Every beautiful thought's been already sung

“Give that girl a nice little Birkin bag”

— Drake while handing out goodies at his concert. He dropped a bag on a bag.

Top Story

Check

The Story

World chess has banned transgender women from competing.

Excuse me?

In a sport where the heaviest lifting a player does is moving pawns around, chess’s top governing body (FIDE) said it needs two years to make a final decision on whether trans women may compete with other women. Or, as the FIDE put it, “further policy may need to be evolved in the future in line with research evidence.” In the meantime, the FIDE says trans women have “no right” to compete in women's tournaments. The federation also plans to strip away women’s titles from players who’ve transitioned from female to male…but not the other way around.

Why?

Guess. One professor said the updates suggest “that males are somehow strategically better.” In case you missed it, there’s been no recent research that proves men are smarter than women. Yosha Iglesias, a FIDE chess master and trans woman, said the regulations make it sound as if trans players are “the biggest threat” to women in chess. The new policies go into effect next week.

theSkimm

Women make up less than 15% of chess players in the US. Now, the game’s leaders are making the barrier to entry to the sport higher and implying trans women have some sort of mental advantage over the other women players. Check yourselves, mate.

Related Stories

And Also...This

Who’s leaving their post…

The head of the Maui Emergency Management Agency. Yesterday, MEMA Administrator Herman Andaya resigned amid mounting backlash over the agency's slow response to the Maui wildfires. Critics have called out the department for not sounding the alarms. When asked earlier this week if he regrets not sounding the sirens, Andaya said “I do not.” Andaya said it's because the sirens are generally used to warn the public about tsunamis. He added that he was worried people would head to higher ground and the mountains — where the fires were ablaze. Now, Maui county officials said Andaya is resigning due to health reasons and are looking for an immediate replacement. The fires have killed 111 people, and the death toll is still expected to rise. The cause is still under investigation.

…Oh and speaking of natural disasters, Hurricane Hilary could turn into a Category 4 storm as soon as today and bring 120 mph winds and up to 10 inches of rain in some areas. The worst of its impacts could hit California by Monday.

Who got kicked to the curb...

Vlatko Andonovski. Yesterday, the US Soccer Federation announced an interim replacement for the former head coach of the US Women’s National Soccer Team. Andonovski’s resignation surprised exactly no one, considering the team’s earliest-ever World Cup exit this month. Now, Andonovski said “it’s been the honor of my life to coach” the team. His temporary replacement will be Twila Kilgore, Andonovski's former assistant and the first American-born woman to earn a pro coaching license for soccer.

Why you can't get the mojo dojo casa house...

High mortgage rates. Yesterday, Freddie Mac announced rates hit 7.09% this week, the highest since April 2002. Those hoping to refinance a mortgage one day or buy a house: good luck out there.

Status Check: Women and Money

theSkimm’s 2023 State of Women report confirmed what many of us already knew: Women are beyond stressed, and they no longer expect anyone to help them — not their partners, not their representatives, not their employers. Instead, many are prioritizing their own needs because no one else will.

To get a better sense of what this looks like in women’s lives, we asked Skimm readers to describe one thing they’ve done to improve their well-being in the last three years. You wrote to us about changing the way you work, parent, and organize your time. For many of you, though, the crucial step was putting yourselves first financially, whether that meant finally learning more about money or establishing financial independence, with or without a romantic partner.

Or, as many readers told us, sometimes you’re better off buying the house without him. (Click here to read more of your answers.)

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

1. Dog food so delicious, your pup will forget to beg at the table.

Refresh your furry friend’s diet with this human-grade kibble alternative. It’s made with real meats and veggies. And ships right to your door. PS: Skimm’rs get 60% off their first box.*

Order up

2. An easy-to-digest formula for little ones with sensitive tummies.

Feeding your baby is about to get a whole lot easier thanks to this goat milk-based formula. It’s easy on the stomach and contains alllll the vitamins and minerals they need. Win, meet win.*

Stock up

3. How to save big on the best e-bike brands out there.

This brand sells top-notch road, mountain, and folding e-bikes for up to 60% cheaper than retail. Plus they’ll ship your new wheels right to ya. Use SKIMM for $150 off your $500+ purchase.*

Shop now

4. A nighttime moisturizer your face won’t wanna sleep without.

This super-charged dream cream works the graveyard shift to get you brighter, smoother, more hydrated skin. Bonus: Its blend of chamomile, lavender, and rose is oh-so-calming. Plus Skimm’rs get a free† full-sized tube with code SKIMM.*

Fill your cart

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

†Just pay shipping and handling.

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.

Helping hand…Jenni B (WA). Last year, she started a school supply drive called “A Hopeful Start” for a local women and children’s shelter. This year, she’s taken it to the next level by adding backpacks, white boards, and graphing calculators to help out students. Learn more.

(Some) Birthdays…theSkimm's Keeley Patterson (NY), theSkimm's Zeyad Deeb (NY), theSkimm's Rachel Klein (NY), Clare Kim (NY), Carla Solomon (NY), Satya Nadella (WA), Howie Kelrick (FL), Tricia Doyle (NY), Andi Brooks (MT), Jorge Morales (TX), Alexis Lambdin (MI), Neha Abassi (TX), Mindy Bentley (GA), Victoria Waldo (DC), Kayla Keller (TN)

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

Every beautiful thought's been already sung

Daily Skimm

“Give that girl a nice little Birkin bag”

Top Story

Check

The Story

Excuse me?

Why?

And Also...This

Who’s leaving their post…

Who got kicked to the curb...

Why you can't get the mojo dojo casa house...

What Blockbuster-ed too close to the sun...

What has people shrugging their shoulders (while they still can)...

Who has Lizzo's back...

Status Check: Women and Money

1. Dog food so delicious, your pup will forget to beg at the table.

2. An easy-to-digest formula for little ones with sensitive tummies.

3. How to save big on the best e-bike brands out there.

4. A nighttime moisturizer your face won’t wanna sleep without.

Skimm'rs

Older messages

I do so like green eggs and ham

Hey you out there on your own

Respect that cuticle

Moms Who Get It: Back-to-School Edition

The best products for an easy home upgrade…

You Might Also Like

Shop Till You Sleep

cotton

"Grandmother" by Mary Leauna Christensen

“Power hour” is not what it used to be

#59: Period intimacy: how to stay comfortable and connected

This French-Girl Dress Trend Is About To Be Everywhere

New from Tim — "Jon Batiste — The Quest for Originality" (Plus: "No Booze, No Masturbating (NOBNOM) November Challenge")

The "Reverse" Nail Polish Trend Is Taking Over Fall 2024

6 Psychological Tricks Scammers Use Against You

Happy News