Trapped at Sea

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. 

Related: Why Are Cruises a Hotbed for Outbreaks? (The Conversation)

The News in 6

🗞️ The US and Iran may be close to a deal to end the war. If it doesn’t happen, President Donald Trump warned, “the bombing starts.”

🗞️  A judge has unsealed Jeffrey Epstein’s purported suicide note, nearly seven years later, and the message is chilling.

🗞️ CNN’s founder, Jane Fonda’s ex, and the “Mouth of the South” passed away yesterday at the age of 87. 

🗞️ A group of women met with FDA officials yesterday to discuss solutions for the ongoing estrogen patch shortage.

🗞️ From wedding DJ to White House press secretary, Marco Rubio has more side gigs than anyone we know. There may be a strategy behind it all. 

🗞️ Last week, we said “so long” to Spirit Airlines. Now, Delta is taking away our snacks, and American is limiting our tech.

Late-Stage Capitalism

Keeping Up With the “K-Shaped” Economy

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.

Related: Not All Oil Companies Are Profiting Right Now (ABC)

Nostalgia

We (Still) Want It That Way

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.

Related: “Blue Dot Fever,” The Scary Trend Canceling Summer Tours (The Times)

Quick Hits

🛍️ Trader Joe’s is dropping its coolest tote ever, and it’s under $5. Can’t keep our chill.

🍔 McDonald’s New Zealand just rolled out a mullet-inspired cheeseburger. But… why?

💦 Pesticides are all over today’s produce, but they really love to cling to these fruits and veggies. Rinse, repeat, repeat.

🥗 Looks like Sweetgreen got jealous of Panera Bread because it’s releasing new menu items. Corporate slop for the win.

💒 If you got a text invite to Taylor Swift’s wedding like Maren Morris… no, you didn’t. A girl can dream.

On Our Calendar

Things to jot down today…

🗓️ The Stella McCartney H&M collection drops — more than 20 years after their first collab sold out almost instantly. 

🗓️ The crime drama series M.I.A. debuts on Peacock. A family is shattered. Secrets unravel. One woman is out for revenge.

🗓️ It’s World Password Day — a reminder to update your logins and maybe finally get a password manager.

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

Standing on Business

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:

• Steve Madden heels from DSW 

• A super affordable option from Target

• Block heels from Naturalizer built for dancing

• Cushionaire strappy heels with toe accents

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.