This weekend delivered three of my favorite things: Halloween, Marathon Sunday, and an extra hour of sleep. Bliss. Queen Heidi won Halloween, obviously. But our family's killer lumberjack look held its own, too. (And I'm thankful my 7 and 9-year-old boys still think matching costumes are cool.) From candy highs to runner highs, there's nothing like the New York City Marathon. Having run it a few years ago, I can tell you it's magic — whether chasing the finish line or rooting for runners along the streets. (Scroll down for our story on rallying a cheering squad.) This year's race didn't disappoint, from a photo finish to a women's course record — and marathon medals are apparently fall's hottest celebrity accessory. And yes, I know I'm in the minority here, but I'll take brighter mornings even if 5 pm feels like nightfall. Experts say one small habit can make this tricky season easier on your sleep. Now, let's get to the news…
— Marina Carver / Senior Editor / Brooklyn, NY
What's Happening
Travel
Grounded By Politics
What's going on: If you're flying during the government shutdown (now in its 33rd day), pack extra snacks and patience. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned Sunday that flight delays and cancellations could continue to pile up as air traffic control shortages spread nationwide. With some controllers now doubling up on shifts or getting second jobs, he said, "There is a level of risk [when one is doing] two jobs instead of one." Duffy added: "If the government doesn't open in the next week or two, we'll look back as [if] these were the good days, not the bad days." Great, because airports weren't already character-building enough.
What it means: So far, air travel's mostly held steady — though major airports like Newark, LAX, and Reagan National have already reported disruptions tied to short staffing. FlightAware's aptly named "Misery Map" shows growing delays and cancellations since Oct 30. Duffy said last month's clear weather and lighter flight schedules kept problems to a minimum, but November's heavier traffic could push the system past its limit. Airlines continue to press Washington to end the shutdown before the holiday rush turns chaotic. As Vice President JD Vance put it: Air travel this month could become a "disaster."
The GOP Manifests Its Vision for Homelessness in Utah
What's going on: Just outside of Salt Lake City, there are 16 acres that Republicans hope will soon be a model for combating homelessness. Utah is building an involuntary mental health and addiction treatment center, slated to house up to 1,300 people when it opens in 2027. Supporters say the facility provides a more humane approach to the homelessness crisis. But critics argue that it would function more as a detention facility and strip people of their civil liberties, since courts could order them to stay or require it to avoid jail time. Key details, like whether people will be sleeping in tents or buildings, remain scarce, but the proposal describes the center as having "work-conditioned housing."
What it means: Unsheltered homelessness has grown 60% over the past decade, according to federal data — and it's only getting worse. President Donald Trump has been vocal about the issue, saying homeless people turn cities into "unsanitary nightmares," and he wants to move them out. Others doubt the federal government has enough money to pull this off nationwide. In Salt Lake City, experts warn there aren't enough resources — whether financing or psychiatric health care providers — to treat patients. Utah isn't alone in its plans. Las Vegas is currently building a $200 million homeless campus.
What's going on: Influencers, celebrities, and 20-somethings going through quarter-life crises all descended on New York City this past weekend to *voluntarily* run 26.2 miles. Even though social media loves to tease people who post their Strava runs, finishing a marathon is no small feat. It takes months of training and dedication. That's why so many runners now treat race day like a full-blown celebration — sending save-the-dates, hosting watch parties, and creating race registries. Because only one thing can make crossing the finish line sweeter: knowing your friends and family are there to support you.
What it means: If it looks like some runners put as much effort into race day as others do into weddings or baby showers, that's because they do. As one runner explained it: "I just remember thinking to myself, 'Well, I'm not doing some of those things, but I am running a marathon." We wouldn't be surprised if a Leo started this trend. Runners know that asking friends to travel can be a big ask (especially with marathon traffic), but they hope bachelorette-style gift bags make up for it. Nothing says thank you like a water bottle or sweet treat. After all, people now spend small fortunes just to attend weddings — why shouldn't the marathon crowd get their moment too?
Your wellness routine called — it wants an upgrade. Enter: NOW's aromatherapy essentials. These calming, balancing, and focusing blends make self-care second nature and double as thoughtful gifts. Start with:
Take a Zen Ten™ Aroma Mist. Ease into relaxation, one spray at a time. Mist your room or linens for a calming vibe before bed, or anytime you need to unwind.
Let There Be Peace & Quiet™ Oil Kit. Four essential oils (eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, and peaceful sleep blend) that bring serenity to your space. Diffuse, blend, or spritz your way to instant tranquility.
Organic Lavender Essential Oil Roll-On. Floral, soothing, and portable. Roll it onto your wrists, temples, or neck for a calming moment wherever the day takes you.
Foolproof Fashion Gifts
Whether it's your effortlessly elegant mom with expensive taste or your glamorous friend who always seems to be hopping on a plane, fashion people can be…hard to shop for. We're here to help. Check out:
One woman got real with us about living with major depressive disorder (MDD) — and how she and her healthcare team work together to manage her symptoms.
Wake your brain up this Monday with a game of Flipart. Just rotate the pieces to fit within the frame and get ready to feel the rush when they all fall into place. Get into it.
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