Daily Skimm: Mosaic ceilings, painted tiles on the wall

“1,000”

— The number of cookies researchers at MIT tested to find the perfect way to eat an Oreo. Such smart cookies.

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Meat of the Matter

The Story

Happy Friday. Let's talk about UTIs.

I’m burning to know.

Yesterday, a new study found that more than half a million urinary tract infections in the US may be linked to bacteria from meat. Before you go digging in your fridge, let us explain. For years, research has shown a link between E. coli and UTIs. The bacteria causes 6 to 8 million UTIs in the US every year. And as luck would have it, women are 30 times more likely to get them (thanks, shorter urethras). Now, this new study estimates that E. coli bacteria from meat could be behind as many as 640,000 UTI cases.

Come again?

We'll spare you the meataphor, err, metaphor. Once someone eats contaminated meat, the E. coli bacteria can move from the gut to the butt. Because of the close real estate, the bacteria can easily enter the urinary tract and turn into a UTI. Researchers took nearly 2,000 samples from a range of meats, including turkey, pork, and chicken. They also looked at about 1,200 blood and urine samples from people hospitalized with UTIs to form their conclusion.

Should I throw out my turkey burgers?

Not really. With the data, researchers estimate that up to 8% of E. coli UTIs may come from meat — that's out of the millions of UTI cases. Still, the study's authors say meat could be better monitored for bacteria so that it doesn't enter the food supply. In the meantime, researchers recommend people follow proper hygiene when cooking at home — like washing your hands when preparing raw meat or using a separate surface to cook raw foods.

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UTIs are an unfortunate part of being a woman (add it to the list of period cramps, hormonal acne, and the pink tax). Now, this new data could push for stricter food regulations and, perhaps, keep Americans from having to make last-minute cranberry pill runs.

Related Stories

The (Alleged) Indictment

Nearly a week after former President Trump claimed he’d be arrested and called for protests, many are asking, ‘Is he? Or isn’t he?’ Here’s the latest on the Manhattan DA’s investigation into his alleged role in the $130,000 hush money payment to Stormy Daniels:

The probes…In a letter to Republican lawmakers, the Manhattan DA’s office said Trump pushed a “false expectation that he would be arrested.” The office also accused lawmakers of starting an “unprecedented inquiry into a pending local prosecution.” It comes after Republicans called on the DA to hand over testimony as they plan their own probe on the DA’s investigation.

The jury…Meets on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, but jurors were unexpectedly given the day off on Wednesday. It’s not clear why the jury meeting was postponed. Yesterday, they reportedly reviewed evidence for another case — one not related to the hush money payment. The jury could come to a decision next week.

Protests…The Department of Homeland Security says it will continue to monitor online activity for extremists. It also said there are clear lines of communication between the NYPD and Capitol Police.

And Also...This

What has a status update…

Utah. Yesterday, Gov. Spencer Cox (R) signed a bill into law that'll require parents to consent to their kids' social media use — becoming the first state in the country to pass such legislation. Social media companies will be required to verify the age of Utah residents using their platforms, and they'll be banned from showing ads to minors or collecting their info. Kids also won't be able to access their accounts after 10:30 pm. Supporters say the changes are to help address the growing mental health crisis among children. But critics say these new measures raise privacy and free speech issues. It's unclear how the state will enforce the new requirements, but platforms will have about a year to comply with the state's changes.

...Oh and speaking of social media, US lawmakers grilled TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew on the Chinese government's influence over the app amid rising national security concerns. Chew denied that the app shares its data or has any connection to the Chinese government.

Where there are now restrictions on LGBTQIA+ athletes...

World Athletics. Yesterday, the global governing body on track and field voted to ban transgender women from competing in women’s events. The organization said there are currently no transgender athletes competing internationally. But starting at the end of the month, it’s banning any athlete who has gone through male puberty from competing in female events. World Athletics also set a limit on testosterone levels for athletes with differences in sex development (DSD), like Caster Semenya and Christine Mboma. The organization’s president said the changes are in order “to protect the female category” and that the policy could be reconsidered in the future. Critics have called similar bans discriminatory.

