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Quote of the Day

"Meanwhile it’s just her lip gloss in there rolling around"

— An Instagram commenter on Rosalía’s ludicrously capacious bag. It’s even bigger than you’re picturing.

Campaign signage for Senator Dan Sullivan, a Republican from Alaska, and former Representative Mary Peltola, a Democratic from Alaska and US Senate candidate, ahead of the midterm election in Anchorage, Alaska.

October Surprise

What in the Alaska Is Happening

What’s going on: It seemed like a silly coincidence: Another Dan Sullivan challenged Sen. Dan S. Sullivan (R) in Alaska’s Senate race. News outlets had fun with it, with headlines like “Battle of the Dans” and “Alaska Voters, Seeing Double Dan Sullivan.” But now, the tone of the race has changed drastically. Earlier this week, The New York Times found that Democratic nominee Mary Peltola’s team helped recruit Dan J. Sullivan — a retired teacher living in a remote area of Alaska — to draw votes from Sen. Sullivan. Peltola denied her team’s involvement and suggested the investigation was a “distraction” from issues like Sen. Sullivan’s support of the war in Iran. But in the wake of the report, President Donald Trump called for Peltola to drop out and be criminally prosecuted, and Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) ordered an investigation. (Sen. Sullivan, meanwhile, has already launched a new campaign ad.) The stakes couldn’t be higher: Alaska is one of the states most likely to flip blue in the Senate.

Is this even legal?: Trump described it as “voter fraud at the highest level,” and Attorney General Todd Blanche called it “cheating.” But analysts point out that there are no laws preventing it. Peltola’s alleged plan is a form of ballot-stacking, in which a party recruits additional candidates to run in an attempt to draw votes away from its main opponent. It might be considered “dirty" politics, but it’s also a time-honored tradition in US campaigns. Fun fact: In the 1946 election, two Joe Russos ran against John F. Kennedy for a House seat. Simply encouraging a third-party candidate to run is a more common form of ballot-stacking. It's what experts say is happening in Ohio, where both Republican and Democratic groups have spent big to promote third-party candidates in the Senate race. As for what’s next, don’t expect this story to fade from the headlines. The Justice Department just issued a flurry of new grand jury subpoenas as part of its ongoing probe of the Alaska Senate race, according to officials who spoke to multiple news outlets.

Related: The Justice Department Also Subpoenaed Local Election Officials in California (The New York Times gift link)

The News in 6

🗞️ A hacktivist group called the Department of Peace stole and distributed the personal information of more than 40,000 Homeland Security employees, including ICE and Border Patrol personnel. In a note, the group wrote: "They have our information, so it's only fair that we have theirs."

🗞️ Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has fired Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia, the Pentagon’s top military planner, over allegations he leaked classified information about the wars in Iran and Ukraine to the press.

🗞️ Las Vegas police arrested a 25-year-old United Airlines passenger after a flight attendant saw him text that he was going to hijack the Newark-bound plane. He said it was just “banter,” according to the arrest report.

🗞️ Police in South Carolina closed their investigation into Hayden Panettiere's death after a coroner determined the 36-year-old actor died from an accidental overdose involving fentanyl and other drugs.

🗞️ OpenAI is mobilizing hundreds of employees for an election “war room” to monitor potential misuse of ChatGPT during the midterms. Torn between “thank goodness” and “oh god.”

🗞️ Actor Patrick Stewart died at age 86 on Wednesday, following “a brief and poignant journey” with Alzheimer’s and Lewy Body Dementia, his spokesperson said. He was known for Star Trek and X-Men, among other movies.

✴︎

In Our Rotation

Gas prices, higher energy costs, and your utility bills are all on the ballot this election cycle. Learn more and make your voice heard on or before Tuesday, Nov 3.*

This toy may look like an AirPods case, but it's...definitely not an AirPods case.

Keep scrolling... more recs below

Period Piece

The Key to a Woman’s Heart

What's going on: Four major medical groups, including the American Heart Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, released the first shared playbook for women’s heart health — and prevention and awareness start at your first period. The guide splits a woman’s life into different hormonal stages and connects the dots: periods, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause shape a woman’s heart in ways men never experience. And the shift is seismic. Like how irregular periods can point to PMOS, which comes with four times the heart disease risk. Pregnancy is treated as a biological stress test, so complications like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and preterm birth can all raise lifetime heart risks. And women are more likely to have anxiety, eating disorders, and depression, all of which can wear on the heart.

