— President Barack Obama to this late-night host who asked if he should run for the nation's highest office. But, maybe no tan suits?
Public Health
Trapped at Sea
What's going on: In news that’s giving us flashbacks to the harrowing Diamond Princess cruise of the early COVID-19 days, about 150 passengers are still stuck on the MV Hondius amid a hantavirus outbreak. Onboard, three people have died, eight others are sick, and three have been evacuated on medical flights. Those still on the ship (which had embarked on a wildlife-focused nature cruise) are living like it’s 2020 — quarantined, scared, and laying the hand sanitizer on thick. Investigators told The Associated Press that they believe a couple originally contracted it while bird-watching in Argentina before boarding. The cruise is set to dock in a few days in Spain’s Canary Islands (though officials there sure aren’t happy about it).
Don’t panic: This is not COVID 2.0. Hantavirus, a respiratory illness, is typically carried by rodents. You’ve either heard of it because you live in the Southwest, or because last year pianist Betsy Arakawa, Gene Hackman’s wife, died from it. The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that this incident involves the rare Andes strain of the virus, one of the only versions known to spread from person to person. Think: spouses or people caring for sick relatives. In other words, not the kind of transmission that is expected to spark widespread outbreaks. The WHO says the risk to the general public remains low. Although this renews worries about US preparedness for the “next” pandemic (especially post-WHO withdrawal and CDC cuts), officials say hantavirus won’t be it.
What's going on: If it feels like you’re going into credit card debt every time you fill up your tank, you’re not alone. Gas prices have increased 50% over the past two months since the war with Iran began. A new report shows that gas spending has become K-shaped: Higher-income households have no problem paying more for fuel, while lower-income households are cutting back on driving and still burning through their budgets. For many families, buying gas to go to work means there’s less cash left over for necessities like groceries, let alone anything else.
Sounds gloomy: Pretty much everything is following a K-shaped pattern, from income and credit scores to spending on groceries, household goods, new cars, and travel. While the gap between the rich and the poor has grown significantly in the past few years, it’s not exactly a new thing (see: “Reaganomics,” and also Robin Hood — the fox, not the app). And unfortunately, we’re not likely to achieve income equality anytime soon. Even though wage growth is substantially weaker than it was compared to 2022, forecasters still say a recession is unlikely to begin this year. So, at least there’s that.
What’s going on: Yesterday’s boy bands (OK, maybe several yesterdays ago) are today’s “man bands,” according to The Wall Street Journal, and we’re here for it. The Backstreet Boys, the Jonas Brothers, Boyz II Men, and New Edition are just a few of the acts back onstage and cashing in on extended encores. Despite breakups, fledgling solo careers, and literal decades out of the spotlight, these groups still sell out stadiums and pack Vegas residencies. Sure, the boys now have mortgages and lower back pain, but they’re still the same (enough) for us. And in an era of nonstop uncertainty and peak nostalgiacore, we’re suckers for the familiar.
Tell me why: Millennials now have money, jobs, and enough authority to greenlight their own childhoods — no more begging mom for a higher allowance. That helps explain the reunion tours, reboot mania, and endless celebrity recap podcasts. But millennials aren’t the only ones screaming every lyric. Gen Z feels nostalgic, which psychologists say makes sense: People often romanticize the past when the present feels stressful. It may not solve anything, but for a few hours, at least everybody knows the words.
That’s roughly the percentage of US adults who’ve tried GLP-1s. While these medications can be life-changing, their potential effects on eye health deserve a closer look. New research suggests they may be linked to rare but serious vision risks in some patients.
No need to panic or stop treatment — just plan ahead. A comprehensive eye exam before starting a GLP-1 (or soon after), plus regular in-person exams with your optometrist during treatment can help catch changes early and protect your vision. Notice sudden vision shifts, blurriness, or dark spots? That’s your cue to schedule an appointment with a pro. Find an AOA optometrist near you.
Here at Skimm Shopping, we really pride ourselves on being transparent. Which is why we rounded up our favorite shoes within five categories. And with wedding season here (and extending into the next five months), we want to draw your attention to the heels section:
Turn a word search into your favorite strategy game with Spelltower. Clear the board.
Skimm'd by: Rashaan Ayesh, Kate Preziosi, Marisa Iallonardo, Molly Longman, Aryanna Prasad Bhullar, Erika W. Smith, and Marina Carver. Fact-checked by Sara Tardiff.
Photos by AFP and Tatiana Meteleva via Getty Images, Brand Partners
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