Daily Skimm

“The Sims”

— The movie Margot Robbie and others are working on. Shpansa.

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Grounded

The Story

Boeing’s problems are likely to disrupt summer travel.

Talk about turbulence.

Yep. In January, one of the world's largest aircraft manufacturers unlocked a new fear for travelers when a door plug on a Boeing Max 9 plane blew out during an Alaska Airlines flight. In response, federal officials grounded dozens of Max 9s and ordered Boeing to address its manufacturing process. The fallout has led to delays in Boeing’s production of planes, affecting airlines like Southwest and United. Now, travelers’ wallets and summer plans could take a hit.

No Euro summer?

Maybe not for everyone. Production delays are expected to impact flight options — both domestic and international — this summer. Southwest, which only flies Boeing planes, has already cut flights. Other carriers like JetBlue are also trimming their schedules. Experts warn limited flights could mean higher prices, with one analyst estimating up to a 10% increase on tickets. European carriers like Ryanair are also anticipating price hikes. Meanwhile, airlines like United are trying to find an “alternative plan” to work around the delays.

theSkimm

Ahead of its door plug fiasco, Boeing already struggled to meet demand for its planes. Now, consumers and airlines are bearing the brunt of the fallout, which could last for years. Those new baggage fees don't help either.

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And Also...This

What’s probably not feeling too peachy…

Apple. Yesterday, the Justice Department and more than a dozen states filed an antitrust lawsuit accusing the tech giant of maintaining an iPhone monopoly. The DOJ says Apple makes up more than 70% of the smartphone market in the US, with Android being the other major competitor. The suit alleges Apple has stifled other companies from providing apps that compete with their products, like the digital wallet and smartwatches. It also alleged that Apple made it difficult for users to interact with Android devices. The lawsuit asked the court to block Apple from engaging in these practices. Apple said if the lawsuit is successful, it would set a “dangerous precedent.”

What’s a scientific breakthrough…

A pig-to-human organ transplant. Yesterday, doctors announced that they transplanted a genetically modified pig kidney into a living person, the first time that's ever been done. The 62-year-old male recipient, who was diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease, is now recovering well. The successful surgery is the latest in xenotransplantation. Up until recently, the process hasn’t worked because the human immune system would reject any foreign animal tissue. Now, scientists are modifying animals’ organs to make them more compatible with humans in efforts to close the gap in organ donations. Still, experts say it could take years before the procedure is widely used.

…Oh and speaking of scientific developments, Elon Musk’s startup Neuralink shared a video of its first patient using a brain implant to play chess.

Where people are seeing changes…

Ireland. Earlier this week, PM Leo Varadkar said he would be stepping down in a surprise announcement. Varadkar became the country's youngest-ever leader when he was elected, and he was Ireland's first openly gay PM. His resignation comes after voters rejected a referendum he supported that would have removed language from the Irish constitution that referenced women's duties being in the home. The referendum also aimed to broaden the definition of a family. Now, Ireland's higher education minister, Simon Harris, could take over as PM.

Skimm Picks

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

1. How to spring clean your dog’s diet.

Freshen up your pup’s bowl with delicious, human-grade food made from real, gently cooked meats and veggies delivered riiiight to your door. Psst…Skimm’rs get a major discount off their first box.*

Get 60% off

2. How to get the most out of international travel.

This guide’s got everything you need to make your next trip abroad a success. Including tips for getting the best foreign exchange rates and avoiding extra fees. Bon voyage.*

Read our tips

3. What we're buying from the Amazon Spring Event.

Currently in our carts: an air fryer, this LED teeth whitening kit, and a pair of cute sunglasses. We're keeping this page bookmarked until the sale ends on Monday.

Shop the sale

4. Elevated Easter basket ideas for the grown-ups.

A yuzu and neroli-scented votive candle > melted chocolate in a plastic egg.

Gift it

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

List of things we'd have less of if childcare was affordable

What would you add to the list? Tell us over on our Instagram.

Skimm'rs

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.

Staying busy…Lucille P (FL). After retiring from teaching, she began training to be an election poll worker in national, state, and local elections in her county. Now, she’s a substitute worker for all elections.

(Some) Birthdays…theSkimm's Charlie Brown, Amy Heller Shapiro (FL), Karyn Beckley (WA), Monica Cincotta (NY), Joe Marchese (NY), Michelle Lucero (NY), Julia Engelbrecht (NY), Chelsea Sterrett (CA), Carri Edmiston (VA), Karly Shorter (SC), Patricia Frederickson (GA), Sandy Sweitzer (NC), Satara Dickey (PA), Laurel McKinney (GA)

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

March 22, 2024