In the Shadows

Where has Melania Trump been? [For the best experience, read in browser.]( September 21, 2024 Ready for another batch of weekend reads? Here's some of what's in store: - Historians weigh in on [the mysteries of Melania Trump's behind-the-scenes life]( - A preview of [the 10 best movies coming out this fall]( - A patient's revealing explanation of [what it's really like to have Alzheimer's]( Let's begin...   In the Shadows [Melania Trump wearing sunglasses and a black dress]( Getty Images Although her husband could be on his way back to the White House, we've seen very little of Melania Trump during the turbo-charged 2024 campaign. She didn't attend either presidential debate, nor was she at the former president's side during the historic trial that convicted him of 34 felonies. And while she did show up to the RNC, she didn't make a speech, as she had in 2016 and 2020. But now, the former first lady is gearing up to return to public life in a major way. We've got the scoop on [what Melania has been up to all this time](, with takes from historians about what to make of the conspicuous absence of a presidential spouse. [READ MORE](   Next Question [Hillary Clinton and Katie Couric speak on stage at Clinton's book tour]( Photo by Craig Hunter Ross ICYMI, [my interview with Hillary Clinton]( for this week's podcast was one for the books! We went deep on the 2024 election, her advice for Kamala Harris, and her reaction to the violence that's pervaded the campaign. You absolutely do not want to miss it. [READ MORE]( 🛍️ Shoppable moment: By complete coincidence, Secretary Clinton and I ended up wearing different shades of the exact same Argent suit for this interview! [Here's where you can get it yourself]( in whichever color speaks to you.   Good news: Data from the CDC shows that U.S. deaths caused by drug overdoses are down by nearly 11%. And experts [tell NPR]( that this nationwide reduction could get even bigger, given that some states are seeing declines of as much as 30%. In a time when the world can feel pretty dark, it's encouraging to see such a meaningful improvement.   Matters of the Mind [Illustration of a puzzle of a human brain, with one piece being pulled away from the rest]( Getty Images It's World Alzheimer's Day, and we're observing the occasion with a riveting conversation with Rebecca Chopp, an accomplished academic administrator who's five years into her diagnosis. The author of the must-read book [Still Me]( tells her personal story and reveals [four things Alzheimer's patients want you to know about their experience](. Chopp was diagnosed at 68, but this neurologic disorder can affect adults much earlier — in their 50s, 40s, or even their 30s. Here's the scoop on [the symptoms of early-onset Alzheimer’s]( and what you can do to stave it off. We're also thinking about the caregivers who support patients through this diagnosis. In partnership with Humana, we've got a guide to celebrating holidays when a loved one has Alzheimer's](, with tips to ensure the entire family can make the most of these meaningful milestones.   [Hands holding a big bucket of popcorn over a pink background]( Coming Soon... We're previewing the fall's biggest films with a list of our 10 most-anticipated movies, including one you can catch in theaters this weekend. [Read More »](   [Image of a frog with the text: ''Ripple Effect: Don't miss our ribbiting — uh, riveting — newsletter about what makes our planet special. Sign me up.''](   Book(s) of the Day Our weeklong ode to the best books our staff has read lately is going out with a bang: We'll cap off this literary celebration with not one, but three stellar titles you won't be able to put down. Sales consultant Sandra Szahun recommends [Freedom by Jonathan Franzen](: "In my opinion, shared with millions of Americans, it's top of the genre for compelling novels about dysfunctional families." Affiliate content manager Justine Carreon says [Good Material by Dolly Alderton]( is perfect for anyone searching for something that's easy to enjoy: "The last 20 pages alone make it worth reading, especially since you're likely to zip through the whole thing within a few days." Finally, [Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel]( was recently named the third-best book of the 21st century by the New York Times, and features director Ryan Buxton was riveted: "The writing rewards a close read — and if you pay attention, it's funnier than you might expect for a novel about Henry VIII's England."   Layer Up [A cardigan, leggings, and long-sleeve shirt from lululemon]( KCM/lululemon Feel that nip in the air? It's the first hint of sweater weather, and we're not the only ones celebrating: [lululemon's fall collection]( includes a batch of brand-new sweaters that are going fast. Self-control isn't our specialty when it comes to our lululemon carts, but we have our eyes on a few standouts in particular: - Lightweight warmth is the name of the game with this oh-so-soft [wool blend cardigan]( that will take you from crisp fall afternoons to the depths of winter. - Ever the bestsellers, the [Align leggings]( are soft, breathable, and supportive enough to wear all day, every day. - This [soft cotton long-sleeve shirt]( is a fall staple, perfect on its own or under vests, sweatshirts, and sweaters. [GET COZY]( [Sponsored by lululemon](   What We're Loving Lately Camey Hess, director of sales and partnerships: "I picked up [this incredible Ninja blender]( while moving into a new apartment, and boy am I glad I did! I love it because it never stalls or gets stuck. The powerful auto-pulse feature allows it to power through frozen fruits and thick, creamy ingredients with no problem. Here's to easy smoothies for all!" [TRY IT FOR YOURSELF](   Wardrobe Wonders [Two women, one wearing a white blazer and one wearing a cream turtle-neck sweater]( KCM/Armoire The more cluttered your closet is, the less likely you are to actually wear everything buried inside it. But you can save storage space and try new trends with [the fabulous clothing rentals from Armoire](. Not only will you look chic without overspending, but you'll also have to option to keep your favorite pieces for longer, as compared to other services with stricter rental policies. [GIVE IT A SPIN](   One More Thing These days, it can be hard to find Republicans and Democrats having productive conversations — let alone in the same room. But KCM’s Tess Bonn was on the scene as Karl Rove and David Axelrod, two heavyweights of their respective parties, took the stage together at The Atlantic Festival this week in D.C. Naturally, they didn’t see eye-to-eye on everything, but they agreed that the stakes are especially high in November’s election. “We need leadership that discourages a culture of violence,” Axelrod said. "Violence is antithetical to democracy. Democracy means settling our differences at the voting booth and not through bullets." Rove agreed, but he struck an optimistic tone about the possibility of avoiding another deadly insurrection like Jan. 6. “This time around, everyone will be forewarned," he said. "I also think the good common sense of the American people is not going to stand for it."   Thanks for reading! Want to stay connected? 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