Why it matters: A recent strike by ski patrollers in Park City has brought attention to the monopolistic practices within the ski industry, dominated by giants like Vail Resorts and Alterra. The consolidation of resorts has led to escalated costs for skiers and poor working conditions for employees. If you've been wondering why skiing has become such an insanely expensive endeavor, this piece does a great job of providing an explanation.

'Back in my day': The price of lift tickets these days is a serious bummer for this former ski bum. Back in high school, my friends and I would head up to the mountain with $20 in our pockets. That was enough money to shred the slopes for a full day and still have plenty left over to hit In-N-Out for some burgers on the way home. Now, my kids might never learn to ski because it's just too darn expensive. Ugh.

Why it matters: A study in Pediatrics shows that 15.4% of US children received at least one vaccine dose outside the recommended age, with rotavirus vaccines most frequently involved. The study found that children with multiple health care providers or who moved between states were more likely to receive invalid doses.

Why it matters: A descendant of one of Jack the Ripper's victims is calling for a new inquest into the unsolved 1888 murders after DNA evidence suggested Aaron Kosminski, a Polish barber, was the killer. The claim stems from research that linked DNA from a shawl at the crime scene to a Kosminski descendant. Despite this, the findings have not been peer-reviewed, leading to skepticism. Officials previously rejected an inquest due to insufficient new evidence, but others say a fresh inquest could provide justice for the victims.

Why it matters: Dunkin' locations in Nebraska and New Mexico are experiencing a temporary doughnut shortage due to a manufacturing error from a single supplier. This issue, which affects approximately 4% of Dunkin's U.S. stores, has led to empty doughnut cases in cities like Omaha, Lincoln, and Albuquerque. Hilariously, some locations filled the hole in the menu by offering ... you guessed it ... donut holes!

Why it matters: When Friday's WYWW featured a story about the small surprises that can turn tedious travel into a more blissful experience, I put out the call for WYWWers to email me their own suggestions. Here's a sampling of some of the submissions:

• Getting a last-minute upgrade to business class on a long-haul flight! (submitted by Betsy Blair)
• When the rental car company doesn't have the vehicle you reserved and offers a free upgrade to a luxury vehicle. (Cynthia Smith)
• When no one jabs their oversized tote bags or backpacks into my shoulder (even though I'm leaning toward the middle seat) while passing by my aisle seat. (Art Sasse)
• When a long flight has so many empty seats that you can use an entire row for napping. (Daniel Yamshon)
• When the gate for your connecting flight is right next to the gate of your arriving flight. (Mitch Crystal)
• When there's a bar right next to your gate. (also by Mitch Crystal)

Related to Art's submission, I would add: When taller people on a flight steady themselves on their way to and from the bathroom by placing their hands on the overhead luggage compartments -- NOT by jostling the seatbacks of all the aisle passengers.

Why it matters: I DARE you to try this method the next time you want to 'walk' on water. Researchers have discovered that northern cricket frogs use a unique method to move across water by performing rapid belly flops. This method involves the frogs briefly submerging before launching themselves upwards, creating an illusion of walking on water.

Why it matters: The rise in popularity of the diabetes drug Ozempic, which is being used for weight loss, is impacting the alcohol industry, as seen with the closure of Trova Wine and Market in Dallas. Owner Michelle Bonds noted a drop in food and drink sales as customers on Ozempic reported less desire for alcohol. Scientific research supports this trend, showing that GLP-1 drugs limit dopamine release from alcohol consumption, reducing consumer motivation to drink.

Hmm ... I wonder how many more stories like this will have to be published before the food, beverage and hospitality industries begin to mount campaigns that call on policymakers to limit the use of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic.

This photo was submitted by Jack Doyle.