Good Morning!

It's Tuesday, May 12, 2026, and in today’s edition of Rise & Recap, we look at:

• Forget tiger moms, beta moms are taking over.

• Top baby names are in!

• How to do a pull up (the right way).

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Top headlines

SPILL THE NEWS

Health

RFK Jr Driving Vast Inquiry Into Vaccination

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is reportedly bypassing public mid-term optics to lead a massive, behind-the-scenes investigation into vaccine safety, an exclusive New York Times report stated. According to sources familiar with the effort, Kennedy is directing federal scientists at the FDA and CDC to examine his long-held theories linking vaccines to autism and chronic diseases.

The initiative, estimated to cost up to $50 million, is led by chief data officer Martin Kulldorff. Critics argue the project "cherry-picks" data to support pre-determined conclusions. Former CDC safety official Dr. Daniel Jernigan resigned in August, stating, "The secretary is going to continue to try and look at the data and analyze it in a way that will help support the conclusions that he’s already made." HHS maintains the work will "strengthen public trust" through "gold-standard" research.

Lifestyle

Beta Moms Are In

Move over, Tiger Mothers, the "Beta Mom" has arrived. After decades of high-pressure "helicoptering," a new wave of American mothers is aggressively letting go. Leading the charge is Sophie Jaffe, a California relationship coach who lets her teens set their own schedules and perform parkour off concrete walls. "I see what happens to kids who are overly controlled," Jaffe explains.

From "bedtime schmedtime" to baskets of unsorted socks, these moms are prioritizing mental health over Ivy League resumes. Data shows women’s time spent on childcare has quintupled since 1975, leading to massive burnout. The new goal? Unstructured play and reclaimed date nights. As one mom puts it, she’s trading the "Type A" grind for "making memories" and finally stopping the hunt for matching socks.

Jobs

Is This The Only Way To Get A Job Now?

Young Americans are facing a brutal reality check: a new Gallup survey reveals a massive "optimism gap", with only 43% of youth positive about the job market compared to 64% of boomers. As AI threatens entry-level roles, 23-year-old advocate Sam Hiner warns we are "cutting the career ladder off."

The solution? Lean into the "favor economy". Experts say simply "liking" LinkedIn posts won't cut it anymore. "Networking is more about farming than hunting," says BNI founder Ivan Misner. With hiring managers drowning in digital résumés, having an internal connection "pounding on the table" is the only way to stand out. Forget the cold applications, it’s time to plant your professional oak tree before the market cools any further.

In the know

DON’T MISS

🧬 Scientists might have just had a breakthrough in HIV treatment.

🦴 Think you’re too young to care about bone health? Scientists say the secret to a longer life is obsessed-over bone density, not just skincare. No wonder it’s the new "it" girl wellness trend.

🏛️ Trump administration faces legal action as reflecting pool renovation costs soar by $11.3 million from initial budget estimates.

👀 Chefs say this surprising "secret" ingredient creates the ultimate creamy scrambled eggs. Cottage cheese could never!

👶 What’s in a name? Check out the top baby names of 2025 and the data’s in on how the most common names have changed.

🥪 This iconic childhood lunchbox staple just got a "grown-up" makeover — no permission from Mom required.

🦠 As US passengers from cruise ship at center of hantavirus outbreak quarantine in Nebraska, RFK Jr says “we’re not worried”.

📚 Your kid's grades may depend on playtime. For the first time in 13 years, pediatricians are sounding the alarm on shrinking school recess.

📌 Trump nominates Cameron Hamilton to lead FEMA, one year after firing him from the agency.

🍷 Ina Garten’s secret to stress-free hosting?Knowing exactly when to skip the homemade and go store-bought.

Health & Wellness

FOR YOUR WELLBEING

🚫 You could reduce your plastic chemical exposure by up to 60% in seven days. A new study says these three specific changes make the most of the difference. Your favorite lotion says goodbye ….

💼 America's most engaged workers are also the most exhausted. Gallup's latest report says the US leads the world in both, although it isn’t even that big of a coincidence. 

💪 The pull-up is hard, most people never try, and almost everyone assumes it's not for them. A personal trainer says otherwise — plus how you should (technically) attempt one today! 

🏃 The “all or nothing” approach to exercise is the reason most people quit. One study says starting smaller is what actually makes the habit stick. Well, we’re thankful!

Fashion & Beauty

BEYOND THE MIRROR

✨ Did this just crack the code on the 2026 styles that actually work for real life? Time to ditch the "nothing to wear" meltdown.

⭐ Pimple patches are the new face jewelry. From star-shaped stickers to glittery hearts, here is how Gen Z’s turning zits into an accessory.

👖 Living the dream! Here is how to rock your favorite PJ pants in public without looking like you just rolled out of bed.

🧴 TikTok’s favorite acne drug? Meet the "miracle" inexpensive blood-pressure pill users swear by for stubborn breakouts.

Hollywood

THE FAME FRAME

❤️ Rihanna’s new tattoo has a special sentimental value — her kids designed it!

🔥 Olivia Rodrigo’s latest babydoll dress is breaking the internet and sparking a massive debate.

💍 Wedding bells on the brain? Taylor Swift just served major bridal vibes at a Greek getaway.

📚 The Beatles are finally opening up their private archives to the public for fans.

📺 NBC just pulled the plug on Jimmy Fallon’s new show after one season.

Interactive

WEIGH IN

A growing number of young startup founders are ending relationships to focus fully on building AI companies. Some say the pressure to “lock in” during the AI boom leaves little emotional energy for dating, while others argue healthy relationships shouldn’t feel incompatible with ambition. As startup culture gets more intense, the debate is becoming less about love and more about what people are willing to sacrifice for success.

"You are the one thing in this world above all other things that you must never give up on."

— Lili Reinhart