Good Morning!

It's Monday, December 1, and in today’s edition of Rise & Recap, we look at:

• Constant smartphones pickups are damaging our focus and memories. 

• First Lady Melania Trump’s new business venture.

• Is 5-3-1 the “it” wellness habit?

Love this newsletter? Don’t keep it all to yourself—share it with your friends!

Reading for the first time? Join over 50,000 intellectually curious women.

Paywalled articles ruin a seamless experience. We hear you, going forward, all the locked articles will be linked through an archive link to bypass the paywall. It is safe and we hope to deliver nothing but the best experience for our readers.

Help us be better, write at: [email protected]

Top headlines

SPILL THE NEWS

World

At Least 146 Dead In One Of Hong Kong’s Worst Fires

At least 146 people have died after a massive blaze tore through Hong Kong’s Wang Fuk Court high-rise complex on Wednesday, with more than 100 residents still missing. Police are still searching dark, burned-out units — “It is so dark inside… very difficult to do the work,” said Cheng Ka-chun of the Disaster Victim Identification Unit. Why isn’t this the city’s first time dealing with such a tragedy?

Officials have arrested renovation contractors on suspicion of gross negligence, while residents have raised concerns about foam panels and failed fire alarms. Mourning crowds lined the streets with flowers, calling the tragedy “a wake-up call for everyone”. 

How exactly did the flames spread so fast — and who will be held accountable?

The Smartest Free Crypto Event You’ll Join This Year

Curious about crypto but still feeling stuck scrolling endless threads? People who get in early aren’t just lucky—they understand the why, when, and how of crypto.

Join our free 3‑day virtual summit and meet the crypto experts who can help you build out your portfolio. You’ll walk away with smart, actionable insights from analysts, developers, and seasoned crypto investors who’ve created fortunes using smart strategies and deep research.

No hype. No FOMO. Just the clear steps you need to move from intrigued to informed about crypto.

Secure your free pass now.

Health

FDA Claims Covid Shots Linked To 10 Children’s Deaths

The director of the US FDA’s vaccine division, Vinay Prasad, told agency staff that an internal review found “no fewer than 10” children died “after and because of receiving” a COVID-19 vaccine over 2021–2024. Is Vinay Prasad RFK JR’s controversial pick?

The memo claims the deaths are related to vaccination — though it includes no ages, medical histories or documentation. The report hasn’t been peer reviewed. Critics warn the memo “misuses” data from Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), calling the analysis “irresponsible” and “dangerous”. 

What Prasad said in the memo — read here.

Tech

Is Your Phone Controlling You More Than You Think?

Checking your phone has become automatic for many of us — but constant device “pickups” may be draining focus and memory. Researchers in the US, UK and South Korea have found that frequent checking, sometimes over 100 times a day, signals addictive use and leads to more daily cognitive lapses. 

“Phones activate the same reward pathways as drugs and alcohol,” said Stanford addiction expert Dr. Anna Lembke. Psychologists warn that rapid task-switching can slash productivity, and users often underestimate how often they check. So how much is too much — and what simple changes can protect your brain?

Related Read:Smartphones before the age of 12 could also carry health risks.

In the know

DON’T MISS

🤝 As US-Ukraine officials spend four hours over peace plan, EU tells Trump to not pardon Putin for war crimes. 

👩‍🎨 First Lady Melania Trump just launched a business venture — to maybe showcase her artistic side?

😡 Oxford names “rage bait” as the word of the year.

💔 Four, including three children, killed and 11 injured at a birthday party in California.

🗣️ In another incident, Trump calls female reporter “ugly, both inside and out”.

🧘‍♀️ Is 5-3-1 the “it” wellness habit you need?

🚢 Did Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth commit war crimes? Some lawmakers are demanding answers for September boat strikes.

🌃 These might be the most and the least sinful US cities, ranked from best to worst.

🌊 Floods across Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand have killed over 1,000 people.

🤔 For real, these are 2025’s most-Googled relationship questions — answered by Vogue.

Health & Wellness

FOR YOUR WELLBEING

🍔 Just like stress or heavy exercising, why do big meals trigger heart attacks? For those with underlying heart issues, avoiding these might help.

🎭 Nearly two decades after face transplants first made headlines, the industry is buckling under the weight of its own miracles. Survivor deaths, missing data, failing costs — the aftermath to this promised “rebirth” is far grimmer. 

😟 Feeling anxious? It may not be overthinking at all, but a missing nutrient that’s causing the stress and worries. Most people aren’t getting nearly enough on their plates.

🥶 Cold weather might actually be helping you out! It activates brown fat so your body can generate heat, and early research suggests it could support better glucose control and overall metabolic health.

Fashion & Beauty

BEYOND THE MIRROR

🏠 The internet's favourite at-home beauty ritual is “microneedling”, but does it really match the pro-treatment? Experts weigh in with the ultimate DIY guide.

🚫 Is there a foolproof way to avoid an overstuffed suitcase? Take it from someone who swears by this capsule wardrobe on the go — you can pack light and still look chic!

😴 Sleeping in your makeup can cause a breakout, but do you think that’s the worst of it? The other skin risks might be a real shocker. 

👙 Bra-exposing outfits are back! The bold, controversial style has s urprisingly taken a chic turn, returning to runways and streets alike. Learn how to build the template yourself.

Hollywood

THE FAME FRAME

👸 Britney Spears returns to Instagram, but hints at emotional struggles following ex-husband’s memoir.

🎬 George Clooney is still mad at Brad Pitt for losing this iconic role to him. 

🎤 John Legend had to negotiate with a porn producer to secure rights for his stage name? 

🎶 Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran are good after a surprise 4-hour catch-up.

💔 Miley Cyrus is reportedly seeking closure with ex Chris Hemsworth nearly five years after their split.

Interactive

WEIGH IN

Struggling to fall asleep isn’t just a “you” problem. One in three US adults consistently miss out on enough rest, and experts say even the healthiest routines can’t make up for sleep deprivation. Research links poor sleep to heart and brain issues, fatigue, and weakened immunity. While sleep hygiene matters, diet can also play a role. From walnuts to tart cherries, certain foods may help your body wind down and support deeper, more restorative sleep.

“Even on the days you feel like fading, there is a light in you that refuses.” 

— Brianna Pastor