Good Morning!

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

• Unexpected group of women getting HIV. 

• Why do we even like “bathroom camping”?

• Louvre can’t seem to catch a break.

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Top headlines

SPILL THE NEWS

US News

Hegseth’s Boat Attack Under Scrutiny

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declined to commit to releasing full video of a Sept. 2 US military strike on a boat in the Caribbean, an operation now under scrutiny for a second strike that killed two survivors clinging to the wreckage. Speaking at the Reagan National Defense Forum, he said officials are reviewing whether releasing the footage could compromise “sources and methods”. 

Lawmakers who’ve viewed the video remain sharply divided. Democrats say the two men were barely conscious and unarmed, while Republicans insist they were still “valid targets”. President Trump has said he’s open to releasing the footage.

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Health

Unsuspected Group Of Women Getting HIV

Black women in the South remain at the center of a quiet HIV crisis, despite major advances in prevention and treatment. Advocates like Masonia Traylor, who was diagnosed at 23, say stigma, lack of access to care, and limited prevention resources leave women isolated and vulnerable. 

Black women account for half of new HIV cases among US women, yet make up just 13% of the female population. Experts warn progress is now at risk as public health funding declines. Community support, open conversations, and expanding access to prevention like PrEP are critical to changing the narrative.

Lifestyle

Is “Decaf Desirability” Here To Stay?

Cafés aren’t just caffeinated anymore. As more people rethink the jitters, heartburn and anxiety that come with coffee, low- and no-caffeine drinks are suddenly cool. From hojicha lattes and mugwort brews to creative decafs and caffeine-free Korean or Middle Eastern staples, the menu makeover is built around flavor, aesthetics and feeling good. 

Shops say customers want the same social ritual without the crash. Health-minded drinkers now mix morning cold brew with afternoon turmeric or barley tea — proof caffeine culture is softening, not disappearing.

In the know

DON’T MISS

🖼️ The Louvre museum just can’t catch a break. This latest crisis ruined nearly 400 items.

🚽 Feel therapeutic sitting at the toilet? Well, bathroom camping is a thing and these are the valid reasons you do it.

⚖️ Supreme Court to hear arguments challenging a 127-year-old precedent.

👙 The underwear as pants trend just got a winter makeover, thanks to Kristen Stewart.

💰 Want to lower your taxes? You might be sitting on these five credits that are often missed out on.

🤵‍♂️ In a first for US Presidents, Trump hosts Kennedy Center Honors.

🎁 These gift-giving rules can ensure your Christmas is meaningful and affordable.

🚫 ICE has detained nearly 75,000 immigrants with no criminal record.

🥐 Croissant as a perfume? It could either make you smell dreamy or too much.

📢 Netanyahu says Gaza ceasefire second phase to begin “shortly”.

Health & Wellness

FOR YOUR WELLBEING

🧑‍🦱 Your hair carries surprising clues about everything from your gut health to stress levels. An expert tells you all the symptoms to pay attention to before it's too late!

🙏 “Be more grateful” might be more than just feel-good advice. Science suggests it may be doing your heart a favor too, quite literally.

🧠 Forget the endless lists of “brain foods” — these two compounds show benefits on memory, cognitive ability, and attention. 

🏋️‍♀️ Working out less (but smartly) can give you better results. A physical therapist calls the concept “Gentle Consistency”.

Fashion & Beauty

BEYOND THE MIRROR

⚫ If you think wearing black and brown together is a fashion disaster, let these chic and classy styling inspo sway you in its favour!

😴 Skincare brands have started betting big on melatonin, the “sleep” hormone that might serve a purpose as a skincare active. Is it a match for the classics, yet? 

👢 Boots out! Flats out! The French have a promising alternative that’s as versatile as it is winter-season proof. 

💇‍♀️ 2025 belonged to the bob. But now, everyone’s asking the same question — “what to do with it when it grows out”?

Hollywood

THE FAME FRAME

📸 Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau hard-launch on Instagram, with a photo dump fans didn’t see coming! 

🏈 BFFs Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez attend their first Chiefs’ game together.

👖 Sydney Sweeney finally addressed the American Eagles’ ad controversy and why she decided to open up now. 

🆕 A ‘Stranger Things’ spinoff is officially in the works. The Duffer brothers divulge whatever details they can! 

🗼 ’Emily In Paris’ Season 5 trailer is out, with all 10 episodes to premiere this month.

Interactive

WEIGH IN

It’s cuffing season, and a new dating trend is taking over: “winter coating”. The concept? Reaching out to an ex for cozy holiday companionship, even if the relationship already proved risky once. Experts say intentions matter—are you seeking real reconnection, or just someone familiar to fill the seasonal chill? With nostalgia high and emotions complicated, winter coating could revive something meaningful… or reopen wounds you already healed.

“Just because you are soft does not mean you are not a force.” 

— Ayla Nereo