What's going on: President Donald Trump’s patience with Russian President Vladimir Putin may have finally snapped. Russia launched its biggest drone-and-missile assault on Ukraine Sunday night into Monday morning. The attack came hours after Trump denounced earlier strikes that killed 12 people. That blitz followed a broader offensive that killed at least 30 civilians in the past week, according to Kyiv. Trump condemned the violence, saying Putin has “gone absolutely CRAZY” and is “needlessly killing a lot of people.” The Kremlin brushed off Trump’s comments, saying the US president’s reaction was the result of “emotional overload.”
What it means: Experts say Trump’s harsh words don’t match his administration’s actions. His team recently blocked renewed aid to Ukraine and suggested that it’s backing away from brokering a ceasefire. Some analysts argue that the lack of US consequences has emboldened Russia to continue its strikes. But that could be changing. Congress is now weighing a sanctions bill that would slap a 500% tariff on Russian exports if Moscow refuses to negotiate an end to the war. Meanwhile, analysts fear that Ukraine may have a dangerous summer ahead if the US continues to pull back.
People Are Spending Thousands to Treat Alzheimer's — It Might Be a Waste
What's going on: Alzheimer’s is an elusive disease. Researchers are still struggling to understand it, let alone treat it. Despite no known cure, neurologist Dale Bredesen sells the idea that some lifestyle changes can slow the disease’s progression or even reverse it — making millions in the process. His personalized treatment plans require radical diet overhauls, a slew of supplements, hormone treatments, and even home mold remediation. While some patients report their symptoms become more manageable, most health experts say it’s unlikely that lifestyle changes alone can help cure Alzheimer’s.
What it means: Critics worry that Bredesen is giving false hope to vulnerable people — all while draining their bank accounts. One couple told The New York Times they spent $25,000 in just eight months on his program. The Alzheimer’s Association, which once backed some of Bredesen’s Alzheimer’s studies, now says his work “fall(s) short of what the research community” would accept. Some at the White House, however, believe Bredesen’s work aligns with the Make America Healthy Again movement, which embraces “natural medicine.” Meanwhile, Alzheimer’s patients and their families are caught in the middle, searching for ways to navigate the disease.
What's going on: Some small business owners are refusing to raise prices, even as tariffs climb. For some, it’s loyalty. For others, it’s survival or a kind of symbolic last stand. Retail giants like Home Depot have the flexibility to hold prices steady. Nike and Walmart? Bracing for selective increases. Target called raising prices a “very last resort,” which given their economic mess, sounds more like a whispered prayer to their quarterly report. Others are just hiking prices. A Louisiana toy maker has already swapped suppliers and slashed his catalog, insisting he won’t raise prices “unless it’s a matter of me having to shut the business down totally.” The message: We’re trying. Really hard.
What it means: Main Street is doing its best to stay in the game. Some local shops are running “anti-tariff” sales or cutting product options just to hang on. But even the scrappiest operators say this isn’t sustainable. The real problem? Whiplash. Tariffs have swung from 10% to 140% and back again, leaving smaller owners with less room to plan ahead. One advocacy group called it “impossible.” In a recent survey, more than 80% of small-business owners said they’ll have to raise prices to stay afloat. Nearly a third expect to lay off workers. For one business owner, it’s about not passing the burden onto those who helped them thrive: “I cannot do that to my community."
Farewell to a trailblazer: Former Rep. Charlie Rangel, the longtime congressman from Harlem who was both a decorated war veteran and prominent civil rights figure, has died at 94.
Day 1 of 5
Are you the one who plans, remembers, and does, well, everything? You’re not alone. Research has shown that even in heterosexual relationships where both partners work and earn the same, women spend roughly 4.5 hours more per week on household chores and caregiving than men. That’s almost 10 days per year. And that doesn’t account for the mental load of keeping a household running smoothly — the endless, ever-shifting list of to-dos in your head, like remembering to tell your partner he needs to get his mom a Mother’s Day gift, which, in what should be a surprise to no one, women also carry. No wonder we’re all exhausted.
If you’re waiting — resentfully, no doubt — for your partner to decide, of their own volition, to start doing their fair share, we have bad news. You’re going to have to initiate a conversation, set clear expectations, and create systems that work for both of you. Let us know if you’re a parent (because, let’s be honest, kids change everything) or child-free, and each day this week we’ll help you redistribute the load.
Come back tomorrow, and we’ll have advice on conducting your own household audit — which, sure, sounds corporate, but is key to handing off responsibilities.
Just Trust Us
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
There are still a lot of great Memorial Day sales going on if you're going through the post-holiday weekend blues and need to shop. (We are, too.)
This at-home laser hair removal device costs a fraction of the price of professional services, and it really, truly works. Read our full review here.
Speaking of sales still happening, you can grab fresh sheets at Brooklinen for 25% off. Your bed needs a glow-up, too.
If you're working up to ditching acrylics, this nail strengthening cream works practically overnight to heal brittle nails and moisturize cuticles. Natural nail summer starts now.
Psst…love our recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag).
Tired of the same old takeout routine? Time to break the cycle withRoasted Cauliflower Lettuce Wraps With Korean BBQ-Inspired Sauce from Pinch of Yum. These insanely easy wraps hit every note: Crisped-to-perfect cauliflower florets are glazed in a sticky-sweet and savory Korean-inspired BBQ sauce, then tucked into butter lettuce for the perfect crunch. Add crushed peanuts, chives, and a generous swirl of spicy mayo, and you’ve got big flavor with zero delivery fees.
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Game Time
Start your Tuesday off right with Typeshift, a fun new game that challenges you to create words from a set number of letters. Warning: It’s very addicting. Start playing.
