Costco, whyyyyyy?

But first: it's grow-your-wealth o'clock — Check out what we Skimm’d for you today August 9, 2024 [Subscribe]( [Read in browser]( [daily_skimm] But first: [it's grow-your-wealth o'clock]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [Update location]( or [View forecast]( Quote of the Day “I had to remind the people, I am who I am” — Olympian Raven Saunders on [their game day look](. We wouldn’t have it any other way. [Facebook]([Twitter]([Email](mailto:?body=This Olympian’s game day look left us speechless #theSkimm%0A3Ftype%3Demailurl%26r%3DSKIMM%26utm_source%3Demail%26utm_medium%3Ddsshare%23custom) What's Happening [Former President Donald Trump And VP Kamala Harris ] Politics Is the Election One Big Vibe Check? What's going on: When VP Kamala Harris announced Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN) as her running mate, the internet was hyped, declaring he had “peak Midwestern-dad vibes.” The New York Times called Walz “the [vibes pick]( for a vibes election.” But, what do “vibes” actually mean in a political context? Vibes have always been elusive (you don’t define them, you feel them), but, politically, they may be measured in excitement, ambiance, and “[auramaxxing](” at rallies. Essentially, it's a fresh way to gauge so-called likeability, a similarly slippery quality that politicians have been trying to chase and measure for, well, forever. For instance, in 2004, many credited George W. Bush’s win to a poll that found 57% of undecided voters would rather [drink a beer with Bush]( than his opponent. Similar [polls]( emerged during the 2016 presidential race — most said they'd rather have a brew with former President Trump over Hillary Clinton, though voters were split on who they'd invite into their home for dinner. What it means: Both parties have tried to capitalize on the squishy notion of vibes during this election — whether they were making brat memes or hiring Kid Rock to play their convention. There's also been a stark change in “vibes” (and enthusiasm) since Harris replaced President Biden on the ticket. But are vibes enough? And should they be? Many scholars have criticized the likeability question as being influenced by a society that tends to judge people based on race, [sex](, and religion. Plus, behind every politician with a big personality is a list of their policies, which, um, are worth checking out too. Independent voters, in particular, have grappled with whether to vote based on [policy vs. personality]( in recent elections. We'll see what kind of vibes Trump and Harris bring to [their debate]( next month. Related: [Trump Took a Private Jet Ride With This Project 2025 Leader]( (WaPo Gift Link) Money Mortgage Rates Drop to Lowest Level in Over a Year What's going on: It’s been hard out there for prospective homebuyers, but things are starting to look up — as mortgage rates go down. There was a [sharp drop in the average rate]( on the standard 30-year fixed mortgage, which is the most common house loan in the US. The rate averaged 6.47% this week, a steep decline from last week’s 6.73% and the lowest it’s been since May 2023. Economists attribute this drop to [turbulence in the global financial markets](, which caused major financial indexes to plunge earlier in the week — TGIF, right? This market instability has increased the likelihood that the Federal Reserve [will cut interest rates]( next month, potentially setting off a domino effect that benefits homebuyers and sellers. What it means: The decline in mortgage rates could make it easier for first-time homebuyers to enter the market and allow current homeowners to refinance. While economists are optimistic that borrowing costs could drop even further this year, it’s important to note that these rate reductions aren’t a magic solution for making homeownership accessible for all. For many, the prospect of actually [buying a home remains out of reach](, despite the positive trend. Related: [Is This $80K Tiny Home Worth It? (It Does Have A Deck)]( (People) Sports Basketball Stars Bond Over More Than Going for Gold What's going on: The female athletes have been shining at the Paris Olympics — particularly the moms putting in overtime. Case in point: [Team USA’s women’s basketball team](. WNBA stars have taken their talents to the Games as they eye their eighth consecutive gold medal, and some brought their kids along to experience the magic of the Olympics. It inspired USA Basketball to host the [Paris Toddler Olympics]( — where everyone got a gold medal. The women’s team hopes to host a birthday party for power forward Breanna Stewart’s daughter ahead of their semifinal match-up against Australia today. What it means: Child care has long been an issue (and still is) in the US for working parents. One report found that parents in some states and the District of Columbia [pay at least double]( in child care costs for two children compared to what they pay for rent. The issue has been central to salary negotiations in the WNBA, which has [improved its policies]( for working moms to include a child care stipend and better maternity leave. At this year’s Olympic Games, mothers are [finally getting the recognition]( they deserve, including the Egyptian fencer