Daily Skimm

Hey there.

Today, we're launching something new. Meet: Call Her Agent, a bi-monthly section in the Daily Skimm where we ask you, our smart, savvy readers, to share the AI hacks and tips you use that help solve a problem in your day-to-day lives. Because if AI is going to be everywhere, it should actually make our lives easier. More on how to submit, plus our first topic, below. Now, let's get to the news...

— Marisa Iallonardo / Staff Writer / White Plains, NY

Voters cast their ballots in the primary for midterm elections at Sanbornton Town Hall on September 8, 2026 in Sanbornton, New Hampshire.

Politics

Riding the Purple Wave

What's going on: With midterm elections less than 60 days away, both parties are pulling out all the stops. That includes throwing a two-day RNC midterm convention in the hopes that a president with low approval ratings, who nonetheless has a proven track record of drumming up support, can get their base to turn out. And while there’s plenty to disagree on, here’s something we haven’t said in a minute: Red and blue voters are actually coming together (and not just in swing states) on issues like political corruption, data centers, and AI surveillance. The growing anti-AI sentiment from both parties adds to the current concerns Americans share over inflation and gas prices. Apparently “it’s the economy stupid”... and also, the robots.

Tell me more: Seeing Republicans and Democrats agree on something — anything — is bewildering. Yet it comes as 89% of Americans believe government corruption is widespread, according to a recent Gallup poll. Data centers are also overwhelmingly unpopular across party lines, with 57% of Republicans and 81% of Democrats opposing them in their local areas. (Campaign advertisements have totaled almost $45 million on this very issue, split almost 50/50 between parties.) Both sides also want Flock cameras — which use AI to track license plates and other vehicle data — to go, amid reports that law enforcement is abusing the tech. It’s safe to say there’s no shortage of issues. But hey, at least we’re all in this together?

Related: A Democratic Senator and a $5000 Vote-for-Us Promise? A Wild Night at the RNC (CNN)

The News in 6

🗞️ Desperate to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has launched missiles at US warships at least three times in the last week, and fired missiles at US forces in Jordan.

🗞️ In the past five years, the number of 9/11 survivors receiving aid for cancer has tripled, according to a new analysis from The Washington Post.

🗞️ ProPublica reports that ectopic pregnancy deaths have nearly doubled from 2020 to 2025, and (you guessed it) the stats are much worse in states with abortion bans.

🗞️ Three Anthropic researchers warned that AI could end humanity by 2030. Where’s the option to "refuse permission for apocalypse"...?

🗞️ Some doctors recommend women get their first bone density scan along with their first mammogram at 40, instead of the current medical standard age of 65. Just add it to the list.

🗞️ Is Y2K nostalgia hitting a new high, or are we getting the best of both worlds? Either way, Apple unveiled its own version of your old flip phone.

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In Our Rotation

Play this word game for a free sample of gummies that revitalize your mitochondria to boost muscle strength and support healthy aging. Your bio teacher would be proud.*

A trend everyone can jump on: nostalgic low-rise crop pants that are luxuriously soft, moisture-wicking, and built for showing just enough leg.*

Keep scrolling... more recs below

He Was Feeling Generous

Not To Harp on This, but… $45,000 Gifts?

What’s going on: During the holidays, you might expect a corporate bonus or a nice team dinner. At the White House, it could be $45,000 in cash. That’s the amount President Donald Trump gifted three of his top aides this past holiday season (including executive assistant Natalie Harp, aka the “human printer”) out of his own personal accounts, with another receiving $20,000, per new financial disclosures. Trump’s "nice list" was made of staffers that have remained loyal to him through his times in the political wilderness post-January 6th. No other president has publicly given out large cash payments like this. The White House said these gifts weren’t related to “official government duties,” which makes them above board.

And is it legal?: Experts say all this appears to violate a federal statute that prohibits bonuses for political appointees from outside sources, something the administration itself has been critical of in the past. Until now, such substantial gifts have been far beyond a president’s salary (a mere $400,000, remember?), but Trump is the richest president in American history. He banked $2.2 billion last year that we know of — and much of that windfall is a direct result of his own policies. Experts say the bonuses could leave these aides feeling personally indebted to Trump, rather than to the office of the president. Our next question: Will his aides pay taxes on these gifts, or are they exempt from that too?

