Daily Skimm

What could be the next big thing in college sports…

Unions. Yesterday, the Dartmouth men’s basketball team voted to unionize — bringing them one step closer to becoming the first college athletes in US history to do so. The vote comes about a month after the National Labor Relations Board ruled that Dartmouth basketball players are employees of the school since the school dictates how the team operates and the athletes are compensated. The players say that unionizing will allow them to negotiate payment in line with the compensation other student employees receive, as well as health care benefits. The vote could shake up the NCAA, which has maintained college athletes don’t need to be paid outside of scholarships. In 2021, the Supreme Court issued the first major blow to that notion, unanimously ruling that the NCAA couldn’t bar student athletes from receiving payments and benefits related to education, including cash from sponsorships. Dartmouth appealed Tuesday’s vote. Now, the case could wind up in federal court, which could delay negotiations over a collective bargaining agreement.

What could be getting lower…

(Some people's) Credit card bills. Yesterday, federal regulators finalized plans to cap credit card late fees at $8. Currently, regulators say those fees average $32 a month for a missed or late payment. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said the new rule will save households $10 billion annually. All major banks, like Bank of America, Capital One, and Citibank, have to comply with the rule, which is set to take effect in 60 days. But that could get delayed, considering the Chamber of Commerce says it plans to sue — setting the stage for a court showdown.

Why Diet Coke loyalists may want to cut back on the drink…

A heart risk. Yesterday, a study reported that drinking two liters (nearly six cans worth) of artificially sweetened drinks per week raised the risk of atrial fibrillation by 20%. Atrial fibrillation, also called A-fib, is an irregular heartbeat that’s a leading cause of stroke in the US. The CDC estimates about 12 million Americans will have A-fib by 2030. The often symptomless A-fib can be treated with medications, lifestyle changes, and if needed, surgeries. The study, which relied on data from more than 200,000 people ages 37 to 73 years old, is the first to link no- and low-calorie sweeteners with A-fib. Experts say more research is needed, but in the meantime, it’s best to stick with water. Gulp.

What’s apparently the latest fashion trend…

Bags made of air.

Who’s ready to get freaky again…

Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis.

What you could be the proud owner of…

Mr. Darcy’s water-soaked shirt (Colin Firth not included).

What’s trying to hit a bullseye…

Target’s new membership club.