Good Morning!

It's Thursday, April 9, 2026, and in today’s edition of Rise & Recap, we look at:

• Iran closes Strait Of Hormuz after fragile ceasefire threatened. 

• Talking behind someone’s back might not be all-bad. 

• Spring cleaning — our skincare routine.

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Top headlines

SPILL THE NEWS

World

Fragile Iran Ceasefire

A ceasefire between the US and Iran is under strain after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz following Israeli strikes in Lebanon. The White House demanded the waterway reopen, while both sides disputed the deal’s scope, including whether it covers Lebanon. Israeli attacks in Beirut killed at least 182 people on Wednesday. 

Iran accused the US of violating conditions, while Washington rejected Iran’s stance on uranium enrichment and shipping tolls. Meanwhile, missile strikes, drone activity, and continued attacks by Israel and Hezbollah have raised uncertainty around the agreement, with further peace talks expected soon.

Related Read: Why gas prices might take a while to come back to normal.

US News

Long Island Architect Confesses To Eight Killings In Gilgo Beach Serial Murder Case

A Long Island architect, Rex Heuermann, pleaded guilty to murdering seven women and admitted to killing an eighth. He entered pleas to three counts of first-degree murder and four counts of intentional murder and will be sentenced in June to life without parole. 

In court, he said he strangled all eight victims and dismembered some before dumping their bodies. The killings occurred over 17 years. Authorities linked him through DNA evidence and cellphone data. He was arrested in July 2023 after investigators matched DNA from a discarded pizza crust to evidence recovered from the crime scenes.

Your Money

New Investment Rule

The US Department of Labor has proposed a new rule that could allow Americans to invest their 401(k) savings in alternative assets like private equity, real estate, and cryptocurrency. 

The move aims to give plan managers more flexibility while reducing legal risks, as outlined earlier by Donald Trump. These investments, which are typically harder to access, may now appear in retirement portfolios if managers follow a set evaluation process. The proposal is open for public comment until June 1 and could impact how millions of Americans manage their long-term savings.

In the know

DON’T MISS

⚖️ Pam Bondi will not be complying with subpoena in Epstein files probe, DOJ says.

📵 In classic internet-age fashion, a viral social media challenge is telling us the best ways to get us off our phones. 

🌼 Your seasonal allergies aren’t triggered by one thing — in fact, it might depend on the season. So, what do they do to your body?

✈️ While airlines are raising fare for check-in baggage, this one is allowing passengers to ship wine cases for free. 

🌡️ US sees hottest March ever, with record-breaking heat across multiple states.

🗣️ Talking behind someone’s back might not always be so bad.

💣 Suspects, who threw bomb near NYC mayor’s home, planned to kill around 60 people, prosecutors say.

💪 In a world of protein-maxxing, how to know if we’re having enough protein?

Health & Wellness

FOR YOUR WELLBEING

🍲 Heating leftovers in the microwave every few days to extend their lifespan sounds tempting, but wait, there’s a reason you should reconsider it immediately!

👵 Your nutritional needs at 65 aren’t the same as they were at 35. Experts say this should be on your priority list as you age. 

🥣 Cardiologists unanimously agree this is the best breakfast combo for your health — luckily, they’re not sending you to a last-minute grocery run!

📱 The question that has puzzled scientists for a decade is finally getting an answer: a phone’s blue light isn’t the sleep-wrecker we have thought it to be.

Fashion & Beauty

BEYOND THE MIRROR

🧥 That old Gap hoodie in your closet? It’s back — vintage Gap is quietly becoming fashion’s newest, most nostalgic obsession.

🧴 Spring cleaning isn’t just for closets. Your skincare routine needs a wardrobe change too, think fewer heavy creams, more glow, and zero pore drama.

👔 Call it corporate, but make it fashion. The skirt suit gets a glow-up, with playful proportions, rich textures, and just enough edge to keep things interesting.

💍 The tiniest accessories are winning spring. From toe rings to pearls — bold jewelry suddenly making every outfit look expensive.

Hollywood

THE FAME FRAME

🩸 ‘The Boys’ returns brutally, killing major characters as Homelander tightens his grip.

⚖️ “Ketamine Queen” sentenced to 15 years in Matthew Perry death case.

🎬 Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney keep distance at ‘Euphoria’ premiere amid feud rumors.

📚 ‘The Housemaid’ author Freida McFadden reveals real identity as doctor Sara Cohen.

Interactive

WEIGH IN

Gen Z is caught in a strange paradox with AI. They’re using it constantly for school, work, and life admin, yet growing more uneasy about its long-term impact. A new survey shows declining optimism, rising skepticism, and real fears around creativity, jobs, and human connection. Even as usage stays high, trust is slipping. Still, curiosity hasn’t disappeared, and many believe AI fluency is essential for the future. So the question isn’t whether they’ll use it, but how they’ll feel about it while doing so.

“Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls.”

— Khalil Gibran