Trump Heads East for Deals First, Then Diplomacy

Good morning.

There’s no Met Gala or conclave to get lost in this week — though the headlines from the latter remain the gift that keeps on giving. Still, that doesn’t mean things are slowing down. Between “substantial progress” made with China, President Donald Trump’s first major international trip since returning to the White House (more on that below), and the Supreme Court’s hearing on birthright citizenship (TBD on whether it’ll be televised), there’s plenty that we’re following. In the meantime, we’ve launched a new membership to help you stay one step ahead. Join the waitlist to be notified when a Founding Member spot opens up for you.

— Maria Corpus / Editor / Madison, WI

What's Happening

Politics

Trump Heads East for Deals First, Then Diplomacy

What's going on: President Donald Trump will kick off the first major international trip of his second term this week. On the itinerary: stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates — and it’s all business. The four-day swing is focused on trade, energy, and investment deals from some of the world’s wealthiest nations. It remains to be seen whether the Trump administration will inch closer to its goals to end the Israel-Hamas war, strike a nuclear deal with Iran, and get Saudi leaders to normalize relations with Israel (something experts say is unlikely). It’s also unclear whether this visit will deliver any of the memorable moments from the president’s first-term trip to the Middle East — remember the sword dancing, those orb memes, and the projection of Trump’s face at a Riyadh hotel?

What it means: Instead of visiting traditional American allies (because things are awkward right now), Trump is targeting the region’s deepest pockets — and countries where his family has also recently pursued business interests. Foreign policy experts say the trip underscores a White House focus on economics over diplomacy, but the administration insists the goal is also to highlight strengthening regional ties. That may be a tough sell, given that Israel isn’t on the itinerary — a snub not lost on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, especially as relations between the two leaders have cooled. As some White House insiders put it, this trip is really about generating headlines about “America First” wins: jobs, infrastructure, and an influx of foreign investment.

Related: Is Trump Getting a “Palace in the Sky” from Qatar for Air Force One? (ABC News)

Health

A New Way To Screen for Cervical Cancer — No Stirrups Needed 

What's going on: The FDA just approved a first-of-its-kind at-home HPV test — no cold metal speculum, scooting further down at the gyno, or time off work required. (Cue the cautious optimism — and maybe a side-eye at your bathroom mirror.) The Teal Wand, developed by Teal Health, allows women aged 25 to 65 at average risk for cervical cancer to collect a vaginal sample at home after a telehealth appointment. The sample gets mailed to a lab and tested for HPV, the virus responsible for nearly all cervical cancers. Clinical studies found the at-home swab is just as accurate as an in-office collection. Now, it’s set to roll out in California next month, with plans to expand nationwide.

What it means: Roughly 13,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, and about 4,000 die. Black and Native American women face even higher risks, often due to gaps in access and care. Meanwhile, about 1 in 4 women in the US aren’t up to date on their screenings. One big reason? The whole process can be uncomfortable, embarrassing, or just a pain to schedule (travel can be an issue). But it seems that the medical field is (finally) listening. Just last year, the FDA approved self-collection tests at doctors’ offices, now at-home options are entering the scene. That said, don’t toss your OB-GYN’s number — the new swab only tests for HPV, not other conditions, and it won’t replace the full scope of care that comes with an annual visit.

Related: Trump Announces Executive Order To Slash Drug Prices (USA Today)

Work

"Conscious Unbossing" Might Be the Ultimate Power Move

What's going on: You’ve heard of “conscious uncoupling”? Now, there’s “conscious unbossing,” or intentionally dodging management roles. As more people employ this work strategy, new research found Gen Z is almost twice as likely to avoid leadership positions “to protect their well-being.” It makes sense — we’re not exactly living in the Gilded Age for managers, who are often overworked, under-supported, and increasingly first on the chopping block for layoffs. And even though salaries might be higher for bosses, more folks are saying: “Sorry, not worth it.” They’d rather have work-life balance and jobs they find meaningful, leaving the ambition Olympics to someone else. But who?  

What it means: While some critics perceive this shift in work culture as lazy, younger workers say it gives them more time, autonomy, and freedom from the treachery that is managing someone else’s workload and emotions. Gone are the days of “hustle culture” and sleeping at the office (sorry, Elon). But with Gen Z set to make up about 30% of the workforce within five years, experts say companies will need to rethink their approach to hiring, hierarchy, and retention. This comes as CEOs and other leaders have taken a firmer hand with employees, appearing more comfortable with being the bad guy. But why be the villain when you can just vibe out, do your own job well, and go home at 5 pm?

Related: Her Work Insurance Wouldn’t Cover Egg Freezing, She Passed a Bill To Change That (WaPo Gift Link)

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Extra Credit

Eat

In our experience, turkey meatballs tend to be the culinary equivalent of a LinkedIn status update: bland, dry, and easily forgotten. Not these. Dishing Out Health’s Peperoncino-Feta Turkey Meatballs are bold, bright, and impossibly good — thanks to tangy peperoncini, salty feta, fresh dill, and nutrient-rich flaxseed. You could absolutely eat them straight off the pan (we’ve done it), but we highly recommend serving them as intended: over garlic-za’atar rice with chopped cucumbers, pickled red onions, and a generous scoop of hummus or tzatziki. Plus, the leftovers (should any survive) are excellent for lunch the next day.

Game Time

Wake your brain up this Monday with a game of Flipart. Just rotate the pieces to fit within the frame and get ready to feel the rush when they all fall into place. Get into it.