Good Morning!

It's Thursday, October 23, and in today’s edition of Rise & Recap, we look at:

• US shutdown is now the second-longest in history.

• Does Earth have two moons?

• Keep those “brain days” intact!

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Top headlines

SPILL THE NEWS

US News

Second-Longest Shutdown In US History

The US government shutdown entered its 22nd day Wednesday, marking the second-longest funding lapse in history, both of the longest shutdowns occurring under President Donald Trump. The impasse continues with no resolution in sight, as Senate Democrats have repeatedly blocked a GOP-backed stopgap bill to fund the government through Nov. 21, citing the need for extended health care provisions.

Democrats are pushing for enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits, set to expire at year-end, to protect millions from higher premiums. Republicans argue these demands hold the government hostage and have refused to negotiate on health care while agencies remain closed. The stopgap bill failed in the Senate for the 12th time, falling 54-46 in a mostly party-line vote, short of the 60 votes needed. Only three Democrats and one independent sided with Republicans.

The shutdown has left federal workers furloughed, museums closed, and legislative business stalled, with the House largely inactive under Speaker Mike Johnson. Some Republicans are now discussing a potential long-term funding extension through December 2026, though opinions differ on the length and scope of such a measure. Meanwhile, Democrats continue to demand negotiations on expiring health subsidies before reopening the government.

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Health

Antidepressants Side Effects Studied For First Time

For the first time, researchers have ranked antidepressants by their short-term side effects, revealing significant differences between drugs. The study, led by King’s College London and the University of Oxford, analyzed 151 trials covering 30 medications and over 58,500 patients, focusing on weight, heart rate, blood pressure, and cholesterol changes in the first eight weeks of treatment.

Results showed dramatic variation: agomelatine was linked to a 2.4kg weight loss, while maprotiline caused nearly 2kg weight gain. Heart rate differed by up to 21 beats per minute between some drugs, and blood pressure varied by 11 mmHg. Experts say these differences could influence long-term health and treatment adherence.

Researchers emphasize that antidepressants should be tailored to individual needs. For example, someone prioritizing weight control might avoid amitriptyline or mirtazapine, while those with high blood pressure or cholesterol may be better suited to citalopram or escitalopram. Although SSRIs such as sertraline, citalopram, and fluoxetine remain the most commonly prescribed and generally have milder physical effects, the study highlights the importance of matching medications to patients’ preferences and health profiles. The team is developing a free online tool to help doctors and patients make informed choices.

Women

Testosterone Is Having A Moment — Among Women

Women taking high-dose testosterone often speak with an intensity that feels almost messianic. They describe the hormone as transformative, boosting energy, focus, and sexual desire. One woman told The New York Times that after starting testosterone, her marriage changed dramatically: intimacy increased, she had more energy for work and family, and everyday tasks suddenly felt manageable. Another woman, speaking to The Cut, said the hormone gave her renewed vigor, helping her lift heavier weights, pursue new goals, and even experience orgasms for the first time in years.

But high doses come with significant risks. Women report hair loss, acne, deepened voices, and clitoral enlargement. Pellets, which release testosterone slowly over months, cannot be removed once inserted, leaving side effects to run their course.

Medical guidance is limited. The FDA has yet to approve testosterone for women, forcing many to seek off-label treatments through compounding pharmacies, med-spas, and online providers. Social media amplifies the hormone’s allure, often promising dramatic results. While some women embrace the changes for energy, confidence, and sexual fulfillment, others face unsettling consequences, highlighting the need for caution. The testosterone high, powerful and seductive, is not without trade-offs.

In the know

DON’T MISS

🏛️ Trump is leaving no time to destroy White House’s East Wing. Who’ll be paying for the ballroom?

😮 Wait, why is Melania Trump being sued over Epstein!

🚤 US military strikes two more alleged drug-carrying boat, this time in Pacific.

🌍 Does Earth really have two moons? It might not be that simple.

🗺️ North Carolina lawmakers approve new map aimed at boosting GOP House seats.

🤯 Bumfuzzle? These are some real words that sound completely made up.

🗽 What went down in the final New York City mayoral debate?

⛽ As Putin cancels second Trump meet, US imposes new sanctions on Russian oil.

👻 False hopes, mistrust — how job ghosting really affects people. 

🍑 Butt-breathing is even a thing? Well, it might be a treatment soon.

Health & Wellness

FOR YOUR WELLBEING

🍳 Think two eggs make a protein-packed breakfast? Nutrition experts say your morning staple might be a little too... light.

🎤 Stage fright, sweaty palms, shaky voice? From singers to CEOs, one prescription’s calming nerves everywhere. Is it a magic fix or just clever chemistry?

👟 Forget the 10,000-step myth. Turns out you don’t need to walk that much to stay healthy — scientists say fewer steps might do the trick.

💸 Health insurance premiums just hit new highs, and it’s not just inflation to blame. Guess what’s quietly driving the spike? Could it be those weight-loss drugs!

Fashion & Beauty

BEYOND THE MIRROR

🧶 Who said sweaters have to be basic? When one sweater won’t cut it, layer like a pro and turn cozy into couture this season. Here’s how to make your knits work double-time this fall.

💇‍♀️ Think your hair can self-clean? Or that products can fix split ends? Experts are here to bust these myths and tell you how to treat them right.

🧥 Trench coats in 2025 aren’t just jackets. This styling move will have heads turning, maybe eyebrows too. Is it really NSFW?

💅 From smoky neutrals to frosty pops, winter 2025 nails are anything but basic. Ready for your next appointment?

Hollywood

THE FAME FRAME

🎂 Inside Kim Kardashian’s 45th paris party: vintage couture steals the spotlight. 

🔥 Miley Cyrus announces original song for ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’.

💌 Katy Perry likes post humorously hinting at romance with Justin Trudeau.

❤️ Where do Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck stand after their red carpet reunion?

👰‍♀️ Selena Gomez reveals why she wore three wedding dresses.

Interactive

WEIGH IN

Can brain workouts really turn back time? Scientists found that daily cognitive training boosted a key brain chemical linked to memory and focus in adults over 65, essentially reversing a decade of natural decline. The findings, from McGill University, suggest that rigorous brain exercises might not just sharpen thinking but also biologically rejuvenate the aging mind. But as brain-training apps flood the market, researchers caution that not all “mental workouts” are created equal.

“We are made to persist. That’s how we find out who we are.” 

– Tobias Wolff