Good morning.
I’m kicking off the week by brushing up on some easy April Fools’ Day pranks to play on my kids (the brownie fakeout is calling my name). Meanwhile, there’s plenty happening this week that’s very real: President Donald Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day” tariffs take effect (here’s what that could mean for you), there’s a high-stakes Supreme Court race in Wisconsin, the March jobs report drops, and TikTok faces a make-or-break deadline (again). And one more thing... Skimm+ is here to make your life easier. Think expert-backed resources, practical templates, and community events — all designed to help you simplify, organize, and optimize your everyday and big-life moments. Now, let's get to the news...
— Marina Carver / Senior Editor / Brooklyn, NY
What's Happening
US News
Inside America's Pronatalist Push
What's going on: America has long idealized big families, as seen in everything from reality TV shows to films like Cheaper by the Dozen. But beyond pop culture, a growing movement is actively pushing for policies that encourage people to have more kids. Enter the “pronatalists.” They advocate for expanded child tax credits, a more streamlined higher education system (so young adults can start families sooner), and looser car seat laws to make room for more little passengers. However, the pronatalists are about as organized as Steve Martin’s giant fictitious family — they aren’t politically unified, lack cohesive lobbying power, and disagree on their motivations. Some are spurred on by religion, while others (like billionaire-and-parent-of-14 Elon Musk), seem more inspired by fears that declining birth rates could weaken the economy and workforce.
What it means: This movement’s ethos goes far beyond Vice President JD Vance’s “childless cat lady” comments — but much like those remarks, the heart of pronatalism is increasingly out of step with an American public that’s getting married and having children later. While family-friendly policies appeal to voters across party lines, there’s little evidence they significantly boost birth rates. Pronatalists have found some allies in President Donald Trump’s orbit, but they’re not exactly on Mar-a-Lago’s speed dial. In fact, some Trump team policies — tariffs, return-to-office mandates, and cuts to health and education programs — arguably make raising children harder. The administration’s most notable nod to pronatalism? Transportation Secretary and father-of-nine Sean Duffy’s pledge to direct federal funds toward areas with higher birth rates. Still, for a movement hoping to see a baby boom, that’s just one small step.
Related: A $10K Conference To “Repopulate the Earth”? Right-Wing Influencers Were So There (Wired)
International
Myanmar Reeling After Powerful Earthquake
What's going on: Rescuers are digging through toppled buildings in central Myanmar, searching for survivors after the country’s most powerful earthquake in more than a century. The 7.7 magnitude quake struck Friday, killing at least 1,700 people and injuring thousands more. Officials warn the death toll will likely rise. The hardest-hit areas include Mandalay and the surrounding Sagaing region, including a stretch of cities known for their temples, monasteries, and teahouses. One resident described “widespread destruction,” with leveled buildings, no electricity, and dwindling drinking water. The damage extends for hundreds of miles, reaching neighboring Thailand, where a high-rise under construction collapsed in Bangkok.
Tell me more: Years of civil conflict and Myanmar’s isolation under military rule have made the crisis more dire. The country’s opposition declared a two-week ceasefire in quake-hit areas to allow aid teams safe access, but reaching survivors remains a challenge. Cracked roads, collapsed bridges, and aftershocks have made many areas nearly inaccessible — further complicating the situation for humanitarian groups. Still, countries like China, India, Russia, and Thailand have sent emergency crews and supplies. The US has pledged support, with President Donald Trump calling the quake “terrible.”
Related: One Country Is Reopening Its Cold War Bunkers (BBC)
Weather
Cloudy With a (High) Chance of Errors
What's going on: We all know the feeling of getting caught in the rain without an umbrella or wearing one too many layers on an oddly warm winter day. Well, that could start happening more often. Last month, hundreds of meteorologists at the National Weather Service (NWS) lost their jobs (courtesy of DOGE). Since then, the agency has scaled back or halted its daily weather balloon launches — which gather data on temperature, humidity, and wind — across at least 10 sites. The information feeds into everything from local TV forecasts to your weather app. With fewer of these balloons in the sky, experts say forecasts could be less accurate. Way to rain on our parade.
What it means: Aside from helping us figure out what to wear for the day, the data gathered by these balloons is critical to keeping people informed during extreme weather. After a record number of natural disasters in recent years, the US can’t really afford to be flying blind. There are reports that some NOAA employees have been rehired — though it’s unclear how many or where. Meanwhile, the cuts have hit areas like the Rockies, the Upper Midwest, and the Great Lakes — regions already prone to intense storms. One expert said, “There’s no question it will lead to errors. It’s just a matter of how bad it will be.” And with hurricane season around the corner, the NWS’s problems are likely just getting started.
Related: The Trump Administration Wants To “Eliminate” FEMA (The Hill)
We need to talk…
Stay safe, it’s expensive out there. We want to know how you're navigating it all — from what's going on at work to your finances. To start, tell us what you're thinking about your career, your goals and what's standing in your way, or a recent professional achievement and how you made it happen. Let us know here.
Settle This
Some states are seriously chill. One study ranked all 50 by stress levels. Which state came in as the least stressed?
