Good morning.
I haven’t fully recovered from the rigorous process of making the turkey for my Friendsgiving dinner this past weekend. It’s not just about following this dry brine recipe — my husband and I spatchcock the bird and drape it in a cheesecloth that’s soaked in multiple rounds of melted butter. It’s a hit. But next year, I might just bring the one dish that chefs say you don’t have to make from scratch. If you’re planning ahead this holiday season, here’s how to properly store what’s arguably the most important staple to keep it fresh — it could even save you some money. And if you’re hosting (bless you), check out these six tips to help dial down the stress. Also here to make your life easier: Weekend Non-Negotiables, our new Friday afternoon newsletter. It breaks down everything worth watching and doing. Now, let’s get to the news…
— Maria Corpus / Editor / Madison, WI
What's Happening
US News
Could Your Trip to the Grocery Store Get Cheaper?
What's going on: It’s no secret that your morning essentials have gotten pricier. The cost of beef, tomatoes, bananas, and coffee has gone up nearly 20% over the past year — thanks in part to the Trump administration’s tariffs. Now, after Republicans lost big in recent elections, the admin’s trying to reverse course. On Friday, President Donald Trump announced he lifted tariffs on some of these key goods. The White House said the exemptions are possible because it’s made headway with trade negotiations — not because there’s an affordability crisis (though our wallets would beg to differ). However, some analysts told The New York Times that this move effectively confirms that tariffs did push prices up.
What it means: Experts have mixed feelings on whether the tariff rollbacks will actually lower prices. Some analysts say that since inflation “remains elevated,” the changes may not meaningfully affect your grocery bill (which, if you’re anything like us, has been the stuff of nightmares recently). It’s also worth noting that most prices are dictated by market forces far beyond the president’s control, including but not limited to the weather, supply and demand, and whatever the TikTok moms are recommending. As one analyst told CNN: Products “generally get more expensive over time,” anyway. So, maybe think twice before celebrating this news by buying yourself yet another little treat at the store.
Related: Just in Time for Thanksgiving, the FAA Gave Flyers Something To Be Grateful For (AP)
Health
This Infant Formula Recall Is Getting Worse
What's going on: As if having a newborn isn’t stressful enough, a formula recall is adding a whole new layer of anxiety for parents. Federal health officials say nearly two dozen babies — ranging from two weeks through six months old — have been hospitalized in 13 states with “confirmed or suspected” infantile botulism after consuming ByHeart formula. No deaths have been reported. The company recalled all of its products earlier this month “in close collaboration” with the FDA. ByHeart advised families to throw out the formula and seek urgent medical care if a child shows symptoms of botulism, which can take up to 30 days to develop. One mom whose baby was hospitalized said, “It’s been so much worry. I’m supposed to be cherishing these moments, and I was robbed of that.”
What it means: ByHeart produces only about 1% of US formula — roughly 200,000 cans each month — so experts don’t expect nationwide shortages. Still, if parents can’t trust the formula they feed their babies, what can they trust? For many families, the news brings back troubling memories (see Abbott Nutrition’s recalls in 2021 and 2022) and shines a renewed spotlight on an industry that analysts say needs more oversight. The company maintains its formula never tested positive for any illness-causing bacteria, but inspectors previously documented issues at one plant, including a leaking roof and dead bugs. Federal officials have promised to change the American food supply, including infant formula, but in the meantime… parents are left waiting.
Related: Is the EPA Withholding Information About Chemicals in Drinking Water? (KTLA)
Tech
Guess Who's Back, Back Again
What’s going on: A new scroll spot is coming, and it might look familiar. Vine is making a comeback. Back in 2017, the short-form video app shut down and users’ six-second videos disappeared into the fraught digital wormhole of the internet. Now, the same person who unplugged it wants to revive it. Yes, Jack Dorsey — former Vine boss and ex-Twitter CEO — plans to launch a reboot called diVine. The app will resurface 10,000 archived Vine videos (including gems like “roadwork ahead?”), and it promises a firm stance against AI-generated content, with filters designed to keep them off the app.
What it means: Millennials reacted in two ways: joy… and sheer terror at the thought of their chaotic college and high school clips resurfacing. (Luckily, you can request to have old videos taken down on the new app.) The Vine revival comes as more people rebel against the AI slop proliferating across the internet. As one journalist put it: “I hate that AI has now caused me to question the authenticity of cute animal videos online.” Here's hoping diVine brings back some of the creativity and brevity that brought us “and they were roommates.”
Related: One of the Most Divisive Trends of the 2000s Is Back — Sorry, Introverts (Business Insider)
On Our Calendar
A few things to jot down today…
🗓️ Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meets with President Emmanuel Macron in France.
🗓️ The Dallas Cowboys and Las Vegas Raiders are facing off. May your fantasy team survive.
🗓️ National Unfriend Day is giving us an excuse to cut people out.
Psst…For more dates worth knowing this week, check out the Skimm+ calendar.
The Best Gifts for Kids
There’s nothing like the look on a kid’s face when they unwrap a present they really, really love. Check out:
…and more gifts that’ll officially make you the Cool Aunt
*PS: Whether they’re eyeing the latest AirPods or craving a new binge-worthy show, Apple Gift Card takes the guesswork out of gifting.
Game Time
Wake your brain up this Monday with a game of Flipart. Just rotate the pieces to fit within the frame and get ready to feel the rush when they all fall into place. Get into it.
Live Smarter
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