Good Morning!

It's Tuesday, August 5, and in today’s edition of Rise & Recap, we look at: 

• Texas redistricting turmoil spreads nationwide.

• How this at-home diet doubled weight loss!

• Americans are back into heavy thrifting. 

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SPILL THE NEWS

Arrest Warrants Issued Against Texas Democrats After Fleeing State

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered the arrest of Democratic lawmakers who fled the state to block a vote on a new congressional map. The redistricting plan, backed by Donald Trump, could hand Republicans up to five additional seats in the 2026 midterms. By leaving, Democrats denied the Texas House the quorum needed to proceed, drawing fines of $500 per day and accusations of dereliction of duty from Republicans. Why is there a focus on Hispanic voters in the current redistricting?

Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton claim the lawmakers may face legal consequences, including potential bribery charges and removal from office. Still, the move has escalated into a national standoff. Democratic governors like Gavin Newsom and Kathy Hochul have expressed support and proposed retaliatory redistricting efforts in their own states. The origins of political power grab in Texas.

The fleeing lawmakers are using their time to rally support, holding press conferences across Illinois, Massachusetts, and New York. In Albany, Hochul praised their defiance, calling it part of a larger battle for democracy. Meanwhile, Texas Democrats argue the GOP's efforts amount to voter suppression and political manipulation. With two weeks left in the special session, they remain out of state, insisting they won’t return until their concerns are heard. Are Greg Abbott’s options more limited than we think?

DOJ Opens Grand Jury Probe Over Russia Interference In 2016 Elections

Attorney General Pam Bondi has ordered a grand jury investigation into how Obama-era officials handled intelligence on Russian interference in the 2016 election. The move follows claims by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who declassified documents she says reveal a “treasonous conspiracy” against Donald Trump. “The Administration remains committed to conducting a thorough investigation,” said White House spokesperson Harrison Fields, calling the effort an attempt to uncover how officials “worked to sabotage the Trump administration”.

The grand jury lacks a clear timeline, and the Justice Department declined to comment. Critics, including former national security and DOJ officials, have called the probe a political stunt. “There’s no logical, rational basis for this,” one said. Democrats, including Obama, have said it’s a “distraction” from the Epstein case and accused the administration of misusing government powers.

Past investigations, including a bipartisan Senate review signed by Sen. Marco Rubio, found no conspiracy by Obama officials. While Russia did interfere to favor Trump, there was no evidence of collusion.

Two Diets, Same Calories — But One Doubled Weight Loss

A new study shows that people lose twice as much weight when eating home-cooked, minimally processed meals compared to consuming store-bought ultraprocessed foods, even when both diets follow the same nutritional guidelines.

The 16-week randomized controlled trial, published in Nature Medicine, tracked 55 overweight adults in the UK. Half were given fresh, home-style meals like overnight oats or pasta with homemade sauces. The other half received ready-to-eat ultraprocessed meals that matched the fresh meals in calories, macronutrients, sugar, salt, and fiber. Despite the nutritional parity, results diverged sharply: the minimally processed group lost an average of 2% of their body weight over eight weeks, while the ultraprocessed group lost just 1%.

Researchers also found that those eating home-cooked meals consumed fewer overall calories, reported fewer cravings, and experienced a greater reduction in body fat. They believe the difference lies in how the body responds to food structure, not just nutrient content. The findings add to growing evidence that food processing itself plays a major role in obesity, regardless of calorie count or diet labels.

IN GOOD HEALTH

☀️ Training in summer heat may feel miserable but it can boost endurance and red blood cells just like altitude training.

🧬 Humans may carry hibernation genes, offering surprising new hope for obesity, diabetes, and even nerve damage recovery, researchers say.

😴 Think snoring isn’t harmless? New research links it to cognitive decline. But for real, could adjusting your sleep position make a real difference!

🌡️ As global heat surges, it’s harming our brains — from triggering seizures to eroding decision-making to worsening mood.

IN STYLE, IN BEAUTY

👗 The ultimate edit of strapless dresses is here. From sleek silks to sculpted cotton, here are the chicest styles to wear right now.

🧴 Want that golden-hour glow all day? These liquid bronzers are smooth, subtle, and summer in a bottle.

🧊 Think black is too hot for summer? These summer-ready outfit ideas let you keep your cool — and your edge — all season long.

💇‍♀️ From glossy blowouts to 90s’ layers, fall’s hair trends are big on volume, bounce, and versatility. The secret? Minimal change, maximum payoff.

THE FAME FRAME

💍 Zendaya flaunts giant engagement ring while walking dogs with Tom Holland.

🎬 Netflix’s ‘My Oxford Year’ delivers an unexpected twist on love stories.

🚫 Judge denies bail to Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs ahead of sentencing.

📄 Blake Lively’s lawyers say Justin Baldoni tried weaponizing her deposition.

🎤 Doechii announces 12-stop fall tour: ‘Live From the Swamp’

DON’T MISS

🛢️ Trump vows to ramp up India tariffs over Russian oil; India calls threat ‘unjustified’.

✈️ Is your data allowing AI to set the flight prices?

⚖️ Trial begins for 2024 Moscow concert hall attack that killed 149.

🐅 This Denmark zoo wants you to donate your pets to be eaten by predators!

📁 Epstein victims slam file handling, call for full transparency.

📈 American Eagle stocks soar after Trump praised the Sydney Sweeney ad.

⏳ Missed summer plans? August’s airfares say it’s not too late.

🚗 Tesla awards Elon Musk $29 billion to keep him onboard.

💵 Americans getting thrifty again as the ‘what the heck’ purchases diminish.

🛩️ Why are thousands of Boeing workers, who build jets, protesting?

WEIGH IN

“I’m not afraid of storms, for I’m learning how to sail my ship.”

— Louisa May Alcott