Good Morning!

It's Thursday, April 30, 2026, and in today’s edition of Rise & Recap, we look at:

• The Supreme Court limits key Voting Rights Act section.

• How much water do you need to drink to stay hydrated?

• What to never buy at Costco.

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Top Headlines

SPILL THE NEWS

US News

SCOTUS Limits Voting Rights Act

The Supreme Court on Wednesday narrowed Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act in a 6-3 ruling that could reshape congressional redistricting nationwide. The case centered on Louisiana’s two majority-Black districts and whether race can be used in drawing voting maps. What this means. Writing for the conservative majority, Justice Samuel Alito said Louisiana lacked a “compelling interest” to use race because the Voting Rights Act “did not require Louisiana to create an additional majority-minority district”. Liberal Justice Elena Kagan dissented, warning the ruling could “eviscerate the law” and amount to the “demolition of the Voting Rights Act”. Everything you need to know about the act.

The decision immediately triggered calls from Republicans in states including Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee to redraw congressional maps before the midterms, while Florida Republicans already passed a new map Wednesday that could expand GOP advantages before the midterms. The Democrats warned the ruling could weaken minority voting representation and intensify nationwide redistricting battles.

Society

A Class To Become A Better Wife?

Across the US, a growing wave of “wife coaching” courses is teaching women that modern marriage problems can be fixed through submission, silence, and traditional gender roles. The trend overlaps with the booming “trad wife” aesthetic online, where hyper-feminine homemaking, religious values, and husband-first relationships are being repackaged for Gen Z and millennial audiences. 

Influencers and Christian creators are selling classes on becoming more “feminine,” supportive, and less “controlling,” often framing feminism and career burnout as reasons women feel unhappy. Critics say these courses exploit insecurity and push outdated ideas disguised as self-help and stability. Supporters, meanwhile, see them as a return to family-centered living, softer lifestyles, and clearer relationship roles in an increasingly overwhelming culture.

Health

Married Adults Less Likely To Get Cancer Than Singles: Study

A study published in Cancer Research Communications found unmarried adults face significantly higher cancer rates than married people. Researchers analyzed more than 4 million cancer cases between 2015 and 2022 across 12 US states involving adults over 30. Cancer rates were 68% higher among never-married men and 83% higher among never-married women. 

Some of the largest gaps involved preventable cancers tied to smoking, drinking, and HPV infections. Unmarried men had five times the anal cancer rate, while unmarried women had triple the cervical cancer rate. Researcher Paulo Pinheiro said married people often have “greater economic stability and better support systems” and are more likely to seek preventive care. “These kinds of microinterventions can help after decades,” he added, referring to partners encouraging healthier habits.

In the know

DON’T MISS

💰 A Pentagon official reveals how much the US war with Iran has cost so far. It 

⚖️ Former FBI Director James Comey appeared in court in his second criminal case within a year — and it’s over an Instagram photo.

😴 Taking magnesium for better sleep is not enough, check the time of the day too!

🚔 London police arrest a man in the stabbing of two Jewish men, declaring it a terrorist attack.

💧 Eight glasses of water a day might be a thing of the past. Doctors say you need a lot more than that to stay hydrated. 

📊 Jerome Powell says he will continue to remain a Federal Reserve governor after his chair term ends May 15, becoming the first to do so since 1948.

🥗 Spring’s freshest fiber stars are officially back. Your salads, gut and snack drawer just won big.

👗 Why’s everyone after the dress Pete Hegseth’s wife wore at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner?

🛒 Costco shoppers come out and highlight the 12 things to never buy at the chain … and they do make a point. 

📱 Are Spotify and Uber on the road to become “everything apps”?

Health & Wellness

FOR YOUR WELLBEING

🥫 Dieticians say this seemingly “healthy” dinner choice is the worst thing you can eat before going to bed. So …. maybe try skipping that canned soup? 

🔄 Is doing the same thing every day holding your brain back? Well, even a small routine change can boost your memory over time. Goodbye, autopilot mode!

🍟 That bag of chips you added to an otherwise healthy lunch? One study says even a 10% daily increase in ultraprocessed food raises dementia risk. Even eating well the rest of the time doesn't cancel it out.

😴 A new CDC survey confirms that America has become a sleep-deprived nation. Only 55% wake up feeling rested, and women have it worse in both falling and staying asleep.

Fashion & Beauty

BEYOND THE MIRROR

🛡️ From medieval armor to Met Gala drama, breastplates became fashion’s most unapologetically extra accessory. Since 1969, these are remarkable breastplate moments!

🌍 Why your state could be secretly ruining your skin and your expensive serums may be fighting a completely losing battle. Here’s the states that are much harsher on your pores than others.

👖 This summer’s biggest denim comeback? Jeans so wide they practically deserve their own weather system. Styling palazzo jeans couldn’t get better!

🌸 Your spring allergies are not just ruining your sinuses. They may also be sabotaging your skin barrier.This calming spray is becoming everyone’s unexpected savior.

Hollywood

THE FAME FRAME

🎤 Ariana Grande announces her eighth studio album, Petal, dropping July 31. 

🎬 Meryl Streep opens up about what would happen if ‘The Devil Wears Prada's’ Miranda Priestly was a man. Would we even have a movie?

🚨 Singer D4vd accused of allegedly killing teenager after she threatened to reveal information that could “end his career and destroy his life”. Prosecutors detail “horrifying” steps he took to dismember her body.

👔 This men’s clothing item gives Emily Blunt “the ick”.

🌫️ Barry Keoghan says he “disappeared” from public lifeafter online backlash tied to rumors about his split from Sabrina Carpenter.

Interactive

WEIGH IN

More Americans say their finances are getting worse than at any point in the past 25 years, according to new Gallup data. Rising living costs and higher gas prices tied to the Iran war are adding pressure on household budgets, with 55% saying their financial situation has worsened. Cost of living remains the biggest concern, while energy costs saw their biggest jump in worries since 2008. The numbers also create a political challenge for President Donald Trump and Republicans ahead of the midterms, as many Americans blame the administration for rising prices at the pump.

“A comfortable life is a slow death.”

— Chris Williamson