Good Morning!

It's Friday, May 2, and in today’s edition of Rise & Recap, we look at:

• Trump ousts national security adviser Michael Waltz. 

• Jobless claims at a two-month high. 

• Dangerous new trend among teens.

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White House Reshuffle

In the first Cabinet shuffle of his second term, President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he is nominating Michael Waltz as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will serve as interim national security adviser, retaining his current position as well. It is critical to note that, Trump’s next national security adviser will be his sixth.

Waltz drew criticism after mistakenly adding a journalist to a chat group where sensitive military plans were being discussed — a misstep expected to surface during his UN confirmation hearings. 

Waltz’s deputy Alex Wong, who is a national security veteran known for his work on North Korea and viewed as a more moderate Republican, is also expected to be ousted, according to a senior administration official. The New York Times reported that Waltz never fully aligned with the president or his inner circle, and while talks of his replacement had been quietly underway, they gained urgency after the Signal chat leak.

Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) called Waltz the “fall guy” for the administration’s broader national security failures, and urged Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to resign as well.

HHS Slams Medical Support for Transgender Teens

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on Thursday released a 400-page review of research on gender-affirming care for transgender youth, fulfilling a mandate from President Donald Trump. The agency concluded that current science does not justify providing such care to minors — a declaration that has alarmed LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, who fear the findings will be used to justify further restrictions and reshape medical guidelines to the detriment of trans youth.

The report stems from an executive order in which Trump condemned gender-affirming treatment — without evidence — as mutilation. The order directed HHS to evaluate “best practices for promoting the health of children with gender dysphoria,” while warning youth clinics that continuing care could jeopardize federal funding. The HHS analysis examined studies on puberty blockers, hormone therapy, social transition, psychotherapy, and, in rare cases, surgeries performed on adolescents and young adults diagnosed with gender dysphoria.

The report instead emphasized psychotherapy as the preferred treatment for gender dysphoria — a controversial approach that many advocates and medical professionals liken to conversion therapy. It also appeared to challenge the legitimacy of gender identity that diverges from one’s sex assigned at birth.

May Day Protests Against Trump

Annual May Day rallies traditionally spotlight workers’ rights across the U.S. and around the world. But this year, protests in the U.S. took on added urgency, fueled by growing backlash to President Donald Trump’s agenda and expanding executive authority. Demonstrators condemned the administration’s push to weaken labor protections, especially on a day honoring organized labor, alongside proposed education funding cuts and mass deportation plans. Watch.

In the United States, organizers framed this year’s International Workers’ Day protests as a response to what they view as the administration’s broad assault on labor protections, diversity initiatives, and federal employees. Demonstrators filled the streets in cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles, with a spirited rally held outside the White House in Washington.

The global protests (in photos) on Thursday echoed similar discontent. From Taiwan to Istanbul, demonstrators expressed opposition to President Trump’s policies. In France, union leaders criticized the “Trumpization” of global politics, while in Italy, protesters marched with a puppet of the American president. In Germany, labor leaders warned that longer workdays and growing anti-immigrant sentiment were eroding labor rights. Meanwhile, in Switzerland, thousands marched behind banners denouncing fascism and war, marking a worldwide call for solidarity in the face of rising authoritarianism.

Click-Worthy

📈 Jobless claims rise to 241,000, highest in two months.

🏫 Trump axes $1B school mental health grants for students.

💉 RFK Jr. pushes for placebo testing on new vaccines, raising concerns.

🛍️ Cheap Chinese goods no more — shoppers brace for tariffs.

🐶 For Elon Musk, DOGE is Buddhism, and he, the modern Buddha.

✈️ Woman sues American Airlines over mid-flight sexual assault.

🚬 A dangerous new trend among teens — Nicotine pouches.

🦍 100 men vs. 1 gorilla debate: expert weighs in.

📊 Trump likely to unveil 2026 federal budget on Friday.

🧳 Shoulder seasons, DIY bookings — debunking most popular travel myths.

The Glow Guide

🌿 Your belly button might be the next big beauty secret. Navel oiling is in — an ancient ritual promising glowing skin, better digestion, and major zen with just a few drops.

☀️ As a new sunscreen comes up everyday, it is the non-toxic picks that block rays, love your skin, and leave zero greasy regrets. Sun-safe and selfie-ready? Yes, please.

The Fame Frame

👠 Hailey Bieber, Anne Hathaway are bringing back this contentious shoe trend.

🎉 ‘White Lotus’ cast enjoys this private Beverly Hills bash!

🏆 Who’s winning big at the 2026 Oscars? Here’s the scoop!

🧠 Kanye West wants 1st Amendment protection for ‘Nazi’ texts. Coz he’s art?

👕 What can Pedro Pascal’s ‘Protect the Dolls’ t-shirt change?

The POV Club

“The ‘womanosphere’ is the latest cultural propaganda assault on young womanhood. Will it work?” writes Van Badham.

“Why are young people everywhere so unhappy?” writes Arthur C. Brooks.

Go. See. Do.

🩺 Know | Accurate health information sources that won’t disappoint you.

🤔 Quiz | What makes you happy?

📺 Watch | May TV: Premieres, finales, and drama you can't miss!

🥃 Try | Mint juleps and more: Your Derby Day menu guide!

"The best way to predict the future is to create it." 

– Abraham Lincoln