Good Morning!

It's Tuesday, September 9, and in today’s edition of Rise & Recap, we look at:

• Trump’s alleged birthday letter to Epstein released by House Democrats.

• How to deal with ‘complainer’ friends?

• We might’ve not known the whole picture about Greek yogurt! 

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Top headlines

SPILL THE NEWS

US News

House Democrats Release Trump’s Alleged Birthday Letter To Epstein

A House Oversight Committee on Monday released additional Jeffrey Epstein’s files, publishing a 2003 “birthday book” (see the full book here) that included a sexually suggestive drawing signed “Donald”, allegedly by President Donald trump. The sketch, turned over by Epstein’s estate under subpoena, depicts a nude woman with a note referencing a “wonderful secret” shared between Epstein and Trump. A visual breakdown of Trump’s alleged letter.

Democrats immediately seized on the release. “It’s time for the president to tell us the truth about what he knew and release all the Epstein files,” said Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.). The committee’s Democrats circulated the image on social media, accusing Trump of lying about its existence. Garcia added, “This note, Donald Trump has said does not exist. But once again, he is lying to the American public and is leading a White House cover-up.” What we know so far.

The White House swiftly denied Trump’s involvement. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said, “It’s very clear President Trump did not draw this picture, and he did not sign it.” Deputy chief of staff Taylor Budowich also posted examples of Trump’s current angular signature to argue it was forged. However, archived letters reviewed by The New York Times show Trump sometimes signed only “Donald” in the late 1980s and 1990s, with a nearly identical long tail on the final “d”. What else was handed over to House panel?

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US News

Trump Administration’s Immigration Crackdown Reaches Chicago

The Trump administration on Monday announced “Operation Midway Blitz,” a crackdown on undocumented immigrants in Chicago, which officials said would focus on individuals with criminal records. “No city is a safe haven for criminal illegal aliens,” said Tricia McLaughlin, a Homeland Security spokesperson. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) linked the operation to the death of Katie Abraham, a 20-year-old Illinois woman allegedly killed by an undocumented immigrant in January.

Local officials and advocates, however, reported only scattered arrests, including a flower vendor and a bus passenger. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said the city received “no notice” of the operation, calling it “the wrong solution to a real problem.” Governor JB Pritzker argued the effort was about politics, not safety, warning the state was prepared to challenge any federal escalation in court. Who are the Chicago immigrants?

President Trump defended the move, saying, “We’re not going to war. We’re going to clean up our cities.” Yet community leaders described widespread fear in Latino neighborhoods, where some residents avoided work, school, or medical visits. Faith groups have organized to provide aid for families. Chicago, home to an estimated 150,000 undocumented immigrants, remains at the center of Trump’s broader push against sanctuary cities.

Related Read: Supreme Court lifts limits on LA immigration raids.

World

Nepal’s Gen Z Protests Leave 19 Dead; PM Resigns

At least 19 people were killed and over 400 were injured in Nepal after security forces opened fire on Gen Z protesters demanding an end to corruption and censorship on Monday. The violence culminated Tuesday with Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli’s resignation as demonstrators torched Parliament and top leaders’ homes, including that of President Ram Chandra Poudel. Videos verified by news outlets showed flames engulfing government buildings in Kathmandu, while the city’s international airport was shut amid escalating unrest.

The protests began last week after authorities blocked more than two dozen social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, a move critics said was designed to silence dissent. By Tuesday morning, officials lifted the ban, with Communications Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung confirming, “To address the demands raised by Gen Z, a social media ban will be lifted.” Who were the forces behind this protest?

The youth-led demonstrations, dubbed the “Gen Z protest,” reflect deep frustration with corruption, economic inequality, and lack of opportunity. The U.N. human rights office called for a “prompt and transparent investigation” into the killings, warning of “unnecessary or disproportionate use of force.” One protester told Reuters, “All the Nepali citizens are fed up of corruption. Every youth are going outside the country. So, we want to protect our youth and make the country’s economy better.”

In the know

DON’T MISS

🗳️ French PM resigns after losing confidence vote, leaving Macron to look for new candidate. What happens next?

💔 Trump downplays domestic violence in latest speech.

🧐 Barron Trump hasn’t been seen on NYU campus for first week of classes. Where is he?

🗣️ We’ve all had the ‘complainer’ friend. If you don’t want it to wreck the relationship, try this instead!  

🚨 Israel orders all of Gaza city to be evacuated after Jerusalem bus stop attack that killed six.

🎨 Do we all see and respond to colors the same way? What science says.

📚 Reading skills of 12th graders worst since 1992; their math scores are scary too!

👫 Old relationship dynamics remain even as women changed outdated money trends!

📺 Murdoch family reaches deal to resolve Fox News’ succession fight. Who’s in-charge now? 

🧬 How much would you invest in the possibility of living for 150 more years? Meet the billionaires betting over $5 billion.

Interactive

WEIGH IN

Luxury giant LVMH is feeling the pinch after years of explosive growth, with revenue and profits sliding and once-loyal buyers pulling back. Analysts say shoppers worldwide are growing cautious, citing inflation, tariffs, and a fading appetite for flashy logos. But some brands like Hermès and Rolex are still thriving by leaning into exclusivity. For many, luxury spending reflects not just wealth but optimism about the future.

Health & Wellness

FOR YOUR WELLBEING

🥣 Packed with protein and probiotics, Greek yogurt sounds perfect. But nutritionists warn there’s more to know before you dig in.

😴 Think you can “catch up” on missed sleep later? Sleep deprivation isn’t just about fatigue. The long-term consequences might surprise you.

🥛 Is whole milk actually healthier than low-fat? For years, low-fat milk was pushed as “healthy”. Now experts are rethinking dairy fat’s role in your diet.

🚶‍♀️ Are Walking clubs the new run clubs? Explore why group walks might be your new favorite routine. There’s more to this than just pacing.

Fashion & Beauty

BEYOND THE MIRROR

🎾 The US Open wasn’t just about tennis. See which stars served up unforgettable style in the stands.

👁️ Think under-eye lines are just about aging? Science reveals lesser-known causes and gentle fixes you can try.

👢 Everyone’s stepping into this fall boot trend. It’s equal parts rebellious, classic, and fashion’s most unexpected fall essential.

💉 Rapid weight loss from GLP-1 drugs is fueling innovation in body contouring, but it comes with unexpected surprises.

Hollywood

THE FAME FRAME

👯‍♀️ Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner, cows, and candid truths in Vogue's authentic cover chat.

🌍 Which celebrities have left the US amid the Trump presidency?

📱 Jennifer Aniston shares subtle Instagram post of rumoured boyfriend Jim Curtis.

👩‍🍼 Hailey Bieber and baby Jack steal hearts in intimate flight snapshot.

💩 Britney Spears’ loved ones alarmed seeing singer living messy mansion and dog poop.

“Your life is your story. Write well. Edit often.” 

— Susan Statham