Congress Is Mullin’ Things Over

US News

Congress Is Mullin’ Things Over

What’s going on: Yesterday, Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) was in the hot seat during a confirmation hearing that could set him up to replace outgoing DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. (She may be out, but no one will wear a Rolex to a prison quite like her.) Things got off to a rocky start. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) skipped the pleasantries and channeled his inner Real Housewife, asking Mullin why he called him a “freaking snake.” Paul also questioned Mullin’s inappropriate comments after Paul was physically attacked in 2017. Sadly, Andy Cohen wasn’t there to moderate. Most Democrats seemed skeptical. They pressed Mullin on a “classified” overseas trip he took and on his comments about Alex Pretti, who federal immigration officers shot and killed in Minnesota. Mullin apologized for calling him a “deranged individual.” 

On leading DHS: Mullin showed signs of a more moderate approach. He said he’d have ICE focus specifically on deporting immigrants already in custody, rather than being on the “front lines.” He promised to work with leaders in sanctuary cities, adding that he’d treat his dealings with them like he would a tiff with a spouse, so… no going to bed angry? Mullin added he’d phase out a controversial Noem policy that requires the secretary to sign off on all federal disaster aid over $100,000.

What’s next: The nomination vote was set for today, but may be delayed by a closed-door briefing over Mullin’s “classified” travel. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) still expects him to get confirmed, even without support from Paul. He may have a Democrat to thank for that after Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) praised Mullin’s willingness to work across the aisle. Guess it never hurts to have friends in unexpected places.

Related: ICE Has Detained & Deported Hundreds of Pregnant & Postpartum Immigrants (The 19th)

The News in 6

🗞️ President Donald Trump warned that the US will “blow up” Iran’s largest oil field (which Israel has already hit) if Tehran continues its strikes on Qatar’s energy facilities. The back-and-forth attacks pushed oil prices above $110 a barrel.

🗞️ Civil rights leader Cesar Chavez is accused of sexually abusing women and girls for decades, including longtime activist Dolores Huerta. The United Farm Workers cofounder shared a statement detailing the allegations.

🗞️ TrumpRx claimed it would have the “world’s lowest drug prices.” Then The New York Times did the math… and it’s not adding up. 

🗞️ Experts estimate that 270 million iPhones could be exposed to suspected Russian hackers. Time to stop ignoring that latest update. 

🗞️ A new study found that women who go through premature menopause are at a higher risk of heart attacks.

🗞️ WNBA players and the league finally reached a new collective bargaining agreement. As for what that pay raise looks like…

Money

The Great 401(k) Run

What’s going on: In theory, a 401(k) is a lovely concept. Your paycheck funds the account automatically, and it grows over time. Easy enough to forget about it. More workers now have a 401(k), thanks to automatic enrollment and employer matches. The catch: You can’t withdraw the cash until you’re 59½ without facing a steep tax penalty. But many Americans can’t wait that long. Investment firm Vanguard says 6% of account holders took hardship withdrawals in 2025 — a record high. People typically treat it as a last resort, but more are willing to accept the tax hit. The top reasons? To avoid foreclosure or eviction, and cover medical expenses. The new American dream is surviving in this economy.

We’ve been there: Experts aren’t surprised by the trend, but they caution against treating a 401(k) like a rainy day fund. Sometimes you don’t have a choice. If you’re considering it, keep a few things in mind. The SECURE Act 2.0 lets you take one penalty-free emergency withdrawal of up to $1,000 per year. If you don’t repay it within three years, you’re locked out of taking another — but pay it back, and you can tap that penalty-free option again. The saver decides what counts as an emergency. (These are the other tax-free exceptions.) Financial experts warn against letting it get this far. When you pull money from a 401(k), you lose future growth opportunities since the account relies on compounding interest. It might be time to listen to our parents and build that emergency fund a little more.

Related: Five Retirement Tips so You Can Enjoy Your Golden Years (Investopedia)

Technology

When Grandma Needs a Digital Detox

What’s going on: Remember the good (?) old days when we had to show our parents how to turn their phones on and off? They’re long gone. Increasingly, baby boomers are almost as online as teenagers, much to the chagrin of their adult children, who wish they could get through a meal together without their parents stopping to text or share a political meme. New research shows social media use among people 65 and older shot up from a modest 11% in 2010 to a whopping 45% in 2021. Another survey found that adults over 50 spend about 22 hours a week on their devices cumulatively. In other words, the tables have turned. Now, AARP members are the ones rolling their eyes and pulling the ‘ole “idk my bff Jill” as their kids question their screentime.

Is it time to pull the “grounded, no phone” card? Not exactly. Part of the uptick in phone use among the elderly has to do with the often unstructured rhythm of retirement. Your parents just have more time on their hands, and it makes sense they’re spending some of it online. Not all screentime is created equal, and there’s a difference between a granny with a penchant for Sudoku and a nonna who’s stuck in a Facebook misinformation rabbit hole. The best thing you can do is have open conversations about how to avoid scams and vet sources. Encourage your loved ones to try out offline hobbies, whether that’s a gardening group, a book club, or a volunteer opportunity. Worst case, yes, implement some of the same tricks you might with teens — may we suggest a “phone stack” for your next dinner?

Related: Befriending ‘Bots Is Getting Weird (The Atlantic)

Quick Hits

🍽️ A combination of these two diets could slow brain aging by over two years. At least we know it’ll taste good. 

🤔 Elle Fanning said the very serious prosthetics she wore on the set of her latest movie taught her a lot about motherhood. They worked, too.

🧺 The water temperature you use to wash your clothes matters a lot more than you think. Another adult thing no one told us. 

🥹 Miley Cyrus opened up about the “terrible habit” she learned from Dolly Parton. What a way to make a living.

🌸 Will this coat replace trenches this spring? Not like we’re counting down the days until it’s warm enough or anything...

💰 See if you know the unique financial hurdles women face with this quick quiz.*

On Our Calendar

A few things to jot down today…

🗓️ The EU Summit kicks off in Brussels, with the Middle East and energy costs high on the agenda.

🗓️ The NCAA Men’s Basketball first round starts. Let the basketball binge  — and predictions — begin.

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

Know It All

From what we know so far, which actor will not be in season four of White Lotus?

Skimm'd by: Rashaan Ayesh, Molly Longman, Marina Carver, and Kylie McConville. Fact-checked by Sara Tardiff.