Daily Skimm: Starfish are notorious suck-ups

The Story

Another virus is spreading in the US.

Where are the cases?

Earlier this week, nine cases of monkeypox were ID’d in Massachusetts, Florida, Utah, Washington, California, Virginia, and New York. The rare disease has also been reported in at least a dozen countries including ​​Spain and the UK.

Remind me, what is it?

Monkeypox is in the same family as smallpox but is historically less severe. Different strains have varying death rates — around 1-10%. It usually begins with flu-like symptoms (fevers, headaches, muscle aches, chills, and exhaustion). Within at least a week, a rash develops on the face and spreads to the rest of the body, lasting for about two to four weeks. Other symptoms can include genital lesions. But in some recent cases, the rash has been appearing first.

How do people get it?

Monkeypox can spread through close contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets, and even contaminated materials like bedding. In the past, it’s mostly impacted those in direct contact with infected animals in central and western Africa. But recently it seems to have spread from person to person. While not an STD, all reported US cases to date have been ID’d in gay and bisexual men. It’s raising concerns for the LGBTQ+ community and fears of potential stigma. The CDC is reminding people that anyone can get it, regardless of sexual orientation.

Am I at risk?

So far, health officials say the public risk level is low. The smallpox vaccine (which is no longer widely administered) is 85% effective at preventing monkeypox. If the outbreak spreads, the US has more than 100 million doses in its national stockpile. Until then, the CDC is advising people to monitor for symptoms, when the virus is believed to be most contagious.

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After two years of COVID-19, no one wanted a new virus. But the CDC maintains that the risk to the general public is currently low. And learning about symptoms and transmission can help us get a handle on the spread.

What got shut down...

The Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act. Yesterday, Senate Republicans blocked a bill that would’ve established domestic terrorism offices across the country. The House passed the bill last week just days after an attack at a supermarket in Buffalo, New York, left 10 people dead and three injured — the majority of them Black. If passed, the bill would’ve required the FBI and other agencies to jointly report incidents of domestic terrorism in the US. It would also have created a task force to address white supremacy in the military. Democrats first introduced the legislation in 2017 after mass shootings in Las Vegas and Sutherland Springs, Texas. But it didn't make it to a vote. Years later, it's being stalled in the Senate.

Another vote on the table: Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) says the chamber is planning a vote on HR 8, which would require background checks for all gun sales. But isn't rushing it. Instead, he's giving lawmakers time to negotiate a bipartisan deal.

Who people are remembering…

Ray Liotta. Yesterday, his publicist confirmed the actor died in his sleep at the age of 67. He was in the Dominican Republic shooting his new film, "Dangerous Waters." The New Jersey native is best known for his role in “Field of Dreams" and “Goodfellas” which he played alongside Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci. He recently appeared in the “The Sopranos” prequel movie. During his decades-long career, Liotta took home an Emmy and was nominated for two SAG Awards and a Golden Globe. Hollywood remembered him as a "true legend" with an "incredible legacy."

Who’s back in the headlines…

Kevin Spacey. Yesterday, British prosecutors authorized police to charge the US actor with four charges of sexual assault against three men in the UK. He could also face another charge for nonconsensual sex. The allegations are from 2005 to 2013. It’s the latest set of accusations against Spacey. In 2017, actor Anthony Rapp first accused the actor of abusing him at a party in 1986 when he was 14. Since then, more than a dozen others have come forward. Now, British prosecutors say Spacey is expected to be formally charged at a later date. Spacey — who has lawsuits against him in the US — has yet to comment. And could be headed to court in the UK voluntarily or the gov may look to extradite him.

Who’s cashing in…

Female CEOs. Women who run S&P 500 companies reportedly saw their pay go up more than 26% last year, but the number of female CEOs didn’t grow at the same rate. Waiting for that trickle-down effect.

Who was found guilty…

Nancy Crampton Brophy.

What’s a phin fact...

Dolphins have names.

$117 billion

About how much Americans paid in credit card interest and fees in 2020, according to the US Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection. Yes, it blew our minds too.

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Ever wonder which products are really, really worth your hard-earned dollars? Our Skimm Tested series aims to answer that question — we pick, prod, and review items across all categories so you know what to add to cart. Check out…

Magic Spoon Cereal…High-protein, low-carb cereal (and bars) available in flavors like peanut butter, cocoa, and cinnamon roll.

The Good Patch Wellness Patches…A variety of wearable patches for common ailments like period cramps, low energy, and hangovers.

Branch Daily Chair…a chic ergonomic desk chair to upgrade your work-from-home situation.

Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…

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4. The best Memorial Day sales to shop this weekend. Sound the alarm, it's MDW and tons of sales are live. We're eyeing Brooklinen and Girlfriend Collective. Shop 'em now before stock is gone.

We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.

Going green...Rachel P (MD). She launched her business with the purpose of bringing sustainable products into your home. Check out the goods.

(Some) Birthdays…theSkimm's Lizzy Wong (NY), Andrew Greenberg (NY), Melissa Maisel (NY), Christina Manice (NY), Hannah Chung (GA), Elana Gorenstein (NY), Rob Greebel (NY), Jana Schottenstein (NY), Jodi Greebel (NY), Alex Willkie (NY), Mary Vercillo (NY), Steven Huskey (SC)

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

It’s easy to forget amid the COVID-19 pandemic that there are other viruses too. Enter: monkeypox. This week on “Skimm This,” we talked to a senior scholar from Johns Hopkins about WTF monkeypox is, its symptoms, and whether or not you should be concerned. Check it out.

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