The Crucial Fight for NICU Leave

Good morning.

I love spending time with close friends, but lately even that can feel like a lot after long days and nonstop schedules. Which is why I immediately related to this piece about the rise of “parallel play” for adults — a childhood concept, rebranded for exhausted millennials who just want to quietly coexist for a bit. In that same spirit, this “book crawl” has my name written all over it. I’ve already mapped out my first three stops. As for what I’ll sip along the way, maybe this year’s drink of the summer, already a favorite of mine, but with a refreshing twist. And to balance that out, I’ll look no further than my go-to warm-weather fruit, which I recently learned has surprising nutritional benefits. If I could only get someone to peel it for me. Now, let’s get to the news…

— Marina Carver / Senior Editor / Brooklyn, NY

Family policy

The Crucial Fight for NICU Leave

What’s going on: When a Colorado couple’s daughter was born at 29 weeks, weighing only two pounds, she was rushed to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Scared as they were, both parents returned to work within days. They joined meetings from the hospital and answered emails — even as their daughter struggled to breathe and the mother prepped for her own surgery, the couple told The Associated Press. Their choice reflects a brutal reality for many NICU parents: Go back to work immediately or burn through parental leave before your baby even comes home. Now, a growing push for dedicated NICU leave could finally offer breathing room so parents can focus on their newborn.

Can’t believe NICU leave wasn’t already a thing?: Neither can we. This time off could help thousands of families — almost one in 10 babies in the US spends time in the NICU. But momentum is building. In January, Colorado became the first state to offer paid NICU leave, while Illinois followed with its own version — though that leave is unpaid. While some companies offer options to fill in the gaps, there’s one proposal that would have the biggest impact. Rep. Brittany Pettersen (D-CO) is drafting a federal bill that would offer up to 12 weeks of NICU leave on top of the unpaid, job-protected 12 weeks available under the Family and Medical Leave Act. Of course, passing a national law that actually mandates paid family or parental leave for everyone would be a good start… 

Related: Prosecutors Increasingly Reach for Antiquated Laws To Criminalize Pregnancy Loss (CNN)

The News in 5

🗞️ Yesterday, the White House backed a day-long prayer rally on the National Mall. Separation of church and state, who? 

🗞️ Kevin Warsh just started his job as Fed Chair. Hope he’s ready for that “good family fight” over interest rates. 

🗞️ Thousands of people gathered in Montgomery, Alabama, on Saturday to protest the Supreme Court’s dismantling of the Voting Rights Act. Yes, some big names showed up. 

🗞️ Whether you’re terrified of ‘em or love them, you have reason to be concerned that these essential insects are swarming unusually early this year.

🗞️ Princess Kate visited Italy, but instead of eating pasta and singing “What Dreams Are Made Of” at the Colosseum, she did some much-needed research.

Sail Away

Um, Are Cruise Ships Safe?

What’s going on: Cruise ships are having a rough run. Last week, 1,700 passengers and crew were confined to a British cruise ship docked in Bordeaux, France, after dozens fell ill from a viral gastrointestinal infection. Separately, at least 100 people came down with norovirus aboard the Caribbean Princess last week. These cases were not connected to the hantavirus cluster on the MV Hondius, an expedition-cruise outbreak likely linked to a passenger's pre-trip wildlife excursion. And need we remind you of the Diamond Princess during COVID-19? In all these cases, the ship is the common thread. Where is Mr. Moseby when you need him? 

So, should we even climb aboard? The tight quarters and crowded shared spaces on cruises allow disease to spread more quickly, research has found. The stomach bug norovirus is the biggest villain. You’d think all this (plus memories of the Poop Cruise) would hurt the industry. Yet, spending on this form of travel was up across every income group in the first four months of 2026. Are these cruise fans crazy? Nope. Despite the risks, the majority of people are fine on board (yes, even on the Creed cruise). If you do go, there are ways to be extra cautious. Wash your hands with actual soap (hand sanitizer alone doesn't kill norovirus). Skip the buffet. Before you book, check the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program. Anchors away — and don’t forget the Clorox wipes. 

Related: What To Know About the Ebola Outbreak in the Congo (AP News)

PS: Let your group chat know the real health story behind the headlines. Every Wednesday, we break down the stories and trends to give you the need-to-know in health, nutrition, and fitness in our weekly Well + Good newsletter. Sign up here.

Longevity

Walk This Way

What’s going on: Despite what the tech bros say, the key to longevity isn’t replacing all your plasma or injecting Botox into your genitals (ouch). A major new study points to a far less dystopian strategy: stay reasonably fit in midlife. Researchers tracked nearly 25,000 adults using treadmill tests and Medicare records. Those with stronger cardiorespiratory fitness in their 40s and 50s gained roughly 1.5 to 2 extra years free from major chronic disease or disability. This study, published in April in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, suggests that midlife fitness can narrow the gap between how long we live and how well we live. In other words: It’s about more than adding candles to the birthday cake. It’s about keeping your independence, mobility, and quality of life as you age.

Lace up your sneakers: Of course, regular exercise alone can’t guarantee you’ll still be running marathons at the age of 92. The study shows a correlation, not a cause and effect, and genetics, income, diet, and healthcare access (not to mention luck) all play a role in healthy aging. Although the 2-3% improvement sounds modest, in the context of longevity research, it’s pretty significant — especially because Americans are living longer but often struggle with chronic illness and disability later in life. While this is just one study, plenty of research shows movement helps. And as the study’s lead author told The Washington Post, “it’s never too late.” Your future self will thank you (after you break in those sneakers, anyway).   

Related: Your Best “Anti-Aging Product” Might Be Your Passport (theSkimm)

Quick Hits

💩 You probably already knew that this simple breakfast is heart-healthy, but it can also help get things moving (and no, it’s not prunes).

😟 If you’re a worrier, adding this 10-minute routine to your day can help you de-stress. The spiral has been postponed.

🍴 Instead of hot dogs, the UK has eating contests for this extremely English food. At least it’s healthier. 

🎤 Call Her Daddy’s Alex Cooper announced her youngest-ever guest. How small do they make microphones? 

👠 Cindy Crawford returned to the runway — draped in feathers like the supermodel era never ended — and suddenly it’s 1992 again. Tom Brady was also there, wearing enough leather to upholster a sectional.

On Our Calendar

Things to jot down today…

🗓️ Luigi Mangione is back in court, where a judge will decide whether certain evidence can be used in the state trial.

🗓️ On International Museum Day, check out a new-to-you museum or TikTok livestreams from places like MoMA and the National Museum of Kazakhstan.

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

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Skimm'd by: Anna Davies, Marisa Iallonardo, Molly Longman, Erika W. Smith, Mallory Simon, and Marina Carver. Fact-checked by Sara Tardiff.