Good Morning!

It's Monday, November 3, and in today’s edition of Rise & Recap, we look at:

• Tylenol has a new buyer and it isn’t RFK Jr. 

• Could your medications be giving you nightmares?

• Prepared pasta meals leave six dead.

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Top headlines

SPILL THE NEWS

US News

What To Look Out For In New Trump Era Elections

New York City takes center stage today as voters cast ballots in one of the most-watched mayoral races in the country. Progressive frontrunner Zohran Mamdani faces former Governor Andrew Cuomo, now running as an independent after losing the Democratic primary. The contest turned electric after endorsements from both President Donald Trump and Elon Musk — each backing Cuomo in an unlikely alliance meant to block Mamdani’s rise. With over 735,000 early votes already cast, New Yorkers’ verdict could signal the appetite for left-wing politics in urban America. Which celebrities endorsed who?

Beyond the five boroughs, voters in New Jersey and Virginia are choosing governors, both seen as early tests of Trump’s second-term influence. Democratic candidates Mikie Sherrill and Abigail Spanberger are hoping to ride anti-Trump sentiment to victory in their states. Out West, California’s Proposition 50 could reshape the US House map, as Governor Gavin Newsom pushes a redistricting measure to counter Republican-led efforts elsewhere.

Together, these elections form a revealing snapshot of America’s political mood, how Democrats are regrouping, how Trump’s allies are organizing, and how voters from coast to coast are preparing for the 2026 midterms.

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Business

Tylenol Has A New Buyer

Kimberly-Clark, the maker of Kleenex and Huggies, announced a $40 billion deal to acquire Kenvue, the company behind Tylenol, Band-Aid, and Listerine. The move comes as Kenvue faces intense scrutiny after the Trump administration promoted unproven claims linking acetaminophen, Tylenol’s active ingredient, to autism. President Donald Trump urged pregnant women to avoid the painkiller, sparking a stock slide and mounting lawsuits. Why is the deal cheap and risky?

Kenvue’s shares surged 15% after the deal was announced, while Kimberly-Clark’s dropped over 10%. Under the agreement, Kimberly-Clark shareholders will own 54% of the combined company, which will generate around $32 billion in annual revenue. Analysts expect about $2 billion in cost savings over three years, likely through layoffs and restructuring. Will the deal help Tylenol weather the storm?

The acquisition caps a turbulent run for Kenvue, which was spun off from Johnson & Johnson in 2023 and later targeted by activist investors. CEO Thibaut Mongon recently stepped down amid strategic review. Kimberly-Clark’s Mike Hsu will lead the merged company, headquartered in Irving, Texas. Despite legal and political headwinds, Hsu called the merger a “generational opportunity,” betting that consumer trust in household staples like Huggies and Band-Aid will outweigh the controversy surrounding Tylenol. The deal is expected to close in late 2026.

US News

Trump Administration Will Pay November SNAP Benefits, But There’s A Catch

The Trump administration will issue partial Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments this month, providing limited relief to the 42 million Americans relying on food stamps as the federal shutdown nears six weeks. The move follows two federal court rulings that blocked the administration’s earlier plan to halt payments altogether. What it means for recipients.

Officials said roughly half of each eligible household’s November benefits will be paid using $4.65 billion in contingency funds. The administration, however, declined to use other available reserves that could have covered full payments, citing legal and budgetary constraints. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the government is still “figuring out the process” but insisted President Donald Trump wants to ensure families “get their food benefits.” Trump’s approval rating is at its lowest in the second term lowest.

The partial funding plan may take weeks, or even months, to reach recipients. Why? Critics, including Senator Amy Klobuchar, slammed the administration for “playing politics with hunger” rather than deploying all available funds. Anti-hunger advocates warned that millions could face food insecurity if delays persist, while legal groups are exploring new actions to force full payment. For now, the relief remains uncertain, highlighting the mounting strain of a prolonged government shutdown on America’s poorest households.

In the know

DON’T MISS

🚫 Shein removes ‘childlike’ sex dolls after threats of ban from French government.

💊 Could your medication be giving your nightmares?

🍝 Six people have died in Listeria Outbreak linked to these prepared pasta meals being sold at several stores including Trader Joe’s.

💎 How a small mistake in Louvre heist led to police catching robbers, but where are the jewels?

📈 Are Trump’s tariffs even making money? This tracker can help.

💸 A fresh wedding trend is helping couples save thousands of dollars!

🏠 Dual Income No Kids is all the rage, but what we know about DINK couples in the US.

💘 The app you didn’t think you’d open againis the quiet winner of the dating game.

Health & Wellness

FOR YOUR WELLBEING

🥗 Think your food’s clean? Think again. From mangoes to rice, these sneaky staples, whether they are sealed or skinned foods, still need washing. 

💪 From gyms to TikTok, creatine’s everywhere. It promises big strength gains — but one crucial factor determines whether it actually works or totally flops.

🧠 Turns out your daily stroll might do more than clear your mind — it could quietly protect it too. A new study reveals a link between daily steps and Alzheimer’s risk.

💥 Burned out, fed up, or ready to explode? Forget journaling — people are turning to an unexpected “rage ritual” to safely unleash their built-up fury.

Fashion & Beauty

BEYOND THE MIRROR

🌸 Fashion’s newest obsession? The “granny print” trend is taking over runways and wardrobes, proving grandma’s florals were never truly out.

🍵 Is your matcha habit messing with your hairline? Experts spill when that frothy green might actually backfire.

👗 Style’s latest evolution? When one outfit isn’t enough, hybrid fashion’s merging silhouettes bring effortless layering and all-day polish in one clever piece. 

✨ Dull, tired undereyes? These hydration heroes smooth, brighten, and revive your skin’s most delicate area — one swipe at a time.

Hollywood

THE FAME FRAME

💔 Dakota Johnson is “slowly starting to date again” months after split from Chris Martin.

🚨 Streaming scandal? Drake’s Spotify plays spark major fraud accusations.

👕 Khloé’s daughter honors Kendall Jenner’s 30th birthday with iconic tshirt.

⚖️ Did Justin Baldoni miss deadline in Blake Lively lawsuit?

📺 Stephen Colbert shrugs off theories CBS axed his show to please Trump.

Interactive

WEIGH IN

Is your microwave secretly zapping your food’s nutrients? Turns out, not really. Studies show microwaving doesn’t destroy nutrients any more than boiling or frying — and sometimes even preserves more, especially if you use less water. While cooking inevitably reduces some vitamins, microwaving is actually one of the gentler methods. The real issue? Using plastic containers that may release microplastics or chemicals when heated. So yes, you can keep zapping leftovers — just maybe in glass.

“Don’t be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart.” – Roy T. Bennett