What has people's attention…

An autism report. Yesterday, a CDC study revealed that Black and Hispanic children are being diagnosed with autism at higher rates than white children. The study says nearly 3% of Black, Hispanic, and Asian or Pacific Islander children have autism compared to about 2% of white children. Experts say the changing stats are because of better access to screenings and more awareness about autism. However, a separate study from earlier this year found that Black and Hispanic kids had less access to autism services.

Who took “Undercover Boss” literally…

Starbucks’s new CEO.

What might have us straining our necks…

Northern Lights in the US.

Who’s spilling the tea on her royal romance…

Queen Charlotte.

While We’re on the Subject...

Curious about today’s subject line? (Mosaic ceilings, painted tiles on the wall) We saved you a Google. It’s a…

A: Lyric from Fall Out Boy’s newest album, “So Much (For) Stardust”

B: Scene from “John Wick: Chapter 4,” out today

C: Lyric from Lana Del Rey’s newest album, “Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd”

Scroll for answer. Click here to submit a subject line.

MERCH MADNESS

Together with

If you also believe that March = time for filling out brackets, we have news. We teamed up with Under Armour to create a Merch Madness tournament. It’s just like the other one…except we’re putting products head to head. Like the structure-free SmartForm Evo bra versus the ultra-cushioned HOVR Sonic 6 running shoe, and the four-way stretch Project Rock leggings versus the light, bouncy Curry basketball shoe.

Meet all the “players,” aka merch, then head to our IG Story to vote for your faves. And check in next week to keep voting until a champion is crowned. It’s tip off time.

Skimm Life

Wondering what some of our favorite Amazon finds are? We’ve got you. Check out the bestselling products Skimm’rs can’t get enough of:

Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…

1. A hydrating serum that’ll leave your skin feeling silky-smooth. This woman-founded brand’s pre-moisturizer serum is packed with hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 for a quick skin-quench. It’s paraben-free, fragrance-free, and 20% off starting today. Get (sk)into it.*

2. Gorgeous items for your space that’ll transport you to Portugal. My Portuguese Market features everything from handwoven blankets, bags and cloth napkins to one-of-a-kind teas, EVOO, stationery, and home fragrances. All crafted by Portuguese artisans, BTW. Psst…Skimm’rs get 10% off with code SKIMM10.*

3. Dog food so good, your pup will forget to beg at the table. Kickstart your furry friend’s spring season with this human-grade kibble alternative. It’s made with real meats and veggies, and it ships right to your door. Psst...here’s 60% off your first box.*

4. The best sales to shop this week. We’ve found everything from a gift card promotion at Chewy to a sitewide sale at Madewell. Run, don't walk.

Psst...looking for more discounts on brands Skimm'rs love? Check out all of our exclusive promo codes here.

Skimm'rs

We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.

Weight for it…Nira S (MA). The mother of five recently found her strength and power postpartum by doing CrossFit — and started an account to help others get stronger, too. Ready, set, lift.

(Some) Birthdays…Karyn Beckley (WA), Harrison Bergman (FL), Gloria Ramirez (WI), Charlie Brown (NY), Sandy Sweitzer (NC), Satara Dickey (PA), Laurel McKinney (GA), Kelly Dutcher (MI), Leslee Mahoney (MN), Barbara Israel (IL), Emily Akil (OH), Sarah Patenaude (MA), Monica Bahamon (FL), Terry Miller (NY)

PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.

Answer: C. Today’s subject line (Mosaic ceilings, painted tiles on the wall) is from Lana Del Rey’s album, “Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd.” Yes, the same album she promoted with a single billboard…in her ex’s town. While that fallout plays out, “So Much (For) Stardust” has us reliving our angsty teens with Fall Out Boy. If that's not thrilling enough, there's still a bounty on everyone’s favorite good bad guy John Wick (aka Keanu Reeves) in the latest sequel. Hopefully, all dogs are safe.