“Whimsigoth” is serving fall all year

But first: the most popular products of the year (so far) — Check out what we Skimm’d for you today September 23, 2024 [Subscribe]( [Read in browser]( [daily_skimm] But first: [the most popular products of the year (so far)]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [Update location]( or [View forecast]( Good morning. With fall officially underway, I’m ready to add all [the season’s must-see movies]( to the queue. Though, I’m not quite ready to pull out my big scarf — [sorry, Lenny Kravitz](. Another thing you won’t see me doing: trying to snap the perfect fall pic (like these influencers who [overrun a small town]( every year). But I will be making plans to try and spot [earth’s new “mini-moon.”]( Now, let’s get to the news… — Maria Corpus / Editor / Madison, WI What's Happening [Explosions in southern Lebanon] International Israel and Hezbollah Step Up Attacks As World Leaders Call for Calm What's going on: Israel said it [struck 150 Hezbollah targets]( in Lebanon this morning and advised civilians to evacuate from areas where the Iranian-backed militant group stores weapons. It comes after Hezbollah [launched over 100 rockets]( into northern Israel over the weekend, marking the farthest the armed group has fired missiles into the country. The Israeli military said its air defenses blocked most of the rockets, though one town was struck. No casualties were reported. Hezbollah’s attack came in response to an Israeli airstrike on the Lebanese capital city of Beirut on Friday. The strikes killed [at least 45 people](, including women, children, and a top Hezbollah leader, according to Lebanese officials. Yesterday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Israel would take “whatever action is necessary” to fight Hezbollah. That’s as the militant group said the conflict against Israel entered a “new stage,” but reiterated that it would stop the fighting once the Israel-Hamas war ends. What it means: This past weekend marks the most significant escalation in the fighting between Hezbollah and Israel since the two began exchanging fire nearly a year ago. [The New York Times]( reports the intensifying conflict is fueling fears that Israel may be shifting its focus away from Hamas in Gaza. Many world leaders, including the US, have hoped to avoid an escalation between Israel and Hezbollah, amid growing concerns that the Middle East could be plunged into complete chaos. The [White House]( said a regional escalation would not be in Israel’s “best interest” and is pushing for a diplomatic solution that would see Hezbollah move several miles away from the Lebanon-Israel border. The [European Union]( called for an “urgent” cease-fire and expressed extreme concern over the weekend’s escalation. Related: [Israeli Media Reports Netanyahu Is Considering a Plan To Remove Palestinians From Northern Gaza]( (Reuters) Politics North Carolina's Gubernatorial Race Is in the National Spotlight What's going on: The race for governor in North Carolina is under the microscope, following a bombshell report about the Republican nominee and current Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson. Last week, CNN revealed [lewd comments]( Robinson allegedly made on a porn website’s message board a decade ago — predating his tenure in politics. CNN said Robinson referred to himself as a “Black Nazi” and described Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf as a “good read.” Robinson, whose [previous comments have made headlines](, called CNN’s report “salacious tabloid lies.” There have been growing calls for Robinson — who [trails his opponent]( in some polls — to drop out of the race, even though the withdrawal deadline has passed and early voting ballots have been mailed out. The fallout continued yesterday, with several of Robinson’s senior staffers [quitting the campaign]( less than two months before Election Day. What it means: How this scandal plays out could have broader implications for the Republican Party. VP Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are focused on key swing states like North Carolina, which hasn’t voted Democratic in a presidential race since 2008. Trump, who endorsed Robinson’s gubernatorial run, [appeared to distance himself]( from the lieutenant governor at a recent campaign event in Wilmington, NC. Meanwhile, the Harris campaign is seizing the opportunity by running attack ads that link Trump to Robinson. It’s unclear whether the scandal will affect GOP voters, some of whom have dismissed the reports about Robinson as false or shrugged them off entirely. The allegations have made North Carolina a case study showing that the threshold for scandals to affect voters’ seems to be rising, according to [The Washington Post](. Related: [78-Year-Old Trump Is Already Talking About His 2028 Plans]( (The Hill) Climate 2024 Is Poised to Be the Hottest Year Ever — And Many Aren’t Ready What's going on: As fall kicks off, the heat hasn’t even started taking a break in many parts