Skimm'd with ideas for things to watch, eat, and buy

"You can just go to bed" – Tina Fey, who said you don't have to bake in quarantine. To each their night cheese.

THE KIDS ARE MAYBE NOT ALRIGHT

The Story

Health officials are investigating a mysterious illness in children.

You said 'mysterious?'

Yes. It's called pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome and it appears to be linked to COVID-19. At least seven states have reported cases, including potentially 85 in New York alone.

That's concerning.

Right. But most kids who've gotten it seem to be able to recover with the help of immunoglobulin. The treatment is used for a similar but rare illness known as Kawasaki disease, which mainly affects children under five. In this case, experts are asking parents to keep an eye on symptoms, which can include a fever, stomach pain, and a rash. It can appear days to weeks after a child gets COVID-19. And some doctors think it could result from an overactive immune system response to the virus.

Are they sure?

Health officials believe so, but it's too soon to tell. Doctors started identifying some of these cases in New York last month. And there had been reports of it in Europe, with at least 50 cases reportedly found in Britain, France, Switzerland, Spain, and Italy. Most children with the syndrome had tested positive for COVID-19 or its antibodies. But some tested negative. Now, New York is planning to work with the CDC to investigate the syndrome.

theSkimm

Until now, the coronavirus was believed to have largely spared children. But as cases continue to rise, health experts worry that might not be the case.

AND ALSO...THIS

What people are watching…

Ahmaud Arbery. Yesterday, the state's attorney general asked for a federal investigation into the handling of his case. In February, two white men shot and killed Arbery – a 25-year-old unarmed black man – while he was jogging in a suburban neighborhood of Georgia. Last week, 73 days after his death, police arrested the suspects. Recent reports showed that police officers were ready to arrest the two on the day of the shooting, but were stopped by a local district attorney – who later recused herself from the case. It turns out one of the suspects, a former police officer, had worked for the DA's office. Now, Georgia's AG is asking the Justice Department to investigate the DA's handling of the case.

What's on the FDA's mind…

This test. The agency gave its first emergency approval for an antigen test to detect the coronavirus. This new test is cheaper and faster than other COVID-19 tests, providing results in minutes. The FDA says it could help ramp up testing to millions of Americans per day. And potentially identify how widespread the virus is – something that could speed up economic recovery. The test maker said 'on it' and that it's already shipping tests to customers.

Who people are mourning…

Little Richard. Over the weekend, the "king and queen" of rock 'n' roll died of bone cancer at age 87. His hits included "Tutti Frutti," "Long Tall Sally," and "Slippin' and Slidin'" – and he was an influence for musicians ranging from David Bowie to James Brown to Prince. Bob Dylan remembered him as a "shining star and guiding light."

Betty Wright. Yesterday, the Grammy-winning soul and R&B singer died of cancer at age 66. Wright was known for hits like "Clean Up Woman" and "Tonight is the Night" – and her work was sampled by everyone from Mary J Blige to Chance the Rapper to Beyoncé. In the '80s, she started a record company – and became the first woman to win a gold record on her own label.

Jerry Stiller. Today, his son Ben Stiller confirmed the comedian died at age 92 of natural causes. He was known for playing dads on both "Seinfeld" and "The King of Queens," his role in "Hairspray," and his comedy act with his wife, Anne Meara. His son Ben said "he will be greatly missed."

Who's ready for a blast from the past...

"The Baby-Sitters Club."

PRESS PAUSE

The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting us all in different ways. No matter your situation, sometimes you just need to press pause. Enter: our picks to help you take a break…

1. 28 Zoom backgrounds that'll spark joy. Just because you can't go to Yellowstone, or West Elm, or to the set of "Schitt's Creek," doesn't mean your computer background can't.

2. The best British TV dramas. You've watched "Fleabag" and "Downton Abbey." And can't resist a gorgeous accent or a scenic countryside. Here's what you should stream next.

3. A new food trend. First came focaccia. Then came whipped coffee. Now there's…pancake cereal. It's called innovation sweetie, look it up.

PS: Sign up to get a list of things to do, watch, eat, and more to your inbox every Monday.

SKIMM PICKS

For when getting through this uncertain time hasn't been easy…

You're not alone. It's Mental Health Awareness month, and this year, it's more important than ever. Take care of your mental health with this online therapy platform. They have licensed therapists you can talk to from home. And Skimm'rs get $120 off their first month. Take a look.*

For when you've always thought you'd make a good art collector…

Invest like one. Stay with us. This company lets you invest in art by buying shares of valuable pieces from artists like Monet, Banksy, and Basquiat. NBD. PS: Skimm'rs can skip the 25K+ waitlist. Brush up.*

SKIMM'RS

In times like these, community matters more than ever. Let us know how you (or someone you know) is making an impact by helping others.

Small town, big hearts…Becky W (WA). Her town of 4,000 people raised enough money to donate to their local food bank. Plus, buy every employee at their grocery, hardware store, and pharmacy a gift card to a local pizza restaurant.

Celebrating moms with…Regina C (MN). She's an OB-GYN offering prenatal care to some low-risk women from the safety of their cars. Think: taking a patient's blood pressure, listening to the baby's heartbeat. All to help moms keep calm, informed, and safe.

(Some) Birthdays...Emma Golkin (NY), Mackenzie Berger, Chelsea Gray (NY), Sunwoo Oh (NY), Keirstin McHenry (FL), Carrie Edwards (NJ), Mckenna Paddock (WA), Tamara AL-Yassin (CA), Mariana Hyslip (NJ), Keirstin McHenry (FL), Jessica Paz (CA), Chelsea Gray (NY), Jennifer Scott (NM), Melanie Platt (GA), Jill Spry (TN), Jordan Litt (TX)

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