Good Morning!

It's Monday, September 29, and in today’s edition of Rise & Recap, we look at:

• Michigan church attack claims at least four lives.

• The ‘996’ hustle culture trend is taking over.

• Could Ketamine lead the next mental health breakthrough?

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Top headlines

SPILL THE NEWS

US News

At Least Four Die In Michigan Attack

At least four people were killed and eight others injured on Sunday when a man drove a pickup into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, opened fire, and set the building on fire during a crowded service. Video. Authorities were searching the church ruins for additional victims, while police fatally shot the 40-year-old attacker eight minutes after the assault began. How witnesses describe the scene.

The attacker, identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford of nearby Burton, exited the truck carrying two American flags, began shooting, and reportedly used gas to ignite the blaze. Sanford is a former Marine who served from 2004 to 2008, including a tour in Iraq, and held the rank of sergeant. What all do we know about the suspect?

Officers arrived within 30 seconds of a 911 call, while congregants helped children and others escape. The FBI is leading the investigation, calling the attack a targeted act of violence. President Donald Trump and other officials condemned the shooting and called for an end to the “epidemic of violence” in the United States. Is this another religious attack in the US?

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US News

Trump’s Focuses On Portland (Again)

At least 200 members of the Oregon National Guard were called into federal service over the weekend after President Donald Trump authorized troops to Portland, Oregon, to “protect war-ravaged” areas and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities from protesters he described as domestic terrorists. The announcement prompted swift pushback from local and state leaders, who said the move was unnecessary and potentially unlawful.

Governor Tina Kotek and Portland Mayor Keith Wilson, both Democrats, urged residents to remain calm and avoid confrontation. On Sunday, Oregon and city officials filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block the deployment, arguing that the president’s action infringed on the state’s authority to manage law enforcement and could inflame tensions. The suit cited the small size of ongoing ICE protests, typically fewer than 30 people, and noted that crime in Portland has been trending downward.

Trump’s statement referenced long-standing criticisms of Portland, including past large-scale protests, and called for “full force, if necessary.” White House officials defended the move, citing federal arrests at ICE facilities this year. Meanwhile, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Portland ICE office on Sunday, clashing at times with federal agents but largely demonstrating peacefully. Three things to know.

Health

Is An Alternate CDC Emerging?

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s newly appointed vaccine advisory panel last week moved to scale back government guidance on Covid and childhood vaccines, prompting concern among public-health professionals. During the meeting, Dr. Daniel Crawford criticized the panel for acting on “predetermined ideology” rather than science, saying his organization had lost trust in the group’s recommendations for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Since Kennedy became Health and Human Services Secretary (HHS), some doctors and policymakers have turned to independent sources, including the Vaccine Integrity Project, to evaluate the latest vaccine studies. The group, led by epidemiologist Michael Osterholm and former CDC director Rochelle Walensky, reviews data to guide state officials and medical societies, helping maintain trusted guidance amid shifts in federal policy.

The controversy comes as the panel recommended “individual decision-making” for Covid vaccines and separated the varicella shot from the combined MMRV vaccine for children under four. Insurers, doctors, and professional associations protested, warning that the changes could undermine public confidence and routine immunizations. Some states have issued their own vaccine guidance in response, while others continue to follow traditional CDC recommendations.

In the know

DON’T MISS

🥶 Some Trader Joe’s, Walmart frozen products linked to deadly Listeria outbreak.

💻 The ‘996’ hustle culture trend is taking over Silicon Valley. 

👵 Why are the oldest people in the world almost always women?

🌍 Trump administration added ‘climate change’, ‘emissions’ to banned words list.

🏙️ Eric Adams ends NYC Mayor reelection campaign: The charges and scandals surrounding him.

🧛 Does your friend drain your energy? How to deal with social vampires.

⚖️ Government shutdown looms ahead of high stakes White House meet. How could it affect you?

🧩 Solve: These ungooglable, unhinged and hilarious visual teasers.

🧺 Should we all be washing our clothes in cold water?

💰 Is obesity into a wealth issue!

Health & Wellness

FOR YOUR WELLBEING

🥤 Is your soda addiction nudging your mental health? Women show 17% higher depression odds with regular sweet drink intake.

🥛 From lactose intolerance to plant milks, experts challenge five common dairy myths and share what’s fact versus fiction.

🍽️ Your digestion woes aren’t about food choices — they’re about habits. Change how you eat, feel the difference fast.

💊 Ketamine isn’t just for clubs, could this party drug actually fix your mental health?

Fashion & Beauty

BEYOND THE MIRROR

👗 Milan Fashion Week blended emotion and innovation, with megahouses redefining style and bidding farewell to Armani.

💎 Who says diamonds are only for events? Everyday luxury gets a twist with innovative diamond jewelry that’s playful, modern, and effortlessly chic.

⚪ From subtle spots to bold patterns, polka dots are back and here’s how to style them this season.

🪙 Who knew spare change could be this stylish? Coin jewelry is making every outfit suddenly worth its weight.

Hollywood

THE FAME FRAME

💍 Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco are married: Who all attended, Taylor Swift’s speech, and all the details to know. 

🏈 Bad Bunny is set to headline the Super Bowl 2026 halftime show!

🎤 Snoop Dogg will return to NBC's Winter Olympics coverage.

🏡 Miley Cyrus' Malibu home, destroyed in a 2018 fire, is nearly rebuilt.

🎶 Bruce Springsteen says America isn’t a land of ‘government censorship or hatred’ at New York Film Festival.

Interactive

WEIGH IN

Making friends as adults is notoriously difficult, even with the rise of friendship apps like Bumble BFF, Meetup, and Nextdoor. Experts say these platforms help by connecting people who are open to new platonic relationships and shared interests. But challenges remain: friendships lack clear milestones, take time to develop, and often don’t follow the “ride-or-die” ideal. Experts recommend using apps as introductions rather than guarantees, and investing in follow-ups and consistent effort to grow meaningful connections.

“Small deeds done are better than great deeds planned.”

– Peter Marshall