of the US. Summer 2024 wrapped up as [the hottest on record](. Arizona, California, Florida, Maine, and New Hampshire sweated through their warmest summers ever. Phoenix didn’t just break records — it shattered them, experiencing an intense 113 consecutive days over 100°F and a blistering 61 days above 110°F. No chill. Meanwhile, scientists are “pretty certain” 2024 will go down as the [hottest year humanity has recorded](. More heat means more moisture in the air, which can lead to bigger storms, stronger hurricanes, and heavier rainfall. What it means: While the planet bakes, many Americans aren’t ready for the fallout. Over a quarter of homeowners are [financially unprepared]( for weather-related damage costs, according to a Bankrate survey. For some, the unbearable heat and worsening storms are prompting thousands of [Americans to pack up and head to the Midwest](, seeking cooler climates and safer conditions. Schools are also feeling the heat, with students struggling to learn in overheated classrooms and [class cancellations becoming more common]( in states like Oregon. Without significant emissions cuts, extreme weather is expected to worsen. Experts are [calling for heat action plans]( and better infrastructure to withstand these conditions. That includes legislation that [protects outdoor workers](, prepares for floods, and upgrades buildings to withstand extreme weather. Related: [It Might Be the Second Day of Fall, but Here’s When To Expect Your City’s First Freeze]( (Axios) Quick Hits 🃏 [The reason Cards Against Humanity]( is going after Elon Musk. No, this isn't a new card prompt. --------------------------------------------------------------- 👃 Flu shots just got cozier — the FDA approved at-home [nasal spray vaccines](. --------------------------------------------------------------- 😬 Janet Jackson is not apologizing for her [controversial comments about VP Kamala Harris](. --------------------------------------------------------------- 🔮 Meet “[whimsigoth](,” the interior design trend that looks like Halloween and cottagecore had a baby. --------------------------------------------------------------- 👀 Tia Mowry is getting [honest about her relationship with her twin](. Not exactly a picture-perfect 'Sister, Sister' reunion. Skimm Picks Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life… Losing weight is hard. [This app]( combines the power of behavioral psychology, technology, and human coaching to make it…a little less hard. [Take this quiz to get started](.* --------------------------------------------------------------- If you’re looking for [pants stylish enough to wear to the office](, but comfortable enough for lounging on the couch, try [these versatile trousers](. Minimal effort, maximum style. Trust us.* --------------------------------------------------------------- Must-see new show alert: Zachary Quinto stars as revolutionary neurologist Dr. Wolf in NBC’s [Brilliant Minds](, premiering September 23 at 10/9c (aka tonight) [on NBC]( and streaming on Peacock.* --------------------------------------------------------------- [Nicole Kidman’s best-selling serum]( smooths fine lines and wrinkles using a breakthrough delivery system and natural plant extracts, while hydrating skin for the ultimate glow. PS: [Skimm’rs get 25% off](.* 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 [Smiling people taking a selfie.] This is [the most fun state in the US]( according to a new study...but not everyone agrees. Which do you think it is? [A. Florida]( [B. California]( [C. Nevada]( [D. New York]( Extra Credit [Haloumi tacos] Eat As far as we’re concerned, every food can and should be a vehicle for consuming large quantities of cheese — which is why [Dishing Out Health’s Halloumi Tacos]( are a no-brainer. Stuffed with chunks of salty halloumi cheese, zesty corn salad, and a creamy cilantro sauce, every bite is bursting with bright, bold flavor. And while these tacos are ideal for end-of-season corn, they’re also so easy that we wouldn’t be surprised if they joined your weeknight dinner rotation year-round. 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 [Flipart puzzmo game]( 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](. Meet Us On The Leaderboard [Flipart]( | [Spelltower]( | [Crossword]( | [Typeshift]( This is worth your money [Product Image]( Dame Pillo [$95.00 at Amazon]( Stay ahead with the Skimm Well newsletter, where expert advice and tools help you confidently manage your health. [Subscribe now]( Skimm'd by: Rashaan Ayesh, Mallory Simon, Chantal Vaca, Maria del Carmen Corpus, and Marina Carver. Fact-checked by Sara Tardiff. --------------------------------------------------------------- Photos by Kawnat Haju/AFP and RyanJLane via Getty Images, Dishing Out Health, Brand Partners, and Dishing Out Health Design by theSkimm --------------------------------------------------------------- *PS: This is a sponsored post. Want to wake up with us every morning? 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