The Job Market's "Just Trust Me" Energy

Economy

The Job Market's "Just Trust Me" Energy

What's going on: The economy has entered its “sources say” era — plenty of numbers, not much clarity. Yesterday’s delayed jobs report offered the latest example. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the US added 130,000 jobs in January — 55,000 more than what economists expected. But there’s an asterisk: These reports often get revised, and usually downward. That’s exactly what happened at the end of 2025. The mixed signals don’t stop there. Consumer spending and economic growth looked solid in the third quarter, even during a record-long government shutdown. But (and this is a big one) the country only added 181,000 jobs in 2025, far below the 1.46 million added in 2024.

What it means: Many economists still see a labor market that looks sturdy at a glance but fragile up close. Yes, growth exists, but certain sectors are carrying us all. The majority of recent job gains come from one place: health care, which accounted for 97% of new roles in the private sector last year. As for spending, families earning more than this amount account for 45% of it and are part of the reason costs keep going up. To top it all off, companies are pouring billions into artificial intelligence, leading to layoffs across industries. While Wall Street is eating up this tech boom, the risks could reverberate across the economy if things go sideways. As many struggle to see the job gains reflected in the report, there’s a small bright spot: One expert told USA Today that hiring could pick up later this year after companies finalize their budgets and get clearer signals on interest rates.

Related: Bernie Sanders on the Economy: “God Help Us” (The Hill)

The News in 5

🗞️ Attorney General Pam Bondi testified before a House committee on the Epstein files and, in a heated exchange, refused to apologize to the victims over her actions in the case.

🗞️ The White House scrubbed a controversial post from Vice President JD Vance and then blamed it on a staff error. Again.

🗞️ As Dems gear up for the 2026 midterms, they’re keeping one person far, far away from their campaigns. Just like cropping out your ex. 

🗞️ One reporter tried the RFK-approved diet for you. Day three broke her. 

🗞️ Kraft Heinz’s latest move is giving big breakup-to-makeup energy. Maybe it is worth the squeeze.

Money

Pack Your Bags (and Your Backup Plan)

What’s going on: This year’s travel theme might just be “proceed with caution.” While global travel spending has rebounded from the pandemic, big questions remain. The New York Times reports that people are packing Europe in the off-season — think Barcelona and Florence buzzing well past summer as visitors dodge both overtourism and the heat. But whether similar vibes make it to the US is TBD. Will the World Cup lure people in? Will Canadians head south again if states start rolling out the welcome mat? Geopolitics could also scramble itineraries. Experts warn that US strikes on Venezuela could affect travel across parts of the Caribbean, and increased US pressure on Cuba has already complicated some routes. 

What it means: Flexibility wins this year. Book refundable flights and hotels when possible, and actually read what your travel insurance covers before you hit purchase. Hotel prices, for now, have stayed largely flat. Brands aren’t loudly advertising discounts, but some are quietly trimming rates on lower-demand days — which makes shoulder-season Europe or midweek stays look even smarter. Many travelers are opting for “micro trips” or leaning on loyalty programs to stretch budgets. Looking for inspiration? These are the top places experts are eyeing for 2026. Trends like period-drama “set-jetting” or “grocery store tourism” offer clever new angles. If it’s warm and doesn’t anger our credit cards, we’re in.

Related: The Packing Mistakes a Veteran Flight Attendant Sees Every Trip (Travel + Leisure)

Lifestyle

Happiness Isn't a Solo Sport

What's going on: Happiness has become something we chase, track, and try to optimize for — and still, it’s often unattainable. No one knows this better than the researchers who study the emotion. And while they don’t have an “easy” secret to happiness, they may have identified one of the main keys: feeling loved. This goes a bit against the grain of other research, which has often focused on self-improvement and the love one feels for others. But as two researchers recently told The New York Times, their new book argues that what matters most is the experience of receiving love — that sense of warmth and connection from our favorite people. 

What it means: This isn’t permission to sit back and wait for applause. The slightly inconvenient twist is that the most reliable way to feel loved often starts with being someone who loves others well. Yes, the New Radicals were onto something: you get what you give. That doesn’t require grand gestures. It looks more like this: Ask your loved ones follow-up questions. Actually listen to their answers (please, no “boomerasking”). Pick one or two people you want to strengthen ties with and initiate a few conversations each week instead of waiting for them to text first. A final strategy, as Gretchen Rubin recommends in The Happiness Project: Work on showing more “proofs of love.” Saying “I love you” when you part ways is a good start.

Related: “Soft Living” Starts in the Morning & These Nine Habits Can Help (Real Simple)

On Our Calendar

A few things to jot down today…

🗓️ A California film festival will honor Michael B. Jordan with its Outstanding Performer of the Year Award. 

🗓️ Women’s curling match between the USA and Sweden at 1:05 pm ET & Women’s snowboard halfpipe finals at 1:30 pm ET. Catch both on Peacock.

🗓️ A moon shift could give three lucky signs a breakthrough in some part of their life.

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

Know It All

Parents everywhere have yet to escape KPop Demon Hunters, but how long did it take the minds behind the movie to create the Saja Boys' abs?

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