Good Morning!

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

• Israel-Hamas reach peace deal for hostage release and ceasefire.

• Hate hitting the gym? Try ‘exercise snacking’!

• Why did HarperCollins UK apologise to Melania Trump?

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Top headlines

SPILL THE NEWS

US News

Israel-Hamas Agree To First Phase Of Gaza Peace Deal, Hostage Release

Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a US-brokered peace plan, raising hopes for an end to the two-year Gaza conflict that has killed tens of thousands. The agreement marks the first step in a 20-point plan Trump proposed, with international mediation from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, signaling a potentially historic shift in the Middle East. Under the deal, Hamas will release the 20 remaining hostages, while Israel will withdraw troops to an agreed line and free nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees. What we know of the ‘first phase’ of the deal. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it “a great day for Israel” and said his cabinet would convene Thursday to approve the agreement. President Donald Trump, who announced the deal, wrote on Truth Social: “ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace. All Parties will be treated fairly! … BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS!” What was in Rubio’s handwritten letter to Trump?

Hamas confirmed the deal and called on Trump and guarantor countries to ensure Israel’s compliance. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called it a “momentous opportunity” and promised support for humanitarian relief and reconstruction. Celebrations erupted in Gaza and Israel, though some remain cautious. Critical issues, including Hamas disarmament, Gaza governance, and long-term peace remain unresolved. Will Trump visit Egypt?

US News

Arrest Made In Deadly LA Fires That Destroyed Over 6,000 Homes

A 29-year-old former Uber driver, Jonathan Rinderknecht, was arrested in Florida for allegedly starting the Palisades Fire, one of Los Angeles’ most destructive wildfires, which killed 12 people and destroyed 6,837 structures. Authorities said Rinderknecht “maliciously” ignited a small fire on New Year’s Day at Skull Rock Trailhead in the Santa Monica Mountains. Though initially contained, buried embers reignited days later during strong winds, spreading into the massive Palisades Fire. Who is Jonathan Rinderknecht?

Bill Essayli, acting US attorney for the Central District of California, said, “A single person’s recklessness caused one of the worst fires Los Angeles has ever seen, resulting in death and widespread destruction in Pacific Palisades.” Investigators reported Rinderknecht, who had a fascination with fire, took videos of the blaze, listened to a French rap video featuring fire, and tried unsuccessfully to call 911 before the flames spread. What do we know about the arrest made?

Authorities and experts said other causes, including fireworks, lightning, and power lines, were ruled out. Gov. Gavin Newsom added, “This tragedy will never be forgotten — lives were lost, families torn apart and entire communities forever changed — and there must be accountability.” Rinderknecht faces federal charges for destruction of property by fire. What has ignited California’s worst fires?

Economy

James Comey Pleads Not Guilty, Looks To Dismiss Case

Former FBI Director James Comey pleaded not guilty to federal charges stemming from his 2020 congressional testimony about the FBI’s investigation into Russian ties to President Trump’s 2016 campaign. The two-count indictment alleges Comey made false statements and obstructed a congressional proceeding by claiming he did not authorize a leak to the media about the Clinton and Trump-Russia investigations. Each felony carries a maximum five-year prison term. A long time Trump-critic, Comey has called for a trial and denied wrongdoing, stating, “My heart is broken for the Department of Justice, but I have great confidence in the federal judicial system.”

Comey appeared in Alexandria, Virginia, before US District Judge Michael Nachmanoff, who set a trial date for Jan. 5, expected to last two to three days. “My client is anxious to get to a speedy trial,” Comey’s attorney Patrick Fitzgerald said. Comey’s family, including his daughter Maurene, a federal prosecutor, attended the hearing. How is the judge in Comey’s case?

The case has drawn scrutiny over its timing and handling. Former US Attorney Erik Siebert resigned after reportedly resisting pressure from Trump to pursue charges. Trump then appointed former White House aide Lindsey Halligan to lead the prosecution, a move the defense plans to challenge. Fitzgerald said the defense will file motions alleging vindictive prosecution and grand jury abuse.

In the know

DON’T MISS

👥 It takes two to CEO? Big companies are realizing two CEOs might be better because one’s not cutting it.

🎓 Is student-loan forgiveness resuming for over 2 million borrowers?

🚨 Trump wants to arrest Chicago mayor and Illinois governor for “not protecting ICE”.

🧥 No, you don’t have to buy that sweater in a third color. And, here’s how to stop buying things you do not really need.

📅 Next time you respond to a meeting invite, saying no might be better than maybe!

📊 Poll: Voters believe Trump has gone too far with deportations; most don’t favor internal troop deployment.

📚 HarperCollins UK apologises to Melania Trump over an Epstein connection.

😴 Treat your sleep like you treat your phone, with love. As it turns out, your mental health depends on a good night’s sleep.

🥤 Love popping that soda can before every meal? Well, it might be time to stop.

💼 IRS furloughs nearly half of its workforce as shutdown continues.

Health & Wellness

FOR YOUR WELLBEING

📈 Are influencers trying to convince you that you need to use a continuous glucose monitor and track your blood sugar levels? Well, you might need to draw a line.

🏋️‍♀️ Not hitting the gym? “Exercise snacks”, or tiny, intentional activity bursts, can still improve heart fitness and build muscle, study reveals.

💺 Sitting might just be the new smoking. Too much time on the desk isn’t just bad for your body, it also affects your mood. Small daily habits can help you sit less and boost your mental health.

🍽️ Do you love food? Sadly, as you age your sense of taste is likely to dull down. However, these might be things you can do.

Fashion & Beauty

BEYOND THE MIRROR

👢 Struggling to style bootcut jeans? These on-trend boots instantly elevate your outfit while keeping that effortless throwback vibe alive.

👚 Think you know how to wear satin tops? Casual to chic, satin tops can do it all, here’s how to wear them like a pro.

❤️ Rich, dark red hues, whether its auburn or cherry cola, bring cozy, fall-ready vibes to your hair this season.

✨ From Zendaya's mini coat dress to Meghan Markle's Balenciaga ensemble, fashion month was a showcase of style. Here’s the best-dressed stars!

Hollywood

THE FAME FRAME

🎤 ‘I’m not dying’: Dolly Parton breaks silence on health concerns. What’s going on?

📺 Fox Entertainment signs first-look deal with HarperCollins.

👗 Jennifer Lopez blames mid-performance wardrobe malfunction on stage on the last-minute costume changes.

💔 Did Nicole Kidman hint at Keith Urban breakup weeks before announcement?

🎶 Taylor Swift’s ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ breaks Adele’s record for biggest album in a single week.

Interactive

WEIGH IN

In President Trump’s second term, a pattern is emerging: Black officials are being fired or pushed out from top government roles at an unprecedented pace. Of 98 Senate-confirmed senior positions in the first 200 days, only two appointees are Black. Veterans like Robert E. Primus, Carla Hayden, and Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. were ousted, often with little notice, raising questions about diversity, equity, and inclusion in an overwhelmingly white administration.

“We don’t see things as they are; we see them as we are.” 

— Anaïs Nin