Trump’s Final Midterms Message

Butts & Beauty

What’s going on: As Americans head to the polls, most voters are citing affordability as their number one concern. But instead of addressing the economy, President Donald Trump’s closing message as he stumps across the nation has taken a different tactic, or as The New York Times puts it, "a puzzling approach." Trump can’t stop talking about ogling men’s bodies. The president recently claimed to have "studied" Senator Jon Husted (R-OH), praising his “jawline” and adding that he "examined his a**." Senate candidate Mike Collins (R-GA) was celebrated by Trump as "a good-looking man — and he’s all man." He also called gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson (R-GA) a "beautiful-looking guy." While stumping in Florida recently, Trump even admired RFK Jr.’s "30-year-old body" (he's 72).

Why is Trump doing this?: He really seems to think his "handsomeness appraisals" (as PBS put it) are working. The president declared Husted "picked up like 9 or 10 points" in the polls after he celebrated his butt, but he didn’t cite a source as to which polls. According to CNN, Trump is making a choice to talk about hot men because "perhaps it’s more fun to talk about glutes than gas prices." The president’s comments come as the Republican Party has been "going all-in on trans" and anti-LGBTQIA+ culture wars. Similarly, Vice President JD Vance leaned into homophobic taunts at a recent rally, while the GOP has name-called Senate candidate James Talarico (D-TX) "Talafreako" to question his masculinity. So while next Tuesday will decide which party wins control of Congress, TBD on whether it all comes down to a candidate’s a** or jawline.

Related: Trump Praised Rumored Press-Secretary-To-Be Nicki Minaj’s “Beautiful A**” at a Rally (Billboard)

Trick or Treat

Take Just One Piece, OK? 

What's going on: The period from October to January is usually filled with celebrations: Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali, and New Year’s are all on the calendar. But inflation and the high cost of living mean that many families will celebrate differently. Take Halloween: One recent analysis showed that the price for a 100-piece bag of candy has increased 71% since 2021. In a New York Times reader poll, almost 90% said they’ll buy less candy, seek out deals, or offer small trinkets like temporary tattoos instead of Snickers and Skittles. “No one wants to be the ‘raisin house,’” one woman told The NYT. Instead of king-size candy bars, she plans to spend about $100 on smaller candies, her budget for a week’s worth of groceries. “The Halloween tradition is now a financial burden,” she said. 

It’s not just candy: Holiday flight prices are also at a ten-year high, meaning that many may not visit family. The dinner table might look a little different, too: Turkey costs are up about 8% compared to last year, while cranberry prices are up about 15%. As for presents? In a survey published earlier this month, 46% said they’ll limit the number of gifts they buy, and 40% plan to choose cheaper presents. And in a Michaels survey, many shoppers said they plan to start buying gifts before November to spread costs across multiple paychecks. Oh, and if you mail those smaller presents to your family because you’re staying home? You’ll face the highest-ever holiday season delivery prices. It’s enough to make you feel like the Grinch. 

Related: Secondhand Gifts Are No Longer Taboo (USA Today)

Luxury Health

Longevity Gets the White Coat Treatment

What's going on: The desire to live longer is in many of us — it’s why we swap a breakfast doughnut for heart-healthy oats. Longevity medicine used to be reserved for the ultra-wealthy popping into neighborhood boutique clinics. Now, some of America’s top hospitals want in. Northwestern charges $5,500 a year for assessments covering everything from cardiovascular fitness to biological age. Weill Cornell offers a $7,500 evaluation or a $12,000 four-visit annual program with personalized fitness and nutrition guidance. Mount Sinai plans to offer genetic testing, full-body MRIs, and continuous Oura Ring tracking between check-ins. But despite a clear market for it, critics remain skeptical of the evidence behind the price tag.

Death Becomes Her Energy: It all feels a bit like “this is the only supplement you need,” right? Many medical experts agree. UC Irvine health ethics professor Leigh Turner told The New York Times he thinks a lot of these tests belong “in the clinical trial space.” But for those with health anxiety, the tests could feel like preventive care — and they might feel safer coming from a hospital than a wellness boutique backed by an influencer. Experts say the trouble is that scans often turn up harmless incidental findings, leading to unnecessary invasive procedures, extra bills, and more anxiety. And while standard checkups are usually covered, these packages are almost entirely out of pocket. If you want a deep dive into your health, doctors say to start with your primary care physician — no five-figure bill or sci-fi pod required.

Related: This 107-Year-Old Man Credits a Comfort Meal for His Long Life (People)

Fashion Gifts They'll Actually Wear

Fashion gifts can be a bit of a gamble — you’re taking size, taste, and lifestyle into consideration — but there’s nothing like the joy of gifting them something they literally never take off. These options are about as foolproof as they come, and they’ll please even your pickiest recipients:

• A cashmere scarf that’s actually affordable

• The cutest personalized bag charm

• Colorful slippers for padding around the house

• Our definitive guide to designer-looking things at non-designer prices

​*PS: If you have gifter’s block (aka writer’s block for gift giving), QVC has a little something for everyone.

Quick Hits

🧑‍🍳 Meghan Markle will be back on TV next year as the new co-host of Junior MasterChef Australia. But will they make jam? 

🪽 Naomi Osaka debuted a one-of-a-kind crane kimono for her first match at the Toray Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo on Tuesday, which she won. Talk about a serve.

🐣 Go ahead and debate these baby name etiquette rules, like: Is it OK for cousins to have the same first name?

😴 Eating quinoa for dinner might help you sleep better, thanks to its fiber, magnesium, and vitamin B6. Bon appétit and bonne nuit. 

🎶 Harry Styles dropped a new music video for “Coming Up Roses.” Can we have this waltz?

💇 Yes, you should get bangs. Specifically, curtain bangs, which are back for fall.

👖 Rachel Bilson told theSkimm which Y2K trends she’s glad came back — including dresses over jeans. We’ll leave that one to pros like her.