Good Morning!

It's Monday, May 4, 2026, and in today’s edition of Rise & Recap, we look at:

• Federal court blocks abortion pill delivery across US.

• Ask.com and Jeeves is shutting down.

• The breakfast staple lowering cognitive decline.

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Top headlines

SPILL THE NEWS

US News

Drugmakers File Emergency Appeal to Save Abortion Pill Access

The legal battle over the nation’s most common abortion method just hit a fever pitch. On Saturday, the manufacturers of mifepristone — the first pill in a two-drug medication abortion regimen — filed an emergency request asking the Supreme Court to intervene. This comes after the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a Friday night ruling that effectively banned the delivery of abortion pills by mail nationwide, reinstating a requirement that patients obtain them in person.

Why it matters: Medication abortions now account for nearly two-thirds of all abortions in the US, and roughly 25% are handled via telemedicine. If the Supreme Court doesn't act, access could be upended even in states where abortion remains legal. Danco Laboratories, the maker of Mifeprex, warned of "resulting chaos" and "irreparable harm" to patients and providers, while anti-abortion groups are hailing the move as a "huge victory" against what they call a "reckless mail-order regime".

Workplace

Your Boss Could Now A Mind Reader (Sort Of)

Ever wonder if your "listening face" actually looks like an "angry face" to your employer? Enter Emotion AI, the latest frontier in workplace surveillance. Companies like MorphCast and Aware are now using AI to scan your Zoom calls, Slack messages, and even your tone of voice to measure your "sentiment", "positivity", and "attention levels". While it sounds like sci-fi, it's already here: McDonald’s is using it for coupons, and Burger King is piloting an AI named "Patty" to evaluate employee friendliness.

The "So What?": While tech companies promise this will reduce burnout and boost productivity, critics say it’s often based on "junk science." AI typically struggles with the nuance of human expression — meaning a concentrated scowl could be misread as "hostility," potentially costing you a promotion or a job. With the global market for this tech expected to triple to $9 billion by 2030, the era of "invisible surveillance" is officially ascending the corporate ladder.

Dating

New Way to Find Love: "Pitch Your Pal"

If you’ve officially deleted the apps out of sheer exhaustion, you’re not alone. Singles are ditching the "infinite swipe" in favor of “Date My Mate” nights — live events where you essentially give a PowerPoint presentation on why your best friend is a catch. It’s part reality TV, part best-man speech, and it’s selling out in cities like London and Cardiff in under five minutes. Instead of a curated algorithm, you get a "human labrador" description from a friend (or a mom) and a room full of people who are actually, well, there.

Why it matters: We’re currently in a "relationship recession". App usage dropped 16% in the last year as users realized the "illusion of choice" wasn't leading to actual connections. By putting the vetting process back in the hands of friends, these events take the interview-style pressure out of dating. Plus, it solves the "is he single?" mystery with color-coded stickers. Whether it’s a "bestie" roast or a genuine hype-session, the goal is the same: making dating feel human again.

In the know

DON’T MISS

🚨 Two US service members missing after vanishing near Moroccan ocean cliffs during military exercises.

✈️ Remember the $400 million Qatari jet gifted to President Trump? Well, it’s getting a makeover to be summer ready.

📉 As Trump’s disapproval rating hits a new low, most Americans see ethics in government declining. New analysis shows, administration continues to reject courts.

🧠 Want a sharper mind? Eating this breakfast staple weekly could slow down cognitive decline.

💸 While Trump casts doubt on accepting Iran’s latest offer, US households could see a second wave of inflation and it will be more than just oil.

🪖 Pentagon in “disarray”? Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ousted 24 senior commanders during his tenure, primarily targeting Black and female officers.

🍷 From berries to red wine, these ten flavonoid-rich foods are the ultimate internal skincare power move.

🏥 Former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani in a “critical but stable condition” in hospital.

💻 After almost 30 years, Ask.com and Jeeves is shutting down.

💊 This popular nasal spray is being recalled after federal regulators flag packaging as a child-safety hazard. 

😴 A nap competition? Where do we sign up for one!

Health & Wellness

FOR YOUR WELLBEING

💪 What's the accurate measure of how much protein you're getting, and if it’s enough? Experts say these 4 subtle signs paint a clearer picture of your nutrition intake. 

👟 Team shoes or no shoes at home? There's actually a solid case for kicking them out at the door.

📱 Americans are barely catching enough Zzzzs. Some of it is work, some is insomnia, but most of it is doomscrolling. Here's what might break the cycle.

🤯 If you're finishing the workday tense, wired, and unable to wind down, your job might be behind some of those unexplained headaches. 

🌱 Gardening is sadly not on many people’s list anymore — but it might be one of the best things you can do to lower your dementia risk and fix your sleep.

Fashion & Beauty

BEYOND THE MIRROR

👠 Move over, 'quiet luxury', we’re entering the era of the standout shoe. Whether it’s a feather boot or a patent mule, this is the non-negotiable color for your fall wardrobe.

🧴 Inflammation is the ultimate skin-slayer. Between the smog and the stress, our faces are exhausted. Here’s how to calm the chaos without a 12-step routine.

🎭 Before Met Gala 2026 begins, fashion fans are revisiting the themes that delivered pure couture-level cultural chaos. Let’s see how many of May’s first Mondays have fared. 

🌿 May is basically the pre-game for summer, and your nails should officially match that energy. The industry’s top pros move us past the 'same old' French tips — from soapy pinks to earthy greens, here’s what’s actually worth it.

Hollywood

THE FAME FRAME

🔥 SNL returns with a blast and a Kash Patel debut. Aziz Ansari tackles the drinking rumors and those 'nuclear codes'.

🎬 Netflix might be ditching its "streaming first" rule, giving this movie a month-long exclusive theatrical run.

✨ With that look, Serena Williams seems all set for the 2026 Met Gala!

💰 ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’just crushed a $233M global debut. Groundbreaking? Actually, yes.

Interactive

WEIGH IN

Gen Z is ditching the traditional "save for a rainy day" mantra and jumping into the stock market before they even land their first real job. Faced with a shaky housing market and AI-driven career uncertainty, nearly 30% of young adults are already investing, using apps and ChatGPT to manage everything. For some, it’s a smart move to outrun inflation; for others, the line between "investing" and "gambling" is starting to look a little blurry.

"Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny."

— C.S. Lewis