News: Every word you say is like a warm cuddle

Monday, June 5, 2023

Every word you say is like a warm cuddle

"Embarrassing"

— Drake after his credit card was declined during a livestream. Started from the bottom, now we're here.

Top Story

Good News

The Story

AstraZeneca's lung cancer treatment looks promising.

Tell me.

Yesterday, the pharma company shared its phase III trial data for its drug Tagrisso. The medication first received FDA approval in 2018 to treat some forms of lung cancer. Now, a study involving 682 patients with EGFR-mutated lung cancer from 20 different countries found that the treatment cut the risk of death by about half in some of the patients. One group received Tagrisso and the other got a placebo. Five years later, scientists found that 88% of those treated with Tagrisso were still alive, compared to the 78% of patients on the placebo.

What does this mean?

It's welcome news for the more than 240,000 Americans fighting the world's deadliest cancer. Especially for patients with EGFR-positive lung cancer, which reportedly makes up at least 10% of lung cancer cases in the US. AstraZeneca said that aside from Tagrisso, there are currently no drugs on the market that help patients with EGFR-mutated lung cancer live longer. Now, the pharma company reportedly hopes the data can close the gap for the eligible patients who've yet to be prescribed Tagrisso. This isn't the last time we'll hear of the drug. Later this year, AstraZeneca plans to release data on the results of using Tagrisso alongside chemotherapy as a treatment option.

theSkimm

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the US, with billions of dollars going into cancer research. Earlier this year, there was good news about a potential mRNA vaccine against melanoma. Now, this latest development could be a step in the right direction to preventing more deaths.

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And Also...This

Who's yelling 'cut'…

Directors. Over the weekend, the Directors Guild of America (DGA) — a labor union representing about 19,000 TV and film directors — reached a tentative agreement on a new three-year contract. The deal with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers includes wage increases, a 76% boost in international streaming residuals, and establishes that AI "cannot replace the duties performed by members." The tentative agreement comes as the weeks-long writers' strike has no end in sight. The writers' union says the studios' deal with directors is part of a "divide and conquer strategy" to create divisions among unions. The Hollywood drama continues.

…Oh and speaking of walkouts, journalists at the country's largest newspaper chain, Gannett, are planning to strike today over leadership and recent budget cuts.

Who's closing the tap…

Saudi Arabia. Yesterday, the country announced that it's (again) cutting oil production by 1 million barrels per day in July. The new cuts, which could be extended, are on top of ongoing OPEC+ production decreases that'll continue through 2024. The Saudi energy minister said the cuts are needed "to bring stability" to stop sliding oil prices. Now, experts say Saudi Arabia's decision will push oil prices up in the short term. It comes as Americans are kicking off the summer travel season, with the national average gas price sitting at about $3.55 a gallon.

Where investigations are ongoing…

India. Yesterday, officials announced that a signal error appears to have caused the train derailment that killed at least 275 people and injured hundreds of others. The Railways Minister said the error led the passenger train to change tracks and collide with a freight train. Now, workers are trying to clear the wreck as families are still looking for missing loved ones.

Time to Start Shopping for…

Father's Day. It's only two weeks away, which means you're probably searching for something great to make the dad figure in your life smile. To help you out, we rounded up some of our favorites that'll knock it out of the park:

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

1. A credit card that can help you say 'see ya (much) later, interest.'

The Ascent recommends this one. Because it won't charge any interest on purchases or balance transfers for 15 months. Aka until September...of next year. Seriously.*

Get the details

2. The secret to saving up to $2,000 on every. single. flight.

For the next 12 hours, Skimm'rs can get this club's lifetime membership for $129 (normally $1,690). Then fly roundtrip to Paris or Hawaii from $197. Seriously.*

Save 93% now

3. A stress-reducing wearable that's got people buzzing.

This neuroscientist- and physician-developed device uses soothing vibrations to help you sleep, relax, and focus better. Did we mention Skimm'rs get $40 off today? 'Cause they do.*

Don't wait

4. What our editors were obsessed with in May.

We're sharing a few standout faves from the past month that we usually reserve for the group chat. You're welcome.

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Psst...looking for more discounts on brands Skimm'rs love? Check out all of our exclusive promo codes here.

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.

Feeling saucy…Pam N (TN). She launched her own Bourbon-infused BBQ sauce. All of her products are handmade from locally sourced ingredients.

(Some) Birthdays…theSkimm's Stacy Chemtob (NY), Jennifer Spector (PA), Katie Frisina (MA), Amany Ishaq (LA), Misty Ahmadi (CA), Lisa Sims Harrison (AL), Robert Mooney (KS), Ken Salkeld (FL), Kaitlyn Estrada (TX), Amanda Schutte (IL), Kevin Easton (HI), Kevin Nguyen (NY)

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