Related: Was Natalie Harp Involved in Trump’s Flurry of Strange Social Media Posts? (The Independent)

One Large Popcorn, Please

Long Live the Summer Blockbuster

What's going on: If your summer highlights included spending nearly three hours watching Matt Damon find his way back to Ithaca, you’re in good company. The summer box office report is in, and US ticket sales hit $4.76 billion. Hollywood says this is the highest-grossing summer blockbuster season ever –– though some buzzkills point out that this stat isn’t adjusted for inflation. After inflation, 2026 is still the best summer since the pandemic (and that includes Barbenheimer), thanks to Spider-Man: Brand New Day, The Odyssey, Toy Story 5, and The Devil Wears Prada 2 –– plus a few surprises like Obsession, Backrooms, and Michael. This record is due in large part to films that brought out women and Gen Z moviegoers.

So, movies are saved?: Depends on who you ask. Many are hopeful that this summer is the start of a theater renaissance. “Moviegoing begets moviegoing,” one film financier told Deadline. Some industry insiders think that people may be over streaming and would rather watch movies on the big screen, especially “event movies” they can go to with friends. But the killjoys, *ahem* The New York Times, argue that the box office increase was more due to higher ticket prices than bigger audiences. We’ll know more by the end of the year, when we see how it goes for Dune: Part Three and Avengers: Doomsday. IndieWire writes that to keep up the momentum, studios should prioritize great stories and directors with a clear POV, especially if their name is Christopher Nolan. So when can we expect The Odyssey: Ithaca Drift?

Related: Streamers Are Raising Prices Faster Than Ever (The Hollywood Reporter)

In Her Court

“This sport isn’t just about being ready for one week. It’s week after week, pretty much all year round.” ICYMI… American Jessica Pegula is playing in the US Open women’s semifinal tonight. Ahead of the tournament, the Buffalo-born player opened up to theSkimm about how she manages her energy on the court, why simplifying her game plan helps change the momentum during a match, and what she wishes she'd known about consistency when she was 19.

Read the Interview

Quick Hits

🎃 It’s not surprising that travel experts agree this is the best Halloween destination in the US if you want to run amok amok amok.

👣 Don’t worry if you can’t get your 10,000 steps in today — taking just 1,000 extra steps above your usual could positively impact your heart health, says a new study. Tell that to our Apple Watches.

🏠 Millennials are over these seven home features, according to realtors. Goodbye, open floor plans. Hello, walls.

☕ If you thought you thought you were done with PSLs, just wait until you meet the sixth Spice Girl.

🕯️ Gwyneth Paltrow explained the story behind her viral “This Smells Like My Vagina” candle, and we bet a lot of people are disappointed now.

🛍️ Good news for former Tumblr girls: Colorful tights are back in. Just maybe skip the galaxy print this time.

🐶 Girl Scouts is introducing a new cookie flavor, and this one is for dogs. Thin Mints remain for humans only.

Tell Us Your Best AI Hacks… for Meal Planning

You may have noticed that AI is everywhere — from Super Bowl ads to tech bros’ many, many LinkedIn posts singing its praises. Meanwhile, most of us are still figuring out what the tech can (and can’t) do, and that includes which AI hacks are actually helpful. So let’s figure it out together.

Here’s how: Every month, we’ll ask you to share an AI prompt or hack that has helped you get something done in a particular aspect of your life. Then, we’ll test it on our end and share our top picks in the Daily Skimm and on theSkimm.com — shoutout included.

This month: We want your time- and stress-saving AI hacks for meal planning.

Submit yours here

On Our Calendar

Thursday, September 10

👠 New York Fashion Week kicks off

Fashionistas, take note: The official spring/summer 2027 shows start hitting the runway. Celebs in the front row? Still in. Collections with this fabric? Definitely out.

🍿 The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives S5 premiere

The Utah crew returns for a five-episode season. What happens next is TBD, but Taylor Frankie Paul is already giving them plenty to talk about.

🤑 Free claw clips at Panera

Snag a free clip in one of three different styles — they’re cute, too — if you buy an Energy Refresher or Fresca. Not exactly the combo we saw coming.

Psst… this is just the preview: Subscribe to theSkimm app and never miss a moment.

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In Our Rotation

We may have just had a holiday weekend, but we're already itching for a getaway. This is the easiest, most cost-effective way to book travel.

This cuddly "husband pillow" has back and arm support, so it's a favorite for dorm rooms or long reading sessions.

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

SKIMM THIS

Which skimm gets your vote?

Anna Wintour and Martha Stewart at the US Open

A. Me vs the morning person at an 8 am meeting — Ria C., Williamsport, PA

B. When your sister calls shotgun — Hannah H., Carlsbad, CA

C. Somewhere a seating coordinator is updating their resume — Vanessa G., Raleigh, NC

Turn a word search into your favorite strategy game with Spelltower. Clear the board.

The flip phone is back