The FCC Chair's Other War… With the Press

Good morning.

The threat of a “historic winter storm” kept me indoors yesterday. Luckily, Hollywood’s biggest night delivered plenty of entertainment. Conan O’Brien brought the comedy (sorry, Timothée Chalamet) and gave us a new Leonardo DiCaprio meme. The best picture winner didn’t disappoint, while the best actor and best actress categories kept me on the edge of my seat. If you’re as obsessed with Bridesmaids as I am, you probably screamed when the cast reunited on stage — or when Sinners’ Autumn Durald Arkapaw made history as the first woman ever to win in this category. I also have to mention the drama that played out on the red carpet and ruffled some feathers, literally. Just look at Teyana Taylor’s stunning gown and Nicole Kidman’s sleek look. To everyone who contributed to the more than $116 million in Oscar bets, I hope you’re waking up a winner (though I’m sure this historic tie ruined some betting pools). Now, let’s get to the news headlines…

— Maria Corpus / Editor / Madison, WI

US News

The FCC Chair's Other War… With the Press

What’s going on: Oscars fashion wasn’t the only thing under intense scrutiny this weekend. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr put news networks on notice: Change your Iran war coverage, or the FCC might revoke your broadcast license. The warning follows a familiar pattern (remember what happened with Jimmy Kimmel?) and comes as President Donald Trump has accused the “Fake News Media” of wanting the US to lose the war. Similarly, on Friday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth offered advice during a press briefing on how networks should write headlines and banners to sound more “patriotic.” (Does he miss his old job at Fox News?) He singled out CNN and said he looks forward to Trump-friendly David Ellison taking control of the network. Democrats — and at least one Republican — rebuked Carr’s comments.

Is this even possible?: Media law experts say the FCC can’t easily revoke a broadcast license. Federal communications law deliberately makes the process slow to prevent the government from trying to censor news coverage. Still, even if Carr doesn’t act on his threat, pressure on newsrooms can come from inside the house. Corporate owners at outlets like CBS and The Washington Post have faced scrutiny over editorial independence. The administration’s attacks on the coverage of the Iran war come as polls show low public support for the conflict. Meanwhile, Trump says Tehran appears ready to negotiate a ceasefire but that he isn’t ready to make a deal yet — a claim Iranian officials dispute.

The News in 5

🗞️ President Donald Trump’s case against Fed Chair Jerome Powell just got even more complicated.

🗞️ Southwest Airlines is ending service at these two major airports.

🗞️ This ship looks like it quickly turned from Princess to Poop Cruise 2.0 amid a norovirus outbreak.

🗞️ What does a former correctional officer know about the night Jeffrey Epstein died? The House committee probing the case is about to find out.

🗞️ Florida is one step closer to requiring voters to show proof of citizenship.

Reproductive Health

Birth Control, Interrupted?

What's going on: After months of “just circling back”-style emails and Congressional pressure, federally-funded reproductive health clinics finally got some long-anticipated guidance on Title X funding. The Trump administration’s update came Friday night, but with a catch: Clinics only have one week to submit detailed applications before current grants expire on April 1, according to Politico. If you need an idea of just how late this information is, clinics expected it at the end of last year. Even if providers scramble to assemble their applications, the review process often takes several months. The Department of Health and Human Services has yet to comment on the delay.

What it means: If the government doesn’t grant an emergency extension, clinics face a funding gap. That could put more than 2 million patients at risk of losing access to contraception and preventive care, including cancer and STI screenings. Some reproductive health experts question whether the delay reflects disorganization or a politicized version of weaponized incompetence. Title X has long attracted conservative scrutiny. During his previous term, Trump barred clinics that receive Title X funds from providing abortion referrals. Whatever caused the funding slowdown, it shows how red tape alone can limit access to care patients need (and want) — even without an outright ban.

Heart Health

Cholesterol Checks Are About To Change

What's going on: Comedian John Mulaney has a famous bit about how ordering fries for the table often feels like “a little adventure.” We hate to be the bearers of bad news, but the American Heart Association (AHA) may want you to stop being so adventurous. Together with the American College of Cardiology (ACC), the AHA released new guidelines that urge Americans to start monitoring their cholesterol at a younger age. The recommendations ask doctors to screen cholesterol levels and treat patients in their 30s, even though the risk of heart attack or stroke rises later in life. The logic is simple. If doctors catch elevated cholesterol earlier, patients can adjust habits — and, if needed, start treatment — sooner. The move comes as about one in four Americans has elevated LDL cholesterol (the so-called “bad” kind).

How it’ll work: Your next checkup could involve a new number. Doctors may now use a special calculator that estimates your long-term risk of cardiovascular disease from plaque buildup in the arteries. If your LDL cholesterol measures 160 milligrams per deciliter or higher at age 30, your doctor will likely recommend medication to bring it down. Physicians could also order additional blood tests that may detect hidden cardiovascular risks. Ultimately, experts hope the guidance will lead to “a more precise, individualized, and equitable approach” to protecting health. That said, we’ll still order those fries now and then. We might just pair them with a few cholesterol-friendly habits.

Related: Women Should Know These Seven Things About Their Heart (NYT Gift Link)

Quick Hits

😴 Difficulty sleeping? Try “cognitive shuffling.” Guess it’s better than thinking about sheep.

👀 You’re probably packing your freezer wrong. Is this the new dishwasher-loading debate?

🏋️ These six exercises can boost your longevity — and the best part, no gym is required.

🍕 It turns out the perfect job does exist, and why are we just finding out about it?

🫶 This never-before-seen photo of Princess Diana and Prince William captures the quiet power of a parent’s love.

♥️ Dolly Parton gave fans a much-needed status update on where she’s been. The 9 to 5 can wait.

🎤 Dr. Becky and Jennie Garth walk into a room. Consider us seated, and if you want to join us — discount here.

On Our Calendar

A few things to jot down today…

🗓️ The iHeartRadio Podcast Awards are tonight. Even in the everyone-has-a-podcast era, these shows rose to the top.

🗓️ It’s National Panda Day. We can’t stop watching them play.

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

Going All In — On and Off the Field

Sophia Wilson and Mallory Swanson are returning for the 2026 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season with a new title: mom. And they’re not the only ones headed back on the pitch. theSkimm is proud be an official media partner of the NWSL for the second year in a row. Before opening weekend kicked off, we asked the athletes what it’s like to balance being new moms and elite competitors — and it’s just a taste of what we’re drawing up for year two. (Side note: Wilson’s latest hyper-fixation is extremely cute.) Expect even more exclusive interviews, match recaps, and behind-the-scenes moments all season long. Catch it all in the Daily Skimm, the Well Played newsletter and vodcast, and on our @WellPlayedbytheSkimm Instagram account.

Know It All

Speaking of cursed menu items, Buffalo Wild Wings has launched a new cocktail. And they named it…

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

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