Health Policy

America's Next Top Doctor?

What’s going on: Casey Means, MD, is not your typical surgeon general pick. The holistic medicine doctor and wellness influencer built a following speaking out on blood sugar, ultra-processed foods, and chronic disease. She also co-wrote a book seen as the MAHA movement’s bible with her brother, a Trump health official. At her long-awaited confirmation hearing on Wednesday, Means sidestepped lawmakers’ questions on whether or not she believes vaccines cause autism, declined to commit to promoting flu and measles shots amid outbreaks, and emphasized “informed consent.” (Research consistently demonstrates the benefits of vaccination.) On reproductive health, she defended past comments that birth control pills are prescribed “like candy,” adding that while she supports access, they can have “horrifying side effects.”

What it means: The surgeon general does not set policy, but the role carries a powerful megaphone. Supporters say she could use the role to amplify popular, albeit controversial, messages about nutrition, exercise, and chronic disease prevention. But Means’s inactive medical license and incomplete residency have raised questions about whether she’s qualified to serve as the country’s doctor. Critics from both parties question her vaccine stance, and a Republican senator warned that her views on pesticides could ripple through farm country. Her confirmation is widely expected to pass — though it’s unclear when a decision will be made.

Related: New Studies Poke Holes in RFK Jr.’s Health Playbook (NBC News)

The News in 5

🗞️ Bill Gates admitted to some mistakes about his connection with Jeffrey Epstein. Meanwhile, a Nobel laureate and a former Cabinet member stepped down from public leadership roles amid the fallout.

🗞️ The Trump administration is considering an executive order requiring banks to collect customers’ citizenship information.

🗞️ Elon Musk made some pretty explosive — and unsubstantiated — claims about Mexico’s president, and now the country is weighing legal action.

🗞️ Cue up Tammy Wynette: Hillary Clinton sits for a closed-door deposition today in the House’s Epstein probe (it’s Bill’s turn on Friday).

🗞️ New research sheds light on why “super agers” might have such good memories. Bookmarking this for later — if we remember to.

Money

Trump's Retirement Pitch

What's going on: First came the “Trump Accounts” for babies. Now, he’s eyeing your golden years. During his State of the Union address, President Donald Trump pledged to create a new government-backed retirement account for Americans who don’t have access to a plan at work. The idea: Let them invest through a program modeled after the Thrift Savings Plan — the 401(k)-style system used by federal employees — and sweeten the deal with a $1,000 annual government match. If it materializes, the plan could reach nearly 56 million Americans who currently lack workplace retirement coverage. Details are limited, but Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the proposal could roll out in the coming weeks or months.

The reality: Trump appears ready to expand the federal footprint in Americans’ financial lives. But reshaping retirement isn’t something the White House can do solo. For now, it can only create these accounts — but it can’t auto-enroll workers or require anyone to participate. In other words: you’d still have to opt in. (One expert told Axios it might be as simple as checking a box on your tax return.) As for that $1,000 annual match? It’ll likely draw from a 2022 Biden-era effort that already aims to expand retirement enrollments — but that doesn’t kick in until 2027. Some analysts are “cautiously optimistic” about Trump’s plan, especially since Social Security’s main trust fund could run dry by 2033. Not exactly a relaxing outlook.

Related: The Five Retirement Expenses That Keep Going Up (AARP)

Money

Yes, You Should Plan for the Worst

What's going on: When someone you love dies, it’s irrefutably, soul-crushingly hard (an understatement). And on top of processing your grief, there are meticulous and practical tasks to be completed. Specifically: picking up the financial pieces. Sandwich Generation, consider this your nudge to think about those pieces now — for your parents and for yourself. The Wall Street Journal recently outlined the top five financial “blind spots” that tend to hit spouses hardest during bereavement. From getting locked out of important accounts to surprise “widow’s penalties” at tax time, none of this is exactly a boon in the middle of grief. 

We've been there: They call it “estate planning,” a surprisingly civilized word for a depressing but necessary process. If you or your parents are married, WSJ recommends creating joint accounts for most financial assets and property for easier access. At the same time, each partner should build credit in their own name so no one becomes invisible to credit bureaus if the other dies. Next: life insurance, if you can swing it. Update beneficiaries on policies, IRAs, and 401(k)s — and create a will (to avoid horror stories like this one). You can also use estate planning checklists and set up digital legacy options on password managers. After a death, lean on guides to figure out which documents you’ll need. And yes — a personalized master spreadsheet never hurts.

Related: How To Create an Estate Plan (CNN)

On Our Calendar

A few things to jot down today…

🗓️ Talks are scheduled in Geneva today between the US and Ukraine. 

🗓️ Dearest gentle reader, part two of Bridgerton’s season four is finally here. 

🗓️ It’s the start of the first Mercury retrograde of 2026. Someone hold our hand.

Psst…For more dates worth knowing this week, check out the Skimm+ calendar.

Amazon Baby Sale

The Amazon Baby Sale is happening now — we’re talking strollers, clothing, and play items, all significantly reduced. So whether you have a little one, are competing for aunt of the year, or are expecting soon, grab what you need while it’s on sale:

• An adorable diaper caddy for the nursery

• A set of printed pacifiers

• A hands-free breast pump that’s more comfortable than most

Extra Credit

File

If filing your taxes used to be “easy” and now includes a new job, a side hustle, or buying a house…you might have a few questions. Thankfully, you don’t have to go it alone. With H&R Block paid DIY tax filing, you can prep your return at home and get help whenever you need it — from AI Tax Assist or a human expert, at no extra cost. Translation: less second-guessing, more confidence.*

Know It All

Lunch will never be the same. Which "fast-casual" chain is launching a value menu after all these years?

Skimm'd by: Rashaan Ayesh, Mallory Simon, Molly Longman, Maria del Carmen Corpus, and Marina Carver. Fact-checked by Sara Tardiff.