who competed while seven months pregnant and gold medal-winning New Zealand rowers. As Sabrina Ionescu put it, “You can’t really put into words like how strong these women are.” Related: [Here Are the Olympic Bromances You Need to Know About]( (theSkimm’s Well Played) Quick Hits 😨 Authorities shared [new details]( about the failed Taylor Swift concert terror plot. Meanwhile, fans await [updates on her London shows](. --------------------------------------------------------------- 🤸 Simone Biles and some members of Team USA are [going on tour]( this fall. And yes, Mr. Pommel Horse will be there. --------------------------------------------------------------- 🚨 Costco is [cracking down on membership sharing](. Run, don’t walk, to get that rotisserie chicken. --------------------------------------------------------------- 🥸 Fans think there may be [off-screen drama]( among the cast of Blake Lively's new movie. And we thought nothing could top the chaos of the Don't Worry Darling press tour… --------------------------------------------------------------- 💍 The internet thinks [this strategic emoji placement]( means Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco are engaged. You be the judge. --------------------------------------------------------------- 🕺 The sport we’ve all been waiting for is finally [breaking]( at the Olympics. Medal Counts [first place]   USA 🇺🇸 🥇 Gold: 30 🥈 Silver: 38 🥉 Bronze: 35 [silver medal 2nd place]   China 🇨🇳 🥇 Gold: 29 🥈 Silver: 25 🥉 Bronze: 19 [bronze medal 3rd place]   France 🇫🇷 🥇 Gold: 14 🥈 Silver: 19 🥉 Bronze: 21 Skimm Picks Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life… Here are [all the sales worth shopping this week](, including [the towels]( that put luxury hotel ones to shame (and [a robe to match](). --------------------------------------------------------------- When you're trying to get out the door in 15 minutes or less, [these are the only makeup products you need]( to have on hand. --------------------------------------------------------------- Until August 12, get 20% off customized items and 25% off everything else at [Baublebar](. We're picking up one of these [trendy bubble initial necklaces](. --------------------------------------------------------------- The Olympics may be ending on Sunday, but we're still into the sporty aesthetic. We're channeling Team USA in this [rugby polo](, [retro sweats](, and [bodysuit]( that makes us feel like [one of the Golden Girls](. Psst…love our recs? Follow [@skimmshopping]( on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag). Settle This [iPhone lock screen] Many of us have experienced [technology fatigue]( and have tried to rely on our smart devices a little less. Some say it might be worth ditching smartphones altogether. Would you try it? [I’m flipping it back to my Motorola Razr era]( [You’ll have to pry it from my hands]( Extra Credit [Breakdancing Olympics] Cheer Just one entirely new sport is being introduced at the Paris Games — and it's breakdancing (aka, “breaking”). Here’s a look at the [top breakers competing]( and how they will be judged. Tune in today at 10 am ET to watch the B-girls battle it out live. For more recs... Check out the Daily Skimm Weekend newsletter, in your inbox every Saturday and Sunday. We'll help you spend your leisure time well. Game Time [Pile-Up Poker cards animation]( Kick your weekend off with [Pile-Up Poker](, a brand-new game where poker meets solitaire. Create as many poker hands as possible to earn cash and climb the leaderboard. [We’re all in](. Meet Us On The Leaderboard [Flipart]( | [Spelltower]( | [Crossword]( | [Typeshift]( | [Pile-Up Poker]( Stay ahead with the Skimm Well newsletter, where expert advice and tools help you confidently manage your health. [Subscribe now]( Spotlight on 🥳 Some Birthdays Jack Harrison Bayer (NY), theSkimm's Mary Murcko (CO), Dana Stern (NY), theSkimm's Sarai Thompson (NY), Gennifer Greebel (NY), theSkimm's Alexander Mutammara (NY), Jen Penningroth (CO), Andrea Roberts (NY), Hoda Kotb (NY), Jeremy Goldberg (NY), Joey Dibuonno (IL), Betsy Morgan (NY), Bridget Smith (NY), Morgan McDougald (SC), Amy Goettle (TX) Skimm'd by: Rashaan Ayesh, Chantal Vaca, Molly Longman, and Marina Carver. Fact-checked by Sara Tardiff. --------------------------------------------------------------- Photos by Andrew Harnik, Stephen Maturen, Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto, and Julien M. Hekimian via Getty Images, Brand Partners Design by theSkimm --------------------------------------------------------------- *PS: This is a sponsored post. Want to wake up with us every morning? [Subscribe to all theSkimm has to offer](. --------------------------------------------------------------- [Instagram Icon]( [Tik Tok Icon]( [Linkedin Logo]( [Twitter icon]( [Facebook icon]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Skimm'd something we missed? skimmthis@theSkimm.com Issues? [help@theSkimm.com](mailto:help@theskimm.com) [Advertise with us]( | [Careers]( [See our full sponsor agreement]( | [Update Your Preferences]( or [Unsubscribe]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright (c) 2024 theSkimm, All rights reserved. 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