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It's Thursday, May 8, and in today’s edition of Rise & Recap, we look at: 

• NYPD takes over Columbia Protests.

• Have millennials become uncool?

• Ultra-processed food linked to Parkinson's.

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NYPD Arrests Columbia Protest Students

Columbia University called in the NYPD on Wednesday during a pro-Palestinian protest, leading to at least 80 arrests, according to police. The NYPD stated it responded at the university’s “direct request” as demonstrators were accused of trespassing.

Protesters occupied part of Butler Library, echoing last spring’s demonstrations that made Columbia a focal point for campus protests over the Israel-Hamas war. Watch. Tensions have escalated since the Trump administration recently withdrew approximately $400 million in federal funding from the university over allegations of antisemitism, and federal agents arrested a protest leader. 

Columbia officials reported that two public safety officers were injured during an encounter with demonstrators. It is currently unclear if there were any other injuries. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Wednesday night that he is “reviewing the visa status” of Columbia’s pro-Palestinian protesters.

Day 1 of Papal Conclave Sees Black Smoke, Pink Smoke

Black smoke billowed over the Vatican on Wednesday, indicating that no candidate had secured the required two-thirds majority of cardinal electors to become the next pope. White smoke is likely imminent, as most recent conclaves have typically lasted two to three days. Pope Francis was elected on the second day of the 2013 conclave. What’s at stake?

Cardinals entered the conclave early Wednesday and are staying in a residence within the Vatican, isolated from external information during this period. All cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote in the secret ballot. This conclave is the largest in church history, with 133 cardinals participating in the vote. The cardinals will reconvene on Thursday and can cast up to four ballots per day. After each vote, the ballots are burned, and the resulting smoke is released. A full timeline of events.

On Wednesday, a group of women also released pink smoke in Rome to protest for greater equality in the Catholic Church. The demonstration was organized by the Women’s Ordination Conference, which advocates for female priesthood.

Flu Deaths Among U.S. Children Highest in Years

At least 216 children died of influenza in the United States during the past flu season, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, marking the highest pediatric death toll in about 15 years.

In New York, health authorities issued a warning Wednesday about the dangers of vaccine misinformation, as the state reported its highest-ever pediatric death toll for any flu season, with 25 children dying from the virus or influenza-related diseases.

New York State Health Commissioner James McDonald said in a news release, “Misinformation around vaccines has in recent years contributed to a rise in vaccine hesitancy and declining vaccination rates. Vaccines are the best protection we have, and do save lives, including the lives of very young children who are too young to receive certain vaccines.”

Click-Worthy

🇺🇸 ‘Sort of beneath America’: Biden attacks Trump in BBC interview.

🧑‍💻 How did millennials become so uncool?

🏛️ U.S. Embassy advises caution amid escalating India-Pakistan tensions.

🧊 Ice on burns? Think again.

💰 Russia’s asking for “too much” to end Ukraine war: Vance. 

🍟 Ultra-processed foods linked to early Parkinson’s symptoms.

⚖️ Half of Americans doubt Black Americans will ever gain equal rights.

🚔 Homicides drop 21% in these U.S. cities, defying crime wave.

💪 Hate exercise? Here’s how to fall in love with it. 

🤝 U.S. and China are finally going to talk but tariffs aren’t going down till then.

She’s Got Game

🎾 Petra Kvitova wins first match since giving birth, breaking losing streak and revealing she nearly retired from tennis altogether.

⚽ Everton’s identical Holmgaard twins keep teammates guessing — with matching looks, playful switch-ups, and accidental on-field confusion.

The Style Edit

🌸 Florals, polka dots, and bold prints to instantly refresh your spring wardrobe with color, charm, texture, and personality.

👔 Emporio Armani’s spring trends: breezy tailoring, soft pastels, and relaxed silhouettes redefine modern elegance with effortless sophistication.

The Fame Frame

🚗 Jennifer Aniston home crash: Man charged with stalking after two-year harassment.

🎬 Meryl Streep, Martin Short captured filming romantic scenes for ‘Only Murders in the Building’.

🎩 Leonardo DiCaprio made Met Gala debut with Vittoria Ceretti, skipped carpet.

💔 Liam Payne’s ex takes over 1D singer’s $32M fortune after he died without will.

🏠 Taylor Swift’s Cape Cod home hits the market for $15 million. Look inside!

Weigh In

"You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face." 

– Eleanor Roosevelt