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Quote of the Day

"It’s like A Room of One’s Own, except there’s a hot guy in it"

— One woman explains this 2026 summer trend prediction. Where do we sign?

Testing, Testing

Welcome to the "Learning Recession"

What’s going on: Who among us hasn’t pulled the ‘ol “I don’t test well” when SAT scores come up in conversation? Apparently, almost no one does these days — especially the kids. New test score data from Stanford University found that US students are performing worse than they were 10 years ago. Reading scores are down in 83% of school districts since then, while math performance has fallen in 70%. The trend is happening across America regardless of factors like income and race. Red states, blue states, suburbs, cities — everybody is in their flop era (except, perhaps, for families who can pay for fancy private schools and tutors). And before you ask, no, it’s not just about COVID-era learning losses. This data shows that the decline started pre-2020, and the pandemic was just a continuation of a decade-long “learning recession.”

What the F is happening?: Experts say there’s no one reason for the decline, but it does line up with the rollback of No Child Left Behind, the rise of smartphones and social media, AI schools, vouchers, and COVID-19. The recent dismantling of the Department of Education likely won’t help. One rare bright spot is Mississippi, which in recent years has jumped into the top 10 states for reading levels among fourth graders. This is thanks to investments in early childhood education, teacher development, and a “science of reading” model. Dozens of states are now following Mississippi’s lead.

The News in 5

🗞️ In the latest twist in the Murdaugh murder saga, South Carolina’s Supreme Court overturned Alex Murdaugh’s convictions in the deaths of his wife and son, and ordered a new trial.

🗞️ Amid a US-China summit marked so far by public praise and ceremony, Chinese President Xi Jinping had one pointed warning for President Donald Trump.

🗞️ At least eight recent food recalls have been linked to a single ingredient — and it’s in way more products than you think.

🗞️ Vice President JD Vance warned that if states don’t do more to investigate Medicaid fraud, the feds will “turn off” funding. And, he’s already made an example of California.

🗞️ MAHA’s answer to America’s unhealthy diet? Biblical eating.

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In Our Rotation

If your energy drink ends in a crash, try this iced tea featuring electrolytes for a hydrating, citrusy sip. Psst…snag a free sample pack with any purchase.*

Meet the alarm clock that turned our night owl editor into a certified Morning Person.

Keep scrolling...more recs below

In the Neighborhood

Mr. Rogers, We Need You

What’s going on: When you need a cup of sugar, chances are you aren’t knocking on your neighbor’s door. (Most of us probably don’t even know their first names.) New data shows that we’re mingling with our neighbors far less than we did 14 years ago. Back in 2012, 63% of seniors and 51% of young people were more than happy to engage in small talk while walking the dog or working on their yard. Now, only 25% of people between the ages of 18 and 29 want to chat with those living closest to them. Understandable, since younger generations are more likely to live in big cities and move around a lot.

Won’t you be my neighbor?: Saying “good morning” to your neighbor might not seem like much, but it builds community. Kids aren’t racing their bikes around the cul-de-sac, and the elderly have fewer people nearby to rely on in emergencies. Our reliance on technology is to blame (of course). Many young people are using the internet to build connections instead. That has its benefits, but it could also explain why Gen Z is reporting greater rates of loneliness — and turning to more traditional, in-person communities like organized religion. Bringing back those casual chats with neighbors could mean meeting people who don’t look, vote, or grow up like you — potentially creating more empathy across political lines. Sometimes, you really do need a Gabrielle Solis down the block.

Related: All The Single Ladies Are Buying More Homes (The Guardian)

Business of Food

When Pizzas Fly

What’s going on: We know the idea of ordering pizza over the phone is gone (thank you, apps), but some companies want to take it to the skies. Starting this week, hangry people in North Carolina can look up and watch a Papa Johns order descend from the sky via drone delivery. The pizza chain joins a growing list of fast food companies testing out the tech — though for now, Papa Johns’ drone menu sticks to sandwiches. Between the flat box and the propensity for toppings to slide around, pizzas require sophisticated technology that drone delivery company Wing (which partnered with the beleaguered chain) is still working hard on. As its CEO told Wired, “I want to see pizzas coming at me from the sky.” Totally.

Hot to go?: American fast food companies are actually kind of late to this. In places like Shenzhen, China, delivery by drone is no big deal. But the US’s complex airspace regulations make rolling out this technology harder. Seeing a pizza gently float down from the sky sounds like something out of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, but in reality, it can mean a lot of extra packaging, noise, and air traffic paperwork. Still, companies keep pouring billions into the technology because drones don’t call out sick, ask for raises, or wait for tips. But also, unlike humans, they might accidentally drop your pizza from 200 feet in the air.

Quick Hits

🥚 In case you don’t have time to scientifically test the best way to peel a boiled egg, someone’s done the research for us. No yolk.

😴 This one change to your sleep routine will have you resting easier, even if it makes you nervous.

👣 Taking a walk at this time of day can improve your digestive health. Stroll on.

💨 Why do we live in a world where “vape sommeliers” are a thing?

🐻 Starbucks fans think the Bearista could be back in the near future. Reminder: You do in fact have enough coffee tumblers.

🏒 While we await Heated Rivalry season two, another steamy hockey romance show has arrived. But is there a cottage?

On Our Calendar

Things to jot down today…

🗓️ The PGA Championship begins — and we can’t stop thinking about Scottie Scheffler’s deeply relatable dinner menu choices.

🗓️ On National Buttermilk Biscuit Day, here are some sweet and savory ways to use them. (We’ll take number five, please.)

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

Soma’s $30 Bra Event

We always get giddy when we hear about Soma’s $30 Bra Event because it means that we can officially upgrade our overworn collections. If your bra straps are stretched out and the back bands have lost all elasticity, you should shop this sale too:

The bestselling, wireless Enbliss bra
A push-up plunge bra
An incredibly comfortable strapless option
A convertible nursing bralette

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In Our Rotation

Adidas supremacy continues. These low-profile sneakers are one of our go-tos for spring and summer outfits.

We've found the holy grail of WFH pants: more polished than sweats, way more comfy than jeans. For more very good pants, click here.

Psst…love our recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag).

KNOW IT ALL

Students are bringing back a "dead" learning staple with this after-school club…

A. Latin Club

B. Dewey Decimal System Appreciation Club

C. Cursive Club

Turn a word search into your favorite strategy game with Spelltower. Clear the board.

Together with

Quote of the Day

"It’s like A Room of One’s Own, except there’s a hot guy in it"

Testing, Testing

Welcome to the "Learning Recession"

The News in 5

✴︎

In Our Rotation

In the Neighborhood

Mr. Rogers, We Need You

Business of Food

When Pizzas Fly

Quick Hits

On Our Calendar

Soma’s $30 Bra Event

✴︎

In Our Rotation

KNOW IT ALL

Students are bringing back a "dead" learning staple with this after-school club…

And then there was biblical eating