Cruel Summer: Inflation, COVID Immunity, and Shady TikTok Ads

• First: We’re kicking it off with the big headlines for the week: June inflation numbers, what you need to know about the COVID variant dominating the US right now, the launch of the 988 mental health hotline, and why the president of Sri Lanka resigned – over email – today. 
• Next: President Biden hopped on Air Force one to head to the Middle East for his first visit to the region since his presidency began. We'll explain the Biden agenda and why the trip is causing a lot of controversy...in 60 seconds.
• ICYMI: Elon Musk called it quits with Twitter this week. Twitter’s response? Lawyer up, Musk. We talk to a tech reporter to learn more about the breakup and how she thinks it’ll all play out in court. 
• Also: From foot fetish websites to fancy water, TikTok influencers are making bank off of sponsored content. But some of them are breaking the law at the same time. We talk to a reporter who went down the rabbit hole of undisclosed sponcon to learn why influencers are saying “no thanks” to putting #ad on their posts – and why it’s so hard to stop it. PS: If you think you’re seeing undisclosed spon-con on your FYP, report it to the FTC here. 
• Finally: We’re throwing it back to the early 2000s mall culture. Specifically to the store with the little pink bag and iconic fashion show, Victoria’s Secret. We chat with the director and EP of a new docuseries that follows the iconic brand’s fall from grace.

PS: Calling all Skimm This listeners. Have questions about the news, work, or life? Call and leave us a voicemail at (929) 266-4381. We can’t wait to hear from you.

On this episode, you’ll hear from: 

• Dr. Kavita Patel, physician
• Rachel Lerman, technology reporter, The Washington Post
• Sara Morrison, senior reporter, Recode
• Jenny Ewig, executive producer, Victoria’s Secret: Angels and Demons
• Matt Tyrnaeur, director, Victoria’s Secret: Angels and Demons

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Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Will Livingston, and Blake Lew-Merwin. Engineered by Andrew Callaway and Elie McAfee-Hahn. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

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