Good Morning!

It's Wednesday, April 29, 2026, and in today’s edition of Rise & Recap, we look at:

• King Charles III addresses Congress.

• A park bench can do what gym does?

• Tootsie Rolls have new flavors for you!

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Top Headlines

SPILL THE NEWS

US News

The King Cracks Congress Up In Historic Address

King Charles III mixed humor with diplomacy during a rare address to Congress on Tuesday, drawing laughter and standing ovations as he tried to ease tensions in US-UK relations during his Washington state visit.

The king joked about the countries’ shared history, comparing George Washington and King George III as “a tale of two Georges,” before assuring lawmakers he was not attempting to reclaim America “through some sneaky royal comeback”. He also teased Congress about Britain’s old parliamentary “hostage” tradition and quipped that America declared independence “250 years ago, which in Britain feels like basically yesterday”.

Behind the jokes, Charles delivered a broader message about democracy, checks and balances,compassion and cooperation between allies. His speech came as relations between President Donald Trump and Britain have grown strained over the Iran conflict and Trump’s repeated criticism of Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Charles and Queen Camilla are in the US for a four-day visit marking the 250th anniversary of American independence.

US News

Florida Investigates Alleged ChatGPT Role In Killings Of Two Doctoral Students

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said on Monday the state is expanding its investigation into OpenAI after a murder suspect accused of killing two University of South Florida doctoral students allegedly used ChatGPT before and after the killings.

Hisham Abugharbieh, 26, faces two counts of first-degree murder and additional charges in the deaths of Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, both 27-year-old doctoral students from Bangladesh. Prosecutors said ChatGPT records showed Abugharbieh asking questions about disposing of bodies, guns, vehicle identification and “what does missing endangered adult mean.” How the killing unfolded.

Court records said Abugharbieh allegedly purchased duct tape, trash bags and lighter fluid before the students disappeared April 16. Authorities later found Limon’s remains in trash bags near the Howard Frankland Bridge. Human remains recovered nearby are still being identified. OpenAI said it is cooperating with law enforcement. Abugharbieh is being held without bail pending trial.

Health

A Brain Implant For Severe Depression?

A Houston-based startup just got FDA approval to test a blueberry-sized brain implant for severe depression — one that you can charge with a baseball cap. Developed by Motif Neurotech, it targets people who haven't responded to medication, nearly 3 million adults in the US alone. The device sits in the skull (not the brain) and delivers electrical stimulation to the central executive network, which goes underactive in major depressive disorder (MDD) depression. It’s implanted via a 20-minute outpatient procedure and is powered by a wireless smart cap that patients can wear at home. 

The trial starts with around 10 participants over 12 months. The bigger ambition, though, is giving psychiatrists something they've never had: objective data on the brain. “Imagine trying to manage diabetes just based on how you're feeling”, CEO Jacob Robinson says, “That's the state of psychiatry today”. What’s worth noting is that suicide rates currently outpace deaths from car accidents, and women (who make up the majority of MDD diagnoses) are often neglected in treatment care. Could this be a fix this system has long awaited?

In the know

DON’T MISS

 🦠 At least 34 people across 13 states sickened in salmonella outbreak linked to backyard poultry, federal officials say.

📺 After Trump and First Lady objected to Jimmy Kimmel’s jokes, the FCC made a move against Disney.

🛂 White House confirms limited-edition passports with President Donald Trump’s picture ahead of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.

🍬 Your favorite childhood candy just made a comeback and this time — with two new flavors.

💼 Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger will be nearly half foreign-owned, including major Middle Eastern fund stakes.

🧠 Wait, we might have discovered why 90% of the world’s population is right-handed!

📸 Former FBI Director James Comey indicted over seashell photo officials said threatened President Donald Trump.

🤯 Are we really ready for a car without a rear window? Thought they’d stop at planes without windows!

🛢️ United Arab Emirates will exit OPEC May 1, dealing major blow to the oil-producing cartel.

🥗 Gen Z and Gen Alpha might be changing the food aisle and definitely not settling for artificial ingredients.

Health & Wellness

FOR YOUR WELLBEING

🌸 Sorry, TikTok, spraying cologne on your neck isn’t necessarily wrecking your hormones. Although experts say it might not be the best spot for your skin either.

❌ A new report finds that most people still believe at least one major health myth. Yes, even the ones that have been debunked time and again. 

🔄 Before you let a bad morning hijack your entire day, try these low-effort resets that can be done from anywhere in the world. 

🌳 Will a park bench do what a gym membership can’t? This 20-minute outdoor full body workout fits like a missing puzzle piece in your routine— simple, effective, and one you’ll actually stick to.

Decor & More

HOUSE TO HOME

🏡 The chicest homes aren’t built at malls. They’re rescued from estate sales. Here’s five things designers grab before people even begin noticing!

❄️ They wouldn’t be replacing your air conditioners, but they might make summer feel less harsh indoors, all that while elevating the aesthetics. These house plants will cool your home this summer!

🖥️ 2026’s unexpected décor comeback? Desk skirts are back, turning boring workspaces into charming little corners with main-character energy and hidden storage underneath.

🏠 These Costco home finds are making designer spaces look polished without requiring “custom Italian linen sofa” levels of budgeting.

Hollywood

THE FAME FRAME

🎤 Taylor Swift has a message for the fans treating her lyrics like a “paternity test”: “That dude didn’t write the song, I did”. More things we learned from her NYT interview. 

😳 Lisa Kudrow opens up about the “brutal” culture behind the sitcom ‘Friends’, says writers would discuss sexual fantasies about the female cast. 

👀 Did Channing Tatum take a dig at ex-partner Zoë Kravitz after engagement announcement with Harry Styles? Fans suspect this cryptic poem isn’t exactly subtle. 

👶 Hailey Bieber just shared rare snaps of baby Jack Blues. He’s already dressing like dad Justin Bieber!

🚁 Kid Rock flew in an Army helicopter alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at a Virginia base. Well, critics are questioning this “community relations event”.

Interactive

WEIGH IN

People are rethinking retirement as longer lifespans, rising costs, and economic uncertainty reshape what “growing old comfortably” actually means. Some are chasing stability with guaranteed income and aggressive savings, while others are building second careers, delaying retirement, or planning to work longer by choice. For many, the goal is no longer quitting work forever, but creating enough flexibility, purpose, and financial security to avoid running out of money later in life.

“Play long-term games with long-term people.”

— Naval Ravikant