Why it matters: All that blood, and somehow we missed the heart connection. Heart disease kills more than 400,000 US women a year, more than breast cancer, lung cancer, and chronic lung disease combined. Yet only 41% of women see it as their biggest health threat. The upside: Most heart attacks and strokes after menopause are more than 80% preventable if risks are caught early. So talk to your OB-GYN about your history, including wonky cycles, heavy bleeding, a rough pregnancy, and the postpartum anxiety you brushed off. You can also ask your doctor for your PREVENT score, a calculator that estimates your heart risk 30 years out. I mean, we could have told doctors our hearts were complicated.

Related: Hormone Therapy for Hot Flashes May Protect Heart Health (Everyday Health)

PS: Health isn’t one-size-fits-all, and a study from the ’70s on three male rats shouldn’t have the last word on your body. Find out what matters for you every Wednesday in the Skimm Well + Good newsletter. Subscribe here.

Book Smart

Put the Humans Back in Humanities

What’s going on: Don’t tell the tech bros, but a Harvard humanities class (think: James Joyce and Homer) has become the unlikely favorite among undergraduates. Humanities 10, or HUM 10 as it’s known on campus, was so highly recommended by Harvard alums that 180 freshmen applied (by writing an essay, obviously) and only half got in. The lucky ones are expected to read a book each week, write regular essays, and participate in deep discussions about literature and themes. As one HUM 10 student told The Wall Street Journal, “The only way to get anything out of this class is to not use AI.” Yes, you must physically be there because attendance is taken, and no devices are allowed. Ahh, the humanity. Really.

So students don’t need a full tech schedule?: Nope. Many once viewed tech-related majors as a golden ticket to job security, but HUM 10 shows that other paths are still popular. That's even true for people pursuing tech careers. Anthropic co-founder Daniela Amodei (a literature major herself) said “uniquely human” qualities are crucial in tech careers. In a viral social media clip, author Brené Brown recalls conversations with tech CEOs who credit their humanities education for their careers. Other schools besides Harvard are getting the memo, too. The University of Colorado at Boulder uses the classics to expand AI understanding. Duke and Brown are making liberal arts departments a priority again after some strategic cost-cutting measures. It’s dreamy to think about the Dead Poets Society renaissance of it all (with women this time). But practically, humanities classes promote critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills that can be beneficial in any career. Your move, Coding 101.

TOGETHER WITH CLIMATE POWER

Fuel for Thought

woman putting gas in car with text: 71% of Americans say gas is unaffordable right now

And it’s not just gas: 57% say the same about their home and utility bills, according to an October poll.

If your budget’s been taking hits at the pump, at the grocery store, and every time you flip a switch, you’re in good company. Electric bills are up as much as 18% in the past two years, 1 in 5 Americans are cutting back on groceries to pay power bills, and home heating could cost about $540 more this winter.

Here’s where you come in: Election Day is coming Tuesday, Nov. 3. Learn what’s driving energy costs up, then make your voice heard at the polls.

Learn More

Quick Hits

🎶 Apple released a digital version of the original iPod to celebrate 25 years since its release, complete with a nostalgic playlist. Now bring back those dancing commercials.

🪐 Pluto might have a new dwarf planet friend: 2026 ED138, which is hanging out about 4.3 billion miles from the sun. Can we work on the name?

🏃 Run, Marty, run. Ninety-year-old Marty Granoff is preparing to run the New York City marathon for the first time in 43 years. We need his sneaker recs.

🎃 Please don’t eat your carved pumpkin after Halloween. Instead, compost it or toss it out for wildlife on Nov 1.

🎤 Karen Read is going from true crime headline to true crime host. The Massachusetts woman acquitted of murdering her boyfriend is teaming up with her defense attorney for a weekly podcast.

🍿 The Dune popcorn bucket that broke the internet is back for the third film, and AMC somehow made a version for couples. We refuse to believe anyone in that design meeting didn't know what they were doing.

