A(nother) New Ultimatum for Iran

Good morning.

After some time off with family, I’m back at work and diving into everything that I missed — like the growing panda-monium in Washington, DC. Only this time, it’s not political. I’m talking about the Smithsonian National Zoo’s two giant pandas. Is this one small step for love, one giant leap for conservation? We might get to see sparks fly in real time. But if you’re in the mood for something nostalgic instead, the film behind Hollywood’s biggest box office opening of the year could be just the ticket. Or, you could join me and try these eight simple ways to transition into spring, while I debate whether or not this wardrobe staple will ever be office-appropriate. Meanwhile, don’t miss the most interesting foods left behind by Airbnb guests. Suddenly, that block of cheese I abandoned in South Carolina doesn’t seem so bad. Now, let’s get to the news…

— Maria Corpus / Editor / Madison, WI

International

A(nother) New Ultimatum for Iran

What's going on: It’s been a hell of a weekend. On Friday, Iran shot down a fighter jet carrying two pilots after it entered deep into Iranian airspace. Hours later, US forces managed to rescue one of the pilots. The other? He was missing. The CIA and US military launched a multi-day, high-stakes operation to reach the downed pilot before Iranian forces did. The US found him first. Around the same time, Iranian forces hit a second US warplane. (Its pilot ejected safely into Kuwait.) The attacks mark the first time Iran has shot down US combat planes since the war started five weeks ago. President Donald Trump celebrated the rescue mission on social media, but that’s not all he posted.

What did he say?: Trump’s messaging on the war and his timeline remain inconsistent. Yesterday was no exception. He told Fox News the US could reach a deal with Iran as soon as today. Hours later, he posted an expletive-laden ultimatum and threatened to destroy Tehran’s infrastructure if it doesn’t reopen the Strait of Hormuz by Tuesday at 8 pm ET.  Experts are split about why. Some say the successful rescue mission may have emboldened him, and others say he’s putting on the pressure. Critics warn his threats to send Iran “back to the Stone Ages” could amount to war crimes if carried out. As for Iran, it says it didn’t pick this fight, and the US can’t set its own timeline. Tehran continues to target economic and infrastructure sites in nearby Gulf countries and is threatening to close another major strait. Who knows what could happen after Trump’s press conference this afternoon...

Related: Polymarket Let People Bet on a Missing Pilot’s Life. That Didn’t Go Well (NBC News)

The News in 5

🗞️ Mississippi lawmakers sent a bill to the governor that would make distributing abortion-inducing medication punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

🗞️ As vaccination rates slip, doctors warn a once-deadly childhood illness could return.

🗞️ Blake Lively shared a message for everyone calling her lawsuit against Justin Baldoni “celebrity drama.” It ends with a dragon emoji. Really.

🗞️ President Donald Trump appears to be pushing for a plan to privatize the TSA. 

🗞️ One Democratic congressional candidate’s strangely unique campaign tactic could be working. He can’t stay away from that microphone.  

Brain Health

Scientists Wonder: Could Autism and Alzheimer's Be Linked?

What’s going on: At first glance, autism and Alzheimer’s seem worlds apart. But researchers now wonder if they are linked in ways that challenge how we traditionally think about the brain. Advances in brain imaging and genetic testing have helped scientists connect the dots: The two conditions share genes and major similarities in how the brain cells communicate. A 2021 analysis found that people with autism are 2.6 times more likely to be diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. Other early research found similarities in the enlarged spaces around blood vessels in the brain. One epidemiologist said, “The idea is that autism as a condition leads to lifestyle changes that might predispose neurodegeneration.”

What it means: Most of the work is still in the early stages, but understanding the link between autism and Alzheimer’s could shape future research and treatment. Autism had been viewed exclusively as a childhood condition and wasn’t formally recognized until 1980. That means most people in older generations often went undiagnosed. Widespread awareness has helped change that, and more people now receive an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis later on in life. Researchers say that in order to understand Alzheimer’s, they may need to look back at how the brain develops. Some even suggest that autism could be linked to other neurodegenerative diseases, like Parkinson’s.

Related: What’s Your Biological Age? Be Wary of These At-Home Tests (NBC News)

March Madness

Fans Ride for Dawn

What’s going on: When Dawn Staley walked through the tunnel on Sunday in a jacket with “01,” the message wasn’t subtle. It didn’t need to be. Though her team lost to UCLA in the final yesterday, South Carolina’s head coach is still one of the biggest names in women’s basketball. If you didn’t know her before, we bet you do now. After her team’s 62-48 Final Four win on Saturday over UConn, Staley and Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma walked toward midcourt, exchanged heated words, and even had to be pulled apart. Have no fear, lip readers went straight to work. Auriemma eventually apologized, but not before he suggested his frustration stemmed from the fact that Staley delayed an important pregame tradition. How old are we?

What it means: This was always bigger than just the game. Instead of passing the torch, Auriemma’s undefeated season ended with a meltdown that made him look more like a sore loser than a coach with 12 titles to his name. And he didn’t just snub Staley. He skipped the postgame handshake line with South Carolina’s players too. The backlash was immediate. The NAACP weighed in. ESPN hosts dug in, the internet went off, and even restaurants took sides. What should’ve been a defining moment for Staley and her team was instead overshadowed. Meanwhile, Staley was all class in her loss — she shook hands with UCLA coach Cori Close after the game and sung her praises. Asked about UConn? Staley simply said: “We’re not going to damper UCLA’s day with it.” How’s that for sportsmanship?

Related: UCLA’s Stars Had One Thing Left To Do After Winning the Title (Sports Illustrated)

Quick Hits

🛒 A study found the ultimate heart-healthy duo you should eat each day. For once, the prescription is actually delicious.

🌓 The Artemis II crew sent back their first photos of Earth from space. They do say distance makes the heart grow fonder.

☔ We all know April showers bring May flowers, but here are seven ways to make those rainy days less gloomy. Number four on the list promises to bring all the comfort.

📸 The Wales family was back at Easter service — but it’s Kate Middleton and Princess Charlotte’s coordinated looks that have us talking.

🤔 Fiber is great and all, but are you eating it at the right time of day? Probably not.  

🥵 If you’re addicted to heated workouts, make sure you know how to protect your skin and hair. That sweat is serious.

🥂 Go ahead, order that second round. This pre-alcohol probiotic helps you bounce back for your morning workout.*

On Our Calendar

Things to jot down today…

🗓️ At 2:45 pm ET, the Artemis II crew starts a six-hour flyby of the moon, which will include hi-res photos and never-before-seen angles. Here’s how to watch live.

🗓️ It’s the White House Easter Egg Roll — a South Lawn tradition dating back to the late 1800s.

🗓️ The Men’s NCAA Championship tips off on TBS with Michigan versus UConn at 8:50 pm ET.

Psst…For more dates worth knowing this week, check out the Skimm+ calendar.

Know It All

What did scientists find in sharks’ bloodstream in the Bahamas?

Skimm'd by: Rashaan Ayesh, Mallory Simon, Maria del Carmen Corpus, and Kylie McConville. Fact-checked by Sara Tardiff.