Phone Free February, a Midair Collision & Cabinet Hearings

The case for putting your phone down this month, plus a catch-up of the week's top stories. 🗞️

🎙️ Our Latest Podcast:

An unexpected news story breaks in the middle of an already busy news week. We navigate the latest on the midair collision in Washington, D.C., how Pres. Trump’s comments sparked a debate on DEI, as well as the latest on the hearings for the president's nominees for both the director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, and the head of the FBI, Kash Patel. 👇🏽

Enjoy our latest podcast episode? Become a SCOOP Insider and join our LIVE broadcast on Mondays, where we cover the news, reflect on it and openly discuss editorial choices and behind-the-scenes insight into SmartHER News. And if you can't make it (we know you have a ton going on), we email the broadcast that same afternoon for you to enjoy.

🗞️ The Weekly Roundup:

Topping the news is the story of a commercial flight and military helicopter colliding over the nation's capital this week. Many questions remain, but HERE is what we know so far.

In other news, lots of Senate confirmation hearings this week for President Trump's cabinet picks — catch up on the highlights on our latest podcast episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube.

The White House backed off a federal funds freeze, a Chinese artificial intelligence agency is shaking up the tech industry and the FDA just approved a new pain medication for the first time in 25 years.

For these stories (and more), visit SmartHERNews.com. 🗞️

📆 A SmartHER Tip for Simplifying Your Schedule:

Aimee here on the SmartHER News team. 👋🏽

I started off the new year with a goal: reclaim my schedule. To do that, I decided to try something I’d heard of but never actually used — time-blocking.

In today's world, it feels like we are more likely to spot a dragon on a unicycle outside a Blockbuster than we are to commit to a consistent schedule, am I right? 🐉🚴🏽‍♂️ But as I've practiced, I've found one piece of advice that actually works, and I took the idea from one of my favorite reads ... "Atomic Habits" by James Clear.

👉🏽 Don't worry about mapping out your entire day. Instead, start small.

Ask yourself: What is one task that takes 10 minutes or less that, if I completed it in the morning, would make me a happier person in the evening?

Now, schedule it on your calendar like you would an appointment ... and commit. For me, it's unloading the dishwasher. That way in the evening, when I'm cooking dinner, I don't have to stare at a sink full of dishes. I can clean the kitchen as I go.

Practicing the commitment to this one, 10-minute task has helped prepare me for bigger time-blocking activities at work and home. I'm building the habit, one load of dishes at a time.

What’s your 10-minute morning time-blocking win?

🗣️ Conversation Starters:

The case for a phone free February. 📱 "The excess cortisol triggered by our phone use can send us into a cycle of stress and anxiety that makes us want to use our phones more." Does this sound like you? Here's a few ways to decrease your screen time this month.

Speaking of overconsumption, there's a new trend in 2025. The “no buy 2025” trend has folks tightening up their wallets and practicing more mindful spending (something that, according to my Amazon purchases, I could use 🤣).

Does a cure for the hiccups exist? This doctor thinks so, and he has a few helpful remedies for you to try.

A California couple lost their home in the Eaton Fire. But Brian McShea was determined to find one thing among the ruins — the engagement ring he was going to propose with. He not only found it, but what happens next will have you grabbing your tissues. 🥺

And that's your miniSCOOP!

❤️,  
Jenna and the SHN Team 

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