Skimm This

And the winning skimm is…

“Me and my seasonal depression pulling up to the fall functions”

A sloth costume from Chicago's Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade

Congratulations to our winner Ria C. from Williamsport, PA, who took 46% of this week's vote. May you get only full-size candy bars this weekend.

On Our Calendar

Friday, October 30

🍬 National Candy Corn Day

If eating the stuff isn’t your thing, there are several other ways to use them. Number two on this list blew our mind.

📺 Daytime Emmy Awards

If you ever watched General Hospital on a sick day, it’s time to clap for Genie Francis, who’s getting a Lifetime Achievement Award. (You won’t believe how long she’s been on the show.) Meanwhile, Daytime Queens™ Kelly Clarkson and Drew Barrymore are up for best talk show. Stream it here at 8 pm ET.

Saturday, October 31

🎃 Halloween

Enjoy the day (and night), whether you’re staying in with a scary movie, raiding your kids’ candy stash, or just waiting to see what Heidi Klum comes up with.

Sunday, November 1

⏰ Daylight saving time ends

Clocks fall back an hour at 2 am, which means one extra hour of sleep and much darker evenings going forward. Someone tell the pets.

🍿 The Gilded Age S4 premieres

Our favorite 19th century New Yorkers are back. This time, the Russell marriage is officially on the rocks, Peggy is standing up for her career (and to her mother-in-law), and the Van Rhijns are hosting one very prestigious guest. The ball begins at 9 pm ET on HBO.

📚 National Author’s Day

Cheers to our favorite writers today — and every day. Celebrate with one of the books our editors can’t stop talking about.

Psst... See what else is happening this week so you never miss a moment.

✴︎

In Our Rotation

Gap is taking 50% off your purchase until November 2. This funnel-neck jersey top is a more interesting alternative to your usual long-sleeve tee.

This classic sneaker is woefully underrated.

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

Know It All

America is full of creepy spots, but one city (no, not Salem) has officially been ranked as the spookiest city in the US:

A. New Orleans, Louisiana

B. Cordele, Georgia

C. Virginia City, Nevada

Love solitaire? Then you'll be obsessed with Pile-Up Poker. Climb the leaderboard.

Spotlight on

🥳 Some Birthdays

Lauren Murray (CA), Kim Rightsell (CO), Rachel Gonzalez Greene (FL), Anuradha Parameswaran (NJ), AnnMarie Murtaugh (TX), Nora Delay (Indonesia), Emily Yosten (AL), Carly Cahoon (UT), Charlotte Prokopec (Toronto), Kara Hamilton (KY), Alexis King (AL), Shannon O’Brien (NC), Lisa Zarate (KS), Natalie Hrabrick (IN), and Sally Walker Davies (TN)

Asking for a Friend

woman smiling (actual patient compensated by GSK)

Q: What made you consider additional treatment options?

The brutal truth? Just one lupus flare can lead to inflammation and may cause organ damage.

Stephanie: “I was so focused on the day-to-day management of my lupus, until my rheumatologist helped me understand that adding a medication like BENLYSTA can help reduce disease activity^† and prevent flares.^‡ This made me rethink my disease management plan.”

If you’re diagnosed with lupus, taking medication, and still experiencing flares, ask your doctor about adding BENLYSTA — a medicine that can help prevent flares. Visit BENLYSTA.com to learn more.

Get More Info

^†In clinical studies, when added to common lupus medications, BENLYSTA reduced disease activity when compared to those medications alone.

^‡BENLYSTA reduced severe lupus flares.

Stephanie A., 38, is a real BENLYSTA patient compensated by GSK. She has been living with lupus for 15 years and takes BENLYSTA to help manage the disease. Her response has been edited for length and clarity.

What is BENLYSTA? BENLYSTA is a prescription medicine used to treat people 5 years of age and older with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) or active lupus nephritis (LN) (lupus-related kidney inflammation) who are receiving other lupus medicines. It is not known if BENLYSTA is safe/effective in people with severe active central nervous system lupus. It is not known if BENLYSTA is safe/effective in children < 5 years of age or in children weighing < 33 lbs when given under the skin.

Important Safety Information
Do not use if allergic to any ingredients in BENLYSTA, or have had previous Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) as a reaction to belimumab.

