What's Happening
US News
The Silent Recession Hitting American Families
What’s going on: The number of children living in poverty in the US has reached nearly 10 million — the highest since 2018, according to Census Bureau data. But that’s just part of the picture. Roughly 35 million children — half of all of the kids in the US — live in households hovering just above the poverty line, where a single unexpected expense like a parking ticket or a roof leak could tip the balance. What’s behind the spike? Experts say the end of pandemic era-relief programs, plus rising prices for food, rent, and utilities have created a “silent recession” for families with children. The strain is only expected to deepen under the Trump administration’s new federal budget cuts, which are likely to reduce food assistance and health coverage for millions.
What it means: Wages have risen for lower income jobs, but that’s bringing little relief. When the cost of living absorbs that extra income, families making more money than ever can still feel like they’re worse off. For some, a small raise also means losing access to government support, since many programs decrease benefits once a recipient crosses an income threshold. Nonprofits and food banks say demand is also at record highs, despite data about income growth. For many families, poverty has become more invisible, more punishing, and more paradoxical — especially for those who technically aren’t “poor.”
Related: Trump To Target Banks Over Alleged Discrimination Against Conservatives (Axios)
Education
Elite Colleges Are Quietly Caving to Trump — and It Could Reshape Admissions
What's going on: Tucked inside President Donald Trump’s recent settlements with Columbia and Brown is a deal that could change how top colleges admit students. Both schools quietly agreed to share unprecedented amounts of admissions data with the Trump administration, detailing applicants’ GPAs, test scores, and race. Legal experts say DEI critics could use this data to “test” whether universities are skirting the Supreme Court’s 2023 ban on affirmative action. The Trump administration has already launched investigations into more than 100 colleges over DEI, student protest responses, and transgender issues. And while Harvard is fighting back in court, Columbia and Brown’s decision to cooperate may set a precedent — especially for smaller schools that rely more heavily on federal funding.
What it means: While headlines have focused on fines and the response to antisemitism, experts say the data-sharing deal may be the most far-reaching part of the Trump-Ivy standoff. If it leads to more emphasis on test scores, studies suggest Asian and white applicants may benefit most, while Black and Latino students could be hit hardest. Schools with fewer resources may also preemptively turn over similar data or make changes to their admissions. That could include no longer asking students about where they live or their life challenges — questions the Trump administration says are proxies for considering race. Experts say the deal is part of the president’s larger vision for a “de-woke-ified” higher education system, stripped of DEI, faculty governance, and academic independence.
Related: “Fascists Don’t Hold Town Halls” — Inside a Republican Congressman’s Viral Event (CNN)
Entertainment
Millennials Are So Back
What's going on: Millennials, assemble. There’s never been a better time to be nostalgic. From fashion to TV and even food, all of the things millennials grew up with are cool again. Backstreet’s so back, and The All-American Rejects are giving us hell again. Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson have reunited. Don’t even get us started on movies. The Devil Wears Prada 2 (and the fashion) is getting more press than the runway shows, Happy Gilmore 2 scored a hole in one, and Lindsay Lohan is getting freaky again. Gen Z will still find ways to make fun of side parts and skinny jeans, but now they’re the ones romanticizing everything they missed out on. So much for being cheugy.
What it means: One expert told NBC that the revival is “the next level of escapism” for the younger generation — and honestly, fair. Given that many life milestones — like buying a home, starting a family, or getting a job in their preferred field — seem out of reach, millennials (and their Gen Z tormentors) are leaning into the comfort food of their youth, real or imagined. Add in the fact that more people are also feeling lonely, and it makes sense that we’re turning back to early-2000s staples to feel connected online. Bottom line: When the future’s uncertain, the past (and its peplum tops) looks pretty damn good.
Related: Behold, the Fro-Yo Renaissance Is Upon Us (NYT Gift Link)
Highlight Reel
BY SKIMM SPORTS
The week's sports news and culture stories, ranked.
Hang it in the Louvre: Every single dog who competed in the World Dog Surfing Championship in Pacifica, California, deserves a treat. Surf’s pup.
New game plan: Wait, why is the NFL banning the use of “smelling salts” during games?
Chaotic: This NFL legend delivered two unforgettable moments at this year’s Hall of Fame induction: Heartfelt remarks to his wife and daughters, followed by splitting his pants. We aren’t sure which one we enjoyed the most.
P.S. Subscribe to our Skimm Sports newsletter for more weekly highlights on and off the field.
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