(This poll is no longer available)
Extra Credit
Eat
The only combo more elite than PB&J? Deeply golden chicken cutlets and salad — at least, according to the internet. The pairing has recently dominated our feeds, which is exactly how we discovered this Crispy Chicken With Fennel Arugula Salad from Lindsey Eats. In the instant weeknight hit, delightfully crackly, fried-but-not-heavy chicken cutlets are topped with a mountain of lemony salad, featuring peppery arugula, thinly sliced fennel and red onion, briny capers, and grated Parmesan. So it’s part hot and crispy, part light and refreshing — adding up to something very delicious.
For more recs...
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
What is the most important information I should know about ZURZUVAE?
ZURZUVAE may cause serious side effects, including:
Decreased ability to drive or do other dangerous activities. ZURZUVAE may decrease your awareness and alertness, which can affect your ability to drive safely or safely do other dangerous activities
Do not drive, operate machinery, or do other dangerous activities until at least 12 hours after taking each dose during your 14-day treatment course of ZURZUVAE
You may not be able to tell on your own if you can drive safely or tell how much ZURZUVAE is affecting you
Decreased awareness and alertness [central nervous system (CNS) depressant effects]. ZURZUVAE may cause sleepiness, drowsiness, slow thinking, dizziness, confusion, and trouble walking
Because of these symptoms, you may be at a higher risk for falls during treatment with ZURZUVAE
Taking alcohol, other medicines that cause CNS depressant effects, or opioids while taking ZURZUVAE can make these symptoms worse and may also cause trouble breathing
Tell your healthcare provider if you develop any of these symptoms, or if they get worse during treatment with ZURZUVAE. Your healthcare provider may decrease your dose or stop ZURZUVAE treatment if you develop these symptoms
ZURZUVAE is a federal controlled substance (C-IV) because it contains zuranolone, which can be abused or lead to dependence. Keep ZURZUVAE in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not sell or give away ZURZUVAE, because it may harm others and is against the law.
Before taking ZURZUVAE, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
drink alcohol
have abused or been dependent on prescription medicines, street drugs, or alcohol
have liver or kidney problems
are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. ZURZUVAE may harm your unborn baby
are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. ZURZUVAE passes into breast milk, and it is not known if it can harm your baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of breastfeeding and about the best way to feed your baby during treatment with ZURZUVAE
Females who are able to become pregnant:
Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant during treatment with ZURZUVAE.
You should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with ZURZUVAE and for 1 week after the final dose
There is a pregnancy registry for females who are exposed to ZURZUVAE during pregnancy. The purpose of the registry is to collect information about the health of females exposed to ZURZUVAE and their baby. If you become pregnant during treatment with ZURZUVAE, talk to your healthcare provider about registering with the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants at 1-844-405-6185 or visit online at https://womensmentalhealth.org/research/pregnancyregistry/antidepressants/
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. ZURZUVAE and some medicines may interact with each other and cause serious side effects. ZURZUVAE may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect the way ZURZUVAE works.
Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take antidepressants, opioids, or CNS depressants such as benzodiazepines.
What should I avoid while taking ZURZUVAE?
Do not drive a car, operate machinery, or do other dangerous activities until at least 12 hours after taking each dose of ZURZUVAE because ZURZUVAE may make you feel sleepy, confused, or dizzy
Do not drink alcohol or take other medicines that make you sleepy or dizzy while taking ZURZUVAE without talking to your healthcare provider
See “What is the most important information I should know about ZURZUVAE?”
ZURZUVAE may cause serious side effects, including:
See “What is the most important information I should know about ZURZUVAE?”
Increased risk of suicidal thoughts or actions. ZURZUVAE and other antidepressant medicines may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in people 24 years of age and younger. ZURZUVAE is not for use in children
How can I watch for and try to prevent suicidal thoughts and actions?
Pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden changes in mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings, or if you develop suicidal thoughts or actions. This is very important when an antidepressant medicine is started or when the dose is changed
Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new or sudden changes in mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings
Keep all follow-up visits with your healthcare provider as scheduled. Call your healthcare provider between visits as needed, especially if you have concerns about symptoms
Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms, especially if they are new, worse, or worry you:
attempts to commit suicide
thoughts about suicide or dying
new or worse depression
feeling very agitated or restless
trouble sleeping (insomnia)
new or worse anxiety
panic attacks
new or worse irritability
acting aggressive, being angry, or violent
an extreme increase in activity and talking (mania)
acting on dangerous impulses
other unusual changes in behavior or mood
The most common side effects of ZURZUVAE include:
Sleepiness or drowsiness, dizziness, common cold, diarrhea, feeling tired, weak, or having no energy, and urinary tract infection
These are not all of the possible side effects of ZURZUVAE. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
What is ZURZUVAE® (zuranolone) CIV?
ZURZUVAE is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with postpartum depression (PPD).
It is not known if ZURZUVAE is safe and effective in children.
Please see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning and Medication Guide.
Sponsored by Sage Therapeutics, Inc. and Biogen Inc.
ZUR-US-1093v2 03/25
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