The most important information about BENLYSTA
Immunosuppressive agents, including BENLYSTA, can cause serious side effects. Some of these may cause death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

Infections: fever, chills, pain or burning with urination, urinating often, coughing up mucus, or warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body. Infections could be serious, leading to hospitalization or death.
Allergic (hypersensitivity) reactions: itching, swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat, trouble breathing, anxiousness, low blood pressure, dizziness or fainting, headache, nausea, or skin rash. Serious allergic reactions can happen the day of, or in days after, receiving BENLYSTA and may cause death.
Severe skin reactions: painful rash, with reddish non-elevated, target-like or circular patches on the trunk often with central blisters, widespread skin peeling or blistering, ulcers often appearing in the eyes, nose, mouth, throat, and genitals. Severe skin reactions, including SJS/TEN, can occur with BENLYSTA, which may sometimes begin with fever and flu-like symptoms. Stop using BENLYSTA right away and tell your healthcare provider if you develop any of the signs and/or symptoms of severe skin reactions.
Mental health problems and suicide: thoughts of suicide or dying, attempt to commit suicide, trouble sleeping (insomnia), new or worse anxiety or depression, acting on dangerous impulses, other unusual changes in your behavior or mood, or thoughts of hurting yourself or others can occur.

Before receiving BENLYSTA, discuss with your healthcare provider if you:

think you have an infection or have infections that keep coming back. Do not use BENLYSTA if you have an infection unless your healthcare provider tells you to.
have or have had mental health problems such as depression or thoughts of suicide.
have recently received or may need a vaccination. If you are receiving BENLYSTA, you should not receive live vaccines.
are taking any medicines, including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
are allergic to other medicines.
are receiving other biologic medicines.
have or have had any type of cancer.
have any other medical conditions.
are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is unknown if BENLYSTA will harm your unborn baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about whether to prevent pregnancy while on BENLYSTA. If you choose to prevent pregnancy, you should use an effective method of birth control for at least 4 months after the final dose of BENLYSTA.
become pregnant while receiving BENLYSTA, talk to your healthcare provider about enrolling in the BENLYSTA Pregnancy Registry. You can enroll in this registry by calling 1-877-311-8972 or go to https://mothertobaby.org/ongoing-study/benlysta-belimumab/.
are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is unknown if BENLYSTA passes into your breast milk.

Possible side effects of BENLYSTA

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). PML is a serious and life-threatening brain infection. PML can result in death or severe disability. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you notice any new or worsening medical problems: memory loss, trouble thinking, dizziness or loss of balance, difficulty talking or walking, or loss of vision.
Cancer. Medicines that affect the immune system, including BENLYSTA, may increase your risk of certain cancers.

The most common side effects of BENLYSTA are nausea, diarrhea, fever, stuffy or runny nose and sore throat, persistent cough, trouble sleeping, leg or arm pain, depression, headache, and pain, redness, itching, or swelling at the site of injection (when given subcutaneously). These are not all the possible side effects of BENLYSTA. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Please see full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide at BENLYSTA.com

TOGETHER WITH

Quote of the Day

"Meanwhile it’s just her lip gloss in there rolling around"

October Surprise

What in the Alaska Is Happening

The News in 6

✴︎

In Our Rotation

Period Piece

The Key to a Woman’s Heart

Book Smart

Put the Humans Back in Humanities

TOGETHER WITH CLIMATE POWER

Fuel for Thought

Quick Hits

Skimm This

And the winning skimm is…

“Me and my seasonal depression pulling up to the fall functions”

On Our Calendar

Friday, October 30

🍬 National Candy Corn Day

📺 Daytime Emmy Awards

Saturday, October 31

🎃 Halloween

Sunday, November 1

⏰ Daylight saving time ends

🍿 The Gilded Age S4 premieres

📚 National Author’s Day

✴︎

In Our Rotation

Know It All

America is full of creepy spots, but one city (no, not Salem) has officially been ranked as the spookiest city in the US:

Spotlight on

🥳 Some Birthdays

Sponsored by GSK in partnership with BENLYSTA (belimumab)

Asking for a Friend

Q: What made you consider additional treatment options?

What does this mean for our horoscopes?