have you questioning everything. We’re stealing the way she pronounces IKEA.

👣 Health experts say morning walks are healthier than evening walks, so step to it. Yes, you can bring your coffee with you.

🏆 Lili Reinhart is Miss Congeniality after wearing Gracie Hart’s iconic walkout dress. Don’t mess with her.

💻 Feeling blah at work? Meet “rust out,” burnout’s sluggish cousin. Here’s how to recover.

💇 Christina Aguilera rocked the “millennial poof” hairstyle on the red carpet. The return of the Bump-It draws ever nearer…

On Our Calendar

Monday, September 21

🎤 New season of The Voice starts

Thirty seasons in, the singing competition is switching things up, with two new judges taking their chairs. Cue the chair turns and tear-inducing contestant videos. Catch it at 8 pm ET on NBC — and bring tissues.

💜 World Alzheimer’s Day

Of the 7.4 million people with the disease, 60% are women. Here’s how to cut your risk.

🤝 World Gratitude Day

Say thank you to your dad, bestie, dog — everyone. Then, try this surprising way to make gratitude a practice.

✴︎

In Our Rotation

If you hate wasting time in the morning, bookmark this page of office outfit ideas.

With their chic square toe and woven material, these ballet flats are an elevated take on a classic.

Psst… love our recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag).

She’s beauty, and she’s grace