Good Morning!

It's Wednesday, October 22, and in today’s edition of Rise & Recap, we look at:

• Trump is asking the government to pay him $230 million.

• Why are people investing in poop cams?

• How much will change for you as tax brackets evolve!

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Top headlines

SPILL THE NEWS

US News

Trump Seeks $230 Million From DOJ For Investigating Him

President Donald Trump is reportedly seeking $230 million from the Justice Department as compensation for federal investigations into him, including the FBI’s probe of Russian election interference and the 2022 Mar-a-Lago classified documents search. The claims, filed in 2023 and 2024 through an administrative process called Standard Form 95, precede potential lawsuits and allege violations of his rights and malicious prosecution.

The situation is unprecedented: Trump, now president, would be negotiating settlements with officials who previously served as his lawyers, including Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche and Civil Division chief Stanley Woodward Jr. Ethics experts have called the scenario a stark conflict of interest, noting the same officials could approve payments to the man they once defended. What Trump said on the reports.

While settlements of this size typically require approval from the deputy attorney general and could draw from taxpayer funds, the Justice Department has not indicated whether these claims would be rejected. Democrats criticized the move, framing it as self-serving, while Trump maintains the investigations were politically motivated.

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World

Japan Gets Its First Female Prime Minister

Japan made history on Tuesday by electing Sanae Takaichi as its first female prime minister. The ultraconservative leader takes over from Shigeru Ishiba after the ruling Liberal Democratic Party faced setbacks in recent elections and formed a fragile coalition with the right-leaning Japan Innovation Party. Takaichi, a protégé of the late Shinzo Abe, emphasized strengthening Japan’s economy and defense, citing the US-Japan alliance as a cornerstone of her foreign policy. She is preparing to host President Donald Trump next week. 

While her premiership breaks a gender barrier, Takaichi has not championed women’s rights or diversity. Who is she? She supports male-only succession in the imperial family, opposes separate surnames for married couples, and allows only two women in her Cabinet. She also opposes same-sex marriage, prompting concerns from LGBTQ+ advocates. Is she really a heavy metal drummer?

Her coalition lacks a parliamentary majority, meaning Takaichi had to negotiate with opposition parties to pass legislation, making her government potentially unstable. She faces economic pressures, rising prices, and delicate diplomacy with China and South Korea. Admired by some for breaking the glass ceiling, she is also scrutinized for nationalist policies, visits to Yasukuni Shrine, and hawkish positions on regional security, all while navigating Japan’s evolving role in a tense Indo-Pacific landscape.

Work

For Gen Z, It’s Just Work, Not ER

Gen Z is challenging the “everything-is-an-emergency” culture at work. For many young employees, constant last-minute crises and frantic pivots have fueled stress, burnout, and even physical symptoms. Lauryn Jiles, 26, recalls developing a stress rash after workloads doubled during corporate layoffs. “That’s when I decided I’m not doing this anymore,” she said.

Growing up amid the pandemic and a bleak labor market, many Gen Zers learned early that loyalty and overtime aren’t always rewarded. They’re questioning the false urgency baked into office life, from late-night Slack pings to “do-or-die” marketing deadlines. Career coach Phoebe Gavin explains that younger generations are simply pushing back against expectations that aren’t mutually beneficial.

Workers like Erica Marrison and Chanyce LeDay emphasize balancing commitment with boundaries. They prioritize tasks, communicate openly with managers, and distinguish between true emergencies and the noise of performative productivity. Experts highlight that equity matters: those in lower-wage or high-pressure roles may face more challenges asserting boundaries. For this generation, the mantra is clear: work matters, but it doesn’t define worth. As Jiles puts it, “Do what you can. Do it well, but that’s it.”

In the know

DON’T MISS

💎 Stolen jewelry from Louvre Museum estimated to be worth $102 million.

💩 Why are people investing in poop cams now!

😳 ‘Your mom did’: Karoline Leavitt gives an inappropriate response to journalist asking questions.

🎬 Warner Bros. Disney is putting itself up for partial or full sale.

🧳 Apart from college grads, these employees will be exempted from H1-B visa fee.

😨 Is it just personal or could fear really be contagious?

🏛️ As White House demolition videos go viral, who will be paying for the ballroom being constructed?

💼 Wall Street’s hottest trade right now has nothing to do with stocks.

🌐 In direct attack to Chrome, OpenAI announces web browser centered around ChatGPT.

📊 As tax brackets change, calculate how much will change for you next year.

Health & Wellness

FOR YOUR WELLBEING

🌿 The latest sleep trend isn’t lavender, it’s legal weed. Before you swap chamomile for cannabis, here’s what experts actually think about lighting up before lights out.

🍔 “Make America Healthy Again” may mean more full-fat dairy, steak, butter, and ice cream. Your cardiologist, however, is quietly panicking.

🤒 Should you ‘feed a cold and starve a fever’? This time-honored advice is getting a reality check from doctors and researchers.

💄 Your favorite lipstick, shampoo, and moisturizer may contain hidden toxins. PFAS, parabens, and more — here are the chemicals you should be looking out for.

Fashion & Beauty

BEYOND THE MIRROR

🛏️ Who knew beds could hoard? From hidden drawers to lift-up magic, storage beds make tiny spaces feel huge.

🕯️ Not just wax and wick. Not all candles are basic, these picks are personal, luxe, or just plain fun, and perfect for gifting this season.

🏡 Lighting to texture, too-perfect home decor can feel like a showroom. Add color, personal touches, and mix eras to make your home truly lived-in.

🤎 Brown isn’t boring anymore — mahogany, khaki, and earthy neutrals are quietly transforming homes and feeds into cozy, grounded spaces.

Hollywood

THE FAME FRAME

👗 Dakota Johnson has the craziest response to questions on her love for naked dresses.

👑 Kim Kardashian stuns as Grecian goddess in 1997 vintage Givenchy on birthday.

🕵️‍♀️ As ‘Only Murders in the Building’ finale nears, who’s going to die next?

🎭 Jennifer Aniston reveals why she rejected ‘SNL’ and the reason is thought-provoking.

😶 Jeremy Allen White lost his voice for a few days, after shooting for this movie!

Interactive

WEIGH IN

Over 800 million people now use AI tools weekly, from ChatGPT to Claude. Experts warn that while AI can process vast information, provide instant feedback, and enhance creativity, it can also create an illusion of progress or lead to over-reliance. The key is learning to collaborate intentionally — using AI to augment your thinking, not replace it — and maintaining boundaries so critical thinking, personal judgment, and human insight remain central in decision-making. 

“It’s not the load that breaks you, it’s the way you carry it.” 

— Lou Holtz