Good Morning!

It's Tuesday, September 30, and in today’s edition of Rise & Recap, we look at:

• US government shuts down as Congress fails to reach funding agreement.

• With grocery stress, people are resorting to “struggle meals”.

• ‘Ear seeding’ trend to de-stress you?

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Top headlines

SPILL THE NEWS

US News

The US Government Is Offline

The federal government officially shut down early on Wednesday, marking the first full shutdown since 2013 and setting up a potentially prolonged standoff on Capitol Hill. Top congressional leaders failed to reach a last-minute funding agreement, leaving 750,000 federal employees at risk of furloughs. Some could be targeted for permanent removal as part of the Trump administration’s plan to restructure federal agencies. How would it affect you?

President Donald Trump blamed Democrats for the impasse, while Democratic leaders argued their demands for extending soon-to-expire health care subsidies were being ignored. Talks on a continuing resolution collapsed amid mutual accusations, social media attacks, and political maneuvering. Republican and Democratic stopgap proposals both failed in the Senate, deepening uncertainty over when government operations might resume. How will air traffic, FEMA, and Medicaid be affected?

Essential services, including immigration enforcement, Medicare and Medicaid payments, air traffic control, and core functions at the CDC, NIH, FDA, and FEMA, will continue, though routine activities and research projects may be delayed or halted. Will national parks be open? Non-essential staff face furloughs, and extended closures could disrupt new grants, laboratory work, and public services nationwide. Will the Congress be paid?

As leaders dig in, there is no clear path forward, and both parties are under pressure from voters to resolve the shutdown, even as the White House considers leveraging it to advance Trump’s restructuring priorities. Unions sue to block mass firings.

US News

Trump, Hegseth Brief Top Military Generals

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sparked controversy on Tuesday at Marine Corps Base Quantico with a 45-minute address to hundreds of top U.S. military leaders. He outlined 10 directives aimed at eliminating “woke” policies, restoring strict grooming and physical fitness standards, and imposing “male standards” on combat troops. Hegseth’s message was blunt: those unwilling to comply should resign. Generals keep a straight face during Trump’s address.

The speech, which followed President Donald Trump’s remarks to the assembled generals and admirals, emphasized combat readiness, physical strength, and removing perceived distractions like diversity and inclusion programs. He also spoke of how Hegseth warned that higher fitness standards could reduce the number of women in combat roles, though he claimed this was not the intent. He also announced stricter merit-based promotions and new biannual physical assessments for all service members. Trump also said that American cities should be used as “training grounds” and described a federal crackdown on crime in major cities as necessary because of “a war from within.” During his speech, Trump controversially referred to “nuclear” as the “n-word,” drawing criticism for his phrasing. Critics noted the remark was inappropriate given the historical weight of the term. He told military leaders, “There are two n-words, and you can’t use either of them,” sparking awkward silence and concern over his choice of words. Officials say the meeting could’ve been an email.

Hegseth framed the overhaul as a cultural reset to restore a “warrior ethos,” while Trump reinforced loyalty and threatened to fire commanders he deemed unsuitable, signaling an unprecedented and highly partisan approach to military leadership. The whole speech in 11 quotes.

Related Read: Was Trump’s speech rehashed?

Health

TrumpRX — A Revolution For Cheaper Medicines?

The Trump administration on Tuesday announced plans to launch TrumpRx.com, an online platform aimed at helping Americans access lower-priced prescription drugs. The announcement came one day after President Trump’s deadline for drugmakers to comply with his “Most Favored Nation” (MFN) executive order, which directs companies to offer medicines directly to consumers and cut out middlemen.

Chris Klomp, deputy administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said the platform will provide drugs “often at full MFN, and always at lower prices than currently available,” adding that prices could be up to 80 percent lower. The website, expected to launch early next year, will serve as a hub for consumers to purchase medications directly from manufacturers, though insurance use remains uncertain.

Pfizer has agreed to participate, offering most of its primary care and select specialty medicines at discounts averaging 50 percent, and up to 85 percent off. Trump said, “Pfizer is committing to offer all of their prescription medications to Medicaid. It’s going to have a huge impact on bringing Medicaid costs down.”

In the know

DON’T MISS

🇺🇸 Judge rules Trump administration unconstitutionally targeted noncitizens over Gaza protests.

🍲 As grocery stress continues, more and more people are resorting to ‘struggle meals’.

🤖 DoorDash is letting delivery robots be on their own in this big, cruel world.

⚖️ California Governor Newsom signs first-in-the-nation AI safety law. 

✈️ US to deport 120 Iranians under new immigration deal with Tehran, Iran confirms.

👂 Does the ‘ear seeding’ trend really deliver in treating stress and fatigue? 

📋 Time to listen to our moms? Being organized and active has been linked to longer life. 

☀️ What is the Australia sunscreen scandal?

☕ Which US states have the longest coffee order!

🥗 If you’re struggling to sleep, these are the best ways to add melatonin to your plate.

Health & Wellness

FOR YOUR WELLBEING

✨ From firmer skin to stronger nails, here’s why experts say collagen could be your new wellness must-have.

💪 Women are increasingly prioritizing protein intake, driven by health trends and fitness goals. Why does that matter?

🌬️ Forget pills, scientists are testing nasal sprays that may stop coronavirus and other viruses right at the door. Could it change how we fight infections?

🥗 You might wonder why health-care providers skip diet guidance, but the real reason is not about keeping things from you, instead it’s this.

Decor & More

HOUSE TO HOME

🛏️ Tucked-away bed nooks are back, turning small spaces into cozy hideaways that feel both storybook-inspired and irresistibly modern.

💻 Inspiring home offices that turn every corner into a stylish, productive workspace — from lofts to closets.

🏠 Your home might be stuck in the past — discover which decor choices might be sabotaging your space in 2026.

🪞 Tiny design updates are quietly taking over interiors this fall, here’s what to notice.

Hollywood

THE FAME FRAME

✨ Zendaya dazzles at Paris Fashion Week in a metallic Louis Vuitton minidress.

⚖️ Judge denies Diddy's new trial request ahead of sentencing, as prosecutors seek 11-year prison sentence.

🎤 Late-night hosts Kimmel and Colbert join each other for delightful NYC shows, swap war stories.

📺 Aimee Lou Wood says she stands by SNL ‘White Lotus’ parody criticism.

💔 Nicole Kidman files for divorce from Keith Urban.

Interactive

WEIGH IN

In Gaza, during ongoing conflict, many women say they’ve been approached by men who promise food or money in exchange for sexual favors. With widespread poverty, food insecurity, and limited options, these offers—often desperate in tone—have become more common, leaving women vulnerable. Some report coercion, feeling they had little real choice. Aid organizations and local authorities are struggling with how to respond: how to protect women, how to provide for basic needs, and how to hold perpetrators accountable in challenging conditions.

“Great things never come from comfort zones.” 

– Neil Strauss